Italy - CMS Intro Somm Flashcards
1
Q
Who produced wine in Italy before the rise of the Romans?
A
Etruscans and Greek settlers
They developed the ancient world’s most extensive wine culture.
2
Q
By which century does evidence indicate that vines were widely planted across the Italian peninsular “boot”?
A
3rd century
There was special concentration in areas close to Rome.
3
Q
What contributes to the astonishing array of wines Italy offers today?
A
Innumerable indigenous varieties that have been protected by proud local wine cultures
They are also popularized worldwide in tandem with the country’s famous cuisine.
4
Q
How many regions is Italy made of?
A
Twenty.
Very independent regions.
5
Q
What large expanse do Italy’s 20 wine regions cover?
A
From the snowcapped northern Alpine regions — bordering Austria and Switzerland — down to a latitude that is actually south of the northern edge of the African continent.
6
Q
What seas lie on the west, south, and east of the Italian peninsula?
A
- Tyrrhenian and Ligurian Seas (west)
- Ionian Sea (south)
- Adriatic Sea (east)
7
Q
What geographical feature runs down the center of the Italian peninsula?
A
The Apennine Mountains.
8
Q
Which countries border the northern Alpine regions of Italy?
A
Austria and Switzerland.
9
Q
What impact do the Apennine Mountains have on Italian viticulture?
A
They diversify the altitudes for vine planting and separate regions in a way that has historically protected the distinctiveness of regional varieties and wine styles.
10
Q
Fill in the blank: The peninsula of Italy lies between the _______ and Ligurian seas on the west.
A
Tyrrhenian
11
Q
True or False: The Apennine Mountains contribute to the distinctiveness of regional varieties and wine styles in Italy.
A
True
12
Q
What is the climate range in Italy?
A
Spans from cool, continental in the north to warm Mediterranean in the south
13
Q
What is notable about the topography/aspect of Italy?
A
Italy is capped in the north by the Alps and defined lengthwise by the spine of the Apennine Mountains
14
Q
What mountain range caps Italy in the north?
A
Alps
15
Q
What geographical feature defines Italy lengthwise?
A
Apennine Mountains
16
Q
How many registered grape varieties are there in Italy?
A
1,300 registered grape varieties
Hundreds of these are indigenous to Italy.
17
Q
What is the remarkable total of registered vineyards in Italy?
A
900,000 registered vineyards
18
Q
How are Italian wines without geographic indication labeled?
A
Vino
19
Q
What kinds of wine are labeled as Vino in Italy?
A
These are generic wines that can be blanco, rosso or rosato and labeled with or without a vintage
20
Q
What is the least restrictive Italian designation with geographic indication?
A
Indicazione Geografica Protetta (IGP)
Includes Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT)
21
Q
What is the most restrictive Italian designation?
A
Denominazione di Origine Protetta (DOP)
Includes DOC and DOCG
22
Q
What is notable about Italian wines with geographic indication?
A
A producer may choose which term to use depending on one’s classification within the “old” system, meaning producers in a traditional DOCG zone most likely will not use the DOP acronym.
23
Q
What does DOC stand for in the context of Italian wine?
A
Denominazione di Origine Controllata
24
Q
In what year was the DOC system introduced in Italy?
A
1963
25
What is the primary purpose of the DOC system in Italy?
To formalize and protect Italian wine appellations
26
What are the Italian wine classifications from top to bottom?
* Denominazione de Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG)
* Denominazione di Origine (DOC)
* Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT)
* Vino
27
What does Classico mean in the context of Italian Label Terminology?
A traditional, theoretically superior vineyard area within a DOC or DOCG
28
What does Riserva mean in the context of Italian Label Terminology?
Means “reserve” and is legally defined. This term usually indicates extended ageing (in cask, then bottle) and can denote lower yields and higher alcohol depending on the appellation.
29
What does Superiore mean in the context of Italian Label Terminology?
Denotes higher level of alcohol or longer aging depending on the appellation
30
What does Spumante mean in the context of Italian Label Terminology?
Sparkling
31
What does Frizzante mean in the context of Italian Label Terminology?
Lightly sparkling
32
What does Metodo Classico mean in the context of Italian Label Terminology?
Traditional method for making sparkling wines
33
What does Secco mean in the context of Italian Label Terminology?
Dry
34
What does Amabile mean in the context of Italian Label Terminology?
Off-dry
35
What does Dolce mean in the context of Italian Label Terminology?
