Piemonte: History, Topography, Grapes

Question 1

Where in Italy is Piemonte located?

Answer 1

Piemonte occupies most of northwest Italy. The region is surrounded by mountains on three sides. The Ligurian Apennines (to the southeast) and the Maritime Alps (to the southwest) separate the region from Liguria and France to the south. The Alps form the border with France to the west and with Valle d’Aosta and Switzerland to the north. The regions of Lombardia and Emilia-Romagna lie to the east.

Piemonte is completely landlocked.

Question 2

How large is Piemonte compared to Italy’s other regions?

Answer 2

Piemonte is the country’s second-largest region (after Sicily).

Question 3

How many grape varieties are used to produce wine in Piemonte?

Answer 3

More than 20 different and often unique grape varieties are used to make high-quality and distinctive wines.

The region boasts vinous supremacy, not only by virtue of the fine and prestigious wines it makes but also because of the diversity and quantity of wine that it offers the consumer.

Question 4

Where are vines exclusively planted in Piemonte?

Answer 4

Hillsides

Question 5

The vineyard expanse in Piemonte covers how much area?

Answer 5

More than 111,000ac/45,000ha.

Question 6

How many DOCGs and DOCs does Piemonte lay claim to?

Answer 6

-17 DOCGs
-42 DOCs
(as of 2017)

Piemonte accounts for the largest proportion (%) of DOC/G wines in Italy.

No wine can be bottled as IGT; all of Piemonte’s vineyards have DOC/G status and stands out as a superior winegrowing region.

Question 7

What are some marks of quality expressed by Piemonte.

Answer 7

-The appellations of Piemonte annually declare some of Italy’s lowest average yields.
-Piemonte was the first region in Italy to highlight the importance of single-vineyard wines & the uniqueness of each site.
-Piemonte regularly claims the highest number of top wine awards each year. (Toscana is the only other Italian region that can rival Piemonte)

Question 8

Name some of Piemonte’s most well known wines.

Answer 8

-Barolo (nebbiolo)
-Barbaresco (nebbiolo)
-Barbera
-Dolcetto

Question 9

Piemonte produces some wines in limited quantities made from lesser-known grapes, such as:

Answer 9

-Ruche
-Pelaveraga
-Grignolino
(all red; representing some of the most characterful and interesting wines of Piemonte today. They contribute to the rich and variegated heritage of this region.)

Question 10

Despite Piemonte being considered red wine country, what white wines are produced in this region?

Answer 10

-Gavi
-Asti (sparkling)

Emerging from the shadows more recently:
-Arneis
-Erbaluce
-Timorasso

Question 11

Why is Piemonte notably considered to be a conservative and traditional region?

Answer 11

-There is an insignificant presence of international varieties.
-The fierce opposition to modern winemaking techniques found in some of the most traditional growing areas.

Much of this sentiment has to do with the strong sense of history and tradition that characterizes this land. Producers respect the vines and their respective terroirs and have done so for centuries.

Question 12

What is cucina Piemontese?

Answer 12

Translated to English, it means “Piedmontese cooking” and is a cuisine considered to be among the best in the country. The reliably food-friendly wines of Piemonte are a perfect match to the earthy character of the regional dishes. Food and wine are almost inseparable elements in Piemonte. This combination is a major attraction, contributing to the regions infrastructure for wines and food tourism.

Question 13

Who were the first people to inhabit the region of Piemonte?

Answer 13

The Taurini and Salassi tribes, descendants of the Ligures, settled in the area around the 1st millennium BC. They cultivated the grapevine having acquired the skill from the Etruscans.

Question 14

What group of people merged with the Taurini and Salassi tribes?

Answer 14

In approximately 400 BC, Celtic tribes arrived from northern Europe and merged with the Taurini and Salassi, giving birth to a strong, proud and independent people. Together they stood in fierce resistance against the might of Rome. It took more than a century for the Romans to conguer Piemonte (circa 100BC).

Question 15

What part did the Romans play in the development of Piemonte?

