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Italian Wine Scholar: Northern Italy > Veneto > Flashcards

Veneto Flashcards

1
Q

What is Tre Venezie/Triveneto?

A

Tre Venezie or Triveneto (three Venices) is a macro-area encompassing:
* Veneto
* Trentino-Alto Adige
* Friuli Venezia Giulia

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2
Q

Which region in the Tre Venezie/Triveneto is the largest and most populated?

A

Veneto

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3
Q

What is the capital of Veneto?

A

Venice

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4
Q

What was the La Serenissima?

A

La Serenissima, “the most serene” (Venice) was a powerful Maritime Republic that ruled over a large tract of territory in northeast Italy fo 1,000 years.

It’s legacy and its role as a major maritime trade center in the Mediterranean shaped a deep-seated commercial and cosmopolitan attitutde among the Veneti people. This resulted in an inclination towards wine exports as early as the Middle Ages and an open acceptance of foreign grapes since the beginning of the 19th century.

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5
Q

Which wine region is Italy’s most productive?

A

Veneto

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6
Q

What percentage of Italy’s total DOC/G wine production does Veneto account for?

A

25% of Italy’s total DOC/G wine production.

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7
Q

How much of Veneto’s total wine production falls within the DOC/G categories? How much for IGT?

A

DOC/G: More than 50%.
IGT: approx. 25-30%

The rest falls under the generic wine category.

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8
Q

How does Veneto’s wine production size compare to that of Piemonte and Toscana?

A

Although Piemonte and Toscana have a larger number of total DOC/G appellations, Veneto is the country’s largest DOC/G producer by volume.

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9
Q

How does Veneto’s amount of area under vine compare to other regions in Italy.

A

Veneto has the 3rd largest area under vine; approx. 200,000ac/80,000ha.
Only Sicilia and Puglia have more.

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10
Q

How does Veneto compare to Piemonte and Toscana in number of DOC/Gs?

A

Total DOCs/DOCGs
1. Piemonte
2. Toscana
3. Veneto

Total DOCGs
1. Piemonte
2. Veneto
3. Toscana

Total DOCs
1. Piemonte
2. Toscana
3. Veneto

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11
Q

How is the importance of wine to Veneto’s regional economy and culture made manifest?

A
  • Veneto’s annual capita wine consumption ranks among Italy’s highest
  • Verona hosts Vinitaly; Italy’s principal wine fair and the world’s largest international wine event
  • Conegliano is home to the Scuola Enologica di Conegliano (Enological School of Conegliano); one of Italy’s first and most important academies of viticulture and enology. The school was established in 1876
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12
Q

Which Veneto wines gained an international reputation in the 1970s and 1980s?

A
  • Valpollicella
  • Soave

These wines began a slow slide into mediocrity as high demand resulted in neutral, simple versions.

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13
Q

Which appellations led Veneto’s quality renaissance in the 1990s?

A
  • Valpolicella
  • Soave
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14
Q

What is wine production like in Veneto in terms of style and quality?

A

The array of wines and wine styles produced are particularly wide.
Veneto produces well-made, mass-produced and price-conscious bottlings.
But, now producers are increasingly focused on native varieties, terroirs and the identification of single-vineyard sits or crus in their quest for excellence and commercial success.

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15
Q

Which peoples settled in Veneto before the 9th century?

A

The Veneti; they achieved a strong ethnic, cultural and political identity.

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16
Q

How did the Veneti people learn to cultivate vines and make wine?

A

They learned from the neighboring Rhaeti and Etruscans.

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17
Q

What is the legend of the Veneti people?

A

They migrated from Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) to northeast Italy after the fall of Troy.

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18
Q

Who did the Veneti people form an alliance with to receive protection from raiders?

A

An alliance was formed with Rome to receive protection from the raiding Celtic tribes.

This alliance was successful and Julius Caesar granted the Veneti full Roman citizenship in 49BC.

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19
Q

How did the Romans contribute to viticulture and winemaking in Veneto?

A

The Romans:
* initiated improvements in viticulture and winemaking
* expanded the vineyards
* increased wine production

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20
Q

Which 2 local wines were highly prized during Roman times and are considered the ancestors of the sweet recioto wines produced in Veneto today?