Sweet
36
What does Recioto/Passito mean in the context of Italian Label Terminology?
Wine made from dried grapes that is often sweet
37
What are the sections of Northern Italy?
* Piedmont
* Lombardy
* Trentino-Alto Adige
* Veneto
* Friuli-Venezia-Giulia
* Emilia-Romagna
38
Where is Piedmont located?
Northwestern Italy, bordering France and Switzerland
39
What does the word 'Piedmont' mean in French?
'Foot of the mountain'
40
Which mountain ranges cradle the Piedmont region in Italy?
* The Alps to the north and west
* The Apennines to the south and east
41
What is Italy's most important river?
* The verdant Po River
## Footnote
This river begins in Piedmont.
42
The Po River begins in _______.
Piedmont
43
What type of climate does Piedmont, Northern Italy have?
Continental
## Footnote
A rain shadow effect from the Alps protecting the wine region
44
What influences the climate in Piedmont, Northern Italy?
A rain shadow effect from the Alps protects the wine region
45
What is the topography of Piedmont, Northern Italy?
Mountains and rolling foothills
## Footnote
This varied topography influences vineyard placement and microclimates.
46
What types of soil are found in Piedmont, Northern Italy?
Limestone and sandstone
47
What are the white grape varieties grown in Piedmont, Northern Italy?
* Moscato
* Cortese
* Arneis
48
What are the red grape varieties grown in Piedmont, Northern Italy?
* Nebbiolo
* Barbera
* Dolcetto
* Brachetto
49
What is 'nebbia' in the context of Piedmont's vineyards?
A pervasive fog that often settles over the vineyards near harvest time
## Footnote
It is thought that this is how the Nebbiolo grape was named.
50
What are the appellations of Piedmont, Northern Italy?
* Barolo and Barbaresco DOCG
* Moscato d’Asti / Asti DOCG
* Barbera d’Asti DOCG
* Gavi DOCG
* Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG
51
What grape variety is used for Barolo and Barbaresco DOCG in Piedmont, Northern Italy?
100% Nebbiolo
52
What is the primary aspect for optimal Nebbiolo viticulture in Barolo and Barbaresco DOCG (Piedmont, Northern Italy)?
Hillsides with optimal exposure
## Footnote
Proper exposure to sunlight is crucial for the ripening of Nebbiolo grapes.
53
What type of wines are Barolo and Barbaresco DOCG, (Piedmont, Northern Italy)?
Dry red wines
54
How are Barolo and Barbaresco DOCG (Piedmont, Northern Italy) wines usually aged, and what does it depend on?
Long oak aging in large barrels or small barriques, depending on producer
55
What is the aging requirement for Barolo DOCG (Piedmont, Northern Italy)?
* 38 months total aging
* Minimum of 18 months in oak
56
What is the aging requirement for Barbaresco DOCG (Piedmont, Northern Italy)?
* 26 months total aging
* Minimum of 9 months in oak
57
What is the grape variety used in Moscato d’Asti/Asti DOCG (Piedmont, Northern Italy)?
Moscato
58
What type of wine is Moscato d’Asti (Piedmont, Northern Italy) known for?
Off-dry, frizzante sparkling wines
59
What is the vinification style of Asti DOCG (Piedmont, Northern Italy)?
White, spumante, or metodo classico sparkling wines
60
What grape variety is used in Barbera d’Asti DOCG (Piedmont, Northern Italy)?
Barbera
61
What type of wines does Barbera d’Asti DOCG (Piedmont, Northern Italy) produce?
Dry red wines
62
What grape variety is used in Gavi DOCG (Piedmont, Northern Italy)?
Cortese
## Footnote
White grape variety
63
What is the vinification style of Gavi DOCG (Piedmont, Northern Italy)?
Dry white wines
## Footnote
Made with the Cortese grape
64
What grape variety is used in Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG (Piedmont, Northern Italy)?
Brachetto
## Footnote
Red grape variety
65
What type of wines does Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG (Piedmont, Northern Italy) produce?
Sweet, sparkling red wines
## Footnote
Made with the Brachetto grape
66
Where is Lombardy located?
Northeast of Milan in the foothills of the Alps near lakes Como, Iseo, and Garda
## Footnote
Northern Italy
67
What is the climate of Lombardy, Northern Italy?
Cool continental
68
What is the topography of Lombardy, Northern Italy?
Mountainous and rolling foothills
69
What are the white grape varieties found in Lombardy, Northern Italy?