Answer 15

The Romans founded most of the modern-day principal cities such as Ivrea, Asti, Alba, Novarra and Vercelli.
Even though viticulture was already in practice before their arrival, the Romans developed it further.
Note: Curiously, the wines of Piemonte never achieved the same level of prestige among Romans as did the wines produced in other Italian regions.

Question 16

What happened in Piemonte after the fall of Rome?

Answer 16

While most of northern/central Italy was subject to waves of barbarian invasions that disrupted agriculture and viticulture, Piemonte was able to maintain a certain level of autonomy and did not have to weather the deep social and economic decline experienced by some of Italy’s other wine regions.

Question 17

When did the Lombards arrive in Piemonte?

Answer 17

The Lombards arrived in the 6th century, conquered Piemonte and divided the region into several duchies (ruled by dukes) and counties (ruled by counts).

Question 18

When did the Franks arrive in Piemonte?

Answer 18

In the 8th century (200 years after the Lombards first conquered Piemonte), the area was conquered by Charlemagne and his Franks. The territory was incorporated into the Holy Roman Empire.Despite being incorporated into a larger whole, Piemonte remained quite divided.

Question 19

During the rule of the Holy Roman Empire, how were the territories of Piemonte divided up?

Answer 19

In addition to duchies and counties (introduced by the Lombards), marquisates (marchesati or marche, territories ruled by marquis) and city-states (comuni) emerged during this time.

Question 20

During the rule of the Holy Roman Empire, which were some of the most powerful entities?

Answer 20

Among the most powerful and independent of the political entities were the marquisates of Monferrrato and Saluzzo and the city-states of Asti, Alessandria and Novara.
These seats of power lasted for centuries and set the foundation for diversity that still characterizes the different sub-regions of Piemonte today, in terms of culture, traditions and language.

Question 21

What happened to viticulture in Piemonte during the Middle Ages?

Answer 21

During the Middle Ages, viticulture flourished thanks to the work of the Catholic monks. The wines of Piemonte began to acquire a reputation.
-The city of Asti was recognized for its prestigious wines.
-Monferrato was known for being an important center for wine production; their viticultural practices were considered among the most advanced and efficient in the region and were chronicled in historical texts.

Question 22

When did traditional grapes of Piemonte, such as Nebbiolo and Moscato Bianco become codified and part of a historical record, indicating the importance of the agricultural sector on the regional economy?

Answer 22

These traditional varieties began to appear in official documents during the Middle Ages.

Question 23

When did the House of Savoy (Savoia) attain jurisdiction over an important part of Piemonte?

Answer 23

In 1045, the Count of Savoy Oddone married Adelaide of Susa, the Marquise of Torino. The union gave Oddone jurisdiction over an important part of Piemonte and tied that ruling house to the Italian peninsula. Over time, the House of Savoy expanded its control over northwest italy.

Question 24

When the House of Savoy acquired power over Piemonte, what city was appointed the capital?

Answer 24

Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy moved the capital from Chambery in Savoy to Torino in Piemonte. In a smart series of international political alliances the Savoy gradually acquired all of Piemonte.

Question 25

When was the Kingdom of Sardegna established?

Answer 25

In the 18th century, the Savoy acquired the island of Sardegna and the duchy of Savoy became the Kingdom of Sardegna, one of the most powerful and influential kingdoms in Italy.

Question 26

When did the Kingdom of Sardegna lose power over Piemonte for a brief period?

Answer 26

The Kingdom of Sardegna was briefly occupied by Napoleon and his troops at the end of the 18th century, but Savoyard powers were reinstated in 1815 with Napoleon's defeat.

Question 27

What happened to Piemonte under the vision and leadership of the Kingdom of Sardegna's Prime Minister Cavour?

Answer 27

The Kingdom became the center of the Risorgimento, the unification movement that was growing through the peninsula. This influenced the eventual unification of most of the independent states and political entities of the peninsula into the Kingdom of Italy in 1861.

Question 28

What did the House of Savoy bring to Piemonte?

