Trentodoc Flashcards
What is Trentodoc?
A trademarked name for traditional method wines made with Champagne varieties from the Trento DOC in Trentino.
Who is credited with making the first traditional method wine from Chardonnay in Italy? In what year?
Giulio Ferrari in 1902
What types of sites are grapes for Trentodoc grown on?
Hillside sites below high mountains
Which grapes are used in Trentodoc wines? What is the most common?
Most wines are 100% Chardonnay, though Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc and Meunier are also used
What is the typical character of Trentodoc wine?
Medium (+) to high acid
Medium alcohol
Aromas of ripe yellow apple and biscuity autolytic notes
What is the quality and pricing of Trentodoc wine?
Very good to outstanding quality
Premium to super premium prices
What is the climate of Trentodoc? Where in Italy is it located?
Warm continental with significant cooling influences from the Italian Alps
Trentodoc is entirely within Trentino in Italy’s Northeast
What factors offer Trentodoc higher daytime temperatures than might be expected in northern Italy and at higher altitude?
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
Is there a low or high diurnal range in Trentodoc? Why?
High diurnal range due to cold air descending the Alps at night
How does the diurnal range in Trentodoc affect the grapes?
The high diurnal range helps the grapes retain the level of acid necessary for sparkling wine
What is the general soil type of Trentodoc? How does this affect the growing season?
Stony, well-draining soils that become poorer in nutrients on steeper slopes. The vines there grow steadily and slowly over a long growing season.
Where are vineyards in Trentodoc typically positioned?
On slopes above the valley floor between 400-700 meters ASL, though some are positioned at higher elevations.
What effect does altitude have on Trentodoc grape ripening?
Due to the higher elevations, the grapes take longer to ripen, which leads to higher acidity and concentrated flavors
When does harvest occur in Trentodoc relative to Franciacorta?
Trentodoc harvest is usually two weeks later than in Franciacorta
True or False
Most of the viticultural work in Trentodoc can be done by machine
False. The slopes vineyards are planted on are not accessible to machinery
What vine training methods are typical in Trentodoc?
Guyot on flatter sites, Pergola on steeper slopes
What is the typical planting density in Trentodoc?
4,500 to 6,000 vines/ha
True or False
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are often co-planted in Trentodoc
False. Chardonnay is planted on cooler, flatter sites to maximize ripening duration while Pinot Noir is planted on warmer, south and southeast facing hills
What are the main vine diseases in Trentodoc?
Downy mildew, powdery mildew, and botrytis (depending on the weather)
True or False
The areas of Trentodoc most susceptible to spring frosts are the lower slopes and the valley floor
True
Do growers in Trentodoc usually pick their grapes according to acidity or sugar levels?
Acidity, usually around 3.2 pH.
When does harvest begin in Trentodoc?
Early September
What is the maximum yield permitted in Trentodoc?
105 hL/ha, though most producers crop lower than this
In what type of vessel does the primary fermentation normally occur in Trentodoc?
Stainless steel
Is malolactic conversion typically permitted in Trentodoc winemaking? Why or why not?
Yes, because acid levels are high
What method is used for the secondary fermentation of Trentodoc wines?
Traditional method
Are the yeasts used in Trentodoc wines typically cultured or wild?
Cultured, including strains isolated by the regional oenology school
Is the use of reserve wine common in Trentodoc?
Yes, among some companies in small amounts for non-vintage wines
What is the minimum lees aging required for Trentodoc wines?
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
What are the sweetness levels permitted in Trentodoc wines?
Trento and Trento Rosato: any sweetness level (most are Brut)
Riserva: Brut Nature or Brut
How many producers are there in Trentodoc? How many growers?
45 producers, numerous small growers
How many companies are responsible for 95% of Trentodoc productuon?
4
What is the largest producer of Trentodoc wines? How many hectares of land are under its control?
Ferrari, which owns 100 hectares of its own land and buys fruit from 500 hectares of land
How many hectares are there in Trentodoc?
800
How much of Trentodoc’s production is consumed in Italy?
80%
What organization has Trentodoc sponsored in order to promote itself in export markets?
The Institute of Masters of Wine