* Chardonnay
* Pinot Bianco
70
What are the red grape varieties found in Lombardy, Northern Italy?
* Pinot Nero
* Nebbiolo
71
What are the appellations of Lombardy, Northern Italy?
* Franciacorta DOCG
* Valtellina Superiore DOCG
72
What is the appellation of Lombardy (Northern Italy) that is known for Metodo classico sparkling wines?
Franciacorta DOCG
73
Which grape varieties are used for white wines in Franciacorta DOCG (Lombardy, Northern Italy)?
* Chardonnay
* Pinot Bianco
74
What grape varieties are used for red wines in Franciacorta DOCG (Lombardy, Northern Italy)?
* Pinot Nero
75
What style of wine does Franciacorta DOCG (Lombardy, Northern Italy) produce?
Metodo classico sparkling wines only
76
What is the climate characteristic of Valtellina Superiore DOCG (Lombardy, Northern Italy)?
High altitude and alpine
## Footnote
Abundant sunshine allows for a long, slow growing season.
77
What allows for a long, slow growing season in Valtellina Superiore DOCG (Lombardy, Northern Italy)?
Abundant sunshine
78
What is the primary grape variety used in Valtellina Superiore DOCG (Lombardy, Northern Italy)?
Nebbiolo
79
How are red wines from Valtellina Superiore DOCG (Lombardy, Northern Italy) typically aged?
Oak-aged
## Footnote
Made from the Nebbiolo grape
80
What type of wines does Valtellina Superiore DOCG (Lombardy, Northern Italy) produce?
Dry red wines
## Footnote
Made from the Nebbiolo grape
81
Where is Trentino-Alto Adige located?
On the Alpine border of Austria and Switzerland
## Footnote
Northern Italy
82
What are the two distinct cultures in Trentino-Alto Adige, Northern Italy?
Germanic to the north and Italian to the south
## Footnote
Two nearly autonomous regions
83
What type of climate does Trentino-Alto Adige, Northern Italy have?
Continental with cold winters and surprisingly warm summers
84
What is the topography of Trentino-Alto Adige, Northern Italy?
Mountainous and rolling foothills
85
What are the white grape varieties grown in Trentino-Alto Adige, Northern Italy?
* Pinot Grigio
* Sauvignon Blanc
* Pinot Bianco
86
What are the red grape varieties grown in Trentino-Alto Adige, Northern Italy?
* Merlot
* Lagrein
87
What are the appellations of Trentino-Alto Adige, Northern Italy?
* Trentino DOC
* Alto Adige (Südtiroler) DOC
88
Where is Veneto located?
Northeastern Italy in the foothills of the Alps extending eastward to the border of the Adriatic Sea
89
What type of climate does Veneto, Northern Italy have?
Continental with a warmer maritime climate near the coast
90
What are the appellations of Veneto, Northern Italy?
* Soave DOC
* Prosecco DOC
* Valpolicella DOC
* Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG
91
What is the primary grape variety used for Prosecco DOC (Veneto, Northern Italy)?
Glera
92
What vinification method is used in Prosecco DOC (Veneto, Northern Italy)?
Charmat/tank method for sparkling wines
93
What is the superior sub-zone for Prosecco DOC (Veneto, Northern Italy)?
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG
94
What is the grape varieties in Valpolicella DOC (Veneto, Northern Italy)?
* Corvina (dominant)
* Rondinella
## Footnote
Red grapes
95
What type of wines are produced in Valpolicella DOC (Veneto, Northern Italy)?
Dry red wines
## Footnote
From the Corvina and Rondinella grapes
96
What is the name of the superior sub-zone in Valpolicella DOC (Veneto, Northern Italy)?
Valpolicella Classico DOC
97
What are the grape varietes used in Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG (Veneto, Northern Italy)?
* Corvina (dominant)
* Rondinella
98
What type of wine is Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG (Veneto, Northern Italy)?
Red
## Footnote
Made with Corvina and Rondinella grapes.
99
How is Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG (Veneto, Northern Italy) made?
Using the appassimento process
100
What is the appassimento process in wine production in the context of Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG (Veneto, Northern Italy)
* Grapes are harvested and dried for several weeks
* As the fruit dries it develops unique flavor characteristics
* Wine is fermented to dry or off-dry
* A high alcohol wine is produced (generally 14 –16% ABV)
101
What is the typical alcohol content of Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG (Veneto, Northern Italy) wine?
