Marche: Appellations Flashcards
(118 cards)
1
Q
Name the appellations of Northern Marche.
A
- Bianchello del Metauro DOC
- Pergola DOC
- Colli Pesaresi DOC
2
Q
Which of the appellations in Northern Marche is white wine only with a long-standing tradition?
A
Bianchello del Metauro DOC
3
Q
When did Bianchello del Metauro DOC receive DOC status?
A
1969
4
Q
Where is Bianchello del Metauro DOC located?
A
It covers both side of the Metauro River in Northern Marche and extends from the Adriatic to the base of the Apennines.
5
Q
What grapes are used to produce wines from Bianchello del Metauro DOC?
A
- min. 95% Biancame (locally known as Binachello)
- Malvasia Bianca Lunga (only blending partner allowed)
6
Q
What styles of wine are produced in Bianchello del Metauro DOC?
A
- spumante
- superiore
- passito
7
Q
Which appellation in Northern Marche is a small town, well-known for its atypical wines and Roman gilded-bronze statues?
A
Pergola DOC
8
Q
Where is Pergola DOC located?
A
In Northen Marche, south-west of Bianchello del Metauro DOC
9
Q
What grapes are used to produce wines in Pergola DOC?
A
This appellation focuses entirely on a local biotype of the red Aleatico grape.
10
Q
What are the characteristics of wines from Pergola DOC?
A
All wines are perfumed and fragrant, with attractive floral and red fruit aromas plus the distinctive Muscat character.
11
Q
Where is Colli Pesaresi DOC located?
A
This appellation covers the entire northern winegrowing area of Marche from Romagna to the Ancona Province. It overlaps the Bianchello del Metauro and Pergola DOCs.
Although it is a large area geographically, the actual area under vine is small.
12
Q
What grapes are used to produce wines in Colli Pesaresi DOC?
A
- Sangiovese (one of the most widely planted grapes in the appellation)
- Trebbiano Toscano-based blends (locally called Albanella)
13
Q
What styles of wines are produced in Colli Pesaresi DOC?
A
- spumante
- bianco
- rosato
- rosso
- novello
- riserva
- varietal
14
Q
What is Visciola?
A
An ancient and traditional wine specialty that Northern Marche is known for. It is an aromatized Vernaccia di Pergola or Montepulciano wine using visciole, a variety of local, wild cherries.
15
Q
Marche is highly reputed for which delicacy?
A
This region is highly reputed for truffle-hunting. The Pesaro-Urbino province is considered one of Italy’s best areas for finding this delicacy.
16
Q
Name the appellations of Central Marche.
A
- Conero Riserva DOCG
- Rosso Conero DOC
- Lacrima di Morro (Lacrima di Morro d’Alba)
- Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore DOC, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Passito DOC, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Spumante DOC
- Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva DOCG
- Verdicchio di Matelica DOC
- Verdicchio di Matelica Riserva DOCG
- Vernaccia di Serrapetrona DOCG
- Serrapetrona DOC
- Colli Maceratesi DOC
Minor appellations:
* Esino DOC
* San Ginesio DOC
* I Terreni di Sanseverino DOC
17
Q
What is significant about Monte Conero (Monte d’Ancona)?
A
It is the highest and most spectacular cliff on the Italian peninsula’a eastern side. Reaching 1,876ft/572m in elevation, it is one of two important promontories along the Adriatic coast.
The area surrounding is home to the Parco Regionale del Conero nature preserve. Vineyards grown next to Mediterranean shrubs, pine forests, holm oaks, broom and strawberry trees (corbezzolo).
Tourists flock to the beautiful white beaches and the sea resorts of Portonova, Sirolo and Numana during the summer months.
18
Q
Where is Monte Conero located?
A
The appellation encompasses the coastal hilly territory around Monte Conero and includes the city of Ancona a few miles to the north.
Vineyards are planted on low to medium hills extending inland from Monte Conero.
19
Q
Monte Conero is seen as a sort of “cru” for which grape variety?
A
Montepulciano; it performs particularly well here and the district focuses entirely on red wines based on this grape.
