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Flashcards in Northern Italy Deck (72)
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1
Q

In which region/appellation was the very first Italian school for wine growing and oenology created?

A

Veneto / Conegliano

2
Q

Does Italy produce more red wine or white wine?

A

White

3
Q

On the banks of which lake are Valpolicella wine grapes grown?

A

Lake Garda

4
Q

Which wine region is the most northerly in Italy?

A

Alto Adige

5
Q

Valpolicella DOC is from which region?

Based on which 4 grapes?

A

Veneto

Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Molinara

6
Q

What’s this Ripasso all about then?

A

Literally meaning ‘re-passed’ wine.

The skins from a Amarone/Recioto make are added to a vat of finished Valpolicella or vice versa.

The residual sugar in the Amarone/Recioto skins re-start fermentation and the skins give more colour, flavour and tannin to the wine. The finished wine has a med/full body, med to hi tannin with flavours of stewed cherries and plums and is labelled Valpolicella Ripasso DOC

7
Q

What are the characteristics of Pinot Grigio:

At altitude? On the plains?

A

Altitude - dry, light to med body, hi acid, citrus and green fruit

On the plains - Med body, med acid with ripe stone fruit flavours

8
Q

Where is Friuli - Venezia Giulia, what is the climate like and what grapes are mainly grown there and what is the style like?

A

NE corner of Italy, stretches from foothills of Alps to near the Adriatic coast.

Near the Alps - Moderate continental, cooled by mountain air

Nearer the coast - Warm Maritime

Mainly white grapes; Pinot Grigio, Friulano, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc - med to full body, juicy peach and tropical fruit

Also some Merlot

9
Q

Besides schiava, which Italian black grape is mainly used in Trentino?

What are its characteristics (color, tannin, acid, flavors)?

A

Teroldego

Deep colour, med~hi tannin, hi acid, aromas of black fruit, normally matured in oak.

10
Q

What are IGT wines?

A

PGI wines of Italy IGT = Indicazione Geographica Tipica

11
Q

What does ‘Riserva’ on an Italian wine mean?

A

Wine with both higher alc and longer ageing than the minimum for the appelation

12
Q

Which red grape dominates in Alto Adige?

What types of wine are produced (body, tannin, flavors)?

A

Vernatsch (Schiava) - Produces light fruity wines, low ~ med tannin, flavors raspberries and plums.

13
Q

Where are the vineyards of Alto Adige situated and what is the climate like?

A

NE Italy in foothills of Alps. Vineyards on SE and SW facing terraces on valley sides of River Adige. Climate - Moderate with short summers and little rain thru growing season. Large diurnal range due to altitude

14
Q

Which is Italy’s most northerly wine region and what is mainly produced there?

A

Alto Adige

60% Aromatic whites mainly from Pinot Grigio but also Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc

40% pale red wines from Schiava, Pinot Noir

15
Q

In Northern Italy how were grapes traditionally trained and, increasingly, how are they trained now? What is a major benefit of this change?

A

Traditionally - high yield vines planted with low density. Pergola, vine canopy with grapes hanging down = good airflow = less rot and shade against grape sunburn. Still used for high acid, low sugar grapes e.g. For sparkling wine. Modern - VSP training allows higher density but fewer grapes per vine = better quality grapes. Overall increased prodn per hectare

16
Q

Generally, what is the climate of Northern Italy? What role do the Alps play? What is the influence of rivers e.g. River Po and lakes e.g. Lake Garda? What happens in areas nearer the sea and name one risk

A

Moderate climate with dry, short, summers The Alps provide a Northern barrier providing shelter from Northerly rain Rivers and glacial lakes give a moderating influence to hotter inland areas Nearer the sea, higher rainfall increasing the risk of fungal disease = more spraying

17
Q

Where is Veneto? What are its two most famous appellations? What else does it produce What is the climate like and are there any risks?

A

NE Italy, from S end of Lake Garda to Venice in the east Soave and Valpolicella Also produces bulk wines from Pinot Grigio, chardonnay, merlot, corvina, gargenega and trebbiano labelled as Veneto IGT Climate - Warm with moderate rain, cooler at altitude with diurnal diff, also W cooled by breezes from Lake Garda Flat plain - warm air and for from R. Po = RISK disease and rot = more spraying

18
Q

What is the soil like in Valpolicella (foothills/plains)?