Answer 28

They brought prosperity and economic development to Piemonte and the agricultural sector was modernized. -Grapes were subject to ampelographical study, and the wines of Barolo began to make a name for themselves as a result. -In 1872, two viticultural and enological stations for monitoring and experimentation were established - one in Asti, one in Gattinara. -In 1875, the first Italian enological congress was held in Torino; its goal was to share and discuss best practices in both vineyard and winery and roundtable the challenges facing the wine industry at the time. -In 1885, the Enological School of Alba was founded to train highly technical viticulture and winemaking professionals.

Question 29

Which automaker was founded in Torino?

Answer 29

Fiat (Fabbrica Italiano Automobili Torino) in 1899.

Question 30

What influence did the drive to improve and succeed have on Piemonte?

Answer 30

Piemonte was an epicenter for the Italian Industrial revolution in the late 19th century. This transformed the region into one of the most industrialized areas of Italy; it became a major immigration destination from the poorer areas of the newly formed country.

Question 31

What unfortunate event befell viticulture during Piemonte's industrial leap?

Answer 31

First oidium, then phylloxera and downy mildew brought the wine sector to its knees. Viticulture and wine production did not completely recover until after WWII.

Question 32

What occurred in Piemonte following WWII?

Answer 32

The poverty and devastation of war was soon followed by an economic and industrial boom. Good paying jobs were to be found in the cities during the 1950s and 1960s. Many vineyards were abandoned. This exodus reversed itself in the 1970s and 1980s when people returned to family holdings, in the hopes of resuscitating what had long lain dormant.

Question 33

What does Piemonte mean?

Answer 33

"At the foot of the mountain."

Question 34

What is the capital of Piemonte?

Answer 34

Torino; and it is the major industrial and financial center of the region.

Question 35

Most of the winegrowing districts within Piemonte can be found within which provinces?

Answer 35

-Novara -Vercelli -Asti -Alessandria -Cuneo

Question 36

How can Piemonte's landscape be loosely describe?

Answer 36

Comprising three concentric topographical rings: -The external rim is the widest and consists of the Alpine-Apennine mountain ranges. This rim is thickest to the south, west and north. Mountains account for 43% of the total territory. -The eastern portion gives way to the plain; making up 27% of the region. -The middle band is a hilly zone, which in turn surrounds an internal plain; hills account for 30%.

Question 37

Where will you find most of the mountain peaks in Piemonte?

Answer 37

In the western and northern portions of the region. They include some of the highest massifs in the Alps, such as Gran Paradiso and Monte Rosa.

Question 38

Where is Lake Maggiore?

Answer 38

It is on the northeastern border with Lombardia and is shared between the two regions.

Question 39

Which lake is the largest in Piemonte?

Answer 39

Lake Maggiore

Question 40

What mountainous feature does Piemonte lack?

Answer 40

Piemonte's western side lacks the intermediate range of mountains or Prealps that usually link the Alps to the plain - an otherwise common feature to all the northern regions of Italy. High-elevation mountains descend (with a very steep gradient) directly to the plain.

Question 41

Where are the great majority of Piemonte's winegrowing districts?

Answer 41

Hills; vineyards are planted on the slopes at elevations between 500-1,300ft/150-400m. Since these hills offer sun exposure in all directions, the various aspects are planted to different grapes with different ripening requirements.

Question 42

What is Monferrato?

Answer 42

The largest network of hills in Piemonte and is found within the provinces of Asti and Alessandria. Other important hill clusters include: -Langhe and Roero in the province of Cuneo. -Novara and Vercelli in the provinces of the same names. -Tortona (Colli Tortonesi) in the province of Alessandria.

Question 43

What is primarily grown in the plains of Piemonte?

Answer 43

The plain is considered too flat and fertile to grow the vine; the principal crop here is rice. The plains of Novara and Vercelli (especially) represent the major centers of rice cultivation. Italy is the largest producer of rice in Europe and Piemonte is the largest in Italy (followed by Lombardia) The Arborio rice grown here is named for the town of Arborio in the province of Vercelli and is considered the highest quality & one of the best to produce risotto.

