Veneto Flashcards
Which region is the most significant of the three that comprise the Tre Venezie and produces the most wine in Italy?
Veneto, with it’s capital in Venice
What characterizes much of Veneto’s lower-tier wine production?
An ocean of neutral, cheap Pinot Grigio (Pinot Gris) and sparkling wines
What proportion of Veneto’s wine production is of DOC quality, and what issues does the DOC system face?
Over a quarter of the production is DOC quality, but expansion into inferior areas fuels criticism and leads to lesser wines
What factors contribute to difficulties in raising the base level of quality in Veneto’s wine production?
Distressingly high yields and the presence of large mass-production wine companies
What famous and expensive luxury wine does Veneto produce?
Amarone della Valpolicella (Amarone)
What styles represent the height of complexity in the Valpolicella region?
Raisinated styles such as Amarone della Valpolicella and Recioto della Valpolicella
What are Valpolicella DOC wines primarily made from, and what is the percentage range for Corvina in the blend?
Made from 45-95% Corvina, blended with Rondinella
What are the characteristics of standard Valpolicella DOC wines?
Refreshing, lively, and uncomplicated
What distinguishes Valpolicella superiore wines from standard DOC wines?
They have a rounder character, higher minimum alcohol, and require a minimum of one year of aging
Where is the Valpolicella Classico region located, and what does it consist of?
Located at the western end of the appellation near Lake Garda, consisting of valleys surrounding the communes of Fumane, Marano, Negrar, Sant’Ambrogio, and San Pietro in Cariano
Which valleys in the eastern Valpolicella DOC can produce equally compelling wines, and which modernist is associated with this area?
The Valpantena and Illasi valleys, home to the modernist Romano Dal Forno
What trend is becoming more common throughout the hierarchy of Valpolicella wine styles?
Single vineyard (vigna) bottlings
What is the historical significance of the recioto style in Valpolicella?
Recioto was the precursor to modern Valpolicella wines and a historical specialty of the region
How does the production of Recioto della Valpolicella and Amarone differ from basic Valpolicella DOC wines?
Both are produced through the expensive appassimento process, where grapes are dried for over three months before fermentation
What are the varietal requirements for Recioto della Valpolicella wines?
They are identical to the basic Valpolicella DOC
How long are grapes destined for Recioto della Valpolicella typically dried, and what is the resulting wine like?
Dried for an additional month, resulting in a semi-sweet to sweet wine
What is the difference between Recioto della Valpolicella and Amarone in terms of fermentation?
Amarone is fermented to dryness or near-dryness, while Recioto is semi-sweet to sweet
What characteristics does the appassimento process add to the final wines?
Complex dried fruit tones, additional alcoholic warmth, and a round, glycolic mouthfeel
How long must Amarone age before release, and what variations exist in aging methods?
Amarone spends an additional two years aging. Some producers use new barriques, while others use large, neutral Slavonian botti.
When can Amarone be labeled as riserva?
If aged for a minimum of 4 years
When were Recioto della Valpolicella and Amarone della Valpolicella granted DOCG status?
In early 2010
What labeling options exist for Recioto della Valpolicella and Amarone della Valpolicella based on their origin?
They may be labeled as Classico or Valpantena if they originate in the respective areas