Southern Italy Flashcards

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1
Q

What is the climate of Southern Italy?

A

Mediterranean, with hot summers and mild winters, moderated by coastal influences.

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2
Q

What are the main red grape varieties of Southern Italy?

A
  • Aglianico
  • Nero d’Avola
  • Primitivo
  • Negroamaro
  • Gaglioppo
  • Nerello Mascalese
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3
Q

What are the main white grape varieties of Southern Italy?

A
  • Greco
  • Fiano
  • Falanghina
  • Carricante
  • Catarratto
  • Zibibbo (Muscat of Alexandria)
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4
Q

What is the role of the Apennine Mountains in Southern Italy’s viticulture?

A

Provides elevation and cooling breezes, critical for balancing acidity in the warm climate.

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5
Q

What is the most widely planted grape variety in Sicily?

A

Catarratto.

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6
Q

What are the major soil types in Southern Italy?

A
  • Volcanic (around Mount Etna and Vesuvius)
  • Calcareous clay
  • Sandy soils
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7
Q

What is alberello training, and where is it commonly used?

A

A bush vine training system used in hot, dry regions like Sicily and Puglia.

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8
Q

What is the primary method for sweet wine production in Southern Italy?

A

Passito (grape drying), often used for Zibibbo and Malvasia.

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9
Q

What are the two key volcanic wine regions in Southern Italy?

A
  • Mount Etna (Sicily)
  • Mount Vulture (Basilicata)
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10
Q

What role does the Mediterranean Sea play in Southern Italy’s wine production?

A

Provides cooling breezes and moderates temperatures, enhancing freshness and aromatics.

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11
Q

What are the three primary DOCGs of Campania?

A
  • Taurasi DOCG
  • Fiano di Avellino DOCG
  • Greco di Tufo DOCG
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12
Q

What is the primary grape of Taurasi DOCG?

A

Aglianico (minimum 85%).

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13
Q

What is the aging requirement for Taurasi DOCG?

A

Minimum 3 years, including 1 year in wood (Riserva: 4 years, including 18 months in wood).

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14
Q

What is the primary soil type in Taurasi?

A

Volcanic soils with clay and limestone.

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15
Q

What distinguishes Greco di Tufo DOCG?

A

Known for minerality and high acidity due to its volcanic soils.

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16
Q

What is the primary soil type in Fiano di Avellino DOCG?

A

Volcanic and marl soils.

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17
Q

What is Falanghina del Sannio DOC known for?

A

Crisp, citrus-driven white wines from Falanghina grapes.

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18
Q

What is the role of volcanic soils in Campania’s viticulture?

A

Enhances minerality, acidity, and aromatic complexity in both red and white wines.

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19
Q

Who is a notable producer of Taurasi DOCG?

A

Mastroberardino.

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20
Q

What is Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio DOC?

A

Wines (red, white, rosé) grown on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius, often using Piedirosso and Coda di Volpe.

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21
Q

What is the primary DOC of Basilicata?

A

Aglianico del Vulture DOCG.

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22
Q

What is the primary grape of Aglianico del Vulture?

A

Aglianico.

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23
Q

What is the aging requirement for Aglianico del Vulture Superiore DOCG?

A

Minimum 3 years, including 1 year in wood (Riserva: 5 years, including 2 years in wood).

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24
Q

What is the typical style of Aglianico del Vulture wines?

A

Full-bodied, high in tannins and acidity, with flavors of dark fruit, smoke, and spice.

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25
Q

What distinguishes Aglianico grown in Vulture?

A

Volcanic soils contribute to complexity and minerality.

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26
Q

What is the minimum elevation for Aglianico del Vulture vineyards?

A

Around 200-600 meters.

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27
Q

What is a key producer of Aglianico del Vulture?

A

Elena Fucci.

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28
Q

What is the maximum yield for Aglianico del Vulture Superiore DOCG?

A

52 hl/ha.

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29
Q

What is the role of tufo soils in Basilicata’s vineyards?

A

Retains moisture and provides essential nutrients for vine health.

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30
Q

What are the typical aging vessels for Aglianico del Vulture wines?

A
  • Large Slavonian oak casks
  • Smaller French barriques
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31
Q

What are the three primary red grape varieties of Puglia?

A
  • Primitivo
  • Negroamaro
  • Nero di Troia
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32
Q

What is the most famous DOCG in Puglia?

A

Primitivo di Manduria Dolce Naturale DOCG.

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33
Q

What distinguishes Primitivo di Manduria DOC from its DOCG counterpart?

A

The DOCG is exclusively for sweet wines, while the DOC produces dry reds.

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34
Q

What is the origin of Primitivo, and where is it also known?

A

It is genetically identical to Zinfandel (USA) and Crljenak Kaštelanski (Croatia).

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35
Q

What is Salice Salentino DOC?

A

A DOC for reds and rosés made primarily from Negroamaro.

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36
Q

What is the typical style of Nero di Troia wines?

A

Aromatic, medium-bodied reds with floral and red fruit notes.

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37
Q

What is the primary soil type in Puglia?

A

Calcareous clay with iron-rich topsoils.