A
  1. Retico
  2. Acinatico
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21
Q

What happened to Veneto after the collapse of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century AD?

A

The Lombards crossed the Alps (568AD) and took control of most of northern Italy.
Veneto was divided into 2 territories:
1. the mainland area controlled by the Lombards
2. the coastal area that remained under the control of the Byzantines (the Eastern Roman Empire)

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22
Q

How did viticulture fair in Veneto after the invasion of the Lombards in the 5th century?

A

Viticulture went into a steep decline, rallyiing only with the rise of Venice as a major maritime trade center and military power.

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23
Q

When did Venice achieve official independence from Byzantine?

A

In the 9th century; and then transitioned into a Republic governed by an elected Doge (Head of State).

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24
Q

How much control did Venice acquire over the surrounding areas after establishing themselves as a Republic?

A

Venice gradually took control of Veneto, as well as Friuli, part of Lombardia and a portion of the territories that now correspond to Slovenia and Croatia.

Its Hegemony lasted for more than a millenium and influenced the lifestyle, culture and architecture of the territories controlled.

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25
Q

What was the state of wine production in Veneto during the early- to mid-Renaissance (13th and 14th centuries)?

A

The wine trade flourished. The vine, already among the most widely cultivated crops in Veneto, became even more dominant with Venice in control.

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26
Q

How was Venice politically and commercially influenced by outside factors in the 17th century?

A

Venice faded politically and commercially due to:
* Ottoman Empire in the eastern Mediterranean
* new sea routes to Asia
* exploration of the Americas

This decline in power was detrimental to wine production and exports.

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27
Q

What occurrence in 1709 almost ended the wine industry in Veneto?

A

The winter freeze; most of the vines were destroyed by cold.

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28
Q

How did Veneto’s independence of more than 1,000 year come to an end in 1797?

A

Napoleon invaded northern Italy and occupied Veneto.

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29
Q

What happened to Veneto after the defeat of Napoleon?

A

The Austrian Empire assumed control of Venice and the majority of Veneto.

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30
Q

When was Veneto annexed by the Kingdom of Italy?

A

1866

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31
Q

When did the first hints of any kind of recovery for viticulture and winemaking begin in Veneto?

A

With the establishment of the Enological School of Conegliano in 1876.

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32
Q

What were some of the first tasks assigned to the Enological School of Conegliano after it was first established?

A

To find remedies for:
* Oidium
* Phylloxera
* Downy mildew

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33
Q

What affect did WWI have on Veneto?

A

Veneto became a major battlefield. The destruction and poverty resulted in considerable emigration of the local populace.

WWII brought more of the same.

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34
Q

When was Veneto truly able to recover from WWI and WWII?

A

1960s; prosperity and economic growth came quickly.

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35
Q

Where is Veneto located?

A

Topographically, Veneto is situated between the Alps to the north, the Adriatic Sea to the southeast, the Padana Plain to the south, and Lake Garda to the west. The coast facing the Adriatic Sea includes the famous Venetian Lagoon with its marshlands and numerous tiny islands.

Administratively, Veneto is bordered by Friuli Venezia Giulia to the north-east, by Emilia-Romagna to the south and by Lombardia to the west. The north is almost entirely bordered by Trentino-Alto Adige, except for the small northeastern corner that adjoins Austria.

36
Q

The most important wine districts within each province have developed around which major cities of Veneto?

A
  1. Verona
  2. Vicenza
  3. Padova
  4. Treviso
  5. Venezia
37
Q

Veneto can be divided, topographically and geographically, into what 3 main macro-areas?

A
  1. The Alpine Area (29%)
  2. The Hills (15%)
  3. The Plains (56%)
38
Q

What areas of Veneto are located in the “Alpine” area (mountains)?

A

The northern portion fo Veneto is completely mountainous and is comprised of the famous Dolomiti and the Venetian Prealps.
This area accounts 29% of Veneto’s total territory.
Very few vineyards (approx. 2% are planted in the Alpine area.

39
Q

Where in Veneto are the “Hills” located?