What is the main grape grown there?

How is the wine labelled?

What is sweet Valpolicella called?

A

Foothills - Limestone and clay = Cool + altitude = slow ripen = higher acidity

On the plain - Sandy alluvial = warmer = fruitier and med acidity

Corvina

Hills - Valpolicella Classico / Plain - Valpolicella

Recioto Della Valpolicella DOCG

19
Q

What is Passito and what is the most famous wine made from it in Valpolicella? There’s also a sweet wine made using the same method, what’s that called?

A

A process whereby grapes picked early when still have high acidity, dried indoors to concentrate colour, sugars and flavour Most famous - Amarone Della Valpolicella Sweet - Recioto Della Valpolicella DOCG

20
Q

Where is Chardonnay largely grown Veneto, and what is it used for?

A

Largely grown on Veneto plains and used in IGT wines

21
Q

What is the soil like in Soave?

What is the main grape grown there?

How is the wine labelled?

What is sweet Soave called?

A

Foothills - Limestone and clay = Cool + altitude = slow ripen = higher acidity

On the plain - Sandy alluvial = warmer = fruitier and med acidity

Gargenega

Hills - Soave Classico / Plain - Soave Recioto di Soave DOCG

22
Q

What are the 3 main DOCs of Friuli - Venezia Giulia and what is the style of wine from each?

A

Friuli Grave DOC

  • wines from the plain, white, simple, fruity
  • varieties are Friulano, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Blanc, Sauv. Blanc, can be named by single varietal name

Collio DOC and Colli Orientali DOC

  • Hills, higher diurnal range, more concentrated whites
  • lower maximum yields
  • Friulano, Ribolla Gialla, Sauv. Blanc, Chardonnay, can be name by single varietal name
23
Q

What are the acronyms for Italian PDO wines, what do they mean and what conditions are attached?

A

DOC - Denominazione di Origine Controllata

Subject to: Geographical boundaries, Limits on grape varieties and rules on production methods.

DOCG - Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita.

As above plus Must be bottled in area of production and subject to Ministry of Agriculture tasting

24
Q

What is Corvina like and where is it mainly used?

A

Black grape, thin skin, moderate colour, low~med tannin with hi acidity (more at altitude) giving red cherry flavour. Mainly used in Valpolicella

25
Q

Where is Trentino DOC, where are vines planted and what is mainly grown there?

A

Just south of Alto Adige

Vines on both slopes and valley floor

Mainly Pinot Grigio plus some Chardonnay

26
Q

What is the style of Amarone Della Valpolicella?

What is the min. ABV?

What is the min. aging required?

A

Dry or off dry, full body, hi alc, med~hi tannin Intense with concentrated red berry and spice.

Aged in large oak / smaller barriques for more modern producers.

min. 14%

2 years

27
Q

Where is Gargenega primarily grown?

What are it’s characteristics:

At altitude? On the plain?

A

Gargenega = Soave

Pear, red apple, stone fruit @ altitude - Full flavour ripeness with high acidity - Soave Classico

On the plains - Fruitier with medium acidity - Soave

28
Q

Which French red grape is widely planted in Trentino and Veneto?

A

Merlot

29
Q

Who is credited with ushering in an area of clean, white wine-making in Friuli in the 1960’s?

A

Mario Schiopetto

30
Q

Orange wine was revived in the late 1990s by producers in which region of Italy?

Made in what tradition?

Spearheaded by which producer?

A

Friuli.

Slavic Tradition.

Josko Gravner

31
Q

Trentino - Alto-Adige contains ___ DOCGs.

Over ___% of wine is DOC level.

A

0 DOCGS.

Over 75% are DOC

and in Alto Adige, by itself, over 95% of wines are DOC

32
Q

Vernatsch is a synonym for which grape?

A

Schiava / Trollinger

33
Q

Kerner is a cross of which 2 grapes?

A

Riesling and Schiava

34
Q

What are the 3 primary red grapes of Trentino - Alto-Adige?

What are 4 secondary red grapes?

A

Primary: Schiava, Lagrein, Teroldego.

