Italy - Abruzzo Flashcards
Which varieties and yields are permitted in Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC?
Both Toscano and Abruzzese. The former is thought to be of lower quality (lower intensity).
98hL/ha, leading to many wines of light intensity.
How are Trebbiano d’Abruzzo wines typically made, and whats the typical profile?
Protectively with cool temperatures.
Ambient or cultured yeasts.
MLC typically blocked to preserve acidity.
Typically aged in steel.
Acceptable to good, though some outstanding, eg, Valentini (super-premium) and Masciarelli
What are requirements for Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo, and how is it typically made?
Minimum 85% Montepulciano.
Historically medium pink (much deeper than modern day rosés) but nowadays often made to be lighter intensity.
Can be made either with short maceration (generally up to 12 hours) or direct pressing.
Some producers make rosé as a by-product of their red wine (saignée, which are medium to medium (+) bodied).
Maceration times are generally always short as Montepulciano is rich in anthocyanins, and too much extraction of colour is avoided.
What is general winemaking of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo?
Made in two styles, as in the Marche.
The naturally high tannins may be softened with lighter extraction. As the variety is rich in anthocyanins, a short extraction will still achieve medium colour intensity.
Some producers blend up to 15% Merlot or Primitivo to compliment the wine.
High-quality wines will be given extended time in barrel to soften the tannins and will benefit from bottle ageing too.
Large oak vessels are most common, with some producers using small French oak barriques for their top wines.
What are the differences in yields between the three levels of Montepulciano?
D’Abruzzo: 98
Five official sub zones: 66
Colline Teramane Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOCG: 66
What are the differences in ageing requirements between the three levels of Montepulciano?
D’Abruzzo: no requirements
Five official sub zones: 18m (9 in oak)
Colline Teramane Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOCG: 24m (12 in oak)
What is Colline Teramane?
A former subzone of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC, but now the DOCG Colline Teramane Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOCG.
What is unusual about Montepulciano d’Abruzzo requirements?
DOC wines do not have to be bottled in the region of origin, leading to criticism that this contributes to lower quality standards and the use of wine from Abruzzo to add colour and alcohol to red wines in other regions and countries.
What is the typical profile of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo?
Deep ruby in colour, medium intensity red cherry and plum fruited, medium (+) body and high tannins. Inexpensive to mid.
At the mid price level wines may see some oak.
DOCG wines are very good and premium.
