Southern Italy - WSET L3 in Wines Flashcards
What are the key regions in Southern Italy?
Campania, Basilicata, Puglia, and Sicily.
What is the climate of Southern Italy?
Hot and dry inland, with coastal areas experiencing humidity.
How do altitude and sea breezes influence Southern Italian vineyards?
Altitude cools the vineyards inland, while sea breezes moderate temperatures in coastal areas.
What training system was traditionally used in Southern Italy?
Bush-trained vines, which protect grapes from sunburn.
What are the most notable white grape varieties in Campania?
Fiano and Greco.
What are the characteristics of Fiano di Avellino DOCG wines?
Medium acidity, medium to full body, with aromas of stone fruit, melon, and mango.
How are Greco di Tufo DOCG wines different from Fiano?
Higher acidity, leaner body, with flavors of green apple, stone fruit, and passion fruit.
What techniques are used to enhance texture in Greco di Tufo wines?
Lees stirring and occasional use of old oak.
What is the key red grape variety in Campania?
Aglianico.
What are the characteristics of Aglianico wines?
Deep color, high acidity, high tannins, with flavors of black fruit and earthy notes.
What is the most prestigious wine made from Aglianico in Campania?
Taurasi DOCG.
What is the primary grape variety of Basilicata?
Aglianico.
What is Basilicata’s most famous appellation?
Aglianico del Vulture DOC.
Where are Basilicata’s vineyards primarily located?
On high plains around the extinct volcano Monte Vulture.
What makes Aglianico del Vulture DOC wines unique?
Their high altitude provides freshness, balancing the wine’s bold structure.
What is the climate of Puglia?
Hot and dry, with flat terrain suitable for mechanization.
What are the two primary black grape varieties in Puglia?
Primitivo and Negroamaro.
What are the characteristics of Negroamaro wines?
Full-bodied, medium tannins and acidity, with baked red and black fruit flavors.
What is Puglia’s most notable DOC for Negroamaro?
Salice Salentino DOC.
What are the characteristics of Primitivo wines?
Full-bodied, medium tannins, high alcohol, with pronounced ripe berry fruit flavors.
How are high-yield wines from Puglia classified?
As Puglia IGT, offering simple, fruity wines for early drinking.
What is Sicily’s dominant black grape variety?
Nero d’Avola.
What are the characteristics of Nero d’Avola wines?
Medium to full-bodied, medium acidity and tannins, with aromas of plums and black cherries.
What is the most important white wine grape in Sicily?
Catarratto, often used for simple white wines.
What is the primary DOC for higher-quality Sicilian wines?
Sicilia DOC.
What are the primary grape varieties in Etna DOC red wines?
Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio.
What are the characteristics of Etna DOC red wines?
High acidity, high tannins, with aromas of sour cherries, cranberries, raspberries, and dried herbs.
What are the characteristics of Etna DOC white wines?
Medium-bodied, high acidity, with citrus fruit flavors and a steely character.
How does altitude influence Etna DOC wines?
High-altitude vineyards create wines with freshness, high acidity, and aromatic complexity.
What are the traditional grape training systems in Southern Italy?
Bush-trained vines for protection from intense sun.
What is the role of mechanization in Puglia vineyards?
Flat terrain allows for efficient grape harvesting and production.
Why is night harvesting common in Sicily?
To slow oxidation and preserve freshness in the grapes.
What makes Aglianico one of the most prestigious Southern Italian grapes?
Its ability to produce age-worthy wines with high acidity and tannins.
What are the main international varieties planted in Sicily?
Chardonnay and Syrah.
What are the characteristics of Fiano wines?
Medium to full-bodied, with flavors of stone fruit, melon, and honey when aged.
How does Primitivo relate to Zinfandel?
They are genetically identical, producing bold, ripe wines.
How does the hot, dry climate impact Southern Italian wines?
Creates ripe, full-bodied wines with high alcohol and bold flavors.
What is the typical altitude of vineyards in Basilicata?
Vineyards are often planted at altitudes of 200 to 600 meters, with some reaching over 900 meters on the slopes of Monte Vulture.
What is Sicily IGT?
A classification for Sicilian wines that allows flexibility in grape varieties and winemaking techniques, producing both local and international styles.
How does altitude impact Aglianico del Vulture wines?
The high altitude slows grape ripening, preserving acidity and enhancing freshness and complexity.
