Southern Italy - WSET L3 in Wines

Question 1

What are the key regions in Southern Italy?

Answer 1

Campania, Basilicata, Puglia, and Sicily.

Question 2

What is the climate of Southern Italy?

Answer 2

Hot and dry inland, with coastal areas experiencing humidity.

Question 3

How do altitude and sea breezes influence Southern Italian vineyards?

Answer 3

Altitude cools the vineyards inland, while sea breezes moderate temperatures in coastal areas.

Question 4

What training system was traditionally used in Southern Italy?

Answer 4

Bush-trained vines, which protect grapes from sunburn.

Question 5

What are the most notable white grape varieties in Campania?

Answer 5

Fiano and Greco.

Question 6

What are the characteristics of Fiano di Avellino DOCG wines?

Answer 6

Medium acidity, medium to full body, with aromas of stone fruit, melon, and mango.

Question 7

How are Greco di Tufo DOCG wines different from Fiano?

Answer 7

Higher acidity, leaner body, with flavors of green apple, stone fruit, and passion fruit.

Question 8

What techniques are used to enhance texture in Greco di Tufo wines?

Answer 8

Lees stirring and occasional use of old oak.

Question 9

What is the key red grape variety in Campania?

Answer 9

Aglianico.

Question 10

What are the characteristics of Aglianico wines?

Answer 10

Deep color, high acidity, high tannins, with flavors of black fruit and earthy notes.

Question 11

What is the most prestigious wine made from Aglianico in Campania?

Answer 11

Taurasi DOCG.

Question 12

What is the primary grape variety of Basilicata?

Answer 12

Aglianico.

Question 13

What is Basilicata’s most famous appellation?

Answer 13

Aglianico del Vulture DOC.

Question 14

Where are Basilicata’s vineyards primarily located?

Answer 14

On high plains around the extinct volcano Monte Vulture.

Question 15

What makes Aglianico del Vulture DOC wines unique?

Answer 15

Their high altitude provides freshness, balancing the wine’s bold structure.

Question 16

What is the climate of Puglia?

Answer 16

Hot and dry, with flat terrain suitable for mechanization.

Question 17

What are the two primary black grape varieties in Puglia?

Answer 17

Primitivo and Negroamaro.

Question 18

What are the characteristics of Negroamaro wines?

Answer 18

Full-bodied, medium tannins and acidity, with baked red and black fruit flavors.

Question 19

What is Puglia’s most notable DOC for Negroamaro?

Answer 19

Salice Salentino DOC.

Question 20

What are the characteristics of Primitivo wines?

Answer 20

Full-bodied, medium tannins, high alcohol, with pronounced ripe berry fruit flavors.

Question 21

How are high-yield wines from Puglia classified?

Answer 21

As Puglia IGT, offering simple, fruity wines for early drinking.

Question 22

What is Sicily’s dominant black grape variety?

Answer 22

Nero d’Avola.

Question 23

What are the characteristics of Nero d’Avola wines?

Answer 23

Medium to full-bodied, medium acidity and tannins, with aromas of plums and black cherries.

Question 24

What is the most important white wine grape in Sicily?

Answer 24

Catarratto, often used for simple white wines.

Question 25

What is the primary DOC for higher-quality Sicilian wines?

Answer 25

Sicilia DOC.

Question 26

What are the primary grape varieties in Etna DOC red wines?

Answer 26

Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio.

Question 27

What are the characteristics of Etna DOC red wines?

Answer 27

High acidity, high tannins, with aromas of sour cherries, cranberries, raspberries, and dried herbs.

Question 28

What are the characteristics of Etna DOC white wines?

Answer 28

Medium-bodied, high acidity, with citrus fruit flavors and a steely character.

Question 29

How does altitude influence Etna DOC wines?

Answer 29

High-altitude vineyards create wines with freshness, high acidity, and aromatic complexity.

Question 30

What are the traditional grape training systems in Southern Italy?

Answer 30

Bush-trained vines for protection from intense sun.

Question 31

What is the role of mechanization in Puglia vineyards?

Answer 31

Flat terrain allows for efficient grape harvesting and production.

Question 32

Why is night harvesting common in Sicily?

Answer 32

To slow oxidation and preserve freshness in the grapes.

Question 33

What makes Aglianico one of the most prestigious Southern Italian grapes?

Answer 33

Its ability to produce age-worthy wines with high acidity and tannins.

Question 34

What are the main international varieties planted in Sicily?

Answer 34

Chardonnay and Syrah.

Question 35

What are the characteristics of Fiano wines?

Answer 35

Medium to full-bodied, with flavors of stone fruit, melon, and honey when aged.

Question 36

How does Primitivo relate to Zinfandel?

Answer 36

They are genetically identical, producing bold, ripe wines.

Question 37

How does the hot, dry climate impact Southern Italian wines?

Answer 37

Creates ripe, full-bodied wines with high alcohol and bold flavors.

Question 38

What is the typical altitude of vineyards in Basilicata?

Answer 38

Vineyards are often planted at altitudes of 200 to 600 meters, with some reaching over 900 meters on the slopes of Monte Vulture.

Question 39

What is Sicily IGT?

Answer 39

A classification for Sicilian wines that allows flexibility in grape varieties and winemaking techniques, producing both local and international styles.

Question 40

How does altitude impact Aglianico del Vulture wines?

Answer 40

The high altitude slows grape ripening, preserving acidity and enhancing freshness and complexity.