A

The hills comprise a strip of land at the foothills of the Venetian Prealps and run parallel to them stretching northeast from Lake Garda to the border with Friuli Venezia Giulia.
Lying outside this band in the middle of the region, but included into the “Hills” macro-area are the Colli Berici and Colli Euganei.
The “Hills” covers 15% of Veneto’s total territory and accounts for almost 40% of the total area under vine.
It includes the well-known appellations of:
* Bardolino
* Valpolicella
* Soave
* Conegliano Valdobbiadene

40
Q

Where in Veneto are the “Plains” located?

A

Vast, flat and fertile plains cover much of the east-central and southern part of Veneto and include the flat coastline.
Together, they account for 56% of the region’s total territory.
Almost 60% of Veneto’s vineyards are located on the plains.

41
Q

The plains of Veneto are crossed by many important rivers. What are they?

A
  1. Brenta
  2. Piave
  3. Livenza
  4. Tagliamento
  5. Adige
  6. Po

The Brenta, Piave, Livenz and Tagliamento rivers originate in the Alps, flow across the northern and central part of the region and empty into the Adriatic Sea.
The Livenza and Tagliamento rivers form part of the eastern border with Friuli Venezia Giulia.
The Adige and Po rivers flow parallel across the southern part of Veneto and both empty into the Adriatic Sea.
The Po River forms the southern border with Emilia-Romagna.

42
Q

What is the general climate of Veneto?

A

Moderately continental
The region becomes more continental with greater distance from the sea and the Lake.
The plains are continental, the foothills are semi-continental.

43
Q

Which topographical features in Veneto influence the climate?

A

The Alps act as a barrier against the cold north winds & serve to trap the warm air that travels up from the southern plains and the Adriatic Sea.
The presence of the Adriatic Sea and Lake Garda (to a lesser extent) both temper the region’s climate.

44
Q

What are the 4 main climatic zones in Veneto?

A
  1. The Alpine Area: Altitude and mountains equate to an Alpine climate with cool, rainy summers and cold, snowy winters.
  2. The Hilly Area: Semi-continental due to the combination of elevation, Alpine air masses and trapped warmth coming from the southern plains, the Adriatic Sea and Lake Garda. This zone is marked by considerable diurnal temperature variation which is beneficial for maintaining aromatic complexity and acidity in the grapes.
  3. The Plains: Continental climate, with hot, muggy summers and cold, humid winters. Temperatures can exceed easily 86F/30C and often reach 95F/35C. The high level of humidity promotes the formation of thick fogs in winter and mists in summer.
  4. The Coastal Plains: More Mediterranean climate thanks to the proximity to the Adriatic Sea. The mildest climatic conditions in Veneto. Winters are mild, while summers are warm and humid. The summer heat is partially moderated by sea breezes.
45
Q

How much annual rainfall does Veneto receive?

A

Rainfall levels vary across the region.
Plains & coast: lowest levels with an average of 20-35in/500-900mm.
Hills: average of 35-50in/900-1,250mm

Rainfalls increase going north.

46
Q

What sort of threats to the vines/crops are present in Veneto?

A

The northern/central area is often affected by hail. Growers are increasingly utilizing nets to protect the vines and crops.
Rain at harvest can be a recurrent issue.
The hills are particularly prone to both.

47
Q

How much of Veneto’s grape production are red or white?

A

Veneto’s grape varieties are almost equally divided between white and red.

48
Q

What percentage of Veneto’s cultivated grape varieties are native or Italian grapes?

A

More than 60%.

Among them, the indigenous Glera, Garganega and Corvina Veronese account for almost half of Veneto’s total plantings.

49
Q

The western Veneto is largely and traditionally planted to what grapes?

A

Native grapes; the vineyards are dominated by Garganega and Corvina Veronese.

50
Q

In central/eastern Veneto, which varieties are considered to be traditional?

A

Bordeaux grape varieties; first planted in 1830s and taking on greater importance after phylloxera struck. Native varieties became rare or even disappeared.
* Merlot: one of the most widely planted red varieties in Veneto & Veneto has Italy’s largest plantings of this grape.
* Cabernet Sauvignon
* Cabernet Franc: historically planted in more significant numbers has been eclipsed by Cabernet Sauvignon.

