Lombardia Flashcards
How big is Lombardia compared to the rest of Italy?
Lombardia is Italy’s fourth largest region.
It is Italy’s most populated region. It is both wealthy and industrialized.
What are the tourist attractions in Lombardia?
Tourists flock to the beauty of Lakes Como and Garda in the summer and enjoy the ski slopes of the Alps each winter.
What is the capital of Lombardia?
Milan; it is the second largest city in the country and is considered the center of industry, finance and fashion. This cosmopolitan metropolis possesses a dynamic wine market and consumes a considerable proportion of the fine wine produced in Lombardia and in Italy as a whole.
Lombardia is home to which respected appellations?
-Valtellina
-Lugana
-Franciacorta (Italy’s best Metodo Classico/traditional method sparkling wine)
How does Lombardia compare to other regions in respect to indigenous varieties?
Lombardia does not have an extensive array of indigenous varieties compared to other regions of the peninsula.
How does Lombardia compare to other regions in respect to production volume?
Lombardia does not produce the high volume of wine made in neighboring Piemonte, Veneto and Emila-Romagna.
How does Lombardia produce a substantial range of distinctive wines?
Lombardia has a considerable variety of climates and terrains.
How far back has viticulture been traced in Lombardia and how?
Traces of viticulture dating back to the Bronze Age (3,000-1,200BC) have been found along the lakes of Lombardia.
Grape culture in Lombardia has benefited under the tutelage of which historical peoples?
The Etruscans and Romans; vines became more extensively planted and wine quality improved.
The wines from Valtellina and Sirmirone have been appreciated since Roman times and were immortalized by the famous Latin poets, Virgil and Catullus.
Where does Lombardia get its name from?
The name Lombardia is the legacy left behind by the German Lombards who occupied the region in the 6th century. They had restored order to the region after the fall of the Roman Empire resulted in barbarian invasions across the northern part of the peninsula (many vineyards were abandoned). After two centuries of occupation the Lombards relinquished control to Charlemagne.
Who is responsible for resuscitating the vineyards during the Middle Ages?
The monastic orders.
But viticulture was given a further boost when several local noble families emphasized the importance of wine and vine.
When were French grape varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, introduced?
It is believed that French varieties were introduced between the end of the 18th and the beginning of the 19th centuries with the arrival of Napoleon’s troops.
Which vine ailments resulted in the decimation of the wine industry and the unfortunate loss of many indigenous varieties?
-Oidium (powdery mildew)
-Downy mildew
-Phylloxera
Where is Lombardia located?
Lombardia lies in the central part of northern Italy. It is bordered by Switzerland to the north, Emila-Romagna to the south, and Piemonte to the west. Trentino-Alto Adige and Veneto from the eastern border.
What are the four sectors that Lombardia can be divided into?
From north to south:
-The Alps: northernmost part of region; includes Valtellina
-The Prealps: a narrow band of hills and low-elevation mountains separating the Alps from the southcentral plain; it includes Franciacorta, the hills around Brescia and Bergamo and the hills around Lake Garda (Garda Lombardo)
-The Padana Plain (Pianura Padana): flat & fertile, it occupies the central and southern part & account for almost half the territory. The winegrowing area of Lower Lombardia is located in the eastern part of the Padana Plain.
-The Apennines Foothills: hilly area at the base of the Northern Apennines, fills the small southwestern corner of Lombardia between Piemonte and Emilia-Romagna. Includes winegrowing area of Oltrepo Pavese.
Lombardia boasts a large number of rivers. What are they?
-Po
-Ticino (western border)
-Adda (central)
-Oglio (eastern-most)
Rivers commonly flow from the northern Alps to join the river Po.
Where in Lombardia is the river Po located?
The Po is Italy’s longest river and forms most of the southern border between Lombardia and Emilia Romagna.
Which sub-region is influenced by the river Adda?
The Adda influences Valtellina where it runs across the entire sub-region.
Where is the river Ticino located?
The Ticino forms part of the border with Piemonte.
Where is the river Oglio located?
The Oglio separates Franciacorta from the hills of Bergamo.
Lombardia has the largest number of lakes in Italy. What are they?
(from west to east)
-Lake Maggiore
-Lake Como
-Lake Iseo
-Lake Garda (Italy’s largest)
Where can Lombardia’s lakes be found?
