SIcilia 2 Flashcards
What are the 4 grape varieties used for Marsala?
Grillo - most important, best quality
Catarratto - traditional, higher yields, lower ABV can oxidize
Ansonica (Inzolia) - widely used until phylloxera add perfume
Damaschino -minor role; high yield; least used white grape
FOR REDS (Rubino Marsala - Ruby)
Nero d’Avala
Perricone
Nerelloc Mascalese
Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG produces what kind of wine
Produces only rosato based on Nero d’Avola
Which statemnet is false
a. Marsala Vergine is. made only from white grapes
b. Marsala Vergine is the most authentic style of Marsala
c. Cooked grape must is required to be added to Marsala Vergine
d. Marsala Vergine must spend at least 5 years in wood
c. Cooked grape must is NOT required
What statement about Pantelleria Island is false
a. It is covered in dark green volcanic rock
b. It is sheltered from oceanic wind currents by coastal mountain ranges
c. It is closer to Africa that it is to Sicilia
d. It has 2 viable agrecultural crops- capers & grapevines
b, It IS NOT SHELTERED, but rather gets hot winds Sirocco rfom N Africa
What was John Woodhouse’s contribution to Sicilia’s wine industry?
in 1770s he developed the modern style of Marsala and created a market for it in the UK
What grape is not native to Sicilia?
a. Grillo
b. Frappato
c. Zibbibo
d. Ner d’Avola
c. Zibbibo
What are the principal red and white grapes of Etna’s wine growing area?
Nerello Mascalese (red) & Carricante (white)
What are the grapes of The Contea di Sclafani DOC
Focuses on Nero d’Avola, Perricone and Catarratto
What is the topology of Marsala’s vineyards?
Lie on flat coastal area and low, inland hills
In Sicilia, Muscat of Alexandria is more widely known by what name?
Zibibbo
What is the warm wind that affects the western and southern areas of Sicilia?
Sirocco
Etna Bianco DOC must contain a majority of which grape variety?
Carricante
Etna Rosso DOC can contain up to 20% Nero d’Avola. True or false?
Etna Rosso must be made from >80% Nerello Mascalese
& up to 20% Nerello Cappucio
NOT NERO D’AVOLA
The majority of Sicilia’s vineyards use the alberello training system. True or false?
False
This was the case until 1950s. In 1980/90s the EU paid winegrowers to remove plants.
Now Guyot and Cordone Speronato accounts for 80% of vinetraining
Sicilia’s grape harvest can take place as late as November. True or false?
True - Harvest can take place as early as July for white varieties in West Siciliy were it is hot and dry or in November for red grapes in Etna where altitude is more alpine
Frappato is a grape variety historically grown around which town in southeast Sicilia?
Vittoria
Carricante can be used in the production of Marsala. True or false?
False
Only grapes for Marsala are:
Grillo
Catarratto
Inzolia
Damaschino
Reds - Nero d’Alvoa, Perricone and Nerello Mascalese
Etna Bianco Superiore DOC must have higher alcohol level and can be produced anywhere within the Etna DOC. True or false?
False - Superiore must have 80% and most importantly be from the village of MILO
Carricante historical home is Mount Etna. True or false?
True
Name Italy’s most famous fortified wine, produced in Sicilia
Marsala
Grillo is the result of a natural crossing between Catarratto Bianco and …
Zibibbo (Muscat of Alexandria)
Sicilia’s Calabrese grape is more widely known by what name?
Nero d’Avola
The eastern part of Sicilia is overhwelmingly planted to white grapes. True or false?
False - White grapes dominate in the west with Marsala
Sicilia’s grape harvest can begin as early as July. True or false?
True - white grapes in Western Sicily where the growing temperatures are warm/hot
Name Europe’s largest and most active volcano, found in Sicilia
Mount Etna
That acid is most notable in Carricante?
Malic Acid - requires MLF & lees
Oftern, the grape is harvested as late as possible to reduce acidity levels
Name Sicilia’s most widely planted red grape variety
Nero d’Avola
What is the most important grape from a quality standpoint in Marsala?
Grillo
Sicilia’s Ansonica grape is better known by what name?
Inzolia
Faro DOC must include a blend of Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio and Nero d’Avola. True or false?
False - There is no Nero d’Avola
Nerello Masaclese 45-60%
Nerello Capuccio 15-30%
Nocera 5-10%
1 year aged
Cataratto Bianco Lucido is a biotype of Catarratto Bianco. True or False?
True
Catarratto Bianco Lucido is considered higher quality and has smaller berries, lower sugar and higher acidity
Is Sicilia predominantly planted to red or white grapes?
White 60%
The Etna DOC is included in which Sicilian province?
Catania
Damaschino can be used in the production of Marsala. True or false?
True
Sicilia is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. True or false?
True
What is Sicilia’s capital city?
Palermo
Name the two active volcanoes located on Sicilia’s Aeolian Islands
Stromboli & Vulcano
Sicilia’s Malvasia di Lipari is genetically distinct from Malvasia di Sardegna. True or false?
False it is also identical to Greco Bianco in Calabria
What is Sicilia most widely planted international red grape?
Syrah