Southern Italy Flashcards
What does the heat make Southern Italy known for?
its full bodied red wines
What varietals are seen in S. Italy
Aglianico, Primitivo, and Negroamara, however there is a large variety that can be found here.
Where is Southern Italy?
extends south of Lazio down to the tip of the country and includes the peninsula of Puglia together with Sicily
what is the climate of S. Italy
hot and dry inland becoming humid near the coast.
where are most of the vineyards located in S. Italy
many are located on slopes within the Apennines where the altitude providing some relief from the heat. sea breezes cool the vineyards located on flatter terrain of the Puglian peninsula.
Where is grape growing especially important in S. Italy?
in the regions of Puglia and Sicilia - significant volumes are made
Describe how vines are trained in S. Italy
traditionally vines were bush trained low to the ground with leaf cover protecting the grapes from sunburn. Old vines will display this. However the more common approach being used today is cordon training and trellising, allowing for mechanization in the plains.
What region is home to more DOCGs than any other region in the South of Italy.
Campania
describe the landscape of Campania
varied with mountains, valleys and coastal plains
what styles of wines are made in Campania
a large variety of black and white
What are the two white varietals produce the best white wines in Campania?
Fiano and Greco
Where do the best wines made from Fiano and Greco come from?
Fiano di Avellino DOCG, and Greco di Tufo DOCG
Describe a Fiano wine characteristics
typically medium acidity, medium to full body, aromas of stone fruits, melons and mango. often made to drink young, but better examples are matured in oak and can be aged in bottle developing aromas of wax and honey.
Describe a Greco wine characteristics
more acidity, and is leaner in body, green apple, stone fruit, and passion fruit flavors. most producers ferment in stainless steel but some use old oak and techniques such as lees stirring to enhance texture. the best can age in the bottle to develop aromas of honey and mushrooms
what is the most prestigious black grape of the south of Italy?
Aglianico
Describe the characteristics of the Aglianico grape
deep color with high acidity and tannin, with flavors of black fruit. matured in oak and can age in the bottle where it develops earthy forest floor notes.
where is the Aglianico grape best found
Taurasi DOCG although can be found in Campania and other regions.
Where is Basilicata found in Italy?
just below Campania
What is the Basilicata region like?
extremely mountainous where vineyards can reach 900 m especially on the vast high plain that surrounds the extinct volcano of Monte Vulture
what is the principle grape in Basilicata and what does it make?
Aglianico - Aglianico del Vulture DOC - considered the best wine of the region
Describe Puglia?
a vast agricultural area where volumes of grapes grown. Hot climate leads to being dominated by black grapes
which grape varietals are most notably found in Puglia?
Negroamaro and Primitive (Zinfandel)
what type of wines do Negroamaro and Primitive (Zinfandel) when produced in high yields
simple fruity for early drinking
what are Negroamaro and Primitive (Zinfandel) wines in Puglia sold as?
Puglia IGT
Describe Negroamaro wine when yields are controlled.
high quality full bodied, med tannins and acidity, high alcohol and baked red and black fruit.
Where do many of the best Negroamaro wines come from?
Salice Salentino DOC
Describe Primitivo wine when yields are controlled.
high quality wines in similar style to Negroamaro. Best are full bodied, with med tannins and acidity, high alcohol and pronounced flavors of very ripe berry fruit.
What are the two main wines that are produced in Sicily
IGT Terre di Sicilla/Terre Siciliane (for higher yields) and if yields are slightly lowered - Sicilia DOC.
What is the dominant black grape variety in Sicily.
Nero d’Avola
Describe characteristics of Nero d’Avola
med to full bodied wines with med level of acidity and tannins, with aromas of plums and black cherries. typically made in early drinking style, but best ones are more concentrated and complex
How are local white wine varietals sold in Nero d’Avola
either as varietal or blended, usually unoaked displaying citrus and stone fruit flavors.
What international varieties are grown in Nero d’Avola
Chardonnay and Syrah
out of the number of small appellations some of the best wines of the island come from where>
Etna DOC
Describe wines from Etna DOC
produced from old low yielding vines in high altitudes.
Describe the reds from Ethna
high acidity and tannins, aromas of sour cherries, and raspberries, sometimes with dried herbs.
What black varietals are found in Ethna?
Nerello, Mascalese, and Nerello Cappuccio which are blended together
Describe how Ethna is aged?
bottle age the high tannins soften, and mushroom like aromas can develop.
Describe high quality white wines from Ethna
med bodied, high acidity, and display citrus fruit, often with stony/steely character developing honey and wax aromas with bottle age
