Veneto Flashcards
Where is Veneto located?
In northeastern Italy
from the southern end of Lake Garda to Venice,
and from the Alpine foothills to the Po River Valley and the Adriatic sea.
True or False
Veneto is Italy’s largest wine producing region
In most years, true.
What wines are Veneto known for?
Prosecco
Pinot Grigio
Valpolicella and its numerous denominations
Soave DOC
What is the climate in Veneto? How much rainfall does it receive?
Warm and moderate continental with moderate rainfall (??? 1,152mm on average. Compared to 1,200mm in Friuli, which is high according to WSET ???)
Valpolicella sees 900-1,100 mm of annual rainfall, which is still pretty high. Maybe the quality wine regions are moderate?
What are the climatic influences in Veneto?
Cool air descending from the Alpine foothills and from Lake Garda
Moist air and fog from the River Adige and the plains of the Po River
What risks are there in the flat areas of Veneto? Why?
Mildew and disease due to the moisture found there. Esca is becoming a significant problem.
True or False
Soils in Veneto are relatively low in fertility
False. Veneto is known for fertile soils, especially in the plains.
What distinguishes the hillside sites of Veneto from vineyard sites in the plains?
Better drainage and less fertile soils.
What are the six most planted varieties in Veneto (in order)?
Glera Garganega Merlot Corvina Pinot Grigio Cabernet Sauvignon
What wine is Glera typically made with in Veneto?
Prosecco. The Prosecco delle Venezia DOC includes Veneto, Trentino, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. This is covered in D4.
How is Merlot typically used in Veneto?
As a blending component with other local varieties for inexpensive wines for the local market.
What varieties are typically found on the more fertile plains of Veneto? What types of still wine are produced there?
International varieties such as Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Merlot. Corvina, Garganega, and Trebbiano can also be found here.
The wines are usually simple, fruity, inexpensive, and high volume and labeled Veneto IGP.
Where is Soave located? What is its geography?
East of Verona with foothills in the northern part of the region and the plain of the Adige River in the south.
What type of soils can be found in the foothills of Soave? What effect do they have on viticulture?
Limestone and clay, generally in the western part of the region
Volcanic (basalt) rocks, generally in the eastern part of the region
These soils are cool and, alongside the effects of higher altitude, help to slow down ripening while preserving acidity.
What is the principle grape variety of Soave?
Garganega
What are the viticultural characteristics of Garganega?
Mid to late budding
Late ripening
Vigorous, very productive.
It is sensitive to winter frosts, mildew, and botrytis.
What is the typical training system used for Garganega in Veneto? How is it harvested?
Pergola is the traditional training system but now may be trellised. It is hand harvested in the foothills and machine harvested in the plains.
What is the typical character of Soave wines?
Dry white wine with high acid, medium body, and medium intensity lemon, apple/pear, and white pepper aromas.
Very ripe examples can show stone fruit.
The best examples can age and develop almond and honey aromas.
What is the typical quality and pricing of Soave wines?
Good to very good and inexpensive to mid-priced.
Top productions are very good to outstanding and mid to premium priced.
What types of soil may be found in the plains of Soave?
What quality of wine is produced there?
Fertile sandy and alluvial soils.
The wine is fruity with medium acidity and intended to be drunk young.
What are the DOC/DOCG denominations within Soave?
Soave DOC
Soave Classico DOC
Soave Superiore DOCG
Recioto di Soave DOCG
What grapes are allowed in Soave DOC?
70% (min) Garganega,
30% (max) of Trebbiano di Soave (Verdicchio) or Chardonnay.
Up to 5% of the 30% may be any other approved white variety.
These requirements extend to all of the wines produced for Soave DOC/DOCG appellations.
What is the maximum yield permitted in Soave DOC wines?
105 hL/ha
When may Soave DOC wines be released to consumers?
After December 1 of the same year of harvest.