Secondary: Pinot Nero, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot

35
Q

4 Main white varietals grown in Trentino - Alto-Adige?

4 German/Austrian varietals also found there?

A

4 Main: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco.

4 German/Austrian: Müller-Thurgau, Veltliner, Sylvaner, Kerner

36
Q

What are the 3 main varieties of Lambrusco used to make Lambrusco wines?

A
  • Lambrusco Grasparossa.
  • Lambrusco Salamino.
  • Lambrusco di Sorbara
37
Q

What is the most planted variety in Alto-Adige?

A

Schiava - 14% - but in decline

38
Q

What is the smallest wine-producing region of Italy by volume?

A

Valle d’Aosta

39
Q

When was Amarone della Valpolicella finally awarded DOCG status?

A

2010

40
Q

Identify the regions that these grape varieties are indigenous to:

  1. Ribolla Gialla
  2. Teroldego
  3. Pignoletto
  4. Freisa
  5. Rondinella
A
  1. Friuli - Venezia Giulia
  2. Trentino (Alto-Adige)
  3. Emilia-Romagna
  4. Piemonte
  5. Veneto
41
Q

Identify the DOC(G)s that the following producers are most famously associated with:

  1. Giuseppe Quintarelli
  2. Elvio Cogno
  3. Ca’ del Bosco
  4. Pieropan
  5. Ar.Pe.Pe
A
  1. Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG
  2. Barolo DOCG
  3. Franciacorta DOCG
  4. Soave Classico DOC
  5. Valtellina Superiore DOCG
42
Q

What are the 5 sub-zones of Valtellina Superiore DOCG?

A

Valgella, Inferno, Grumello, Maroggia, Sassella

43
Q

What does the Italian term “Propaggine” refer to?

What is a condition required for this to occur?

A

Essentially “self-propogating” vines.

A method of vine propogation whereby the young cane of an older vine is guided into the ground, resulting in it spawning a new vine.

Can only work in Phylloxera-resistant soils.

44
Q

Which region is the grape Fumin indigenous to?

It is widely recognized as:

2 grapes it is (believed to be) related to:

The name Fumin is derived from:

A

Valle d’Aosta

Recognized as the highest-quality native grape to the Valle d’Aosta.

Parent of Vuillermin, brother of Petit Rouge.

Fumo, or “smoky”, referring to the ash-white bloom that covers the bunches of grapes.

45
Q

Fumin wines can generally be described as:

3 Top Producers:

A

Violet in color.

Perfumed and spicy, black pepper, sweet spices.

Balance of red fruit, acid, extract and tannins.

Age-worthy and capable of improving over time.

Les Crêtes / Di Francesco Gasperi / Lo Triolet

46
Q

The Valpantena subzone of the Valpolicella region lies in what direction from the Classico subzone?

A

East

47
Q

What is the minimum abv allowed for Amarone della Valpolicella?

What is the max. RS allowed (with 2 exceptions)?

A

-14%

12g/L

For every 0.10% of alcohol exceeding 14%, an additional 0.10 g/l of residual sugar is allowed

For every 0.10% of alcohol exceeding 16%, an additional 0.15 g/l of residual sugar is allowed

48
Q

What are the 7 designated sub-zones of Valle d’Aosta DOC?

What color wines are permitted at each?

A

Arnad Montjovet (Red)

Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle (White)

Chambave (Red/White)

Donnas (Red)

Enfer d’Arvier (Red)

Nus (Red/White)

Torrette (Red)

49
Q

Petit Rouge is the principal grape variety in the red wines of which Valle d’Aosta DOC subzones?

A

Enfer d’Arvier

Torette

Chambave

50
Q

Which of the following Valle d’Aosta DOC subzones produces dry varietal Moscato Bianco wines?

A

Chambave

51
Q

Name 3 grapes beginning with the letter ‘B’ from the Piedmont region?

A

Barbera, Bonarda, Brachetto

52
Q

Where is Gavi located, what is made there and what grape is used?

How are the wines usually made?

A

Located SE Piemonte

White wines made from Cortese

Normally fermented protectively in S. Steel but some ferment old oak vessels with lees stirring

53
Q

Where is Piemonte, what is the climate like and what are potential climatic risks?

What are the predominant red grapes and at what altitude are the grapes grown?

A

NW Italy with Alps to the north providing a ‘rain shadow’ giving protection from northerly rain and winds.

