Southern Italy

Question 1

Southern Italy - Climate

Answer 1

1. Hot and dry inland, becoming humid near the coast
2. Altitude provides relief from the heat
3. Sea breezes cool the vineyards located on the flatter terrain of the Guglian peninsula

Question 2

Southern Italy - Grape Growing

Answer 2

1. Traditionally bush-trained low to the ground with leaf cover protecting the grapes from sunburn
2. Cordon training and trellising are the common methods today

Question 3

Campania - Basic

Answer 3

1. Varied landscape with mountains, valleys and coastal plains means a range of black and white grape varieties can be grown here
2. Best white wines: Fiano di Avellino DOCG, Greco di ufo DOCG

Question 4

Campania - Varieties

Answer 4

1. Fiano: medium acidity, medium-full body and aromas of stone fruit, melons and mango. With age can develop aromas of wax and honey
2. Greco: more acidity and leaner in body, aromas of green apple, stone fruit and passion fruit. May use lees stirring to enhance the texture of wines. Best can develop aromas of honey and mushrooms
3. Aglianico: deep color with high acidity and tannin with flavors of black fruit. With age can develop earthy, forest floor notes. Its best in Taurasi DOCG

Question 5

Basilicata - Basic

Answer 5

1. An extremely mountainous region where vineyards can reach 900 metres, especially on the vast, high plain
2. Principal grape: Aglianico, best wine of the region: Aglianico del Vulture DOC

Question 6

Puglia - Basic

Answer 6

1. Hot climate means the area is dominated by black grapes: Negroamaro, Primitivo (Zinfandel)
2. Fruity Puglia IGT
3. Salice Salentino DOC made from Negroamaro: medium tannin and acidity, full body, high alcohol with flavors of baked red and black fruit
4. Primitivo has the similar style with flavors of ripe berry fruit

Question 7

Sicily - Basic

Answer 7

1. IGT Terre di Sicilia/ Terre Siciliane
2. Sicilia DOC
3. Main variety: Nero d’ Avola: medium-full body, medium levels of acidity and tannins, with aromas of plums and black cherries. Made into fruity style
4. International varieties: Chardonnay and Syrah
5. Etna DOC: made of Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio which is high acid and tannins with aromas of sour red cherries, cranberries and raspberries, sometimes with dried herbs. With bottle age the high tannins soften and mushroom aromas can develop. Also high quality white with medium body, high acidity with aromas of citrus fruit, steely character, honey and wax with age