Question 44

Where would you find the flat plain in Piemonte?

Answer 44

It is situated to the east and corresponds to the upper portion of the large Po Valley (Pianura Padana) that stretches from Piemonte, through Lombardia and Emila-Romagna to Veneto.

Question 45

Where in Piemonte is the Po River?

Answer 45

It rises in the western Alps of Piemonte, centrally bisecting the region as it flows east.

Question 46

What are the tributaries of the Po River in Piemonte?

Answer 46

Some rise in the northern and western Alps and flow south into the Po: -Ticino -Sesia -Dora Baltea -Dora Riparia Others rise in the Ligurian Apennines and flow north before emptying into the Po: -Tanaro -Bormida

Question 47

What is the climate in Piemonte?

Answer 47

It can broadly described as continental, however the varied geographical and topographical features within the region generate different macro- and meso-climates that vary off of the "norm." The average annual temperature for most winegrowing districts is 53F/12C. This increases to 55F/13C in the southern portion of Piemonte along the Ligurian border, due to the influence and proximity of the Ligurian Sea. There is a wide diurnal and seasonal temperature swing, specifically in the hills and on the plain.

Question 48

What is typical for weather in Piemonte?

Answer 48

-During winter, snow is frequent and ubiquitous - from plain to mountain peak. -Fog is very common especially during autumn and winter. -Hail is a problem in late summer and early autumn. -In summer, the plain becomes quite hot and muggy; the hills usually benefit from more air circulation, combined with higher altitude results in slightly cooler conditions, both in day and at night.

Question 49

How much rainfall does Piemonte get annually on average?

Answer 49

Rainfall is limited due to the rain shadow effect caused by both the Alps and the Apennines. The Monferrato area (in the provinces of Asti & Alessandria) and the eastern part of the province of Cuneo (particularly in the hills of Roero) have the lowest annual average levels of rainfall (20-25in/500-650mm). This dry meso-climate is located in the large, central area of Piemonte. The highest rainfall levels are found in the mountainous north and south. Here, rainfall reaches an annual average of 35-47in/900-1,200mm.

Question 50

Which grape varieties has Piedmont built its reputation on?

Answer 50

-Nebbiolo -Barbera -Moscato Bianco

Question 51

Which red grape varieties represent a small proportion of the total plantings in Piedmont, but still enjoy a well-deserved reputation?

Answer 51

-Freisa -Brachetto -Grignolino

Question 52

What are some other minor red varietals grown in Piemonte?

Answer 52

-Croatina -Neretta Cuneese -Malvasia di Schierano -Malvasia di Casorzo -Ruche -Uva Rara -Vespolina

Question 53

How prominent are red grape varieties in Piemonte?

Answer 53

Red grape varieties account for two-thirds of the total area under vine.

Question 54

What is the most widely planted grape overall?

Answer 54

Barbera; it is considered one of the traditional varieties of Piemonte and is grown throughout the entire region - enjoying a notable stronghold in the provinces of Asti and Alessandria.

Question 55

What is the second most widely planted red grape?

Answer 55

Dolcetto is widely planted. Third-most widely planted grape overall. It is cultivated in: -Langhe, on the southern hills of Monferrato (w/in Asti && Alessandria). -areas around Acqui Terme, Ovada, & Tortona.

Question 56

How many DOCs & DOCGs does Dolcetto have?

Answer 56

-3 DOCGs -4 DOCs All expressly dedicated to Dolcetto.

Question 57

Which grape has the greatest reputation in Piemonte?

Answer 57

Nebbiolo; most plantings are concentrated in the prestigious appellations of: -Barolo -Barbaresco It is also the primary variety in appellations such as: -Lange Nebbiolo -Nebbiolo d'Alba -Roero -Gattinara -Ghemme -Carema

Question 58

What is the second-most widely planted variety overall?

Answer 58

Moscato Bianco; thanks to the popularity of the Asti DOCG.

Question 59

Name the white grape varieties planted in Piemonte.

