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

Sardegna: Terroir, Grapes Flashcards

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1
Q

Where is Sardegna located?

A

This region and island lies in the middle of the western Mediterranean Sea. The body of water that flanks the west coast is called the Mar di Sardegna.
The Tyrrhenian Sea separates the island from Italy to the east and the Bocche di Bonifacio (Strait of Bonifacio) separates the island from the French island of Corsica to the north.

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2
Q

How large is Sardegna?

A

It is the 2nd largest island in the Mediterranean Sea (after Sicilia) and the 3rd largest Italian region overall after Sicilia and Piemonte.

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3
Q

Sardegna is one of Italy’s autonomous regions. How many are there in total nationally?

A

5

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4
Q

What is the capital of Sardegna?

A

Cagliari

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5
Q

How many administrative provinces are there in Sardegna?

A

5

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6
Q

What are the historic sub-regions of Sardegna?

A

Historically, the region was divided into several sub-regions that no longer have administrative significance, yet are still commonly used to refer to specific areas of the island.
In some cases, the names of these correspond to specific winegrowing districts or appellations and are therefore part of the designation of these wines.
Notable among these are:
* Gallura
* Sulcis
* Barbagia
* Ogliastra
* Romangia
* Campidano
* Mandrolisai

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7
Q

Describe the landscape in Sardegna.

A

This region is characterized by an irregular succession of mountain ranges, hills, plateaus and plains. The region is predominantly hilly and mountainous.

  • 68% hills
  • 18% plains
  • 14% mountains
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8
Q

When were the rocky mountain ranges of Sardegna formed?

A

During the Paleozoic Era (544-245mya)
These peaks have been slowly leveled by erosion, generating rocky uplands and plateaus of weather granite and basalt peppered with sandstone and dolomite formations and calcareous rocks.

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9
Q

How does the topography of the eastern side of Sardegna compare to that of the western side?

A

The eastern side is more mountainous and is characterized by well-worn granitic mountain ranges.
The west has more hills than peaks and features limestone formations and pockets of igneous volcanic rock and basalt.

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10
Q

Name the most important mountain ranges in Sardegna.

A
  • Gennargentu Massif: in the east-central part of the island
  • Monti Ala: in the northeast
  • Monte Limbara: in the northeast
  • Iglesiente: low range gradually sloping towards the sea in the southwestern corner
  • Sulcis: low range gradually sloping towards the sea in the southwestern corner
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11
Q

What is the largest plain in Sardegna?

A

Campidano; which extends diagonally from Oristano to Cagliari and separates the sub-regions of Iglesiente and Sulcis from the rest of the island.

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12
Q

Describe the coastline in Sardegna.

A

There is more than 1,100mi/1,800km of coastline and it is mostly high and rocky, particularly on the northern and eastern sides of the island.
Along the western and southern shores, the rocky cliffs are interspersed with long, sandy beaches.

This island is a very popular tourist destination during summer months due to the beauty of its sea and beaches.

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13
Q

Name the islands that surround Sardegna.

A

Islands off the northern coast:
* Asinara (and its eponymous gulf)
* Maddalena Archipelago
* Tavolara

Islands near the southwestern corner:
* San Pietro
* Sant’Antioco

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14
Q

Which is the most significant river in Sardegna?

A

Tirso river

There are several rivers and streams on this island, but they tend to be small and limited in length and flow.

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15
Q

What is the climate in Sardegna?

A

Mediterranean

But the sea’s influence becomes less pronounced in the more mountainous and inland areas.

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16
Q

What is a major moderating factor on Sardegna’s climate?

A

The strong maestrale (mistral) wind.
It moderates summer heat and reduces humidity.

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17
Q

What influences the temperature in Sardegna?

A

Latitude and topography.

The southwestern part of the region (Sulcis and Campidano) has the hottest temperatures with an annual average of 60-62°F/16-17°C.
Central and northern areas have average temperatures of 55-59°F/13-15°C.

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18
Q

When and where in Sardegna does most rainfall occur?

