Piemonte: Alba Flashcards
Where is the Alba sub-region located?
The sub-region lies in southern Piemonte within the eastern section of the province of Cuneo. It includes the hills of Langhe and Roero. The Tanaro River, which flows north from the western Ligurian Apennines into the Po River, separates the Roero hills on the left bank (to the north) from the Langhe hills on its right bank (to the south).
Whereas the Roero Hills are low-rising and steeply sloped, the Langhe Hillls are higher in elevation with more gradual slopes.
Where is the city of Alba located?
Situated between the Langhe and Roero wine districts, it is traditionally considered to be part of Langhe. The city lies (for the most part) on the right bank (south of) of the Tanaro River.
How is Alba’s historic and viticultural importance evident?
By the number of communes (Diano d’Alba & Serralunga d’Alba) and appellations (Dolcetto d’Alba & Nebbiolo d’Alba DOCs) that have been named after it.
Alba is a renowned culinary center and considered among Italy’s best. What foods is it well-known for?
-hazelnuts (where Nutella was invented)
-precious white truffles
-strong chocolate tradition
What areas in Alba were added to UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list?
The hills of:
-Langhe (2014)
-Roero (2014)
Official name: “Vineyard Landscape of Piemont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato”
Note: Monferrato was also added
What is the climate in Alba?
Moderately continental with cold winters and warm, dry summers.
How do the hills influence the climate in Alba?
The hills benefit from an advantageous diurnal temperature swing that favours aromatic development and acid retention.
What is the weather like in Alba?
Summer rainstorms and hail can affect the last stage of the ripening process and create significant vintage variation.
Autumns are generally foggy and mild, granting late-ripening grapes, such as Nebbiolo, and extension of the growing season well int October.
During winter, snow often blankets the hills.
The average annual rainfall is 20-30in/500-800mm and is higher in the south than it is in the north.
How does the Tanaro River influence the climate in Alba?
The vineyards flanking the Tanaro River benefit from its moderating influence.
How do the mountains influence the climate in Alba?
To the south of Langhe, the Maritime Alps in the west meet the Ligurian Apennines in the east. Although both ranges reduce the amount of maritime air blowing inland from the Ligurian Sea, some warm air still manages to reach the Langhe and Roero Hills helping to offset the cool air coming down off of the Alps from the west.
What are the soil types in Langhe (Alba)?
The soils in Langhe were formed 15 million years ago and are largely composed of compact calcareous marls, known locally as terre bianche (white soils), and sandstone.
What are the soil types in Roero (Alba)?
The soils in Roero are more recent than Langhe’s, dating back to only 5 million years ago. They are softer, sandier and rich in marine fossils.
What characteristic of the soils in Langhe and Roero Hills can be problematic?
The soils of both areas have few pebbles or stones. Consequently, erosion can be a recurrent issue on the steeper inclines.
What features in Alba contribute to an overall macro-climate ideally suited to the vine?
-variations in soil composition
-south-facing slopes
-moderate continental climate
Note: there are also a host of different meso-climates that yield distinctive wines - even when made from the same grape.
What is the overall climate in Alba?
Moderate continental; influenced by both cool Alpine air and warm sea air currents stretching up from the south.
What vine-training methods are used in Alba?
-Guyot
-Cordon spur-pruning
(both, since the second half of the 19th century)
How are vineyards in Alba harvested?
Because vineyards are restricted to just hillsides, both pruning and harvest are largely carried out by hand.
How does the Nebbiolo variety fair in Alba compared to northern regions?
In Alba, Nebbiolo benefits from milder conditions than in northern Piemonte. Therefore the grapes in this area achieve ripeness more consistently resulting in wines that are bigger, fuller in body and higher in alcohol than those further north such as Gattinara and Ghemme.
How many appellations are there in Langhe and Roero?
12 appellations; many of these geographical zones of production partly, or fully overlap
What are the classic grape varieties grown in Alba (Langhe & Roero)?
-Nebbiolo
-Barbera
-Dolcetto
What does Langhe mean?
It is believed that the word “Langhe refers to “tongues” (of land) which describes the shape of the hills characterizing this historic winegrowing region. These groups of elongated hills run parallel to each other and are separated by deep, narrow valleys.
What is Langa?
The name for Langhe in local Piemontese dialect.
The Langhe boasts of Italy’s highest concentrations of vineyards and wineries. What varieties is Langhe well-known for?
-Nebbiolo (classic home)
-Barbera
-Dolcetto
-Moscato Bianco
How does Langhe Hills compare to Burgundy?