Answer 59

-Moscato Bianco -Cortese (Gavi DOCG) -Arneis -Erbaluce -Timorasso -Favorita (Vermentino)

Question 60

Despite there being much diversity found in Piemonte, more than 70% of the total plantings are represented by only four grapes. What are they?

Answer 60

1) Barbera 2) Moscato Bianco 3) Dolcetto 4) Nebbiolo

Question 61

What was the "scandal" of the 1980s?

Answer 61

There was an influx of international grapes that many growers considered to be a scandal - even though these grapes were first planted in Piemonte during the first half of the 19th century, before phylloxera. While international grapes became quite popular after phylloxera arrived in several other Italian wine regions, in Piemonte they were mostly abandoned. Piemonte growers preferred to replant local, native varieties.

Question 62

How much of the plantings in Piemonte are international grapes?

Answer 62

Less than 4%; most of it it Chardonnay, which is mainly used for sparkling wine. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Nero now have roots in Piemonte as well, as there are few DOCs allowing these international grapes.

Question 63

State the most widely planted grapes and their percentage of plantings.

Answer 63

1) Barbera (30%) 2) Moscato Bianco (21%) 3) Dolcetto (13%) 4) Nebbiolo (9%) 5) Cortese (5%) 6) Brachetto (3%) 7) Freisa (2%) 8) Chardonnay (2%) 9) Arneis (2%) 10) Grignolino (2%) Others (9%)

Question 64

What are the traditional red grapes of Piemonte?

Answer 64

-Barbera -Dolcetto -Nebbiolo -Freisa -Grignolino -Brachetto -Pelaverga Piccolo -Ruche

Question 65

Where is the Barbera varietal native to?

Answer 65

There is no precise evidence of where the grape originated, however the hills of Monferrato are commonly considered its native home. Although there are documents that supposedly refer to the Barbera grape since the early 16th century, the first reliable mention of Barbera dates to the 18th century. DNA anaylsis showing lack of kinship with other Piemontese varieties and the absence of earlier historic records could signify that Barbera originated elsewhere.

Question 66

What are the characteristics of Barbera?

Answer 66

High acidity is a hallmark of Barbera, along with deep colour, bright red cherry fruit and low tannin. Traditional Barbera is simple, refreshing and fruity. Late-ripening, Barbera retains acidity even when fully ripe.

Question 67

When did Barbera gain ground?

Answer 67

After the phylloxera crisis when growers were keenly focused on productivity and versatility - key attributes of Barbera. It competes with Dolcetto as Piemonte's go-to everyday wine.

Question 68

How has Barbera gone through a surprising transformation as of the 1980s?

Answer 68

Lower yields, harvested fruit that is fully or even overripe, and the introduction of small new oak barrels have turned quaffable bottling into a fine wine with good aging potential.

Question 69

How is it that Barbera has a remarkable affinity to oak?

Answer 69

The oak adds the tannin that Barbera lacks, tames its high acidity and improves the overall structure and balance of the wine. The flavours/aromas of toast and vanilla marry nicely with the grape's primary aromas and flavours and the wines are rounder, softer, more complex and age-worth. They especially age well in new barriques.

Question 70

How is Barbera typically matured?

Answer 70

While aging in new oak is a new practice, some producers still prefer the traditional large neutral oak casks, while others prefer stainless steel. Some even incorporate a combination of aging regiments. All of these possibilities result in a wide range of styles.

Question 71

What does Dolcetto mean?

Answer 71

"Little sweet one," referring not to the wine, which is normally dry, but to the sweetness of the grapes at harvest.

Question 72

What was the most widely planted grape in Piemonte before the advent of phylloxera?

Answer 72

Dolcetto

Question 73

Where did Dolcetto originate?

Answer 73

The origin of Dolcetto remains unclear. Some believe the grape to be a native of Dogliani since the earliest mention of the variety places it in that commune as early as the 16th century. Others believe the grape to have originated in the hills of Monferrato.

Question 74

Where are most plantings of Dolcetto currently found?