14 – 16% ABV
102
What are the two main flavor profiles of Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG (Veneto, Northern Italy) wine?
Dry or off-dry
103
Where is Friuli-Venezia-Giulia located?
Northeastern Italy, extending eastward to the border with Slovenia
104
What type of climate does Friuli-Venezia-Giulia, Northern Italy have?
Continental
105
What are the white grape varieties commonly found in Friuli-Venezia-Giulia, Northern Italy?
* Pinot Grigio
* Sauvignon Blanc
* Friulano
106
What is the most widely-planted red grape variety in Friuli-Venezia-Giulia, Northern Italy?
Merlot
107
What is the typical vinification style in Friuli-Venezia-Giulia, Northern Italy?
Mostly unoaked whites and reds
108
Where is Emilia-Romagna located?
A large region extending from the heart of north-central Italy eastward to the coast of the Adriatic Sea
109
What type of climate does Emilia-Romagna, Northern Italy have?
Continental
110
What is the topography of Emilia-Romagna, Northern Italy like?
Broad, vast plains with intensive agriculture and viticulture
111
What nickname is given to Emilia-Romagna, Northern Italy due to its agricultural output?
The breadbasket of Italy
112
What is the appellation of Emilia-Romagna, Northern Italy?
Lambrusco DOC
113
What is the grape variety used for Lambrusco DOC (Emilia-Romagna, Northern Italy)?
Lambrusco
## Footnote
Red grape variety
114
What type of wine is Lambrusco DOC (Emilia-Romagna, Northern Italy)?
Red sparkling wine (frizzante or spumante)
## Footnote
Made with the Lambrusco grape
115
What vinification method is used for Lambrusco DOC (Emilia-Romagna, Northern Italy)?
Charmat/tank method
116
What are the styles of sparkling wines from Lambrusco DOC (Emilia-Romagna, Northern Italy)?
* Secco (dry)
* Amabile (off-dry)
117
What is Emilia-Romagna, Northern Italy known for besides wine?
Italian foods such as Parmigiano-Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, and Balsamic vinegar
118
What are the sections of Central Italy?
* Tuscany
* Marches
119
What geographical area does Tuscany extend from?
From the Ligurian Sea in the west to the foothills of the Apennine Mountains in the east
## Footnote
Central Italy
120
What is the climate of Tuscany, Central Italy?
Maritime-influenced on the coast and more continental inland
121
What is the white grape variety in Tuscany, Central Italy?
Vernaccia
122
List the red grape varieties found in Tuscany, Central Italy.
* Sangiovese
* Syrah
* Cabernet Sauvignon
* Merlot
123
What are the appellations of Tuscany, Central Italy?
* Chianti DOCG
* Chianti Classico DOCG
* Brunello di Montalcino
124
What is the minimum percentage of Sangiovese required in Chianti DOCG (Tuscany, Central Italy)?
70%
125
What type of wines are produced in Chianti DOCG (Tuscany, Central Italy)?
Dry red wines only
## Footnote
From the Sangiovese grape
126
What distinguishes Chianti Classico DOCG from Chianti DOCG (Tuscany, Central Italy)?
* Smaller area
* More stringent rules and aging requirements
## Footnote
Chianti Classico DOCG is located in the heart of the Chianti region with stricter regulations.
127
What is the minimum percentage of Sangiovese required in Chianti Classico DOCG (Tuscany, Central Italy)?
80%
128
What type of soil is predominantly found in Chianti Classico DOCG (Tuscany, Central Italy)?
* Galestro (a soft marl-like soil)
* Sandstone
129
What type of wines are produced in Chianti Classico DOCG (Tuscany, Central Italy)?
Dry red wines only
## Footnote
Made from the Sangiovese grape
130
What is the geographical location of Brunello di Montalcino?
Slopes around the hill town of Montalcino
## Footnote
Tuscany, Central Italy.
131
What type of soil is found in Brunello di Montalcino (Tuscany, Central Italy) at lower and higher elevations?
* Clay and marine sediments at lower elevation
* Galestro at higher elevation
132
What is the grape variety used for Brunello di Montalcino (Tuscany, Central Italy)?
100% Sangiovese Grosso (locally called Brunello)
## Footnote
Sangiovese Grosso is a clone of the Sangiovese grape, known for its quality in Tuscany.
133
What type of wines does Brunello di Montalcino (Tuscany, Central Italy) produce?
Dry red wines only
## Footnote
Made from the Sangiovese Grosso grape
134
What are the aging requirements for Brunello di Montalcino (Tuscany, Central Italy) wines?