20
Q
Where in Marche does the transition from Sangiovese to Montepulciano take place?
A
The Conero winegrowing area; it lies at the northern limit for this variety. Any further north and the grape is not able to fully ripen.
21
Q
What is the climate of Monte Conero?
A
Mediterranean; it is greatly influenced by the sea and its breezes.
22
Q
What types of soils are found in Monte Conero?
A
Generally poor and mainly composed of calcareous clay.
23
Q
The wines of Conero are produced under which 2 separate appellations?
A
- Conero Riserva DOCG
- Rosso Conero DOC
These cover the exact same geographic area as Conero.
24
Q
What grapes are used to produce wines from Conero Riserva DOCG?
A
- min. 85% Montepulciano
- max. 15% Sangiovese
Most bottlings are 100% Montepulciano.
25
What are the requirements of wines from **Conero Riserva DOCG**?
* min. 12.5% abv
* min. 2 years aging
The period of time spent in oak is not mandated, but most wines age in wood for a least 1 year (often in small barrels) in order to soften the tannic structure of **Montepulciano**.
26
Which of the **Conero** appellations is the area's top quality level?
**Conero Riserva DOCG**; the wines are made from the best grapes selected from the best parcels within the finest vineyards.
27
What are the characteristics of wines from **Conero Riserva DOCG**?
Tannic, robust, full-bodied, high-alcohol wines that are long-lived.
28
What grapes are used to produced wines from **Rosso Conero DOC**?
* min. 85% **Montepulciano**
* balance can include any red grapes approved in the region (an important difference from the **DOCG**)
However, many examples are 100% **Montepulciano** (like the **DOCG**)
29
What are the requirements of wines from **Rosso Conero DOC**?
Less stringent than the **DOCG**.
The minimum final alcohol level is lower.
The maximum yields are higher.
There is no mandatory aging period.
30
What are the characteristics of wines from **Rosso Conero DOC**?
Fruitier and more fragrant than the **Conero Riserva DOCG** and more approachable at a younger age.
31
Where is **Lacrima di Morro DOC** located?
This appellation encompasses the gentle, coastal hills surrounding the village of *Morro d'Alba*.
The vines lie approx. 15mi/25km from the *Adriatic* coast and are greatly influenced by the sea and its breezes.
32
What types of soils are found in **Lacrima di Morro DOC**?
Mostly clay.
33
What grapes are used to produce wines in **Lacrima di Morro DOC**?
* min. 85% **Lacrima**
* a small proportion of **Montepulciano** is allowed
The majority of the wines are crafted from 100% **Lacrima**.
34
What are the characteristics of wines from **Lacrima di Morro DOC**?
Intensely aromatic, with a distinctive combination of rose and violet, wild berries and spice.
On the palate, the wines are refreshing and medium-bodied with fine, firm tannins.
Most wines are vinified in stainless steel and are unoaked in order to preserve the fresh, floral, fruity aromas. However, a few producers do adopt an oak regimen for vinification and maturation.
35
What styles of wine are produced in **Lacrima di Morro DOC**?
* *superiore*
* *passito*
* varietal
36
Where is **Castelli di Jesi** located?
The winegrowing area extends eastward from the foothills of the Central Apennines. The northeastern part of the appellation lies approximately 10mi/16km from the sea.
37
Name the rivers of **Castelli di Jesi**.
Two notable rivers traverse this appellation:
* the small *Misa River* in the north
* the *Esino River* in the south
38
Where is the historic winegrowing region of **Castelli di Jesi** located?
The *Esino River Valley* roughly corresponds to the *classico* region.
The *classico* sub-zone lies almost entirely south of the *Misa River* and accounts for two-thirds of the appellation.
39
What elevation are vineyards in **Castelli di Jesi** planted at?
Vineyards lie on gentle hills at elevations between 260-1,800ft/80-500m above sea level.
The majority of the vineyards are found in the 260-990ft/80-300m range.
The southern half of the appellation has the highest hills.
40
What is the climate in **Castelli di Jesi**?
