Taurasi DOCG Flashcards
(17 cards)
Where is Taurasi DOCG located?
In the Campania wine district of Irpinia, around the town of Taurasi.
What distinction does Taurasi DOCG possess?
It was southern Italy’s first DOCG.
What is the the primary grape of Taurasi DOCG?
Aglianico. It is considered as a noble grape alongside Sangiovese and Nebbiolo. It is native to Campania.
What is the ripening profile of the Aglianico grape?
It is a thick skinned grape requiring a long growing season to fully ripen.
What is the climate of the Taurasi DOCG?
It has warm days and cool nights.
How does the climate of Taurasi DOCG influence the grapes and wines?
Warm days and cool nights allow the grapes to ripen slowly and build complex flavour compounds. It retains its high acidity due to the cool nights. The wine is considered among the best expressions of the grape.
At what elevation are the Taurasi DOCG vineyards planted?
On significant elevation, most over 400mtrs ASL.
What are the main soils of Taurasi DOCG?
Soils which are rich in volcanic materials such as ash, lapilli, tuff and pumice.
How do the vineyards planted on hillside slopes with volcanic soils influence the wines of Taurasi DOCG?
They combine to produce particularly complex wines.
What is the blend rule for Taurasi DOCG wines?
Minimum of 85% Aglianico but most are 100%.
What is the ageing requirement for Taurasi DOCG wines?
A minimum of three years with at least 12 months in wood.
What is the ageing requirement for Taurasi DOCG Riserva wines?
A minimum of four years with at least 18 months in wood.
What is the structure of Taurasi DOCG wines?
Body - Full;
Acidity - bracing (Very high);
ABV - high;
Tannin - Powerful.
What are the common descriptors of young Taurasi DOCG wines?
Savoury wines with aromas of sour cherry, violet, rose, red and blue berry fruit, licorice and cured meat.
What are the common descriptors of bottle-aged Taurasi DOCG wines?
Aromas of strawberry, dried fruit, leather and tobacco can develop.
What makes Taurasi DOCG wines special?
The grape is capable of producing long-lived wines that develop a great deal of complexity with bottle age.
Which other highly regarded Italian wine is Taurasi compared with? What is it’s nickname? Why is this?
It is nicknamed the “ Barolo of the South” due to its longevity and powerful structural characteristics.