* Minimum of two years in wood plus four months in bottle
* Wines cannot be sold before January 1st of the fifth year following the harvest.
## Footnote
Time in oak and minimum aging requirements are stipulated by law.
135
What types of oak barrels are used for aging Brunello di Montalcino (Tuscany, Central Italy)?
Large Slavonian oak barrels or small barriques
## Footnote
The choice of barrel type depends on the producer.
136
Where is Marches located?
On the eastern coast of Italy along the Adriatic Sea and extending westward into the foothills of the Apennine Mountains
## Footnote
Central Italy
137
What type of climate does Marches, Central Italy have?
Mediterranean
138
What is the primary grape variety in Marches, Central Italy?
Verdicchio
## Footnote
White grape variety
139
How are Verdicchio wines typically vinified in Marches, Central Italy?
* Dry
* Unoaked
## Footnote
White wines
140
What are the appellations of Marches, Central Italy?
* Verdicchio di Matelica DOC
* Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC
141
What are the sections of Southern Italy?
* Campania
* Sicily
## Footnote
Sicily is an island.
142
Where is Campania located?
Southern Italy, extending from the Mediterranean Sea into the mountains to the east, near Naples and the Amalfi Coast
143
What type of climate does Campania, Southern Italy have?
Mediterranean, sunny and warm
144
What is the topography of Campania, Southern Italy like?
A combination of relatively low-lying areas near the sea and very rugged terrain in the mostly volcanic mountains to the east
145
What types of soil are found in Campania, Southern Italy?
Alluvial sediments, volcanic soils in the mountains to the east and on Mount Vesuvius
146
What are the white grape varieties found in Campania, Southern Italy?
* Falanghina
* Fiano
* Greco
147
What is the prominent red grape variety from Campania, Southern Italy?
Aglianico
148
What are the appellations of Campania, Southern Italy?
* Fiano di Avellino DOCG
* Greco di Tufo DOCG
* Taurasi DOCG
149
What is the grape variety for Fiano di Avellino DOCG (Campania, Southern Italy)?
Fiano
## Footnote
White grape variety
150
What type of wines does Fiano di Avellino DOCG (Campania, Southern Italy) produce?
Dry white wines
## Footnote
Made from the Fiano grape
151
What is the grape variety for Greco di Tufo DOCG (Campania, Southern Italy)?
Greco
## Footnote
Greco is an ancient white grape variety originally planted by the Greeks.
152
What type of wines does Greco di Tufo DOCG (Campania, Southern Italy) produce?
Dry white wines
## Footnote
Made from the Greco grape
153
What is the grape variety used for Taurasi DOCG (Campania, Southern Italy)?
Aglianico
## Footnote
Red grape variety
154
What type of wines does Taurasi DOCG (Campania, Southern Italy) produce?
Dry, oak-aged, age-worthy red wines
## Footnote
Made from the Aglianico grape
155
What are the aging requirements for Taurasi DOCG red wines (Campania, Southern Italy)?
Minimum of three years with one year in wood
## Footnote
The law stipulates specific aging times for Taurasi wines.
156
Where is Sicily located?
Island to the west of the mainland Italy in the Mediterranean Sea
157
What type of climates does Sicily have?
* Overall Mediterranean climate, with important local variations
* Maritime near the sea, hot inland becoming much cooler at higher elevations on Mt. Etna
158
What is the climate like inland in Sicily?
Hot, but becoming much cooler at higher elevations on Mt. Etna
159
What is the topography like in Sicily?
* Rolling hillsides near Mt. Etna and inland districts
* Flatter areas near the coast
160
What is the soil like on Sicily?
Notably varied across different areas; famously volcanic on and near the slopes of Mt. Etna
161
What is the white grape variety found in Sicily?
Carricante
162
What are the red grape varieties found in Sicily?
* Nero d’Avola
* Nerello Mascalese
163
What is the important appellation of Sicily?
Etna DOC
164
What is the location/geography of the Etna DOC?
Eastern Sicily with the vines on the slopes of Mount Etna
165
What type of soil is found in the Etna DOC, Sicily?
Well-drained volcanic soils
166
What is the primary white grape variety used in Etna DOC, Sicily?
Carricante
167
What is the primary red grape variety used in Etna DOC, Sicily?
Nerello Mascalese
168
What types of wines are produced in Etna DOC, Sicily?
Dry white, red and rosé wines