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38
Q

What distinguishes Castel del Monte Nero di Troia Riserva DOCG?

A

It requires at least 90% Nero di Troia and 2 years of aging.

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39
Q

What is the significance of alberello pugliese in Puglia?

A

A traditional bush vine training system ideal for hot, dry conditions.

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40
Q

What is a notable producer of Primitivo in Puglia?

A

Gianfranco Fino.

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41
Q

What is the primary grape of Cirò DOC?

A

Gaglioppo.

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42
Q

What is the typical style of Cirò Rosso?

A

Light to medium-bodied reds with firm tannins and herbal notes.

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43
Q

What is Greco di Bianco DOC?

A

A sweet white passito wine made from Greco Bianco.

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44
Q

What is the role of the Sila Mountains in Calabria’s viticulture?

A

Provides cooling influences and higher altitudes for vineyard sites.

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45
Q

What distinguishes Calabria from other Southern Italian regions?

A

A focus on native varieties like Gaglioppo and Greco Bianco.

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46
Q

What is Sicily’s most prominent DOC?

A

Etna DOC.

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47
Q

What are the primary red grapes of Etna Rosso?

A

Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio.

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48
Q

What is the aging requirement for Etna Rosso Riserva?

A

4 years, including 1 year in wood.

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49
Q

What is the primary white grape of Etna Bianco?

A

Carricante (minimum 60%).

50
Q

What is the significance of Marsala DOC?

A

Fortified wines made from Grillo, Inzolia, and Catarratto.

51
Q

What is Zibibbo, and where is it grown?

A

Muscat of Alexandria, used for sweet and dry wines in Pantelleria.

52
Q

What distinguishes Malvasia delle Lipari DOC?

A

A sweet passito wine made on the Aeolian Islands.

53
Q

What is the role of volcanic soils in Etna DOC wines?

A

Adds minerality and enhances acidity and complexity.

54
Q

What is the significance of Donnafugata in Sicily?

A

A top producer known for innovative wines like “Ben Ryé” (Passito di Pantelleria).

55
Q

What is Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG?

A

A blend of Nero d’Avola and Frappato, known for its fresh, aromatic reds.

56
Q

What is the most widely planted white grape in Sicily?

A

Catarratto.

57
Q

What is a key characteristic of Nero d’Avola wines?

A

Full-bodied with dark fruit, spice, and velvety tannins.

58
Q

What is the minimum elevation for Etna DOC vineyards?

A

400 meters.

59
Q

What is the primary style of wines from Faro DOC?

A

Reds from Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, and Nocera.

60
Q

What is the significance of Planeta in Sicily?

A

A leading producer promoting quality Sicilian wines internationally.

61
Q

What are the key characteristics of wines from Southern Italy?

A

Full-bodied, high in alcohol, with ripe fruit flavors and balanced acidity.

62
Q

What is alberello training’s primary benefit in hot climates?

A

Reduces vine stress, maximizes shading, and conserves soil moisture.

63
Q

What role does altitude play in Southern Italy’s viticulture?

A

High elevations provide cooling effects, preserving acidity and aromatics.

64
Q

What is the significance of volcanic soils in Southern Italy?

A

Enhances minerality and complexity, especially in Campania, Basilicata, and Sicily.

65
Q

What is passito, and how is it commonly used in Southern Italy?

A

A method of drying grapes to concentrate sugars, used for sweet wines like Passito di Pantelleria.

66
Q

What is the most widely planted grape in Calabria?

A

Gaglioppo.

67
Q

What is the key characteristic of Southern Italy’s indigenous white wines?

A

High acidity and saline minerality, often with citrus and herbal notes.

68
Q

What is the impact of the Mediterranean Sea on Southern Italian vineyards?

A

Provides cooling breezes, reducing heat stress and enhancing aromatics.

69
Q

What is the main distinguishing factor between Northern and Southern Italian wines?

A

Southern wines are generally riper, fuller-bodied, and more fruit-forward.

70
Q

What are the major export markets for Southern Italian wines?

A

The United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

71
Q

What is the minimum aging requirement for Greco di Tufo DOCG Riserva?

A

12 months.

72
Q

What distinguishes Fiano di Avellino from Greco di Tufo?

A

Fiano is rounder and richer, with honeyed and nutty notes; Greco is leaner and more mineral-driven.

73
Q

What are the primary soils in Fiano di Avellino DOCG?

A

Marl and volcanic.

74
Q

What is Piedirosso, and how is it used in Campania?

A

A red grape variety often blended with Aglianico for fresher, softer reds.

75
Q

What is the primary style of wines from Falanghina del Taburno DOC?

A

Crisp, aromatic whites with citrus and floral notes.

76
Q

What is the historical significance of Mastroberardino in Campania?

A

Pioneered the revival of indigenous varieties like Aglianico, Greco, and Fiano.

77
Q

What distinguishes Taurasi Riserva from standard Taurasi DOCG?

A

Requires 4 years of aging, including 18 months in wood.

78
Q

What is the aging potential of Taurasi wines?

A

20+ years, due to high tannins and acidity.