A

Rainfall is concentrated in autumn and winter.
Summer is the driest season.
The south receives the lowest amount of precipitation.
Inland mountainous areas are the highest.

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19
Q

What are the groupings of soil types found in Sardegna?

A
  • Metamorphic and igneous rocks (granite): found in the northeastern corner (Gallura) and in the east-central (Oliena, Capo Ferrato) part of the island. Vineyards are often planted on acidic granitic sands (decomposed granite).
  • Calcareous top-soils over volcanic sub-soils: found on the west-central coast around Bosa
  • Carcareous clay and sandstone: found in the northwest around Sassari
  • Sandy soils of marine origin: present in the southwestern corner (Sulcis)
  • Alluvial soils: found on the large Campidano plain and on the coastal plains around Alghero, Oristano and Sulcis.
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20
Q

How many varieties are there unique to Sardegna that have been registered in the National Registry of Grapes?

A

More than 20.

It is believed there are many others waiting to be discovered.

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21
Q

What percentage of total area under vine is dedicated to red varieties in Sardegna?

A

More than 60%.

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22
Q

What are the signature grape varieties of Sardegna?

A
  • Cannonau (red)
  • Vermentino (white)

Together these account for more than 40% of total plantings.

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23
Q

Rank the grapes grown in Sardegna from widest to least planted.

A
  1. Cannonau (29%)
  2. Vermentino (12%)
  3. Monica (11%)
  4. Nuragus (12%)
  5. Carignano (7%)
  6. Pascale (4%)
  7. Bovale (3%)
    Others (22%)

Traditional Italian varieties play a minor role (less than 5%) and are mainly limited to: Sangiovese, Montepulciano and Nebbiolo.

International grapes are even less relevant with less than 3%. They are mostly used in IGT wines.

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24
Q

What are the native and traditional red varieties of Sardegna?

A
  • Cannonau
  • Monica
  • Carignano
  • Cagnulari
  • Bovale
  • Giro

Others:
* Sangiovese
* Montepulciano
* Nebbiolo
* Nieddera
* Barbera Sarda
* Caricagiola
* Nieddu Mannu
* Caddiu
* Greco Nero
* Albaranzeuli Nero
* Pascale

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25
Q

Where is the Cannonau variety native to?

A

The grape is genetically identical to Spain’s Garnacha (Grenache) and it is generally assumed that it was brought to Sardegna when the island was under Spanish rule.

Some Italian researchers have challenged this assumption on the basis of written records (mention of the grape in Sardegna pre-dates the written record in Spain). There have also been conflicting studies of clonal diversity supporting both camps.

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26
Q

How long has Cannonau been grown in Sardegna?

A

For at least 400 years, making it an integral element of the island’s viticultural heritage.

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27
Q

Where in Sardegna is Cannonau cultivated?

A

Across the entire island.
It is largely bottled under the regional Cannonau di Sardegna DOC.
The grape is widely planted in the northern province of Sassari.
Its true stronghold is the province of Nuoro, in the east-central part of the island. Half of the island’s Cannonau is planted here.

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28
Q

What are the characteristics of the Cannonau grape variety?

A
  • resistant to drought
  • late-budding
  • mid- to late-ripening
  • performs well in warm, dry conditions
  • prefers granitic soils where it achieves high sugar levels while retaining a moderate amount of acidity
29
Q

What are the characteristics of wines made from Cannonau?

A

Moderately pigmented with floral and red fruit aromas. They tend to be full in body and high in alcohol.

30
Q

Name the synonyms of Cannonau.

A
  • Alicante: used in Toscana and other parts of central & southern Italy
  • Tocai Rosso: Veneto
  • Gamay del Trasimeno or Gamay Perugino: Umbria, in the area around Lake Trasimeno

Outside of Italy:
* Garnacha: Spain
* Grenache: France

31
Q

What is the origin of the Monica grape variety?

A

This ancient grape is of unknown origin. It was previously thought to have been brought to Sardegna from Spain but no historic or genetic link has been found.

32
Q

What is the known history of the Monica variety in Sardegna?

