Sardinia Flashcards
Where is Sardinia?
What is the climate here?
Off the coast of Tuscany, south of Corsica
Warm mediterranean
Describe rainfall patterns in Sardinia and how this affects vines
What other weather affects vine growth in Sardinia?
Low rainfall during the growing season.
Adequate in parts
Low rainfall in the south east makes irrigation more of a requirement
Wind - more open sites can experience a drying effect, but are less susceptible to fungal disease
What is the main cooling effect in Sardinia?
Altitude - most of Sardinia is hilly
What is the more common name for Cannonau?
Grenache Noir
Give the key characteristics of the Cannonau vine (7)
High yielding Late ripening Good drought resistance Prone to coulure Prone to phomopsis Prone to botrytis Prone to bacterial blight
Give a typical tasting note for a Cannonau wine
Pale ruby Ripe red fruit, spice, herbal notes Low acidity Low to medium tannin High alcohol
What is the maximum yield for Cannonau di Sardegna DOC?
What is the maximum yield for Cannonau di Sardegna Classico DOC?
77hl/ha
63hl/ha
Give the key characteristics of the Vermentino vine (4)
What soils / sites are best suited?
Early budding (spring frost) Mid ripening (avoids rains) Prone to downy mildew Prone to European grape moths
Prefers sunny, exposed sites with poor soils
Give a typical tasting note for a Vermentino wine from Sardinia
Medium intensity Lemon, acacia, riper wines show tropical fruit Medium (+) acidity Light to medium body Medium alcohol
Good to very good
Mid to premium priced
Describe the typical winemaking options taken by Sardinian winemakers when producing Vermentino (6)
Gentle pressing
Short period of skin contact (24 hours)
Cool to midrange fermentation temperatures
Use of stainless steel for fermentation (to retain fruit flavours)
Short ageing on lees (3-4 months) in neutral vessels
Some wines may spend longer on lees for added body and texture
What is the maximum yield for Vermentino di Sardegna DOC?
112hl/ha - low concentration
Where can Vermentino di Gallura DOCG be grown?
What is the maximum yield?
In the north east of Sardinia
63hl/ha
What is the name of the only DOCG in Sardegna?
Vermentino di Gallura DOC
What is the more common name for Carignano?
Carignan
Give the key characteristics of the Carignano vine
Late budding Late ripening High yielding (old vines are lower yielding) Prone to powdery mildew Prone to European grape moths Heat resistant Drought resistant
What is the maximum yield for Carignano del Sulcis DOC?
What is the maximum yield for Carignano del Sulcis Superiore DOC?
What is the minimum ageing requirement for both Riserva and Superiore wines?
77hl/ha
52.5hl/ha
Min. 2 years ageing
Explain when irrigation is permitted in Carignano del Sulcis DOC
It is permitted to let vines grow adequately in the period of vegetative growth
It cannot be used to assist vines after veraison during the final ripening of fruit
How must vines for Carignano del Sulcis Superiore DOC wines be trained?
Superiore can only be made from bush vines - these restrain natural vigour and are well suited to the climate
Describe the typical winemaking options taken when producing inexpensive Carignano wines
Warm fermentation temperatures
Macerated on skins for 7 to 10 days
Aged 3 to 4 months in large neutral containers
Describe the typical winemaking options taken when producing mid to premium priced Carignano wines
Macerated on skins for around 15 days while fermenting at warm temperatures to maximise extraction
Barrique ageing for 12 to 18 months
What were the consequences of increased EU and regional funding in the late 20th century?
Increased growth of co-ops
Area under vine decreased as subsidies were available for removing uneconomic vineyards
What percentage of Sardinian wine is PDO level?
66%
Have exports of Sardinian wines increased or decreased over the last decade?
They have remained flat
What is the minimum ageing requirement for Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva wines?
What is the minimum ageing requirement for Cannonau di Sardegna Classico Riserva wines?
2 years, 6 months in wood
2 years, 1 year in wood
