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Italian Wine Scholar: Central & Southern Italy > Puglia: Terroir, Grapes, Viticulture > Flashcards

Puglia: Terroir, Grapes, Viticulture Flashcards

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1
Q

Where is Puglia located?

A

In the southeastern part of Italy; it is the country’s eastern most region and forms the heel of Italy’s “boot”.

The region has a long and narrow shape that extends in a northwest-southeast direction for roughly 250mi/400km.

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2
Q

Why is Puglia a popular destination?

A

With more than 500mi/800km of coast and beautiful beaches, the region is a popular tourist destination during summertime.

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3
Q

What is the least moutainous region in Italy?

A

Puglia

Less than 2% of the total area are made up of moutains.
Most of the peaks correspond to the sub-Apennine range of Monti Dauni, which separate Puglia from Campania.

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4
Q

Describe the topographical landscape in Puglia.

A

This region’s landscape is peculiar when compared to other regions in Italy. It is dominated by large calcareous and gently undulating plateaus, broad, fertile plains and low hills.

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5
Q

Name the 2 peninsulas of Puglia.

A
  • The Gargano Promontory (Gargano): a calcareous massif on the northern coast that rises 3,200ft/1,000m above sea level. Known as the “spur” of the Italian boot.
  • Salento: the largest of the peninsulas. Forms the “heel”.
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6
Q

What is the name of the plain in Puglia?

A

Tavoliere dell Puglie (Tavoliere) located in Northern Puglia; this is Italy’s second largest plain (the Padana Plain is the largest).

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7
Q

Where in Puglia will you find most of the hills?

A

In the central calcareous plateau of Murge and in southern Salento.

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8
Q

What factors contribute to the lack of rivers in Puglia?

A
  • Most of the region is karst in nature
  • low rainfall levels
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9
Q

Name the 2 rivers of Puglia.

A
  • Ofanto River
  • Fortore River

Both are in the northern part of the region.

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10
Q

What is Karst?

A

“Carsico” in Italian, this is a form of topography shaped by the dissolution and erosion of rocks such as limestone. It is characterized by caves, sinkholes, subterranean streams and underground passages.

One of Puglia’s largest karst landscapes is the inland Murge plateau.

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11
Q

What is the climate in Puglia?

A

Mediterranean

In the Tavoliere, in the northwestern mountains, and in the most inland portions of the region, conditions become slightly more continental.

This region is one of the warmest and driest of Italy.

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12
Q

How much rainfall does Puglia receive?

A

The majority of the region has an annual average of 20-25in/500-650mm.
The driest area is the Tavoliere with 16-20in/400-500mm.
The highest levels are in the Gargano, on the northwestern mountain ranges and at the southern tip of the Salento peninsula.

Rainfall levels are low and autumn/winter dominant.

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13
Q

Which part of Puglia is the hottest?

A

The southern part, Salento Peninsula, with an average annual temperature of 61-63°F/16-17°C.
Summer temperatures in the region easily exceed 86°F/30°C.

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14
Q

Which area of Puglia receives snow?

A

The Murge plateau, during the colder months, due to cold air currents moving in from the east.

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15
Q

What types of soils are found in Puglia?

A

Many areas are characterized by soils rich in iron-oxide and are referred to as “terra rossa” (red soil).
The northern part has alluvial soils on the flatter areas (Tavoliere).
The gently rolling hills that lie on both banks of the Ofanto River have sandy-gravelly soils of marine origin.
The central part has calcareous soils of the Murge plateau.
The soils of the south are mainly calcareous sandy-clays over a limestone sub-soil.

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16
Q

Why is irrigation a necessity in Puglia?

A

In several areas, there is a low capacity to hold water. This creates hydric stress for the vines in times of drought.

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17
Q

What percentage of Puglia’s total vineyard area are made up of red varieties?

A

More than 70%,

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18
Q

Rank the grapes grown in Puglia from most widely to least.

A
  1. Sangiovese (15%)
  2. Primitivo (14%)
  3. Negro Amaro (14%)
  4. Montepulciano (11%)
  5. Trebbiano Toscano (7%)
  6. Trebbiano Giallo (5%)
  7. Uva di Troia (Nero di Troia) (3%)
  8. Trebbiano Abruzzes (2%)
  9. Malvasia Bianca (2%)
    Others (27%)

International grapes account for less than 5% of area under vine.

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19
Q

Name Puglia’s flagship red varieties.

A
  • Primitivo
  • Negro Amaro
  • Nero di Troia
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20
Q

What role does Sangiovese play in Puglia?

A

A minor role; it is mostly used for the production of wine w/o origin and, to a lesser extent, IGT wines.

