Siciliy, Sardinia Flashcards
What is the strait that separates Sicily from the mainland?
Strait of Messina
What is the top wine producing region in Italy by volume? What is #2?
- Veneto
2. Sicily
Who is the Englishman that discovered Marsala? When?
John Woodhouse. 1773.
What are the major geographical influences in Sicily?
Mount Etna (altitude), rolling hillsides, coast
What is the climate type of Sicily?
Arid, Mediterranean, strong diurnal shift
What are the primary indigenous white varietals of Sicily?
Catarratto, Inzolia, Grecanico, Carricante, and Grillo
What are the primary indigenous red varietals of Sicily?
Nero d’Avola, Frappato, Perricone, Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio
What is the most planted grape in Sicily?
Catarratto
What are the the color categories of Marsala?
Oro, Ambra, Rubino
What are the sweetness levels of Marsala?
Secco: max. 40 g/l RS
Semisecco: 40-100 g/l RS
Dolce: min. 100 g/l RS
What is concia in Marsala production? Which styles permit concia?
Ambra (min. 1% mosto cotto)
Not permitted for oro or rubino styles
What are the three variables used to categorize Marsala wines?
Color, age, sweetness level
What are the aging categories for marsala?
Fine (1 yr in oak or cherry wood)
Superiore (min 2yrs in oak or cherry wood)
Vergine/Solera
What is the sweetness level for Vergine/ Solera styes of Marsala?
Dry (unsweetened)
What does Stravecchio mean on a bottle of Marsala?
min 10 yrs in oak or cherry wood
