Trentodoc

Question 1

What is Trentodoc?

Answer 1

A trademarked name for traditional method wines made with Champagne varieties from the Trento DOC in Trentino.

Question 2

Who is credited with making the first traditional method wine from Chardonnay in Italy? In what year?

Answer 2

Giulio Ferrari in 1902

Question 3

What types of sites are grapes for Trentodoc grown on?

Answer 3

Hillside sites below high mountains

Question 4

Which grapes are used in Trentodoc wines? What is the most common?

Answer 4

Most wines are 100% Chardonnay, though Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc and Meunier are also used

Question 5

What is the typical character of Trentodoc wine?

Answer 5

Medium (+) to high acid

Medium alcohol

Aromas of ripe yellow apple and biscuity autolytic notes

Question 6

What is the quality and pricing of Trentodoc wine?

Answer 6

Very good to outstanding quality

Premium to super premium prices

Question 7

What is the climate of Trentodoc? Where in Italy is it located?

Answer 7

Warm continental with significant cooling influences from the Italian Alps

Trentodoc is entirely within Trentino in Italy’s Northeast

Question 8

What factors offer Trentodoc higher daytime temperatures than might be expected in northern Italy and at higher altitude?

Answer 8

The Alps block cool notherly winds

Lake Garda to the southwest moderates temperatures

Heat builds up in the valleys between high mountains during the growing season

Question 9

Is there a low or high diurnal range in Trentodoc? Why?

Answer 9

High diurnal range due to cold air descending the Alps at night

Question 10

How does the diurnal range in Trentodoc affect the grapes?

Answer 10

The high diurnal range helps the grapes retain the level of acid necessary for sparkling wine

Question 11

What is the general soil type of Trentodoc? How does this affect the growing season?

Answer 11

Stony, well-draining soils that become poorer in nutrients on steeper slopes. The vines there grow steadily and slowly over a long growing season.

Question 12

Where are vineyards in Trentodoc typically positioned?

Answer 12

On slopes above the valley floor between 400-700 meters ASL, though some are positioned at higher elevations.

Question 13

What effect does altitude have on Trentodoc grape ripening?

Answer 13

Due to the higher elevations, the grapes take longer to ripen, which leads to higher acidity and concentrated flavors

Question 14

When does harvest occur in Trentodoc relative to Franciacorta?

Answer 14

Trentodoc harvest is usually two weeks later than in Franciacorta

Question 15

True or False

Most of the viticultural work in Trentodoc can be done by machine

Answer 15

False. The slopes vineyards are planted on are not accessible to machinery

Question 16

What vine training methods are typical in Trentodoc?

Answer 16

Guyot on flatter sites, Pergola on steeper slopes

Question 17

What is the typical planting density in Trentodoc?

Answer 17

4,500 to 6,000 vines/ha

Question 18

True or False

Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are often co-planted in Trentodoc

Answer 18

False. Chardonnay is planted on cooler, flatter sites to maximize ripening duration while Pinot Noir is planted on warmer, south and southeast facing hills

Question 19

What are the main vine diseases in Trentodoc?

Answer 19

Downy mildew, powdery mildew, and botrytis (depending on the weather)

Question 20

True or False

The areas of Trentodoc most susceptible to spring frosts are the lower slopes and the valley floor

Answer 20

True

Question 21

Do growers in Trentodoc usually pick their grapes according to acidity or sugar levels?

Answer 21

Acidity, usually around 3.2 pH.

Question 22

When does harvest begin in Trentodoc?

Answer 22

Early September

Question 23

What is the maximum yield permitted in Trentodoc?

Answer 23

105 hL/ha, though most producers crop lower than this

Question 24

In what type of vessel does the primary fermentation normally occur in Trentodoc?

Answer 24

Stainless steel

Question 25

Is malolactic conversion typically permitted in Trentodoc winemaking? Why or why not?

Answer 25

Yes, because acid levels are high

Question 26

What method is used for the secondary fermentation of Trentodoc wines?

Answer 26

Traditional method

Question 27

Are the yeasts used in Trentodoc wines typically cultured or wild?

Answer 27

Cultured, including strains isolated by the regional oenology school

Question 28

Is the use of reserve wine common in Trentodoc?

Answer 28

Yes, among some companies in small amounts for non-vintage wines

Question 29

What is the minimum lees aging required for Trentodoc wines?

Answer 29

Non-vintage: 15 months, though many producers age for 20-30 months for more prominent toasty notes

Vintage: 24 months

Riserva: 36 months, though 5-10 years is frequent

Question 30

What are the sweetness levels permitted in Trentodoc wines?

Answer 30

Trento and Trento Rosato: any sweetness level (most are Brut)

Riserva: Brut Nature or Brut

Question 31

How many producers are there in Trentodoc? How many growers?

Answer 31

45 producers, numerous small growers

Question 32

How many companies are responsible for 95% of Trentodoc productuon?

Answer 32

4

Question 33

What is the largest producer of Trentodoc wines? How many hectares of land are under its control?

Answer 33

Ferrari, which owns 100 hectares of its own land and buys fruit from 500 hectares of land

Question 34

How many hectares are there in Trentodoc?

Answer 34

800

Question 35

How much of Trentodoc’s production is consumed in Italy?

Answer 35

80%

Question 36

What organization has Trentodoc sponsored in order to promote itself in export markets?

Answer 36

The Institute of Masters of Wine