Italy

Carmignano DOCG requires 10-20 percent of either Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Franc in the blend, and requires 50% Sangiovese. True False

False

In Europe, Italy has frequently set the standard for wine quality and consistency. True False

False

Most of the wines of Friuli-Venezia Giulia have distinctive oaky notes. True False

False

Barolo must be aged during production longer than Barbaresco. True False

True

Lombardy's Franciacorta is produced in a manner quite similar to France's Champagne. True False

True

One of the most popular of the Lazio region's easy-to-drink white wines is Frascati, a blend of Trebbiano and Malvasia. True False

True

Orvieto, Verdicchio, and Vernaccia di San Gimignano are all dry white wines from Central Italy. True False

True

The Veneto consistently produces more wine than any other of Italy's 20 regions. True False

True

The term Vernaccia has the literal meaning of "indigenous" in Italian and is used to refer to a number of unrelated grapes. True False

True

When Italy joined the Common Market (later to be called the European Union) in 1963, it began to put in place a system of place names for its wines. True False

True

In Valpolicella wines, the most prominent grape used is... a. ...Corvina. b. ...Molinara. c. ...Rondinella. d. ...Bardolino.

a. ...Corvina.

Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi and Verdicchio di Matelica... a. ...are crisp white wines from the Marches region. b. ...account for Abruzzo's primary white wine. c. ...are blends of Montepulciano and Sangiovese. d. ...are blends of Montepulciano and Sagrantino.

a. ...are crisp white wines from the Marches region.

Most of Sicily's wine is... a. ...white. b. ...red. c. ...fortified. d. ...sweet.

a. ...white.

The average size of a vineyard in Italy is... a. 2 acres b. 12 acres c. 22 acres d. 44 acres

a. 2 acres

What is the most important difference between the sparkling wine called Asti and Moscato d'Asti? a. Asti is fully sparkling (spumante) while Moscato d'Asti is only lightly sparkling (frizzante). b. Asti is the sweeter wine of the two. c. Moscato d'Asti is a single grape variety (Moscato) while Asti may be a blend of several white grapes, including up to 20% Chardonnay. d. The major difference is regional. Moscato d'Asti can only be produced within 15-20 kilometers of the town of Asti, while the Asti appellation covers an area about twice as broad.

a. Asti is fully sparkling (spumante) while Moscato d'Asti is only lightly sparkling (frizzante).

Which is not a recognized Chianti sub-zone? a. Chianti d'Annata b. Chianti Colline Pisane c. Chianti Rufina d. Chianti Colli Fiorentini

a. Chianti d'Annata

In Valpolicella wines, the most prominent grape used is: a. Corvina b. Molinara c. Rondinella d. Bardolino

a. Corvina

Which is a factor that makes Italy such a large wine producer? a. The modifying influence of the Mediterranean Sea and its branches. b. Warm winters that prevent vines from going into their dormant stage. c. Uniform customs and wine tastes from region to region. d. None of the above.

a. The modifying influence of the Mediterranean Sea and its branches.

Tuscany's traditional sweet wine made from dried grapes is... a. ...called Vernaccia di San Gimignano. b. ...called Vin Santo. c. ...usually made from red grapes. d. ...produced primarily from Sangiovese with up to 18% allowed white grape content.

b. ...called Vin Santo.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano... a. ...is produced from the increasingly popular Montepulciano grape. b. ...is a product of the Prugnolo Gentile clone of the Sangiovese grape. c. ...is a product of the Rufina clone of the Sangiovese grape. d. ...is a product of the Pomino clone of the Sangiovese grape.

b. ...is a product of the Prugnolo Gentile clone of the Sangiovese grape.

Sardenia's Cannonau grape... a. ...is identical to the French Syrah. b. ...is largely the same as the Spanish Garnacha. c. ...is the local name for the Sangiovese grape. d. None of the above.

b. ...is largely the same as the Spanish Garnacha.

Lambrusco... a. ...is named after the wine-producing town of Montepulciano. b. ...must contain at least 85% of the Montepulciano grape and is produced in both red and rosé versions. c. ...is identical to Trebbiano d'Abruzzo. d. ...overlaps appellation boundaries with Rosse Conero DOC.

b. ...must contain at least 85% of the Montepulciano grape and is produced in both red and rosé versions.

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo... a. ...is named after the wine-producing town of Montepulciano. b. ...must contain at least 85% of the Montepulciano grape and is produced in both red and rosé versions. c. ...is identical to Trebbiano d'Abruzzo. d. ...overlaps appellation boundaries with Rosse Conero DOC.

b. ...must contain at least 85% of the Montepulciano grape and is produced in both red and rosé versions.