Answer 74

-Langhe -Southern part of Monferrato

Question 75

Why is Dolcetto highly valued by growers?

Answer 75

Because it ripens earlier than both Nebbiolo and Barbera and it ripens on cooler and higher sites (where Nebbiolo/Barbera would not ripen at all). This allows Dolcetto wines to be released sooner, becoming a welcome source of income while other wines are still in cellar.

Question 76

What are the characteristics of Dolcetto?

Answer 76

Dolcetto wines are deep in colour, with fragrant grapey and black fruit aromas. The palate shows ripe plum with almond and licorice flavours. It is soft and round and is typically low in acid. Noticeably tannins contribute to a pleasantly bitter finish. Traditionally, Dolcetto was produced in a simple, easy-drinking style and was meant to be consumed young. In the last couple of decades, however, several producers have made full-bodied, more structured and complex wines with some aging potential.

Question 77

What is considered by many to be Italy's most noble red grape variety?

Answer 77

Nebbiolo; it is also one of its oldest, having been first mentioned in the 13th century.

Question 78

What word is Nebbiolo believed to be derived from?

Answer 78

Nebbia, meaning fog. It may be related to either the thick bloom that covers the ripe berries or to the fog usually covering the hills at harvest time.

Question 79

What are the characteristics of the Nebbiolo grape variety?

Answer 79

It is early budding, very late-ripening and is unanimously considered a challenging grape to grow. It struggles to ripen (unless planted on well-exposed, south-facing sites), is very fussy about soils (preferring calcareous marls), and is highly site sensitive - behaving differently depending upon where it is grown. This latter characteristic allows it to distinctly manifest the nuances of different terroirs.

Question 80

What are the characteristics of a classic Nebbiolo-based wine?

Answer 80

They are pale ruby-garnet in colour; they turn orange with bottle age. The nose shows intense and characteristic aromas of red cherry, rose, violet, tar, licorice and underbrush. As they mature, the wines develop greater complexity showing refined aromas of dried red fruit, withered rose petals, sweet spices, leather and truffles. Structurally, the wines possess high levels of acid, tannin, alcohol and extract; this equates to great longevity. The best Nebbiolos are able to combine perfume and finesse within this powerful framework.

Question 81

Due to the high level of intra-varietal variability, Nebbiolo has produced several biotypes over time. Four are traditionally considered the most significant and are currently the most widespread. What are they?

Answer 81

-Lampia: considered the principal biotype. This high-quality clone is the most widely planted because it is very reliable. -Michet: a virused form of Lampia. -Bolla: a lesser-quality, high-yielding biotype; its presence is declining. -Rose: DNA profiling has proven Nebbiolo Rose to be a distinct variety, although related and similar to Nebbiolo. It is not particularly liked by growers because it is lighter in colour and acidity, but higher in alcohol. It is thus decreasing in importance.

Question 82

Which one of Piemonte's oldest grape varieties experienced a decline in the 19th and 20th centuries?

Answer 82

Freisa used to be a very popular grape, but lost favour as Barbera and Dolcetto gained ground. As one of the oldest varieties, it has been mentioned in historic record as early as the 16th century. Today, plantings are largely found near Asti, Torino, and in Langhe.

Question 83

What are the characteristics of wines made from Freisa?

Answer 83

Freisa makes light-coloured wines that are high in acid and tannin with distinctive aromas of wild strawberry and raspberry. It has a characteristic bitterness traditionally balanced by finishing the wine with a little residual sugar. The wines are produced in a wide range of styles, including: -dry -sweet- -still -frizzante -spumante

Question 84

Which grape variety is believed to be native to Monferrato and in which it lone stronghold is its historic home?

Answer 84

Grignolino, although it used to be planted throughout all of Piemonte, Grignolino has been mentioned in documents dating back to the 13th century.

Question 85

Where does Grignolino get its name?

Answer 85

The berries of the Grignolino grape contain a high number of pips, which is said to explain its name. Grignole, in local dialect, means pips).

