C29 - Southern Italy /checked Flashcards
(37 cards)
Describe the climate of Southern Italy
humidity, cooling factors (2)
- Hot and dry inland. Becoming humid near the coast
- ALTITUDE provides relief from some of the heat for those vineyards based in the APENNINES
- SEA BREEZES cool the vineyards on the flatter terrain of the Puglian peninsula
To which 2 areas of Southern Italy is grape-growing particularly important?
PUGLIA and SICILIA, where significant volumes of wine are made
What were the traditional training methods in the south of Italy?
Vines were BUSH-TRAINED low to the ground, with leaf cover protecting the grapes from sunburn
What kind of training is now most common in Southern Italy?
CORDON training and trellising
What are the benefits of cordon training and trellising in Puglia in particular?
These newer techniques allow for MECHANISATION on Puglia’s flat plain
What Region is home to more DOCGs than any other region in the south of Italy
CAMPANIA
What is the landscape like in Campania?
A varied landscape with mountains, valleys and coastal plains
What does Campania’s varied landscape mean viticulturally?
That a WIDE RANGE of black and white varieties can be grown here
Which 2 varieties arguably produce the best whites in Campania?
- Fiano
2. Greco
What Campania appellations produce the best examples of Fiano and Greco respectively? (2)
- Fiano d’Avellino DOCG
2. Greco di Tufo DOCG
Describe wines made from Fiano
body, acidity, aroma/flavour, oak, aroma/flavour aged
- Medium to full body
- Medium acidity
- Aromas of stone fruit, melons and mangos
- Usually early drinking
- Better example matured in oak and can be aged in bottle, developing notes of wax and honey
Describe wines from Greco (compared to Fiano)
body, acidity, aroma/flavour, aroma/flavour aged
- Leaner in body than Fiano
- More acidity than Fiano
- Green apple, stone fruit and passionfruit flavours
- The best examples age in bottle to develop aromas of honey and mushrooms
Describe winemaking for wines from Greco grapes
- mostly fermented in stainless steel
- some use of old oak and techniques such as lees-stirring to enhance texture
What is the most prestigious BLACK grape of Campania?
AGLIANICO
Describe Aglianico wines from Campania
colour, acidity, tannin, aroma/flavour, aroma/flavour aged
- Deep colour
- High acidity
- High tannins
- Flavours of black fruit
- Matured in oak and can age in bottle to develop earthy, forest floor notes
What Campania DOCG is considered the best Aglianico ?
Taurasi DOCG
Describe Basilicata
- Extremely MOUNTAINOUS region where vineyards can reach 900 metres, especially on the HIGH PLAIN that surrounds the extinct volcano of MONTE VULTURE
What is the principal grape of Basilicata?
AGLIANICO
What Basilicata DOCG is considered the best Aglianico?
Aglianico del Vulture DOCG
Describe Puglia
A vast agricultural area where large volumes of grapes are grown
What colour grapes dominate Puglia?
Why?
Black grapes
Because of Puglia’s hot climate
What are the most notable grapes of Puglia? (2)
- Negroamaro
2. Primitivo
Describe Puglia’s grapes when grown at high altitudes.
How are they classified (what PGI)?
- simple, fruity wines for early drinking
Puglia IGT
Under what circumstances can Negroamaro produce high quality wines in Puglia?
When yields are controlled