Pinot Grigio... a. ...is Italy's most widely-planted white grape. b. ...tends to grow best in Italy's northernmost wine regions. c. ...is simply another name for France's Pinot Noir. d. ...is a major factor in Italy's sparkling wines, both frizzante and spumante.

b. ...tends to grow best in Italy's northernmost wine regions.

Which statement is not true? a. Barolo and Barbaresco are both comprised of 100% Nebbiolo grapes. b. Barolo refers to a place, while Barbaresco refers to a type of wine made primarily from the Barbera grape. c. Barolo and Barbaresco are names of nearby wine-producing villages. d. Barbera as a grape gives its name in combination with place names to several major appellations, like Barbera d'Alba.

b. Barolo refers to a place, while Barbaresco refers to a type of wine made primarily from the Barbera grape.

Which of these southern Italian regions is not matched properly with one of its characteristic wines? a. Campania: Taurasi b. Basilicata: Cattarano c. Calabria: Cira d. Sicily: Nero d'Avola

b. Basilicata: Cattarano

Which statement is not true? a. Sangiovese is Italy's single most planted grape. b. Chianti Classico must be 100% Sangiovese. c. Chianti may be 100% Sangiovese. d. Sangiovese is more a loose collection of vine clones than an actual grape variety.

b. Chianti Classico must be 100% Sangiovese.

Which statement is true? a. Italy remains limited by traditional vineyard and winemaking practices b. Cooperatives are a major force in the Italian wine industry c. About 20% of Italy's farms are vineyards d. Grower cooperatives insist on producing wines geared to old-style tastes

b. Cooperatives are a major force in the Italian wine industry

Greco di Tufo is one of the major white wines of... a. ...Sicily. b. ...Sardenia. c. ...Campania. d. ...Calabria.

c. ...Campania.

Other than Asti and Moscato d'Asti, Piedmont's most prominent white wine is the dry and fruity... a. ...Soave. b. ...Vernaccia d'Asti. c. ...Gavi. d. ...Est! Est!! Est!!!

c. ...Gavi.

The Alto-Adige area... a. ...is known for its large cooperatives. b. ...produces primarily red wines from Cabernet Franc and Merlot. c. ...has a large German-speaking population. d. All of the above.

c. ...has a large German-speaking population.

Prosecco (Prosecco Superiore)... a. ...is a slightly effervescent (frizzante) sparkling wine produced using the metodo classico process (two in-bottle fermentations, like Champagne). b. ...can only be produced using Moscato grapes. c. ...has production centered in the Veneto province of Treviso, particularly in the area between the towns of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. d. ...uses a careful blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Pinot Blanco grapes.

c. ...has production centered in the Veneto province of Treviso, particularly in the area between the towns of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene.

In the Trentino region, the Lagrein grape... a. ...is on the verge of extinction in the face of the major international varieties. b. ...produces a distinctly crisp, aromatic white wine. c. ...is commonly used for sparkling wine in combination with two other indigenous varieties, Marzemino and Teroldego. d. None of the above.

c. ...is commonly used for sparkling wine in combination with two other indigenous varieties, Marzemino and Teroldego.

The region of Umbria... a. ...benefits from significant sea breezes and fogs. b. ...has a good reputation for its sparkling Orvieto which is made largely from Vermentino and Verdicchio grapes. c. ...produces the reds Montefalco Sagrantino (100% Sagrantino) and Torgiano Rosso Riserva (largely from Sangiovese). d. All of the above.

c. ...produces the reds Montefalco Sagrantino (100% Sagrantino) and Torgiano Rosso Riserva (largely from Sangiovese).

The term superiore after Valpolicella indicates that... a. ...the wine has been judged by a tasting panel to be better quality than everyday Valpolicella. b. ...the wine has been enriched using the appassionata process of drying grapes. c. ...the wine has been aged at least a year and has a minimum alcohol level of 12% rather than 11%. d. ...the wine has been produced in a favored region along the shores of Lake Garda.

c. ...the wine has been aged at least a year and has a minimum alcohol level of 12% rather than 11%.

Which of the following statements is true? a. Gattinara is a Barbera-based wine in which up to 30% of Nebbiolo may be blended. b. To be labeled riserva, a Barolo must be aged a minimum of 5 years, a Barbaresco at least 6 years. c. Ghemme uses Nebbiolo as its primary grape, with up of 10-30% Vespolina, and a maximum of 15% Bonarda Novarese. d. The formidable Roero is 100% Nebbiolo and requires years of bottle aging before it is ready to drink, hence its nickname "Pappa-Barolo."

c. Ghemme uses Nebbiolo as its primary grape, with up of 10-30% Vespolina, and a maximum of 15% Bonarda Novarese.