Between the Alps and the Prealps in the northern portion of Lombardia.
How does Lombardia’s lakes influence climate?
By moderating both diurnal and seasonal temperature swings. They impact all of the wine sub-regions, except the southernmost (Oltrepo Pavese and Lower Lombardia).
Broadly speaking, what is the climate in Lombardia?
It is continental even though there is considerable climatic variation due to the presence of mountain ranges, hills, rivers, and lakes.
What are the three climatic zones of Lombardia?
1) The Alpine Zone (north):cold alpine climate at higher altitudes & a less-harsh alpine climate on the valley floors
2) The Lakes Zone (north-central): the lakes are large enough to not only moderate the local temperatures but also to provide an almost Mediterranean-like influence. The Prealps fall into this zone.
3) The Padana Plain (Pianura Padana) zone (south-central): Continental with severe winters and warm-to-hot summers; the area is humid and strongly affected by thick fogs in autumn and winter. This zone includes the hilly Apennine Foothills, which has a slightly cooler climate in summer due to higher altitude & the cool descending air from the Apennine range.
Where in Lombardia would you find the highest rainfall?
The Alps and the Prealps; both receive more than 55in/1,400mm each year.
Rainfall decreases moving south. The Pianura Padana receives only 20-30in/600-800mm per annum.
Most precipitation falls in the spring and autumn; winter is the driest season.
Describe the weather in Lombardia during the spring season.
Mild with abundant rainfall.
Describe the weather in Lombardia during the summer season.
Warm-to-hot; temperatures are moderated by altitude and by the presence of lakes.
Describe the weather in Lombardia during the autumn season.
Mild with abundant rainfall.
Describe the weather in Lombardia during the winter season.
Cold, particularly in the Alpine area and in the Pianura Padana; temperatures are more moderate near lakes.
The vineyard landscape of Lombardia is dominated by what type of grape varieties?
It is dominated by international varieties, particularly Franciacorta and Oltrepo Pavese.
Lombardia has a limited range of native varieties, having lost most to phylloxera.
What is the principal white varietal of the Lugana DOC?
Turbiana; also called Trebbiano di Lugana. The Lugana DOC is on the southern side of Lake Garda. It has been grown here since the 17th century.
What are the characteristics of Turbiana?
Turbiana is a high-quality grape and produces perfumed, rich, medium- to full-bodied wines with high acidity. Look for aromas of white flowers, citrus, apples and stone fruit.
It has an affinity for oak and long aging protential.
What grape variety was Turbiana previously believed to be genetically identical to?
Verdicchio/Trebbiano di Soave; more recent studies seem to suggest that the two are just very closely related. In fact, the two wines taste distinctly different. Some experts still consider Turbiana to be a biotype of Verdicchio.
What are some traditional white grape varieties grown in Lombardia other than Turbiana?
-Moscato Bianco
-Moscato Giallo
-Friulano
-Garganega
-Malvasia di Candia Aromatica
-Erbamat
What is the most widely planted grape variety (red or white) in Lombardia?
Croatina (red); considered a native variety of Lombardia. Its presence dates back to the Middle Ages. A particular favourite of Oltrepo Pavese, where it is confusingly called Bonarda.
What are the characteristics of Croatina?
Deep in colour, with fresh and juicy red fruit and spicy notes. They are fleshy and soft but with a tannic bite.
What style of wine is produced using Barbera?
Barbera is used to produce single-varietal wines, typically with a refreshing sour cherry character and savory notes.
It is also a very important component in red blends and is often blended with Croatina.
Nebbiolo is the dominant variety in which area of the Lombardia region?
Valtellina; in this area, Nebbiolo goes by the name of Chiavennasca.
Valtellina is the only major winegrowing region outside of Piemonte where the Nebbiolo grape thrives and where a considerable quantity of wines are produced from this variety.
What is the Groppello variety?
The name “Groppello” actually refers to a group of varieties that share similar characteristics.
Groppello Gentile is the leader of the grouping, both in terms of acreage and quality. It is widely planted in the Lake Garda area and is often used to produce rosato due to its large berries.
What style of wine does Groppello produce?
Wines that display bright, floral notes, fresh red fruit (cherry, strawberry) and spice.