Question 86

What are the characteristics of wine made from Grignolino?

Answer 86

The wines are pale red (almost pink), with delicate and fresh aromas of flowers, red berry fruit, pepper and herbs. They are light-bodied, moderate in alcohol and surprisingly high in tannin and acid. They are meant for more immediate consumption and are, for the most part, consumed locally.

Question 87

Which red, aromatic varietal is of uncertain origin, although most look to the town of Acqui Terme in the province of Alessandria as its home?

Answer 87

Brachetto

Question 88

What are the characteristics of Brachetto?

Answer 88

The aromatic character of Brachetto finds its best expression in sweet red fizzy and sparkling wines where the floral notes and fresh wild strawberry and raspberry aromas shine. It is often described as the red equivalent of Moscato Bianco.

Question 89

Which red varietal is only found around the town of Verduno in Langhe?

Answer 89

Pelaverga Piccolo, also known as Pelaverga di Verduno. It was all but forgotten when some producers began to bottle it as a distinctive varietal wine in the1970s. It went on to attract increasing attention from the 1980s onward.

Question 90

What are the characteristics of Pelaverga Piccolo wines?

Answer 90

They have a light, bright red colour. They are fruity and spicy with refreshing acidity and a smooth mouth feel, thanks to moderate tannins.

Question 91

Which rare, aromatic red grape variety is most likely native to the town of Castagnole and its environs in the province of Asti?

Answer 91

Ruche; the grape is almost exclusive to this area.

Question 92

What are the characteristics of Ruche wines?

Answer 92

Ruche crafts wines that are intensely perfumed with distinctive aromas and flavours of rose, red fruit and spice.

Question 93

What are some other red grape varietals grown in smaller amounts?

Answer 93

-Croatina -Malvasia di Casorzo -Neretta Cuneese -Malvasia di Schierano -Malvasia Nera Lunga -Vespolina -Uva Rara -Albarossa -Pelaverga Grosso -Gamba Rossa -Quagliano -Neretto di Bairo -Avana -Avarengo

Question 94

What are the Native and Traditional White Varieties of Piemonte?

Answer 94

-Moscato Bianco -Cortese -Arneis -Erbaluce -Timorasso Others varietals: -Nascetta -Favorita (Vermentino)

Question 95

What is the most widely planted white grape variety in Piemonte?

Answer 95

Moscato Bianco (Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains)

Question 96

What styles of wine does Moscato Bianco produce?

Answer 96

-Asti Spumante (the world's most popular sweet sparkling wine) -Moscato d'Asti

Question 97

What are the characteristics of wines made from Moscato Bianco?

Answer 97

They show the full aromatic profile of Moscato with pronounced floral and fruity aromas (orange blossom, stone fruit, citrus) combined with honey, musk and spice notes.

Question 98

Which of Piemonte's principal white grape varieties has been grown in the region since at least the early 17th century and requires restricted yields?

Answer 98

Cortese Cortese has a retrained and subtle character. It is a very productive grape and requires restricted yields in order to balance its high acidity with sufficient body and fruit; other wise it produces neutral and lean wines.

Question 99

What are the characteristics of Cortese?

Answer 99

The best examples are delicately aromatic and characterized by refreshing acidity, minerality and a striking lemon zest character. The grape performs especially well around the town of Gavi.

Question 100

Which white grape variety is native to the Roero hills and has been known to be cultivated in this area since at least the 15th century?

Answer 100

Arneis

Question 101

Who are Bruno Giacosa and Vietti?

Answer 101

They were two of the most outstanding producers of Barolo and Barbaresco who saved the Arneis grape from extinction in the 1960s.

Question 102

What does the name "Arneis" refer to?

Answer 102

Arneis in local dialect, refers to a difficult personality. In the vineyard, Arneis is prone to poor and irregular yields and tends to drop acid rapidly when approaching full ripeness. The grape is also referred to as Nebbiolo Bianco.

Question 103

What are the characteristics of Arneis?