The wine philosophy in each region have parallels.
In both:
-growers place an importance on village origin, single-vineyard wines and estate bottling.
-vineyards are planted on slopes divided into tiny parcels and owned by multiple growers.
-scale of production is small
-tremendous diversity of terroir
Nebbiolo vs. Pinot Nero:
-viticulture is about subtle variations of altitude, exposure, and soil
-Like Pinot Nero, Nebbiolo expresses nuances of specific terroirs
How are the Langhe Hills generally divided and what are those divisions called?
-Alta Langa (Higher Langhe)
-Bassa Langa (Lower Langhe)
These areas reference the altitude of the hills, which increase as they spread south.
The town of Monforte d’Alba is generally considered the point of separation between Higher and Lower Langhe.
South of Monforte d’Alba, the climate becomes cooler. This area is less suitable for Nebbiolo but appropriate for Dolcetto.
How is the overall climate of Langhe Hills moderated?
The Tanaro River and its air currents that travel through the river valley providing ventilation in summer and mists in autumn - both important elements to ensure the slow ripening of the grapes.
What are the most widely planted grape varieties in Langhe Hills?
-Nebbiolo
-Dolcetto
-Barbera
-Moscato Bianco
-Pelaverga
-Freisa
-Favorita
-Nascetta
Where in Langhe Hills are Nebbiolo vines planted?
Only on the best sites, positioned in the middle of south-facing slopes. (Nebbiolo is a challenging grape to grow & requires the best sites)
The top and bottom portions of slopes, as well as east and west aspects of hills are normally planted to Dolcetto or Barbera.
Dolcetto, which is early-ripening, is planted on the highest and coolest sites where neither Nebbiolo nor Barbera would fully ripen.
What international varieties are permitted in Langhe Hills and which appellations may they use?
International varieties account for a tiny proportion of the plantings and can only be used under the sub-regional appellation Langhe DOC.
-Chardonnay (most widely planted)
-Merlot
-Cabernet Sauvignon
-Sauvignon Blanc
What are the Nebbiolo-based appellations of Langhe Hills?
1) Barolo DOCG
2) Barbaresco DOCG
3) Nebbiolo d’Alba DOC
4) Alba DOC
Which appellation produces one of Italy’s greatest wines and is considered to deliver the highest and most powerful expression of the Nebbiolo grape?
Barolo DOCG
Who are Giulia Falleti, Camillo Benso, and Oudart? What part did they play in the development of Barolo?
Giulia Falleti was the last Marquise of Barolo.
Camillo Benso was the Count of Cavour, one of the leading figures of the Italian unification during the 19th century. In 1861, he became Italy’s first Prime Minister.
Oudart was a French enologist.
The reds wines are believed to have once been deliberately made to be sweet. These people had Barolo wine finished dry around the mid-1800s.
What were the likely influences on Barolo wine containing residual sugar prior to the 1850s?
-the late-ripening nature of Nebbiolo
-Nebbiolo’s high sugar levels at harvest
-incomplete fermentation due to early onset of winter cold.
What are the current theories explaining the creation of a dry-styled Barolo in the 1830s-1840s?
Camillo Benso (Count of Cavour & later 1st Prime Minister of Italy) worked with Paolo Francesco Staglieno (an Italian enologist & former military general) to avoid stuck fermentations by using closed vats and improving cellar hygiene.
How did Barolo become famous after its transition to a dry style?
Giulia Falletti, Marquise of Barolo, produced dry red wines at her Barolo estate and she introduced these wines to the aristocratic circles of Torino. The wines attracted the interest and attention of the Savoyard royal family who acquired winemaking estates in the Barolo area themselves (notably Verduno and Serralunga d’Alba, where Fontanafredda is still active).
What does “re dei vini e vino dei re” mean?
“King of wines and wine of kings.” It refers to the international recognition of Barolo. These wines were so prized that they became liquid ambassadors for the House of Savoy among the royal courts of Europe.
Where is Barolo DOCG located?
It is situated in the northwestern part of Langhe, on the right bank of the Tanaro (south of) where the river makes a 90 degree turn east. Alba lies just a few miles to the northeast of Barolo, separating it from Barbaresco.
How big is Barolo DOCG?
The appellation is approx. 7mi/11kmm long and 5mi/8km wide at its widest point.
To make up for its small size, it is rather densely planted - with more than 4,447ac/1,800ha under vine.
What varietals are permitted in Barolo DOCG?
100% Nebbiolo
Only from the strictly delimited hills surrounding 11 towns.