Conditions are more Mediterranean in the northeast in proximity to the sea. The climate becomes increasingly continental inland, closer to the Central Apennines and as elevation increases.
This climatic difference is made evident by harvest dates. Grapes are picked earlier in the warmer northeastern section and later in the southwestern portion.
41
What topographical features contribute to the climate in **Castelli di Jesi**?
The climate is the result of the interplay between the *Adriatic Sea* to the east and the *Central Apennines* to the west. Elevation also has an influencing factor in the Apennines.
42
What types of soils are found in **Castelli di Jesi**?
Mainly composed of calcareous clay.
43
Name the appellations in the **Castelli di Jesi** winegrowing district.
* **Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC**
* **Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva DOCG**
Both cover the same exact geographic area.
44
What grapes are used to produce wines in both **Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC** & **Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva DOCG**?
* min. 85% **Verdicchio**
* **Malvasia Bianca Lunga** and/or **Trebbiano Toscano** (small proportions were traditionally included.
Most wines are 100% **Verdicchio** and have been since the 1990s.
45
Which wines of **Castelli di Jesi** are entitled to the *classico* designation?
Wines produced from grapes grown within the historic winegrowing zone. The *classico* sub-zone lies almost entirely south of the *Misa River* and accounts for two-thirds of the **Castelli di Jesi** appellation.
Wines of both appellations (**DOC** & **DOCG**) within this area may use the classico designation.
46
Which appellation in **Marche** has the largest area under vine and volume of wine produced?
**Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC**
More than 5,000ac/2,000ha under vine.
47
Name the 4 categories included in **Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC**.
* **Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC**: Entry level wines to be consumed young.
* **Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore DOC**: The *superiore* category can only be applied to wines from the *classico* sub-zone. It has more stringent production criteria (lower max. yield/higher final alcohol).
* **Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Passito DOC**: This accounts for the smallest production of these categories.
* **Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Spumante DOC**: This is a minor category within the DOC. These wines can be produced by tank or traditional method.
48
What are the characteristics of wines labeled **Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC**?
They are lively and floral with aromas of citrus, apple and pear. Most offer nuances of leafy greens and minerals with a light almond finish.
49
What are the characteristics of wines labeled **Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore DOC**?
These wines are a step up in character and quality, often coming from single vineyards or special parcels. They are more structured and fuller in body. They are usually unoaked and become even more complex with a few years of bottle age.
50
What are the characteristics of wines labeled **Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Passito DOC**?
The best examples balance the richness of noble rot with the bitterness characteristic to air-dried **Verdicchio** grapes.
51
What are the requirements of wines from **Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva DOCG**?
* lower max. yields
* min. 12.5% abv (higher compared to DOC which is min. 11.5% abv)
* total 18 months aging
* min. 6 months in bottle
DOCG has stricter production rules than the DOC.
52
Why does the word placement differ for the **DOC** from the **DOCG** for the **Castelli di Jesi** appellations?
The **DOCG** emphasizes the importance of the place, **Castelli di Jesi**, which comes before **Verdicchio**.
53
Describe the wines labeled **Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva DOCG**.
These wines include the best grapes from single vineyards or superior parcels and often see some time in oak.
They are fuller, more textured and richer than those produced under the **DOC**, yet still maintain high acidity and minerality.
With bottle age, the wines develop complexity and depth and deliver candied fruit, bread, and marzipan flavours with a touch of smoke.
54
What vessels are used to vinify and mature **Verdicchio** wines?
This wine was traditionally vinified and matured in large neutral *botti* or cement vats. Both are still used today, but stainless steel tanks are now the most common fermentation and storage vessels.
Some producers have employed the use of small oak barrels, but these wines tend to require extra time in bottle for proper oak integration.
Oak (either *botti* or small barrels) is often the container of choice for the **DOCG**, while stainless steel is usually preferred for the **DOC**.
55
How many **UGA** are permitted to be appended to the Castelli di Jesi DOC/G label?
**99**; provided that all of the grapes originated from that stated **UGA** (*Unita' Geografiche Aggiuntive*).
56
Name the ancient town in **central Marche** whose origin can be traced back to at least the time of the Piceni and in which historic documents indicate that the Verdicchio grape was used for winemaking as early as 1579.