79
Q

What is the style of wines produced in Costa d’Amalfi DOC?

A

Whites, reds, and rosés with distinct coastal influences, often from rare local varieties.

80
Q

What is the primary blending partner for Falanghina in Campania whites?

A

Biancolella.

81
Q

What are the secondary DOCs in Basilicata besides Aglianico del Vulture?

A

Matera DOC and Terre dell’Alta Val d’Agri DOC.

82
Q

What distinguishes Aglianico del Vulture Superiore from the standard DOC?

A

It is a DOCG with stricter aging and quality requirements.

83
Q

What is the influence of Mount Vulture on Basilicata wines?

A

Provides volcanic soils and a cooler microclimate for Aglianico.

84
Q

What is the maximum yield for Aglianico del Vulture DOC wines?

A

70 hl/ha.

85
Q

What are the typical aromatics of Aglianico del Vulture?

A

Black cherry, plum, leather, spice, and smoke.

86
Q

What is a notable modern producer in Basilicata?

A

Elena Fucci.

87
Q

What distinguishes Matera DOC wines?

A

They feature blends of indigenous and international varieties, including Sangiovese and Merlot.

88
Q

What is the typical alcohol range for Aglianico del Vulture?

A

13.5-15%.

89
Q

What role does diurnal variation play in Aglianico del Vulture wines?

A

Preserves acidity and enhances aromatic complexity.

90
Q

What is biodynamic farming, and how is it applied in Basilicata?

A

A sustainable viticulture practice emphasizing soil health; increasingly popular in Mount Vulture vineyards.

91
Q

What is the second DOCG in Puglia after Primitivo di Manduria Dolce Naturale?

A

Castel del Monte Bombino Nero DOCG.

92
Q

What distinguishes Castel del Monte Bombino Nero DOCG?

A

Produces rosé wines with a minimum of 90% Bombino Nero.

93
Q

What is the minimum aging for Castel del Monte Rosso Riserva DOCG?

A

2 years, including 1 year in wood.

94
Q

What is the alcohol minimum for Primitivo di Manduria DOC?

A

13.5%.

95
Q

What distinguishes Negroamaro-based wines from Primitivo?

A

Negroamaro produces more structured, earthy wines with herbal notes, while Primitivo is fruitier and higher in alcohol.

96
Q

What is the primary style of Salice Salentino Rosato?

A

Fresh, aromatic rosés from Negroamaro.

97
Q

What is Copertino DOC?

A

A DOC in Puglia producing red and rosé wines, primarily from Negroamaro.

98
Q

What is the significance of terra rossa soils in Puglia?

A

Rich in iron, they impart minerality and complexity to Primitivo and Negroamaro.

99
Q

What is the aging potential of high-quality Primitivo wines?

A

5-10 years for structured examples.

100
Q

Who is a leading producer of Salice Salentino DOC?

A

Leone de Castris.

101
Q

What is the primary style of wines in Bivongi DOC?

A

Reds and rosés from Gaglioppo and Greco Nero, with fresh, light-bodied styles.

102
Q

What is the blending partner for Gaglioppo in Cirò Rosso?

A

Greco Nero.

103
Q

What are the key characteristics of Greco di Bianco wines?

A

Sweet, amber-colored wines with floral, honeyed, and citrus notes.

104
Q

What distinguishes Melissa DOC from Cirò DOC?

A

Melissa wines are generally softer and less tannic than Cirò.

105
Q

What is the primary soil type in Cirò vineyards?

A

Clay and calcareous soils.

106
Q

What is the role of pithos (amphorae) in Calabria winemaking?

A

A traditional vessel for fermenting and aging wines, now used by some modern producers.

107
Q

What is the minimum aging for Cirò Riserva?

A

2 years.

108
Q

What is a notable producer of Cirò DOC wines?

A

Librandi.

109
Q

What is the alcohol minimum for Cirò Rosso?

A

12.5%.

110
Q

What is the primary characteristic of Gaglioppo wines?

A

Medium-bodied with firm tannins, red fruit, and herbal notes.

111
Q

What is the primary blending partner for Nero d’Avola in Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG?

A

Frappato.

112
Q

What is the minimum aging for Marsala Vergine DOC?

A

5 years.

113
Q

What is a key characteristic of Carricante in Etna Bianco wines?

A

High acidity, citrus notes, and saline minerality.

114
Q

What distinguishes Catarratto Lucido from Catarratto Comune?

A

Lucido produces more aromatic and refined wines.

115
Q

What is the primary soil type in Etna DOC vineyards?

A

Volcanic ash and lava.

116
Q

What is the aging potential of Etna Rosso wines?

A

10-15 years for high-quality examples.

117
Q

What is a notable modern producer on Mount Etna?

A

Benanti.

118
Q

What is the alcohol minimum for Etna Rosso DOC?

A

12.5%.

119
Q

What distinguishes Faro DOC from Etna DOC?

A

Faro includes Nocera in blends and is closer to the sea, producing softer, more aromatic reds.

120
Q

What is Malvasia delle Lipari Passito?

A

A sweet passito wine from the Aeolian Islands, made from Malvasia di Lipari.