By law, which entire communes are entitled to make Barolo DOCG?
1) Barolo
2) Castiglione Falleto
3) Serralunga d’Alba
Which communes of Barolo DOCG have more restricted areas surrounding them?
1) Monforte d’Alba
2) La Morra
3) Novello
4) Verduno
5) Grinzane Cavour
6) Diano d’Alba
7) Cherasco
8) Roddi
Which 5 towns in Barolo DOCG are the most well-known and are considered the most significant?
1) La Morra
2) Barolo
3) Castiglione Falleto
4) Monforte d’Alba
5) Serralunga d’Alba
Almost 90% of the Barolo DOCG appellation surrounds these 5 villages.
What is Bricco and Sori?
Bricco (or Bric) is a superior site on the higher part of the hill.
Sori is a well-exposed, sunny site.
In Barolo, Barbaresco, Langhe and Roero, the best vineyard sites are often called Bricco or Sori.
Where in Barolo DOCG are vineyards located?
According to the the disciplinare, vineyards in Barolo must lie at an elevation between 550-1,800ft/170-540m.
In practice, most Nebbiolo tends to be planted mid-slope, at the lower end of the permitted altitude range in order to achieve full ripeness.
What are the soil types in Barolo DOCG?
The soils are the result of two different geological ages:
1) the younger Tortonian
-covers roughly the western half of Barolo & small parts of the eastern portion.
-composed of calcareous marls that are more fertile & compact than Serravalian.
-vineyards of La Morra & Barolo are found on this soil.
-wines are likely to be more perfumed, elegant, fruitier & softer - maturing relatively rapidly.
2) the older Serravallian (previously known as Helvetian)
-mainly composed of sandstone, silty marls & sand
-poorer, less compact & less fertile than Tortonian
-vineyards of Monforte d’Alba, Serralunga d’Alba & part of Castiglione Falletto on this soil
-wines show more power & depth & are fuller in body, more robust and structured. Notably longer-lived, requiring more time in bottle.
How was the great majority of Barolo traditionally made?
It was produced by merchants (commercianti) and was often made by blending wines from different vineyards and/or different communes.
Advantage: maintaining a consistent style vintage after vintage.
Disadvantage: it concealed the individuality of each vineyard site.
When did estate-bottling become more widespread in Barolo? What discovery did this practice allow for?
1960s and 1970s.
As single-vineyards bottlings appeared more and more often it provided increased evidence that different vineyards or zones produced wines with unique profiles, showing nuances that were specific to those sites.
When did Barolo’s superior sites (crus) become acknowledged and recognized among growers and wine merchants alike?
Since the 19th century. Grapes from these sites normally commanded higher prices.
According to local wisdom in Barolo, how are the best vineyard sites known?
The best sites were known as the places where the snow melted first.
What is the menzioni geografiche aggiuntive or MGA (additional geographic designations)
It is a list of delimited vineyard areas allowed to appear on the Barolo label. It was created by the Barolo Consorzio in the cooperation with the province of Cuneo and the various Barolo villages. This was intended to regulate the use of vineyard and zonal names historically known to produce wines of distinction.
Note: these designations do not represent a quality pyramid among the different MGAs - it is not a classification system.
How many geographical designations are there in Barolo?
181 geographical designations
-11 of which are communal
Note: wines may be labeled with one of the geographical designations provided the fruit comes from the stated designation.
Name some of the most well-known sites of geographical designation in Barolo.
1) Brunate
2) Bussia
3) Cannubi
4) Cerequio
5) Francia
6) Ginestra
7) Monprivato
8) Rocche dell’Annunziata
9) Rocche di Castiglione
10) Sarmassa
11) Vigna Rionda
12) Villero
Note: These are only 12 of the 181 geographical designations.
Which appellations are probably the most carefully vineyard-charted locals of Italy?
-Barolo
-Barbaresco
How was Barolo produced up until the 1970s?
The wines were given long macerations (up to 1-2 months) and extended aging (commonly 4+ years) in large, neutral old Slavonian oak or chestnut casks (botti). The long maturation in wood was necessary to soften the harsh tannins extracted through the prolonged macerations. But,these extended macerations also increased the risk of losing the delicate varietal character of Nebbiolo.
The resulting wines were austere and tannic when young and were approachable only after considerable additional bottle aging (sometimes decades).
What style of wine was produced after winemaking practices in Barolo were revamped in the 1980s?
The more “modern” style of wines were fruity-driven and approachable upon release. They boasted softer tannins, more concentration and noticeably more oak.
Who are the Barolo Boys?