**Matelica**
57
How much area does the winegrowing area of **Matelica** have under vine.?
740ac/300ha; considerably smaller than **Castelli di Jesi**.
58
How does wine production out of **Matelica** compare to that of **Castelli di Jesi**?
**Castelli di Jesi** produces 10 times more wine than **Matelica**.
However, though lesser-known, the quality of **Verdicchio di Matelica** is just as good.
59
Where is **Matelica** located?
The winegrowin area lies southwest of **Castelli di Jesi**, just 12mi/20km from the *Umbrian* border. The vineyards lie along the narrow and isolated *Camertina Valley* which is nestled between the *Central Apennines* in the west and a sub-range to the east.
60
What rivers flow through **Matelica**?
* The *Esino River* flows through the district's northern half
* While the *Potenza River* traverses the southern half.
61
What soil types are found in **Matelica**?
Largely comprised of alternating layers of limestone, marl, clay and sandstone.
62
How high are the vineyards in **Matelica** planted?
Vineyards lie on hils with an elevation of 820-2,300ft/250-700m above sea level with the majority of the vineyards found in the 900-1,600ft/280-480m range.
63
What is the climate in **Matelica**?
Cool and continental; it is uniform and differs greatly from that of **Castelli di Jesi**.
64
What topographical features influence the climate in **Matelica**?
Higher elevation (than Castelli di Jesi), surrounding mountain ranges and an inland position makes conditions cooler and more continental.
65
How is the growing season in **Matelica**?
It receives more rainfall than **Castelli di Jesi**, has a longer growing season and a later harvest.
66
What factors contribute to the uniformity of style in **Matelica** that is not seen in Castelli di Jesi?
Homogenous growing conditions and small numbers of producers.
67
What are the characteristics of wines from **Matelica**?
The cooler climate results in higher acid levels and more citrus and mineral notes. The wines are more restrained and austere; they are firm and less approachable in their youth.
The best examples age well and develop complex aromas of honey, wheat berries/grain, orange peel and an occasional petrol character.
68
Name the 2 winegrowing districts in **Matelica**.
* **Verdicchio di Matelica DOC**
* **Verdicchio di Matelica Riserva DOCG**
Note: They cover the same geographic area.
69
What grapes are used to produce wines from both **Verdicchio di Matelica DOC** and **Verdicchio di Matelica Reserva DOCG**?
* min. 85% **Verdicchio**
Though blending grapes are permitted, most wines are 100% **Verdicchio**.
70
What designations does **Verdicchio di Matelica DOC** allow for?
* *spumante*
* *passito*
No superiore.
71
What are the requirements of wines from **Verdicchio di Matelica Reserva DOCG**?
Stricter production rules than the **DOC**:
* lower max. yields
* 12.5% abv (DOC is 11.5% abv)
* min. 18 months ageing
72
Which of the **Verdicchio di Matelica** appellations can append one of the 13 approved *UGA*s and when?
Both appellations (**DOCG** & **DOC**) can if all the grapes originate from that stated *UGA*.
73
Where is **Serrapetrona** located?
This tiny hilltop village is at the foothills of the *Apennines* about 30mi/50km from the sea.
74
What is the climate in **Serrapetrona**?
Cool, continental-influenced.
75
What are the soil types in **Serrapetrona**?
They vary from clay and marl to sandstone.
76
Name the 2 appellations of **Serrapetrona**.
* **Vernaccia di Serrapetrona DOCG**
* **Serrapetrona DOC**
77
What grapes are used to produce wines from **Serrapetrona**?
Both appellations focus on Vernaccia Nera, the local specialty.
* min. 85% Vernaccia Nera
In practice, most wines are made without blending.
78
Name the only **DOCG** in Italy that produces red sparkling wine.
**Vernaccia di Serrapetrona DOCG**
This is a *spumante*-only appellation.
79
How are the wines of **Vernaccia di Serrapetrona DOCG** produced?
At least 40% of the grapes must go through *appassimento* before being vinified.