51
Q

Which variety in Veneto became a major presence in the 1970s as a result of the success of the Santa Margherita label?

A

Pinot Grigio

Veneto lays claim to Italy’s largest plantings of this grape.

52
Q

Other than Pinot Grigio, what are some widely planted international white varietals in central/eastern Veneto?

A
  • Chardonnay
  • Pinot Bianco
  • Sauvignon Blanc
53
Q

Other than Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon/Franc, what are some widely planted international red varietals in central/eastern Veneto?

A
  • Pinot Nero
  • Carmenere
  • Malbec (Malbech in Italy)

Veneto is home to Italy’s largest plantings of Carmenere & Malbec (Carmenere formly being confused with Cab. Franc in the past).

54
Q

What varietal(s) are found in a wine labeled simply “Cabernet”?

A
  • Cabernet Franc
  • Cabernet Sauvignon

As with most other regions in northeastern Italy.

55
Q

Which local white grape varieties are found in central/eastern Veneto?

A
  1. Glera
  2. Raboso Piave
  3. Vespaiola
  4. Durella
  5. Verduzzo Trevigiano (eastern Veneto)
56
Q

Rank the most widely planted grape varieties in Veneto.

A
  1. Glera (28%)
  2. Garganega (13%)
  3. Pinot Grigio (12%)
  4. Merlot (9%)
  5. Corvina (8)
  6. Chardonnay (4%)
  7. Cabernet Sauvignon (4%)
  8. Rondinella (3%)
  9. Cabernet Franc (3%)
  10. Corvinone (1%)
  11. Pinot Bianco (1%)

Others (14%)

57
Q

Name the native and tradional red varieties of Veneto.

A
  1. Corvina (or Corvina Veronese)
  2. Rondinella
  3. Corvinone
  4. Molinara
  5. Oseleta
  6. Raboso Piave

Others:
* Tai Rosso (biotype of Cannonau)
* Negrara Veronese
* Raboso Veronese
* Schiava
* Dindarella
* Marzemino
* Barbera
* Sangiovese
* Wildbacher
* Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso
* Rossignola
* Cavrara
* Tuchetta
* Recantina
* Casetta
* Enantio

58
Q

Corvina (Corvina Veronese) is the primary (and superior) grape of which regions in Veneto?

A
  1. Valpolicella
  2. Bardolino

Produced in the province of Verona, hence the moniker, Veronese.

59
Q

Where is the Corvina grape native to?

A

It is generally considered an ancient variety native to Verona. Although there is little historical evidence.

60
Q

DNA analysis has shown that Corvina is genetically realted to which grape varieties?

A
  • Rondinella
  • Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso
  • Marzemino
61
Q

What are the characteristics of the Corvina grape?

A
  • late-budding
  • mid- to late-ripening
  • thick skin (making it suitable for appassimento)
62
Q

What are the characteristics of wines produced from the Corvina grape?

A

Medium intensity of colour, bright acidity, light to moderate tannins and light to medium body. They show typical aromas of sour cherry, violet, aromatic herbs and bitter almonds.

63
Q

Traditionally, Corvina has been used as the principal componenet of what blends?

A
  • Valpolicella
  • Bardolino

Although, as of of the 1990s, a few producers have made high-quality, barrel-aged, 100% Corvina bottlings of note.

64
Q

How long has the Rondinella grape been grown in Veneto?

A

This native variety has been grown for centuries in the province of Verona. Although, it was not officially documented until the late 19th century.

65
Q

The Rondinella grape is used to produce which wines in Veneto?

A

Rondinella is a common secondary blending partner in the wines of:
* Valpolicella
* Bardolino

66
Q

Rondinella is the offspring of which popular Veneto variety?

A

Corvina

67
Q

What are the strengths and benefits of growing Rondinella?

A
  • easy to grow
  • resistant to disease, cold & drought
  • adaptable to a variety of soils & growing conditions
  • very productive

Its resistance to fungal diseases makes it ideal for appassimento vinification.

68
Q

What characteristics does the Rondinella grape contribute to wines in Veneto?