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21
Q

What roles does Montepulciano play in Puglia?

A

An important one. It is considered traditional in certain areas and has been present in the region for a long time, particularly in the northern part of the region.

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22
Q

Name the most noteworthy native white grapes in Puglia.

A
  • Bombino Bianco
  • Verdeca
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23
Q

Name the native and traditional red varieties of Puglia.

A
  • Primitivo
  • Negro Amaro
  • Nero di Troia (Uva di Troia)
  • Bombino Nero
  • Malvasia Nera di Brindisi/Lecce
  • Aleatico

Others:
* Sangiovese
* Montepulciano
* Lambrusco Maestri
* Agliano
* Ottavianello (Cinsaut)
* Susumaniello
* Notardomenico

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24
Q

What is the story of the discovery of the Primitivo grape?

A

At the end of the 18th century, a priest in the town of Gioia del Colle (south of Bari), noticed and selected a particularly early ripening grape variety. The variety soon spread to other areas of Puglia.

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25
Q

What is the meaning behind the name of the Primitivo grape?

A

Primitivus in Latin can indicate early ripening grapes. The name most likely refers to this grape’s early ripening character.

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26
Q

Who is Carole Meredith?

A

A scientist at U.C. Davis who established that Primitivo and Zinfandel are genetically identical.

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27
Q

Which grape is Primitivo genetically identical to?

A
  • Zinfandel
  • Crljenak Kastelanski: known in Croatia since the 15th century as Tribidrag.
28
Q

What are the characteristics of the Primitivo grape in the vineyard?

A
  • early ripening
  • prone to coulure in wet vintages
  • prone to drought in hot years
  • ripens unevenly
  • vulnerable to spring frosts
  • early to bud
  • high in sugars (results in high abv wines)
  • rich in anthocyanins
29
Q

How does Puglia’s Primitivo compare to California’s Zinfandel biotype?

A

Primitivo tends to yield more bunches with fewer and smaller berries.

30
Q

Why is it that Primitivo has historically been so widely planted for the production of vino da taglio?

A

It boosts alcohol and colour because this grape:
* achieves high sugars resulting in high abv wines
* is rich in anthocyanins

31
Q

What are the characteristics of wines made form Primitivo?

A

Big, rich with full body and high alcohol.

32
Q

Where does the Negro Amaro get its name?

A

The name most likely derives from the Latin (niger) and Greek (mavro) which both mean “black” - a likely reference to the very dark colour of the grape.
The word “amaro” (bitter) could refer to the bitterness of the tannins.

33
Q

What are the characteristics of the Negro Amaro grape in the vineyard?

A
  • reliable
  • consistent & plentiful yields
  • adapts well to various soils
  • resistant to drought, heat, fungal diseases
  • prone to botrytis
  • able to achieve high sugar levels while maintaining good levels of natural acidity
34
Q

What are the characteristics of wines produced from Negro Amaro?

A

Deep in colour and soft with black fruit aromas.

Ideal for the production of intensely fruity rosatos.

35
Q

Where in Puglia is Nero di Troia planted?

A

Widely in the north-central part of the region and is associated with the Castel del Monte appellation.

36
Q

What are the characteristics of the Nero di Troia grape in the vineyard?

A
  • late-ripening
  • thick skins
  • moderate acidity
  • high tannin levels
37
Q

Why was Nero di Troia traditionally blended with other grapes?

A

Due to its high tannin levels.

Today, varietal bottlings have become more common.

38
Q

How do the wines of Nero di Troia compare to Primitivo and Negro Amaro?

A

The wines tend to be more refined, less powerful, less full-bodied and less alcoholic.

39
Q

Where in Puglia is Bombino Nero planted?

A

Principally in the northern and central parts of the region, notably around Andria in Castel del Monte.

40
Q

Why is Bombino Nero most often used for the production of rosato wines?

A

This is due to the characteristics of the variety which:
* has thin skins that impart very little pigment
* has high acid
* ripens to moderate sugar levels

41
Q

What are the characteristics of rosatos made from Bombino Nero?

A

Fresh and delicate floral and red fruit aromas. Usually lighter in body and structure than roses made with Negro Amaro.

42
Q

What is the story behind Malvasia Nera di Brindisi and Malvasia Nera di Lecce?

A

Both grapes, traditionally grown in Salento, were previously considered to be different varieties. Recent DNA studies have shown that the two are genetically identical.

43
Q

How is Malvasia Nera used to make wines?

A

Most commonly it is used as a minor component in red and rosato blends.
It is often blended, in small proportions, with Negro Amaro.

44
Q

Name the aromatic red variety considered traditional in Puglia.

