Whites

Question 1

Varietal ID of Grillo

Answer 1

Lemony and herbal with high crisp acidity; often resemble of Sauvignon Blanc.
Modern protective/ reductive winemaking prevail (as aromatic molecules are easily oxidised).
Alternatively used in Marsala

Question 2

Varietal ID of Garganega

Answer 2

High quality, concentrated flavours of lemon, apricot, golden apple, hay and floral, with high steely acidity and stony minerality.
Can be oaked, complex and age-worthy.
(TX funnel: often confused with Chardonnay, but more stone fruit driven).

Question 3

Origins of Garganega

Answer 3

Soave DOC
Soave Superiore DOCG
Recioto di Soave DOCG
Gambellara DOC

Question 4

Varietal ID of Fiano

Answer 4

White blossoms, pear, green apple and hazelnut.
Age worthy of beeswax, acacia honey and creamier on the palate.
Affinity to volcanic soil (smoky, burnt rubber).

Question 5

Origins of Fiano

Answer 5

Fiano di Avellino DOCG

Question 6

Varietal ID of Falanghina

Answer 6

Medium lemon colour
Floral, leafy green on the nose
Peach, apricot, yellow apple on the palate with high bright acidity

Question 7

Varietal ID of Cortese

Answer 7

Neutral flavours - delicate white flower, herbal nuances. Best examples are mineral and age-worthy.
High brisk acidity.

Question 8

Origins of Cortese

Answer 8

Gavi DOCG
Piemonte DOC
Cortese dell’Alto Monferrato DOC
Oltrepo Pavese DOC
Garda DOC
Biancorosso di Custoza DOC (blend)

Question 9

Sub zones of Gavi DOCG

Answer 9

Best: Gavi di Gavi and Gavi di Tassarola

Gavi di Gavi: finesse and depth from chalky soil. Powerful, concentrated and intensely perfume wines.

Gavi di Tassarola: higher clay content, richer fuller bodied with less minerality tone.

Question 10

Varietal ID of Carricante

Answer 10

Low alcohol and high acidity (esp high in malic acid; often MLF).

Lemon, aniseed, green apple, orange flowers, chamomile, unripe apricot.

Salinity and minerality.

Riesling alike wIth age: can develop flint and diesel aromas with 5 to 10 years of age.

From Etna Bianco DOC

Question 11

Varietal ID of Arneis

Answer 11

Low to medium acidity - at best: lively
Exuding notes of fresh white peach and pear with nuances of sweet almonds and white flowers.
Pale straw yellow.
Oxidise easily hence protective winemaking to prevent oxygen and retain freshness.

Question 12

Origins of Arneis

Answer 12

Roero DOCG (Sandy and friable soils)
Langhe DOC