Nebbiolo, Barbera, & Corvina

Question 1

Which mountain range runs along the northern border of Italy, protecting it from very cold, northerly winds?

Answer 1

The Alps

Question 2

Which river crosses all of northern Italy, starting in Piedmont and ending in Veneto?

Answer 2

Pò River

Question 3

Which region in Italy is famous for the Nebbiolo grape?

Answer 3

Piedmont in northwest Italy.

Question 4

Nebbiolo is the only black grape allowed in the wines from which 2 Piedmont DOCGs?

Answer 4

1. Barolo DOCG2. Barbaresco DOCG

Question 5

Describe the profile of Nebbiolo.

Answer 5

• Dry* Full body* High tannin* High acid* High alcohol* Red fruits (red cherry, plum)* Gentle florals (rose, violet)* Developing aromas include leather, truffles, tar/tobacco

Question 6

Barolo DOCG and Barbaresco DOCG are always matured in which of the following:* inert vessels like stainless steel* oak, new and/or used

Answer 6

Oak, new and/or used

Question 7

Why are Barolo and Barbaresco wines always matured in oak, whether it’s new or used?

Answer 7

Because Nebbiolo’s structure (high tannin, high acidity) makes it well suited for extended aging in wood.## FootnoteOak aging softens the tannins and helps the wine harmonize.

Question 8

Which direction do the vineyards of Barolo face?

Answer 8

South

Question 9

Which region in Italy has a high density of Barbera plantings?

Answer 9

Piedmont in the northwest.

Question 10

Describe the profile of Barbera.

Answer 10

• Dry* Medium to full body* Medium tannin* High acid* Plush red fruits (cherries, plums)* Occasional black pepper

Question 11

What is Barbera’s most famous DOCG?

Answer 11

Barbera d’Asti DOCG

Question 12

Name some reasons why a young Barbera is generally more approachable than young Nebbiolo.

Answer 12

Barbera displays:* Lower tannin* More ample, plush fruit* Many are unoaked and less complex## FootnoteThis also makes Barbera generally less age-worthy than Nebbiolo.

Question 13

Corvina is the most important black grape in which Italian region?

Answer 13

Veneto in the northeast.

Question 14

Describe the profile of Corvina.

Answer 14

• Dry to off-dry, depending on the DOC or DOCG* Light body (Valpolicella DOC) to Full body (Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG)* Low to medium tannin (can be high tannin for Amarone)* High acid* Red fruits (cherries, plums, fresh figs)* Gentle florals (Hibiscus)

Question 15

Name 4 important DOC/DOCGs in the Veneto whose wines are dominated by the black grape Corvina.

Answer 15

1. Valpolicella DOC2. Valpolicella Classico DOC3. Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG4. Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG

Question 16

Both Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG and Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG are made with _____ grapes.Which one is always going to be sweet?

Answer 16

Partially dried grapesRecioto della Valpolicella will always be sweet.

Question 17

Generally, how are appellations that have “Classico” appended to them different from non-Classico appellations (e.g. Soave/Soave Classico, Valpolicella/Valpolicella Classico)?

Answer 17

Classicos generally:* Will be from smaller, hilly areas* Will have more distinctive character, more body, and more complexity

Question 18

What winemaking technique is widely used in the Veneto region?

Answer 18

Appassimento## FootnoteHarvested grapes are dried on mats to concentrate sugars, acid, aroma and flavor characteristics.

Question 19

Name 3 appellations in the Veneto that use the appassimento technique.

Answer 19

1. Recioto di Soave DOCG (sweet white)2. Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG (sweet red)3. Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG (grapes only partially dried; dry to off-dry red)

Question 20

Describe the profile of Amarone della Valpolicella.

Answer 20

• Dry to off-dry* Full body* High alcohol (15%+ abv)* High tannin* High acid* Dried fruits (figs, raisins, prunes)* Ripe red fruits (cherries)## FootnoteAmarone shows both ripe and dried fruits because the grapes are only partially dried, not fully dried, prior to fermentation.