Umbria Flashcards
What is the signature red grape of Umbria?
Sagrantino (but only 7% of Umbria’s production, less than Sangiovese and Merlot)
In which Italian region is the Grechetto grape most notably grown?
Umbria, but actually two distinct varietals
Who was the major proponent of the revival of Sagrantino in the ‘60’s?
Marco Caprai [saGRA>caPRAi] [P]
Sagrantino is native to what area?
Montefalco, between Spoleto and Perugia in Umbria.
What is the basis of the confusion of labels that designate Grechetto?
Grechetto di Orvieto and Grechetto di Todi are two distinct varietals (albeit possibly related in a parent-offspring relationship.) ‘Grechetto’ is authorized or required in several DOCs, but not the intended varietal is not specified.
What is Umbria’s best known white wine?
Orvieto DOC, a blend of predominantly, at least 60%, Trebbiano Toscano and Grechetto. Some producers blend with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc and local grapes such as Verdello.
Describe the blend of Torgiano Rosso Riserva DOCG.
Sangiovese (50-70%) based red blend, 12.5% abv, required to age at least 3 years with a minimum of 6 months in bottle
What are the 2 DOCG’s in Umbria?
Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG and Torgiano Rosso Riserva DOCG
Describe the blend of Montefalco Rosso DOC.
60-70% Sangiovese, 10–15% Sagrantino, 15-30% others (including Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot) [not Sagrantino based!]
Name the only Italian wine region without access to either the sea or international borders
Umbria
What is the difference between the Orvieto DOC styles abboccato and amabile?
abboccato is slightly sweet and amabile is semisweet
What is the common synonym for Verdello?
None. Verdello is sometimes confused with Verdelho in Portugal, but Robinson asserts it has no relationship.
What is the meaning of Trebbiano?
‘Trebbiano’ is used for several distinct varieties; the most notable in terms of quantity (but not quality) is Trebbiano Toscano which is the same as Ugni Blanc (brought from Italy to Avignon with the Pope.)
What is the etymology of Verdello?
the green one, representing the greenish color of its berries just before maturity
Are sweet passito wines permitted in the Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG?
yes
In which wine region is Torgiano Rosso Riserva DOCG found?
Umbria
What are typical tasting notes for Grechetto wine?
citrus and white fruit flavours as well as a slightly herbal, almond character and a delicately creamy texture
Procanico is a synonym for what grape?
Umbrian synonym for Trebbiano Toscano
Who were the Umbri?
Ancient tribe from before the 1st millenium BCE from which Umbria takes its name.
Who founded the cities of Perugia and Orvieto?
Etruscans, after driving out Umbri
Who were the dominant forces in Umbria after the fall of the Roman Empire?
Ostrogoths and Byzantines, not favorable for viniculture traditions
Umbria was united by what power in the Middle Ages?
The papacy. Viticulture remained in the hands of the monasteries and was saved by the monks. The Papal States in the mid 16th century were stifled economically and wine production suffered.
What Umbrian wines were exported in the Middle Ages?
sweet white wines from Orvieto
Who was responsible for a revival of Umbrian wines in the 1960’s?
Lungarotti (in Torgiano with Rubesco label achieving international recognition) [P]
What is the only landlocked region in central and southern Italy?
Umbria
What is the climate of Umbria and what are the factors that influence it?
transitional between Mediterranean and continental; elevation, lack of direct access to the sea, Central Apennines block air from Adriatic Sea
Discuss rainfall in Umbria.
overall plentiful, more in the east near the Central Apennines; dry in the summer; ideal for truffles
Black truffles are produced in quantity in what region?
Umbria [trUffle]
Discuss Umbria’s topographical structure.
hills 70%, mountains 29%, rare plains, the most hilly Italian region [slightly more than Marche at 69%]
What is the longest river in central and southern Italy?
Tevere River [not Arno]
What is the largest lake in central and southern Italy?
Lake Trasimeno, fourth overall in size in Italy.
What is the difference between tufo/tuff, tuffeau, tufa?
Tufo/tuff is soft porous volcanic rock formed by ejected volcanic material; tuffeau is marine limestone (e.g. Loire), Tufa an another type of limestone formed by precipitation of calcium carbonate
Who is Marco Caprai?
the major proponent of Sagrantino in the ‘60’s; Arnoldo-Caprai is now a topshelf producer