This sparkling wine traditionally goes through 3 different fermentations.
1. First: the freshly harvested grapes are fermented
2. Second: the semi-dried grapes are fermented
3. Third: the two wines are blended together and put through a third fermentation (usually tank method) in order to produce a sparkling wine.
These wines can be produced as *secco* (dry) or *dolce* (sweet).
80
What style of wine does **Serrapetrona DOC** produce?
Still, dry wines
Though not mandated, some are made from semi-dried grapes.
81
What is the aging requirement for wines from **Serrapetrona DOC**?
Minimum 10 months aging.
82
What are the characteristics of wines produced from **Serrapetrona DOC**?
Rich, full-bodied, tannic and well structure.
83
Where is Colli Maceratesi DOC located?
This DOC in central Marche occupies a geographically large but sparsely planted territory.
84
What grape dominates the plantings in Colli Maceratesi DOC?
**Maceratino** (locally called **Ribona**), a rare and indigenous white grape considered the area's specialty.
85
What are the characteristics of **Ribona**-based wines?
Delicate and refreshing with aromas of flowers, citrus, pear and apple with a light mineral-salty finish.
86
What styles of wines are produced in Colli Maceratesi DOC?
* *spumante*
* *bianco*
* *rosso*
* *rosso riserva*
* *passito*
* *novello*
* varietal
87
What grapes are used to produce wines from Esino DOC?
* white blends based on **Verdicchio**
* red blends utilizing **Sangiovese** & **Montepulciano**
88
What styles of wine are produced in Esino DOC?
* *frizzante*
* *bianco*
* *rosso*
* *novello*
89
Where is San Ginesio DOC located?
This DOC surrounds the tiny medieval town of San Ginesio and is situated to the south-east of Serrapetrona.
90
What grapes are used to produce wines in San Ginesio DOC?
* Sangiovese-based rosso blend
* Vernaccia Nera-based spumante (made both sweet and dry)
91
Where is I Terreni di Sanseverino DOC located?
This appellation surrounds the striking medieval town of San Severino and abuts Serrapetrona to the north.
92
What grapes are used to produce wines in I Terreni di Sanseverino DOC?
Two red wines:
* a Vernaccia Nera-based rosso blend
* a Montepulciano-based wine called *Moro*
93
What styles of wine are produced in I Terreni di Sanseverino DOC?
* *rosso*
* *rosso superiore*
* *passito*
94
Name the appellations of **Southern Marche** (*Piceno*)
* **Offida DOCG**
* **Terre di Offida DOC**
* **Rosso Piceno** (**Piceno**) **DOC**
* Falerio DOC
95
Where is **Offida** located?
This winegrowing area lies in **Marche**'s southeastern corner, extending inland about 15m/25km from the coast.
This is an ancient village isolated atop a rocky cliff in the center of the winegrowing area between the *Tesino* and *Tronto River* valleys.
96
When/why were the appellations of **Offida** introduced?
Primarily to regulate and protect local wines.
The original Offida DOC, created in 2001, included all wines made in the winegrowing area. The DOC was significantly modified in 2011. The district's best wines, varietal Pecorino and Passerina and the Montepulciano-based rosso blend, were elevated to the new **Offida DOCG**.
The remaining wines of the original Offida DOC were incorporated into the new **Terre di Offida DOC**.
97
The **Offida** winegrowing district has gained recognition for which varietal wines in recent years?
* **Pecorino**
* **Passerina**
98
What are the soil types found in **Offida**?
Largely composed of clay except for the coastal strip which is mostly comprised of sand and gravel.
99
Name the 3 wines that can be produced under the **Offida DOCG** designation.
1. **Offida Pecorino DOCG**
2. **Offida Passerina DOCG**
3. **Offida Rosso DOCG**
The two varietal whites have identical boundaries; the rosso is slightly smaller.
100
What are the requirements of the wines produced from **Offida Pecorino DOCG** and **Offida Passerina DOCG**?
* min. 85% of stated variety
* cannot be released before March 1st of the year following harvest
In practice, most wines are 100% of the stated variety.