Climate is moderate continental with long cold winters and summers with a risk of thunderstorms, hail and fog.

Grapes are Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto and grown from 150~500 metres

54
Q

What is Cortese, what does it taste like and where is it, predominantly used?

A

White grape, high acidity, floral, pale, light, body with aromas citrus, green apple and pear.

Mainly used in Gavi usually temp control S. Steel but can be barrel ferment with lees stirring

55
Q

What grapes are mainly grown in Asti and Alba and what are the wines produced?

A

Barbera and Dolcetto

Barbera d’Alba DOC and the higher quality Barbera d’Asti DOCG

Dolcetto d’Alba DOC

56
Q

What is Dolcetto like and where is it mainly used?

A

Black grape, likes cooler sites.

Deep colour, high tannin (double t in its name!), med acidity.

Flavors of black plums, red cherries and dried herbs.

Drunk young or aged

Mainly used Dolcetta d’Alba DOC or higher quality Dogliani DOCG

57
Q

What is Barbera, what’s it like and where is it mainly used?

A

Black grape, similar to Nebbiolo but lower tannin and higher acidity (2 x a’s in its name stand for acid and acid!), med to deep colour. Aromas of red cherries, plums and sometimes black pepper. Can be youthful and fruity or barrel aged for spicy flavours. Mainly Barbera d’Alba DOC and the higher quality Barbera d’Asti DOCG

58
Q

Piemonte contains ___ DOCGs and ___DOCs.

A

17 DOCGs.

42 DOCs.

59
Q

Which red grape variety has the most vineyard acreage planted in Piemonte?

A

Barbera.

60
Q

What are 3 synonyms for Nebbiolo and what are their localities?

A

Chiavennasca: Valtellina (Lombardia)

Spanna: Alto Piemonte (Ghemme, Gattinara)

Picotendre/Picoteneur: Valle d’Aosta

61
Q

What is the principal grape variety used in the wines of the Carema, Boca, and Lessona DOCs?

A

Nebbiolo

62
Q

What are the 3 varietals permitted for Ghemme DOCG?

A

Spanna (Nebbiolo) / Uva Rara / Vespolina

63
Q

Cortese DOCGs?

A

Gavi (or Cotese di Gavi) DOCG (●)

Relatively small area with limestone soils on hillside vineyards

100% Cortese

67 hL/Ha. max yield

Riserva wines – 45 hL/Ha. and aged in vessel one year

Wines are fruity, mineral, steely, very dry and w a tangy citrus finish.

The best can age up to 3 years and get honey aromas

Gavi di Gavi DOCG

Made from fruit grown entirely in municipality of Gavi

64
Q

Which appellation is the producer Ar. Pe. Pe. most associated with?

Their winemaking style is considered:

The name of the winery refers to:

A

Valtellina Superiore DOCG

Traditional; long macerations and long aging in large, old barrels.

Short for Arturo Pelizzatti Perego, 4th generation owner of Ar. Pe. Pe.

65
Q

What are the aging requirements for Amarone della Valpolicella (normale and riserva)?

What are the oak-aging requirements?

A

Normale: Min. 2 years

Riserva: Min. 4 years

No oak requirements

66
Q

The Cialla subzone can be found in which DOCG?

A

Colli Orientali del Picolit DOCG

67
Q

The Terrano grape is part of the ____ family.

Used to make wines from which appellation?

A

Refosco

Carso DOC

68
Q

In which region is the Moscato di Scanzo DOCG appellation located?

What type of wine is this?

A

Lombardia

Red, sweet, passito dessert wine.

69
Q

Put the following grapes in order of their ripening schedule (1 = earliest, 3 = latest).

Nebbiolo

Barbera

Dolcetto

A
  1. Dolcetto
  2. Barbera
  3. Nebbiolo
70
Q

List 3 varieties besides Barbera that are permitted in Barbera d’Asti DOCG:

A

Grignolino / Dolcetto / Freisa

71
Q

What are the 5 subzones of the Valpolicella Classico DOC?

A

Fumane / Negrar / Marano / Sant’Ambrogio / San Pietro in Cariano

72
Q

What is the IGT for Piemonte?

A

Doesn’t have one

Piemonte DOC though does a wide range of international allowable varietals