A

During the 20th century this grape’s unchecked yields resulted in simple, light table wines for immediate consumption.
In recent years, several producers have re-defined this grape by restricting yields, now producing attractive wines.

33
Q

What are the characteristics of wines produced from Monica?

A

Aromas of wild berries. The palate is soft and round with balanced acidity.

34
Q

What is the origin of the Carignano grape?

A

It was most likely brought to Sardegna from Spain during the Spanish period.
Sardinian growers traditionally called the variety “Uva di Spagna” (grape of Spain).

35
Q

Name the synonyms for Carignano.

A
  • Carinena/Mazuelo (Spain)
  • Carignan (France)
36
Q

Where in Sardegna is the Carignano variety cultivated?

A

Widely cultivated in the southern part of the island.
It is particularly successful in the sunny coastal areas of the Sulcis sub-region. Plantings are concentrated here and old, ungrafted vines planted on sandy soils are common.

37
Q

What are the characteristics of the Carignano grape variety?

A
  • late-budding
  • late-ripening
  • requires heat to fully ripen
  • prefers warm, dry conditions
  • vigorous
  • productive
  • resistant to drought & winds
  • prone to powdery mildew
38
Q

What are the characteristices of wine produced from Carignano?

A

Deep in colour, and quite high in acidity and tannin. This can make the wines tough.
The best Sardinian examples are defined by a distinctive velvety-creamy mouthfeel.

39
Q

Where in Sardegna is the Cagnulari variety planted?

A

It is almost exclusive to the Sassari province in the northwest.

It was widely planted in the past but experienced a dramatic reduction of acreage during the 20th century because of its low yields and sensitivity to fungal diseases.

40
Q

What are the characteristics of wines produced from Cagnulari?

A

Bright ruby colour, well-structured and gently tannic with fresh acidity.

41
Q

What is peculiar about the Bovale variety?

A

It was previously thought to be a single grape variety, but has been confirmed to be two unrelated varieties that have been masquerading under the same name.

42
Q

Name the 2 different Bovale varieties.

A
  • Bovale Sardo (Bovaleddu/Bovale): more important/widespread of the two. May be genetically identical to Graciano (Spanish grape)
  • Bovale Grande (Bovale di Spagna): DNA studies suggest it is genetically identical to Carignano
43
Q

What are the characteristics of wines produced from Bovale Sardo?

A

Deep in colour and high in acid, tannins and extract.

These traits are an asset to any blend.

44
Q

What is the origin of the Giro variety?

A

It is believed to have been introduced to Sardegna during the Spanish period, although reliable genetic or historic evidence is lacking.

45
Q

Where is the Giro variety planted in Sardegna?

A

Previously planted across the entire island, it lost ground after phylloxera when the grape was replaced by more productive varieties.

Today, plantings remain small and are mostly concentrated in the southern part of the island.

46
Q

What type of wine is Giro reputed for producing?

A

Elegant, sweet dessert and fortified wines.

47
Q

Name the native and traditional white varieties of Sardegna.

A
  • Vermentino
  • Nuragus
  • Vernaccia di Oristano
  • Malvasia di Sardegna (Malvasia di Lipari)
  • Nasco
  • Semidano

Others:
* Moscato Bianco
* Torbato
* Arvesiniadu
* Retagliado
* Albaranzeuli Bianco
* Trebbiano Toscano
* Trebbiano Romagnaolo

48
Q

Which aromatic variety is Sardegna’s flagship white grape?

A

Vermentino

49
Q

Where in Sardegna is Vermentino cultivated?

A

It is considered to produce its best, most mineral expressions on the granitic soils of Gallura, but the vine performs well in other parts of the island.

50
Q

What is the origin of the Vermentino grape?

A

Little is known. There are theories, but they lack historic/genetic evidence.

The first mention is of Fermentino dating back to 17th century Piemonte. The first written mention of Vermentino in Sardegna dates back to 1897.

Today we know this variety is genetically identical to:
* Favorita (Piemonte)
* Pigato (Liguria)
Note: both have been grown in their respective regions for centuries.