A

Rondinella provides cherry aromas, is low in tannin and light in body. It lacks the character and elegance of Corvina.

69
Q

Which variety was Corvinone mistakenly considered to be a clonal mutation of?

A

Corvina; DNA profiling has recealed that the two varieties are completely distinct and are not even closely related.

70
Q

What does the name Corvinone reference?

A

Corvinone (big Corvina) was a reference to its bigger berry size and looser clusters (compared to Corvina).

71
Q

How is the Corvinone grape traditionally grown and vinified?

A

Corvinone is usually co-planted with Corvina.
It has traditionally been incorporated into the Valpolicella and Bardolino blends.

72
Q

What characteristics does the Corvinone grape contribute to red wine blends?

A

It provides higher tannins than Corvina.
Through the appassimento process, it adds:
* structure
* body
* meaty-savory notes

73
Q

How important is the Corvinone grape variety to the red blends of Valpolicella and Bardolino?

A

Its contribution is considered essential by producers and its use has become widespread. However, it use is officially limited to a fixed proportion.

74
Q

What is the meaning behind the name “Molinara”?

A

This native grape’s name is derived from the Italian word mulino (mill). There is a white bloom that covers the berries resembling a dusting of flour.

75
Q

Which grape variety previously considered to be a classic component of Valpolicella has gradually been phased out of mandatory inclusion due to light pigmentation and insufficient character?

A

Molinara; however, it contributes acidity to the blend and some producers still consider it important for the balance it brings to powerful Amarones.

76
Q

Which ancient Veronese grape was almost extinct by the 1970s due to its low and inconsistent yields?

A

Oseleta

The variety has attracted new interest thanks to the producer Masi, who rediscovered/replanted Oseleta in the 1980s.

77
Q

What does the Oseleta bring to red blends?

A

Small additions of Oseleta can improve the structure of a blend.
It is increasingly used in the production of Valpolicella to add colour and tannin.

78
Q

What are the defining characteristics of the Raboso Piave variety?

A

It is a very tannic and acidic variety.

79
Q

What is the historic home of Raboso Piave?

A

The alluvial plain of the Piave River.

80
Q

What is the Raboso Piave grape called around Padova?

A

Friularo or Friularo di Bagnoli.

81
Q

What is the meaning behind the name of Raboso Piave?

A

The name Raboso could be derived from the Italian word rabbioso (angry) due to the harsh character of the wines or from the Piave’s tributary, Raboso.

82
Q

Why did Raboso Piave fall out of favour from the 1950s onwards?

A
  • its rough nature
  • it is difficult to manage in the vineyard and in the winery

Merlot gained favour in its stead.

83
Q

Since the 1980s, there has been a revival of interest from local producers who want to re-establish the ancient reputation of Raboso Piave. What methods are producers implementing to improve the quality of these wines?

A
  • fully ripe (or slightly overripe) grapes
  • careful vinification
  • adequate aging time (in both oak and bottle)
  • grapes may even be air-dried for a few weeks to provide wines with better balance

Together these methods tame the astringent tannins and high acidity.

84
Q

What are the characteristics of wines produced from Raboso Piave?

A

Deep colour and complex aromas of bright berry fruits, violet, tobacco and leather.

85
Q

Which variety has the Raboso Piave grape often been confused with?

A

Raboso Veronese; it is a similar but lesser quality grape that, although related, is a distinct variety.
The two plantes are often co-planted, but Raboso Piave represents 90% of all Raboso plantings.

86
Q

Name the Native and Traditional white varieties of Veneto.

A
  1. Glera
  2. Garganega
  3. Vespaiola
  4. Manzoni Bianco
  5. Durella
  6. Verduzzo Trevigiano

Others:
* Trebbiano di Soave
* Pinella
* Bianchetta Trevigiana
* Moscato Giallo
* Moscato Bianco
* Trebbiano Toscano
* Perera
* Verdiso
* Tai (Friulano)
* Cortese
* Riesling Italico
* Malvasia
* Malvasia Istriana
* Marzemina Bianca
* Boschera
* Glera Lunga
* Verduzzo Friulano

Italian Wine Scholar: Northern Italy (21 decks)

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