Piemonte / Alba / Lange Hills, Barolo DOCG & Barbaresco DOCG Flashcards
What does Langhe refer to?
tongues (of land)
How are the Langhe Hills described?
elongated hills that run parallel to each other; separated by deep, narrow valleys
What does the Langhe have the highest concentration of in all of Italy?
vineyards and wineries
What is Langhe most well-known for?
Nebbiolo
How is the Langhe vineyards similar to Burgundy?
vineyards planted on slopes divided into tiny parcels and owned by multiple growers
What is the average land holding in the Langhe?
2 ha
How is the Langhe similar to Burgundy in terroir?
great diversity; Nebbiolo expresses the nuances of subtle variants in altitude, exposure and soil
How are the Langhe Hills divided?
Alta Langa (Higher Langhe) and Bassa Langa (Lower Langhe)
What does Alta Langa and Bassa Langa refer to?
altitude of the hills; altitude increases as they spread south
What is the town of separation between Alta and Bassa Langa?
Monforte d’Alba
How does the climate change south of Monforte d’Alba?
climate becomes cooler; less suitable for Nebbiolo, but appropriate for Dolcetto
What are the Nebbiolo-based appellations of the Langhe Hills?
Barolo DOCG
Barbaresco DOCG
Nebbiolo d’Alba DOC
Alba DOC
What are the Dolcetto-based appellations of the Langhe Hills?
Dogliani DOCG
Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba DOCG
Dolcetto d’Alba DOC
What is the Barbera-based appellation of the Langhe Hills?
Barbera d’Alba DOC
What is the sub-regional appellation of the Langhe Hills?
Langhe DOC
What is the traditional method sparkling wine appellation of the Langhe Hills?
Alta Langa DOCG
What was the original style of Barolo wines?
sweet
When did Barolo become a dry wine?
mid-1800s
How did the dry-styled Barolo become famous?
Giulia Falletti (last Marquise of Barolo) made dry wines at her Barolo estate; introduced them to aristocratic circles in Torino
Why is Camillo Benso important in Italian history?
leading figure in Italian reunification in 19th century; became Italy’s first prime minister in 1861
Why is it likely that Barolos contained residual sugar prior to the 1850s?
late-ripening nature of Nebbiolo
high sugar levels at harvest
incomplete fermentation due to early winter
Who is credited for creating a dry-styled Barolo in the 1830-1840s?
Camillo Benso - Count of Cavour
Paolo Francesco Staglieno - his Italian enologist
How did Paolo Francesco Staglieno avoid stuck fermentations in the 1830-1840s?
using closed vats and improving cellar hygiene
The dry-styled Barolos attracted the attention of which aristocratic family in Torino?
Savoyard royal family
What did the Savoyard royal family acquire after being introduced to dry-styled Barolo?
winemaking estates in Barolo, especially in Verduno and Serralunga d’Alba
Which former Savoyard royal estate is still active in Serralunga d’Alba?
Fontanafredda
Why is Barolo considered the king of wines and wine of kings?
connection to the House of Savoy
Where is Barolo DOCG located?
NW part of Langhe; right bank of Tanaro River
Alba is NE
How big is Barolo DOCG?
11km long and 8km wide
What is the area under vine in Barolo DOCG?
1,800ha under vine; densely planted
What must Barolo be made from?
100% Nebbiolo from strictly delimited hills surrounding 11 villages
What are the 5 most important Barolo DOCG villages?
La Morra Barolo Castiglione Falletto Monforte d'Alba Serralunga d'Alba
What is the meaning of ‘bricco’ and ‘söri’?
Barolo, Barbaresco, Langhe and Roero use these terms to describe the best vineyard sites;
bricco = superior site on highest part of the hill
söri = well-exposed sunny site
Where is most Nebbiolo planted in Barolo DOCG?
mid-slope; lower end of altitude range to achieve full ripeness
What are the names of the two main soils in Barolo DOCG (and Langhe in general)?
Tortonian and Serravallian (previously called Helvetian)
Which soil is younger in Barolo DOCG: Tortonian or Serravallian
Tortonian
Where can you find the Tortonian soils in Barolo DOCG?
western part and a few small parts in the eastern portion
What is Tortonian soil composed of?
calcareous marls; more fertile and compact than Serravallian
Which vineyards can you find Tortonian soils in Barolo DOCG?
La Morra and Barolo