A

Aleatico

45
Q

What type of wine is Aleatico principally used for producing in Puglia?

A

Sweet red wine.

This variety has its own specific regional appellation (Aleatico di Puglia DOC).
It is also produced under:
* Salice Salento DOC
* Salento IGT

46
Q

Which aromatic variety is Aleatico related to?

A

Muscato Bianco (Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains)

Aleatico shows a typical muscat-like character.

47
Q

Which regions is the Aleatico grape grown in?

A
  • Puglia
  • Toscana
  • Lazio
48
Q

Name the native and traditional white varieties of Puglia.

A
  • Bombino Bianco
  • Verdeca

Others:
* Trebbiano Toscano
* Trebbiano Abruzzese
* Trebbiano Giallo
* Moscato Bianc
* Malvasia Bianca
* Malvasia Bianca di Candia
* Malvasia Bianca Lunga
* Bianca d’Alessano
* Fiano
* Minutolo
* Pampanuto
* Impigno
* Francavilla
* Greco

49
Q

Is Bombino Bianco related to Bombino Nero?

A

The Bianco is not a mutation of the Nero and there is no definitive proof that the two grapes are related.
But the white grape is also thought to be native to Puglia.

50
Q

Where is Bombino Bianco planted in Puglia?

A

It is widespread in the northen and central parts of the region.

51
Q

What style of wine is Bombino Bianco ideal in the production of?

A

Sparkling wines; thanks to its high levels of natural acidity and restrained aromas.

52
Q

Which ancient Apulian white variety is mostly grown in the Itria Valley (Valle d’Itria)?

A

Verdeca

Valle d’Itria is located where the province of Bari, Brindisi and Taranto meet.

53
Q

What vine training sytem is used in Puglia?

A

The traditional systems are the ancient, free-standing bush vine (alberello) and the relatively recent tendone.

Alberello represents an important visual characteristic of this region’s viticultural landscape, particularly in the southern half of the region.

Since the early 2000s, vertical systems such as Cordone Speronato and Guyot have become increasingly popular, particularly in the central and southern areas.

54
Q

Why was tendone used during the 20th century in Puglia?

A

This overhead vine-training system is higher-yielding and was adopted for the production of bulk wine and table grapes.

55
Q

How did the EU vine pull schemes influence the vine-training methods used in Puglia in the late 1980s and early 1990s?

A

It resulted in the loss of many old alberello vineyards planted to Primitivo and Negro Amaro.

56
Q

What factors in Puglia contribute to the necessity of irrigation in several areas?

A
  • low rainfall
  • dry, hot summers
  • inability of most soils to retain moisture

Note: drought-tolerant vine rootstocks are essential.

57
Q

How much area does Puglia have under vine?

A

More than 20,000ac/80,000ha.

58
Q

How much wine does Puglia produce annually?

A

An average of 6mil hl/year.

59
Q

How much of Puglia’s wine produced is red or rosato?

A

More than half of the total wine produced.

This region is one of the largest producers of rosato wines in Italy.

60
Q

How much of Puglia’s wine produced is bottle as DOC/G, IGT, or wine w/o origin?

A
  • < 20% DOC/G
  • > 33% (1/3) IGT
  • ~50% wine w/o origin.

Note: as of 2014

61
Q

What is the majority of the wine produced in Puglia used for?

A
  • blending
  • basic table wine production
  • vermouth
  • distillation

Although the “wine w/o origin” proportion has steadily decreased since the 2000s, this region is still one of Italy’s largest producers of bulk wine w/o origin.

62
Q

What is “lacrima”?

A

Meaning “teardrop”, this was a system of drip pressing used by the Greeks that dates back to ancient times and was adopted by Apulain producers.
Red grapes were harvested and placed in bags then subjected to very delicate pressing. This minimized skin contact and allowed for the collection of delicate, fragrant “tears” of juice.

63
Q

What are “Lagrimas”?

A

Rosatos produced in the 19th century that were highly appreciated locally, particularly in Salento, but were principally produced for family consumption.

64
Q

Who is Leone di Castris?

A

He was a Salento producer who bottled what is historically considered the first commercially produced rosato of Italy, Cinque Rose (Five Roses), based on Negro Amaro.

This wine and others that followed, such as Rosa del Golfo, transformed the rosato category into a specialty of Salento.

65
Q

How are the rosatos of Puglia produced today?

A

By direct pressing and/or bleeding the tank (salasso).

Negro Amaro is the principal variety used in Salento.
Bombino Nero is more commonly used in the northern/central areas.

Italian Wine Scholar: Central & Southern Italy (29 decks)

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