Answer 103

With proper care, Arneis produces medium- to full-bodied wines that are subtly perfumed and complex, with aromas and flavours of white flowers, stone fruit and ripe pear.

Question 104

Which white grape variety is native to the area around the town of Caluso and its environs in the Canavese district of northern Piemonte

Answer 104

Erbaluce; it was first mentioned in official documents in the 17th century.

Question 105

What styles of wine does Erbaluce produce?

Answer 105

-Passitos; Erbaluce's thick skin and very high acid levels have traditionally made the grape aptly suitable for complex and distinctive passitos. -dry white wine

Question 106

What are the characteristics of Erbaluce?

Answer 106

Dry Erbaluce has refreshing vibrancy, floral notes and fragrant aromas of citrus and apple.

Question 107

Which white varietal is an ancient, rare, high-quality grape from the hills of Tortona in the southeastern corner of Piemonte?

Answer 107

Timorasso; today it is considered by some to be the most distinctive white grape in Piemonte. Historically, the grape was widely planted in southeastern Piemonte and in Liguria.

Question 108

When did Timorasso's decline begin?

Answer 108

It began after the arrival of phylloxera when growers opted to replant with the more productive and less difficult Cortese. Timorasso almost disappeared until the 1980s, when the producer Walter Massa put the grape and the wine back on the map.

Question 109

What are the characteristics of Timorasso?

Answer 109

The wines are high in acid and are intensely mineral with beautiful floral and citrus notes; they often carry a whiff of honey. Despite the acid core, the wines demonstrate a certain creaminess on the palate. Timorasso ages well and develops further complexity with bottle age. In fact, it is at its best after a few years in the bottle.

Question 110

How much of Piemonte's total wine production is red?

Answer 110

More than 60%. Moscato Bianco account for the majority of the remaining white wine production.

Question 111

How much of Piemonte's total wine production is either DOC or DOCG?

Answer 111

-Almost 90% are DOC/DOCG. -There is no IGT. -a very small amount of generic wine is made.

Question 112

Where in Piemonte are the vineyards largely concentrated?

Answer 112

In the southern and eastern part of the region. More than 80% of the wines produced hail from this corner of Piemonte.

Question 113

Which are the two most important cities for wine production in terms of both quality and volume?

Answer 113

Asti & Alba.

Question 114

What is Vermouth?

Answer 114

A fortified wine flavoured with herbs and spices. It is commonly drunk as an aperitif or used as a component in cocktails, such as the Martini and Negroni.

Question 115

Where was Vermouth first created and by whom?

Answer 115

Vermouth was first created in Torino in 1786 by Antonio Benedetto Carpano. Carpano chose the Frenche name "Vermouth" as an adaptation of "Wermut," the German word for wormwood (absinthium), one of the ingredients used in the original recipe.

Question 116

Where in Piemonte is Vermouth produced?

Answer 116

Torino became the major center of Vermouth production within Piemonte, although it is also made in Asti and Canelli.

Question 117

What grape varieties are used to make Vermouth?

Answer 117

Historically, Vermouth was principally crafted from Moscato Bianco from the area around Canelli. Today, different grape wines are used, including those from outside Piemonte.

Question 118

What is the relation between Piemonte's grape varieties and its villages?

Answer 118

The great majority of the wines produced in Piemonte are single varietals. Although some of the most prestigious wines are named after a village, many wines are also named after the grape variety in combination with the village or zone of production. (e.g. Barbera d'Alba, Moscato d'Asti, Gavi di Gavi, etc.)

Question 119

How much land in Piemonte is under vine?

Answer 119

Piemonte includes some of Italy's most intensely clutivated areas, such as the hills of Langhe and Monferrato, where every bit of suitable hillside land is planted to the vine.

Question 120

What is the size of the average vineyard holding?

Answer 120

It is quite small (about 2.5-5 acres/1-2 hectares) and the majority of the producers are family estates. A substantial number of growers are simply that - just growers; they sell their grapes to larger producers or cooperatives. This is particularly true with regard to the production of Asti sparkling wines and Vermouth.