Where in Lombardia is Uva Rara grown?
Most plantings are in Oltrepo Pavese, where it is blended, in small proportion, with Croatina and Barbera to add aromas of red fruit and spice.
Uva Rara translates to “rare grape.”
Ughetta (Vespolina) has plantings in Lombardia but is native to which region?
Ughetta is native to Piemonte, where it is know as Vespolina (its official name).
In Lombardia, it is grown in Oltrepo Pavese where it is used as a blending partner for Croatina and Barbera. It contributes tannin, aroma and spice.
Where in Lombardia is Lambrusco planted?
The Lambrusco family is grown only in the southeastern corner of Lombardia (Lower Lombardia), where it is used to produce the Lambrusco Montovano DOC. Different varieties of the Lambrusco family can be used, but the local native Lambrusco Viadanese is the most commonly planted.
Name the native/traditional red varieties found in Lombardia.
-Croatina
-Barbera
-Nebbiolo
-Groppello
-Uva Rara
-Ughetta (Vespolina)
-Lambrusco
-Moscato di Scanzo
-Marzemino
-Sangiovese
-Incrocio Terzi
-Schiava
-Brugnola
-Rossola
-Pignola
Name the international white varietals found in Lombardia.
Widely grown:
-Chardonnay
-Riesing Italico (Welschriesling)
-Pinot Grigio
Small quantities:
-Pinot Bianco (Franciacorta)
-Riesling (Oltrepo Pavese)
How widely planted is Chardonnay in Lombardia?
Chardonnay represents the third-most widely planted variety and represents more than 10% of Lombardia’s total vineyard plantings. Most are found in Franciacorta for the production of sparkling wines, but it is also used as a component in several DOCs for their biancos.
Name the international red varietals found in Lombardia.
-Pinot Nero
-Merlot*
-Cabernet Sauvignon*
-Cabernet Franc*
*grown to produce blends in a few DOCs, particularly in the provinces of Bergamo and Brescia.
How widely planted is Pinot Nero in Lombardia?
Pinot Nero is the second-most widely planted variety in Lombardia after Croatina and represents 13% of Lombardia’s total vineyard plantings.
Most are found in Oltrepo Pavese where it is used to produce traditional method sparkling wines as well as dry, still Pinot Nero.
Rank the most widely planted grape varieties in Lombardia.
1) Croatina (16%)
2) Pinot Nero (13%)
3) Chardonnay (12%)
4) Barbera (11%)
5) Riesling Italico (6%)
6) Pinot Grigio (4%)
7) Merlot (4%)
8) Nebbiolo (4%)
9) Turbiana (3%)
Others (27%)
How much area in Lombardia is under vine?
More than 50,000ac/20,000ha.
How many sub-regions/districts are there in Lombardia?
Six; each with their own climate and topographical features that define the styles of the wine produced. Each sub-region focuses on different grape varieties.
List the six sub-regions/districts in Lombardia?
-Valtellina
-Franciacorta and Brescia Hills
-Bergamo Hills
-Oltrepo Pavese
-Garda Lombardo
-Lower Lombardia
How many DOCs and DOCGs are there in Lombardia?
21 DOCs
5 DOCGs
Where in Lombardia is Valtellina located?
Valtellina is Lombardia’s most northerly winegrowing area. The vineyards lie along a very narrow strip of land on the northern bank of the Adda River in the foothills of the Alps. The valley stretches 27mi/45km from east to west.
What geographical features contribute to Valtellina’s climate?
The vineyards are surrounded to the north, south and east by mountain ranges. To the west, the Adda River flows into Lake Como, which, in turn, provides warm air that travels back up the valley to remain trapped by the mountain ranges.
The vineyards also have a perfect south-facing aspect which is critical for achieving ripeness in the late-maturing Nebbiolo - the primary grape of the area.
Due to the limited space available to grow vines, how have vineyards historically been planted in Valtellina?
Vineyards have historically been divided into a multitude of small parcels that are planted on small terraces sustained by dry-stone retaining walls.
These vineyards lie up to 2,300-2,600ft/700-800m in altitude.
How has viticulture in Valtellina earned the epithet “heroic”?
