North Italy

Question 1

When was the Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) and (DOCgarantita) system was introduced?

Answer 1

1963 both
DOCG not awarded until 1980, when Brunello di Montalcino, Barolo and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano were upgraded from DOC

Question 2

When was Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) created?

Answer 2

1994
IGT wines are considered PGI (Protected Geographical Indication)

Question 3

Which two mountain ranges border Piedmont?

Answer 3

Apennines and the Alps

Question 4

What river cuts through the heart of the region as it flows eastward from its headwaters in the Western Alps?

Answer 4

Po River

Question 5

What Provence are Barolo and Barbaresco in?

Answer 5

Cuneo Province

Question 6

What river is Barolo and Barbaresco located on?

Answer 6

Tanaro River

Question 7

Which river flows through Piedmont, dividing the Roero from the Langhe and providing a moderating influence?

Answer 7

Tanaro River

Question 8

Piedmont’s most planted white grape?

Answer 8

Moscato Bianco (Muscat à Petits Grains)

Question 9

Name 6 communes for Barolo?

Answer 9

La Morra, Barolo, Serralunga d’Alba, Monforte d’Alba, Castiglione Falletto, and Novello

Question 10

What soil type is in La Morra and Barolo?

Answer 10

Tortonian soils, which contain a higher proportion of calcareous marl and provide a softer style of wine.

Question 11

What soil type is in Monforte d’Alba, Serralunga d’Alba, and Castiglione Falletto?

Answer 11

Serravallian (Helvetian) sandstone soils and supply more structure in the wine

Question 12

What year did the aging laws change in Barolo?

Answer 12

2010

Question 13

What are the aging requirements for Barolo?

Answer 13

Barolo must be aged at least 38 months (3 years 2 months) from November 1 of the harvest year, but only 18 months need be in wood.
Barolo Riserva requires a total 62 months (5 years 2 months) prior to release.

Question 14

Minimum alcohol level for Barolo?

Answer 14

13%

Question 15

Name the four towns of Barbaresco?

Answer 15

Barbaresco, Neive, and Treiso and a portion of San Rocco Seno d’Elvio (part of Alba)

Question 16

What are the aging requirements for Barbaresco?

Answer 16

The wines must be aged for a minimum of 26 months (2 years 2 months) from November 1st of the harvest year (including at least 9 months in cask) prior to release.
Minimum of 50 months (4 years 2 months) if labeled riserva.

Question 17

List the permitted Vineyard Elevation/Orientation in Barolo?

Answer 17

170-540 meters; vineyards with complete northern exposures are prohibited.

Question 18

What year was DOC and DOCG established in Barolo?

Answer 18

DOC 1966
DOCG 1980

Question 19

What does MGA stand for and when did it start?

Answer 19

Menzioni geografiche aggiuntive (geographic areas)
2007

Question 20

How many DOC and DOCG does Piedmont have?

Answer 20

Piedmont has 19 DOCGs, the most of any Italian region, and 41 DOCs

Question 21

Wha is the name for Nebbiolo used in Lombardy’s Valtellina region?

Answer 21

Chiavennasca

Question 22

What are the French and Italian names for Nebbiolo in Valle d’Aosta and Carema?

Answer 22

Picoutener/Picotendro

Question 23

What is the local name for Nebbiolo in Ghemme, Gattinara, and other parts of Alto Piemonte?

Answer 23

Spanna

Question 24

Piedmontese dialect for a hillside vineyard with full southern exposure, were most desirable?

Answer 24

Sori

Question 25

Define Vigna in Barolo and Barbaresco?

Answer 25

Vigna refers to a single vineyard wine: -Grapes must 100% come from a named vineyard used in conjunction with a geographic designation. -Yields must be lower and vineyards must be at least seven years old.

Question 26

What is the permitted Vineyard Elevation/Orientation in Barbaresco?

Answer 26

Max 550 meters and vineyards with complete northern exposures are prohibited.

Question 27

When was DOC and DOCG established in Barbaresco?

Answer 27

DOC 1966 DOCG 1980

Question 28

Minimum alcohol levels for Barbaresco?

Answer 28

12.5%