Sardinia Flashcards

1
Q

Where is Sardinia?

What is the climate here?

A

Off the coast of Tuscany, south of Corsica

Warm mediterranean

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2
Q

Describe rainfall patterns in Sardinia and how this affects vines

What other weather affects vine growth in Sardinia?

A

Low rainfall during the growing season.

Adequate in parts

Low rainfall in the south east makes irrigation more of a requirement

Wind - more open sites can experience a drying effect, but are less susceptible to fungal disease

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3
Q

What is the main cooling effect in Sardinia?

A

Altitude - most of Sardinia is hilly

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4
Q

What is the more common name for Cannonau?

A

Grenache Noir

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5
Q

Give the key characteristics of the Cannonau vine (7)

A
High yielding 
Late ripening
Good drought resistance
Prone to coulure
Prone to phomopsis
Prone to botrytis 
Prone to bacterial blight
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6
Q

Give a typical tasting note for a Cannonau wine

A
Pale ruby
Ripe red fruit, spice, herbal notes
Low acidity
Low to medium tannin
High alcohol
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7
Q

What is the maximum yield for Cannonau di Sardegna DOC?

What is the maximum yield for Cannonau di Sardegna Classico DOC?

A

77hl/ha

63hl/ha

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8
Q

Give the key characteristics of the Vermentino vine (4)

What soils / sites are best suited?

A
Early budding (spring frost)
Mid ripening (avoids rains)
Prone to downy mildew
Prone to European grape moths

Prefers sunny, exposed sites with poor soils

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9
Q

Give a typical tasting note for a Vermentino wine from Sardinia

A
Medium intensity
Lemon, acacia, riper wines show tropical fruit
Medium (+) acidity
Light to medium body
Medium alcohol

Good to very good
Mid to premium priced

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10
Q

Describe the typical winemaking options taken by Sardinian winemakers when producing Vermentino (6)

A

Gentle pressing

Short period of skin contact (24 hours)

Cool to midrange fermentation temperatures

Use of stainless steel for fermentation (to retain fruit flavours)

Short ageing on lees (3-4 months) in neutral vessels

Some wines may spend longer on lees for added body and texture

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11
Q

What is the maximum yield for Vermentino di Sardegna DOC?

A

112hl/ha - low concentration

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12
Q

Where can Vermentino di Gallura DOCG be grown?

What is the maximum yield?

A

In the north east of Sardinia

63hl/ha

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13
Q

What is the name of the only DOCG in Sardegna?

A

Vermentino di Gallura DOC

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14
Q

What is the more common name for Carignano?

A

Carignan

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15
Q

Give the key characteristics of the Carignano vine

A
Late budding
Late ripening
High yielding (old vines are lower yielding)
Prone to powdery mildew
Prone to European grape moths
Heat resistant
Drought resistant
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16
Q

What is the maximum yield for Carignano del Sulcis DOC?

What is the maximum yield for Carignano del Sulcis Superiore DOC?

What is the minimum ageing requirement for both Riserva and Superiore wines?

A

77hl/ha

52.5hl/ha

Min. 2 years ageing

17
Q

Explain when irrigation is permitted in Carignano del Sulcis DOC

A

It is permitted to let vines grow adequately in the period of vegetative growth

It cannot be used to assist vines after veraison during the final ripening of fruit

18
Q

How must vines for Carignano del Sulcis Superiore DOC wines be trained?

A

Superiore can only be made from bush vines - these restrain natural vigour and are well suited to the climate

19
Q

Describe the typical winemaking options taken when producing inexpensive Carignano wines

A

Warm fermentation temperatures

Macerated on skins for 7 to 10 days

Aged 3 to 4 months in large neutral containers

20
Q

Describe the typical winemaking options taken when producing mid to premium priced Carignano wines

A

Macerated on skins for around 15 days while fermenting at warm temperatures to maximise extraction

Barrique ageing for 12 to 18 months

21
Q

What were the consequences of increased EU and regional funding in the late 20th century?

A

Increased growth of co-ops

Area under vine decreased as subsidies were available for removing uneconomic vineyards

22
Q

What percentage of Sardinian wine is PDO level?

A

66%

23
Q

Have exports of Sardinian wines increased or decreased over the last decade?

A

They have remained flat

24
Q

What is the minimum ageing requirement for Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva wines?

What is the minimum ageing requirement for Cannonau di Sardegna Classico Riserva wines?

A

2 years, 6 months in wood

2 years, 1 year in wood

25
Q

What appellation in Sardegna is known for producing Carignan wines?

A

Carignano del Sulcis DOC

26
Q

What appellation in Sardegna is known for producing Grenache wines?

A

Cannonau di Sardegna DOC