They were a group of young producers in the early 1980s that strongly believed in the need to modernize the wines of Barolo. They began to experiment with a more approachable style.
What style of Barolo is being produced today?
Many producers are now making a style that falls between the two poles of tradionalist and modernist, with a more subtle approach and more judicious use of oak.
The aim is to enhance the character of Nebbiolo, while also managing its tannic and acidic nature through the use of both traditional and modern techniques.
What are the characteristics of wines produced in Barolo DOCG?
Barolo is usually never deep in colour; it ranges from light ruby to garnet and acquires a brick-orange hue over time.
The wines boast intense and complex aromas of flowers (rose & violet), fresh red berries, cherries, tar and earth.
This all evolves over time into more refined aromas of dried fruit, dried flowers, spices (nutmeg, cinnamon) and mint, coupled with layers of leather, tobacco, gamey-meaty notes, licorice and white truffles.
The palate shows concentration, dense texture, full body and Nebbiolo’s notorious acid-tannin core.
It usually needs time in bottle to smooth, soften and reach perfect balance. Barolo is very long-lasting. Some may be enjoyed after a few years in bottle, but most benefit enormously from extended bottle age - developing great tertiary and ethereal complexity.
What are the aging requirements of Barolo DOCG?
-Minimum 38 months
-Minimum 18 months in oak
Riserva:
-Minimum 62 months
-Minimum 18 months in oak
What is Barolo Chinato?
It is a rare aromatized and fortified wine that is a local specialty of the Barolo area. Quinine, aromatic herbs, spices are added to a base wine made entirely of Barolo.
It is usually drunk as a digestif or paired with dark chocolate.
It’s production falls within the Barolo DOCG appellation.
How long have local growers been producing wines from Nebbiolo in the area of Barbaresco?
Since the 18th century. However the wines were not associated with the name of the village. Prior to the 1890s, the grapes from Barbaresco were often used for the production of Barolo.
Who is Domizio Cavazzo?
Domizio Cavazzo was the director of the Royal School of Enology of Alba. In 1894, he acquired the castle of Barbaresco (including the surrounding vineyards) and founded the first cooperative in Barbaresco. Then on, wines were officially called Barbaresco and they slowly acquired their own identity. Barbaresco remained in the shadow of Barolo for several more decades.
Who is Angelo Gaja?
He was a wine producer who, together with Giacosa (another wine producer), demonstrated the real potential of Barbaresco in the late 1950s and early 1960s. He is credited for transforming Barbaresco from a wine of local renown to a world-class wine with cult status. He was also instrumental in raising the image of Italian wines in general.
Where is Barbaresco DOCG located?
It is on the right bank of the Tanaro River (south of), to the east and northeast of Alba.
Vineyards are grown on the hillsides surrounding the entire communes of Barbaresco, Neive and Treiso and a small hilly section surrounding the hamlet of San Rocco Sen d’Elvio.
What varietal(s) are used to produce Barbaresco DOCG?
100% Nebbiolo
Note: Vineyards in Barbaresco are all Nebbiolo.
Which of the communes in Barbaresco DOCG account for the majority of overall production?
Barbaresco; many of the best sites, and the most prestigious producers, are found here. 100% of plantings are Nebbiolo.
Which varietals are found in the Neive commune of Barbaresco DOCG?
Fewer plantings dedicated to Nebbiolo than Barbaresco. It focuses instead on Dolcetto, Barbera and Moscato Bianco (particularly renowned for Neive).
Which varietals are found in the Treiso commune of Barbaresco DOCG?
This commune lies south of the town of Barbaresco and whose hills are higher in altitude, grows less Nebbiolo, in favour of Dolcetto, due to the cooler meso-climate.
Which commune in Barbaresco DOCG is particularly renowned for their Moscato Bianco?
Neive
Where are vineyards located in Barbaresco?
They lie on hills that are approximately 160ft/50m lower than those in Barolo.
Nebbiolo is planted on the middle of south-facing slopes, between 500-1,150ft/150-350m in altitude, in order to maximize ripeness.
What soil types are found in Barbaresco DOCG?
Mostly belonging to the geological Tortonian formation, characterized by mostly calcareous marls, similar to those found in the western part of Barolo, but with alternating layers of sand.
How does the ripeness of grapes from Barbaresco compare to those of Barolo?
The Barbaresco winegrowing area is closer to the Tanaro River Valley than Barolo. This proximity makes the area slightly warmer. As a result, Nebbiolo tends to ripen earlier in Barbaresco than in Barolo - and often more consistently.
