Southern Italy Flashcards
What is the climate of Southern Italy?
Mediterranean, with hot summers and mild winters, moderated by coastal influences.
What are the main red grape varieties of Southern Italy?
- Aglianico
- Nero d’Avola
- Primitivo
- Negroamaro
- Gaglioppo
- Nerello Mascalese
What are the main white grape varieties of Southern Italy?
- Greco
- Fiano
- Falanghina
- Carricante
- Catarratto
- Zibibbo (Muscat of Alexandria)
What is the role of the Apennine Mountains in Southern Italy’s viticulture?
Provides elevation and cooling breezes, critical for balancing acidity in the warm climate.
What is the most widely planted grape variety in Sicily?
Catarratto.
What are the major soil types in Southern Italy?
- Volcanic (around Mount Etna and Vesuvius)
- Calcareous clay
- Sandy soils
What is alberello training, and where is it commonly used?
A bush vine training system used in hot, dry regions like Sicily and Puglia.
What is the primary method for sweet wine production in Southern Italy?
Passito (grape drying), often used for Zibibbo and Malvasia.
What are the two key volcanic wine regions in Southern Italy?
- Mount Etna (Sicily)
- Mount Vulture (Basilicata)
What role does the Mediterranean Sea play in Southern Italy’s wine production?
Provides cooling breezes and moderates temperatures, enhancing freshness and aromatics.
What are the three primary DOCGs of Campania?
- Taurasi DOCG
- Fiano di Avellino DOCG
- Greco di Tufo DOCG
What is the primary grape of Taurasi DOCG?
Aglianico (minimum 85%).
What is the aging requirement for Taurasi DOCG?
Minimum 3 years, including 1 year in wood (Riserva: 4 years, including 18 months in wood).
What is the primary soil type in Taurasi?
Volcanic soils with clay and limestone.
What distinguishes Greco di Tufo DOCG?
Known for minerality and high acidity due to its volcanic soils.
What is the primary soil type in Fiano di Avellino DOCG?
Volcanic and marl soils.
What is Falanghina del Sannio DOC known for?
Crisp, citrus-driven white wines from Falanghina grapes.
What is the role of volcanic soils in Campania’s viticulture?
Enhances minerality, acidity, and aromatic complexity in both red and white wines.
Who is a notable producer of Taurasi DOCG?
Mastroberardino.
What is Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio DOC?
Wines (red, white, rosé) grown on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius, often using Piedirosso and Coda di Volpe.
What is the primary DOC of Basilicata?
Aglianico del Vulture DOCG.
What is the primary grape of Aglianico del Vulture?
Aglianico.
What is the aging requirement for Aglianico del Vulture Superiore DOCG?
Minimum 3 years, including 1 year in wood (Riserva: 5 years, including 2 years in wood).
What is the typical style of Aglianico del Vulture wines?
Full-bodied, high in tannins and acidity, with flavors of dark fruit, smoke, and spice.
What distinguishes Aglianico grown in Vulture?
Volcanic soils contribute to complexity and minerality.
What is the minimum elevation for Aglianico del Vulture vineyards?
Around 200-600 meters.
What is a key producer of Aglianico del Vulture?
Elena Fucci.
What is the maximum yield for Aglianico del Vulture Superiore DOCG?
52 hl/ha.
What is the role of tufo soils in Basilicata’s vineyards?
Retains moisture and provides essential nutrients for vine health.
What are the typical aging vessels for Aglianico del Vulture wines?
- Large Slavonian oak casks
- Smaller French barriques
What are the three primary red grape varieties of Puglia?
- Primitivo
- Negroamaro
- Nero di Troia
What is the most famous DOCG in Puglia?
Primitivo di Manduria Dolce Naturale DOCG.
What distinguishes Primitivo di Manduria DOC from its DOCG counterpart?
The DOCG is exclusively for sweet wines, while the DOC produces dry reds.
What is the origin of Primitivo, and where is it also known?
It is genetically identical to Zinfandel (USA) and Crljenak Kaštelanski (Croatia).
What is Salice Salentino DOC?
A DOC for reds and rosés made primarily from Negroamaro.
What is the typical style of Nero di Troia wines?
Aromatic, medium-bodied reds with floral and red fruit notes.
What is the primary soil type in Puglia?
Calcareous clay with iron-rich topsoils.
What distinguishes Castel del Monte Nero di Troia Riserva DOCG?
It requires at least 90% Nero di Troia and 2 years of aging.
What is the significance of alberello pugliese in Puglia?
A traditional bush vine training system ideal for hot, dry conditions.
What is a notable producer of Primitivo in Puglia?
Gianfranco Fino.
What is the primary grape of Cirò DOC?
Gaglioppo.
What is the typical style of Cirò Rosso?
Light to medium-bodied reds with firm tannins and herbal notes.
What is Greco di Bianco DOC?
A sweet white passito wine made from Greco Bianco.
What is the role of the Sila Mountains in Calabria’s viticulture?
Provides cooling influences and higher altitudes for vineyard sites.
What distinguishes Calabria from other Southern Italian regions?
A focus on native varieties like Gaglioppo and Greco Bianco.
What is Sicily’s most prominent DOC?
Etna DOC.
What are the primary red grapes of Etna Rosso?
Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio.
What is the aging requirement for Etna Rosso Riserva?
4 years, including 1 year in wood.