Prosecco (Prosecco Superiore): a. Is a slightly effervescent (frizzante) sparkling wine produced using the metodo classico process (two in-bottle fermentations, like Champagne). b. Can only be produced using Moscato grapes. c. Has production centered in the Veneto province of Treviso, particularly in the area between the towns of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. d. Uses a careful blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Pinot Blanco grapes.

c. Has production centered in the Veneto province of Treviso, particularly in the area between the towns of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene.

Which statement is not true? a. In any given year, Italy is often the world's largest producer of wine b. Italy is the number one source of wine imported into the United States c. Italy specializes in red wine. d. Each of Italy's 20 regions produces wine

c. Italy specializes in red wine.

Which of the following statements is true? a. Among red wine grapes, Nebbiolo has the highest level of production in Italy. b. French grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot have only recently been introduced into Italy to produce wines that appeal to international tastes. c. Taking into consideration local grape clones and varieties, at least 1000 indigenous Italian grape varieties exist. d. Italy's Primitivo grape is the direct ancestor of California's Zinfandel.

c. Taking into consideration local grape clones and varieties, at least 1000 indigenous Italian grape varieties exist.

The technique that uses the spent lees from Recioto or Amarone production to add richness, tannins and extra alcohol to conventional Valpolicella is called... a. ...Amaretto. b. ...Impasto. c. ...Pasticchio. d. ...Ripasso.

d. ...Ripasso.

Brunello di Montalcino... a. ...is a product of the Montalcino clone of the Sangiovese grape. b. ...is one of the leading Super Tuscans, often 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. c. ...Combines Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot and up to 15% Sangiovese. d. ...must be 100% Sangiovese.

d. ...must be 100% Sangiovese

The Negroamaro grape... a. ...is the primary red grape of Calabria. b. ...produces light and fruity red wines. c. ...forms the basis for the Gaglioppo DOC in Campania. d. ...produces a full-bodied red wine primarily in Puglia.

d. ...produces a full-bodied red wine primarily in Puglia.

Which statement about Friuli-Venezia Giulia is true? a. Crisp white wines predominate. b. It shares a border with Slovenia c. It may no longer use the term Tocai Friulano d. All of the above

d. All of the above

Amarone della Valpolicella... a. ...has DOCG status. b. ...is a full-bodied, dry red wine. c. ...has relatively high alcohol levels. d. All of the above.

d. All of the above.

Amarone della Valpolicella: a. Has DOCG status. b. Is a full-bodied, dry red wine. c. Has relatively high alcohol levels. d. All of the above.

d. All of the above.

Dolcetto... a. ...means "little sweet one" but the red wine is not sweet. b. ...produces a light-bodied, fruity red wine. c. ...is produced from the Dolcetto grape. d. All of the above.

d. All of the above.

Sicily's Marsala... a. ...is a fortified wine similar in some ways to Spanish Sherry. b. ...is produced from the Catarratto, Inzolia and Grillo grapes. c. ...is produced in both dry and sweet versions. d. All of the above.

d. All of the above.

The wines called "Super Tuscan"... a. ...often command high prices. b. ...may frequently use international grapes varieties like Merlot. c. ...are almost always dry and red. d. All of the above.

d. All of the above.

Which of the following statements is true? a. The southern part of the Veneto is fertile and flat, accounting for large production of wines. b. The higher elevations in the north and east of the Veneto are considered the best quality wine producing areas. c. Verona, site of the Romeo and Juliet story, is the Veneto's main wine city. d. All of the above.

d. All of the above.

Which of the following statements is not true? a. Valpolicella, Recioto della Valpolicella, Amarone della Valpolicella and Bardolino are all blends of Corvina, Moninara and Rondinella grapes. b. Soave is produced primarily from the Garganega grape. c. Recioto della Valpolicella and Amarone della Valpolicella are both based on the appassimento dried grape process. d. In the process of making Recioto della Valpolicella, the wine is fortified with grappa before fermentation is complete, resulting in a sweet, port-like dessert wine.

d. In the process of making Recioto della Valpolicella, the wine is fortified with grappa before fermentation is complete, resulting in a sweet, port-like dessert wine.

The 2009 European Union labeling regulations: a. Fit into the existing Italian appellation system with hardly a hitch. b. Provided for a gradual phase-out of Italy's DOCG system in favor of a system of classed growths, as used in parts of France. c. Apply only to vintages released in 2014 or later. d. None of the above.

d. None of the above.

The technique that uses the spent lees from Recioto or Amarone production to add richness, tannins and extra alcohol to conventional Valpolicella is called: a. Amaretto b. Impasto c. Pasticchio d. Ripasso

d. Ripasso

The broad area of northeast Italy informally called Tre Venezie or Le Venezie comprises the regions of: a. Emilia-Romagna, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Trentino-Alto Adige. b. Friuli-Venezia Giulia and the Veneto only. c. Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Trentino-Alto Adige, Piemonte. d. Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Trentino-Alto Adige.

d. Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Trentino-Alto Adige.