51
Q

What are the characteristics of the Vermentino grape variety?

A
  • Thrives in warm, sunny climates
  • does particularly well near the sea
  • resistant to wind & drought
  • early-budding
  • mid-ripening
52
Q

What are the characteristics of wines produced from Vermentino?

A

Yellow-straw in colour with intense floral and fruity aromas along with aromatic herbs and stone/mineral notes. The palate is full and textured. Though often high in alcohol, the wines are balanced by a refreshing acidity and saline finish.
With bottle age the wines can develop flinty-smoky notes.

53
Q

Where is the Nuragus variety cultivated in Sardegna?

A

Most plantings are located in the central and southern region.

It is one of this region’s most ancient native grapes and is the second-most widely planted white (after Vermentino).

54
Q

What are the characteristics of wines produced from Nuragus?

A

Varietal wines have lively acidity and delicate aromas of citrus, green apple, wildflowers and slightly green, pleasantly vegetal notes.
It is best consumed young.

55
Q

What is distinctive about the Vernaccia di Oristano grape?

A

It produces a unique oxidative style of wine.

56
Q

Where in Sardegna is the Vernaccia di Oristano grape cultivated?

A

It is almost exclusively grown in its native area - the central portion of Sardegna’s western coast along the banks of the lower Tirso River near Oristano.

The grape thrives in this area’s warm climate and alluvial soils.

57
Q

What eponymous wine is produced from Vernaccia di Oristano?

A

Vernaccia di Oristano DOC

58
Q

What are the characteristics of Vernaccia di Oristano DOC wines?

A

This wine is often described as “Sherry-like” although its dominant style is not fortified.

These wines are intense, complex and very long-lived.

In recent years, some fresh, non-oxidative bottlings have begun to appear.

59
Q

What is the connection between Vernaccia di Oristano and the other Vernaccia grapes of Italy?

A

DNA analysis has proven that this is a distinct variety, unrelated to other Vernaccia grapes such as Toscana’s Vernaccia di San Gimignano and Marche’s Vernaccia Nera.
They are similar only in name.

60
Q

Which varieties is Malvasia di Sardegna genetically identical to?

A
  • Malvasia di Lipari
  • Greco Bianco (Calabria)

The three are still listed separately in the National Registry of Grapes.

61
Q

Where in Sardegna is Malvasia di Sardegna cultivated?

A

Plantings are particularly concentrated around Bosa and Cagliari which lend their names to the two principal Malvasia appellations.

This variety has been present in this region for centuries.

62
Q

Why is the Nasco variety limited in plantings on Sardegna, despite being highly praised locally?

A

Its principal use is for the production for sweet or fortified wines.

63
Q

Where in Sardegna is the Nasco grape cultivated?

A

It is mostly grown on the coastal and inland areas around Cagliari.

64
Q

Where does Nasco get its name from?

A

The name of the grape derives from a word in local dialect (nuscu or nascu) meaning musk. This references both:
* the aromatic profile of the grape when overripe
* the wine when aged.

65
Q

What is the story behing the Semidano grape?

A

It is of unknown origin.
Although grown on the island since ancient times, plantings are now rare. The grapes were widely planted until phylloxera arrived.
It was largely replaced by the more resistant and productive Nuragus.

66
Q

What vine training methods are used in Sardegna?

A

Most vineyards are vertically trellised and largely trained in Guyot although there are some Cordone Speronato.
The traditional alberello is widespread in Gallura, Mandrolisai and portions of Sulcis.

Thanks to the loose, sandy soils found in several areas, old, ungrafted vines are also common.

67
Q

How much area in Sardegna is planted to the vine?

A

Approx. 60,000ac/25,000ha.

68
Q

How much wine is produced in Sardegna annually?

A

Almost 60,000hl.

Red wine accounts for more than half of the total production.

69
Q

How much of the wine produced in Sardegna is DOC/G, IGT or wine w/o origin?

A
  • ~50% DOC/G
  • ~25% IGT
  • ~25% wine w/o origin

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

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