Tending and harvesting the vines is extremely labor-intensive. Some of the slopes in Valtellina are so steep that grapes must be picked and placed into baskets that are worn as backpacks, while other vineyards have been equipped with monorails to facilitate the transport of grapes down to the bottom of the valley.
Describe the soils in Valtellina.
Soils are a consequence of mountain erosion and deposits left by ancient glaciers. They are also the result of the tireless work of growers, who for centuries had to periodically restore the soils worn-out by erosion by carrying ground from the valley up to the terraces.
The soils are largely composed of granitic sands, broken schist and alluvial material. They are shallow and poor. However, summer rainstorms help mitigate stress for the vines.
How does the rocky landscape and the stones that form the retaining walls of the terraces have a critical advantage?
They warm in the sunlight and reflect that heat back to the vines. This added warmth promotes ripening by raising the temperature in an otherwise cool climate.
How many DOCs & DOCGs does Valtellina have?
Two DOCGs
-Sforzato (Sfursat) di Valtellina DOCG
-Valtellina Superiore DOCG
One DOC
-Rossi di Valtellina (Valtellina Rosso) DOC
(3 appellations)
All appellations in Valtellina require how much of which varietal in their wines?
Minimum 90% Chiavennasca (Nebbiolo).
Which appellation represents the pinnacle of the wines of Valtellina?
Sforzato (Sfursat) di Valtellina DOCG
How are wines from Sforzato (Sfursat) di Valtellina DOCG made?
Healthy, fully ripe clusters of Nebbiolo are picked and air-dried via the appassimento process. Producers are required to desiccate the grapes until at least the 10th of December after harvest, however it is common practice to prolong the drying process for three to four months before starting vinification.
The finished wine is dry and must have a minimum abv of 14%. It undergoes a minimum of 20 months of aging with at least 12 months of that time in oak.
What are the characteristics of wines from Sforzato (Sfursat) di Valtellina DOCG?
The wines are intense and complex, with layers of dried fruit, spices and tobacco. The palate is velvety smooth. Compared to the wines of the similarly vinified Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG, Sfursat versions tend to be less powerful but more elegant.
What are the aging requirements for wines from Valtellina Superiore DOCG?
The minimum aging is a total of two years with at least one year in oak.
Riserva requires a minimum of three years of aging.
Note: although DOCG requirements is 90% Nebbiolo, most wines are made from 100% Nebbiolo.
What are the characteristics of wines from Valtellina Superiore DOCG?
The wines are pale in colour with delicate aromas of dried rose, red fruit, leather and spice.
With bottle age, the wine acquires a complex bouquet of alpine flowers and dried herbs.
How does Valtellina Superiore DOCG compare to Barolo or Barbaresco?
Valtellina Superiore tends to be more approachable and perfumed with a leaner overall structure. The wines are characterized by finesse and elegance rather than power and depth.
What are the five official sub-zones of Valtellina Superiore DOCG?
From east to west:
1) Valgella: The largest and most easterly sub-zone delivering soft, floral and forward wines.
2) Inferno: Meaning “hell” due to the steep, rocky vineyards and the hotter conditions found in this sub-zone. The wines are the most structured, tannic and austere and possess the greatest aging potential.
3) Grumello: Delivers fragrant wines with soft tannins and similar aging potential to Inferno.
4) Sassella: Well-known and of long-standing renown; produces elegant Nebbiolos.
5) Maroggia: the most recent (2002) and smallest sub-zone. The wines are velvety with firm tannins.
How does Rossi di Valtellina (Valtellina Rosso) DOC compare to the DOCGs in Valtellina?
Rossi di Valtellina is the ‘entry level’ wine of Valtellina. In terms of quality and complexity, it is the simplest wine produced in the region.
The wines mature earlier than Valtellina Superiore DOCG and represent a more approachable and straightforward version of Nebbiolo.
What varietals are used in wines from Rossi di Valtellina (Valtellina Rosso) DOC?
The wines are traditionally made from 90% Nebbiolo with the balance composed of local varieties such as:
-Brugnola
-Rossola
-Pignola
What is the aging requirement for wines from Rossi di Valtellina (Valtellina Rosso) DOC?
The minimum aging requirement is six months.
The Franciacorta and Brescia Hills sub-region lies near which city?
The city of Brescia.