101
Which wine is considered the pride of the **Offida** district?
**Offida Pecorino DOCG**
102
What are the characteristics of wines from **Offida Pecorino DOCG**?
Appealingly floral with aromas of citrus, stone fruit, tropical fruit and aromatic herbs - sage in particular. They are structured, mineral and savory with high acidity and medium-to-high alcohol.
103
What are the characteristics of wines from **Offida Passerina DOCG**?
Pleasantly floral and fruity with aromas of pineapple, ripe citrus, pear and apple. They have crisp acidity and pronounced minerality.
104
What grapes are used to produce wines from **Offida Rosso DOCG**?
* min. 85% **Montepulciano**
While some producers use 100% **Montepulciano**, others use a small complementary proportion of **Cabernet Sauvignon** (max 15%).
Prior to the change from **DOC** to **DOCG**, this appellation required just 50% of **Montepulciano** and mandated the inclusion of at least 30% **Cabernet Sauvignon**. As of the 2011 vintage, **Cabernet** is no longer mandatory and producers are now able to craft wines entirely from **Montepulciano**.
105
What are the requirements of wines from **Offida Rosso DOCG**?
* min. 24 months aging
* min. 12 months in oak
* min. 3 months in bottle
106
What grapes are used to produce wines from **Terre di Offida DOC**?
* min. 85% **Passerina**
107
What styles of wine are produced from **Terre di Offida DOC**?
* *spumante*
* *passito*
* *vino santo*
108
Which appellation is the second largest in **Marche**?
**Rosso Piceno (Piceno) DOC**; this red-only appellation was created in 1968.
The largest appellation in **Marche** is **Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC**.
109
What is the climate of **Rosso Piceno DOC**?
Due to the enormous size of the appellation, climatic conditions and soils vary widely.
110
What grapes are used to produce wines in **Rosso Piceno DOC**?
From a flexible blend of:
* 35-85% **Montepulciano**
* 15-50% **Sangiovese**
* max. 15% of other approved red grapes are permitted
In the past, **Sangiovese** played a more important role in the blend but changes in the disciplinaire have put the emphasis on Montepulciano.
111
What varietal wine can be produced under **Rosso Piceno DOC**?
**Rosso Piceno Sangiovese DOC**
112
How do wines in **Rosso Piceno DOC** that are **Sangiovese** dominant compare to those with more **Montepulciano**?
In general, the lighter style tends to include a higher proportion of **Sangiovese**.
Fuller, richer versions are more likely to be dominated by **Montepulciano**.
113
How do **Rosso Piceno DOC** wines differ from the official sub-zone of **Rosso Piceno Superiore DOC**?
*Superiore* is considered to produce some of the best wines. These originate from a smaller and more restricted zone and must comply with more stringent production criteria, including:
* slightly lower yields
* higher final abv
* min. ageing req.
*Superiore* wines cannot be released before November 1st of the year following harvest and are usually matured in oak.
114
What styles of wine are produced in **Rosso Piceno DOC**?
* *rosso*
* *novello*
* varietal
115
Where is Falerio DOC located?
This DOC covers Marche's entire southern winegrowing area.
116
What grapes are used to produce wines in Falerio DOC?
This white wine only appellation produces 2 wines:
1) Bianco blend composed of:
* Trebbiano Toscano
* Passerina
* Pecorino
2) Varietal Pecorino (Falerio Percorino DOC)
* this offers more complexity, structure and fuller body
117
How many **IGT** are there in **Marche**?
Only 1; the **Marche IGT** covers the entire region and is one of the most common Italian IGTs found in the market.
The wide range of grapes and flexible production rules allow for an extensive range of styles.
Several high quality bottlings are made under this **IGT**. They include varietal **Montepulciano**, **Sangiovese** and blends consisting of traditional and international grapes.
118
What is **Olive all'Ascolana**?
A specialty of the *Ascoli Piceno* province. Olives are stuffed with meat and parmesan cheese, then breaded and fried. The delicios, salty-briny snack is the perfect accompaniment to the local white wines.
