WSET3 North Italy Part 2 - Climate & Vituculture

Oct 24, 2024

Wine with Jimmy: Northern Italy for WSET Level 3

Introduction

  • Host: Jimmy Smith
  • Channel: Wine with Jimmy (Educational focus on WSET)
  • Website: www.winewithjimmy.com
  • Focus of Presentation: Northern Italy, Climate, and Grape Growing for WSET Level 3

About the Presenter

  • Owner of multiple wine schools and bars in the UK
  • Awarded WSET Educator of the Year in 2018

Structure of Italian Wine Study

  • Italy divided into three parts: Northern, Central, Southern Italy
  • This lecture focuses on Northern Italy

Wine Diversity in Northern Italy

  • Diverse wine styles: From full-bodied reds of Barolo to delicate wines of Soave
  • Diversity due to geography, geology, topography, climate, and grape varieties

Key Geographical Features

  • Alto Adige Vineyards: Situated in the North
  • Alps: Natural border impacting climate
  • Po River Basin: Starts in the Alps, important for agriculture (rice fields)
  • Major Lakes: Lake Garda, Lake Iseo, Lake Maggiore, Lake Como

Climate Characteristics

  • General Climate: Moderate continental
    • Average growing season temperature: 16.5 to 18.5°C
  • Seasonal Variations: High continentality with large diurnal differences
  • Rainfall: Higher in areas close to the sea affecting disease risk

Viticultural Techniques

  • Pergola System:
    • Traditional trellising with high-trained vines and canopy
    • Protects grapes from sunburn and improves air circulation
    • Used for high acidity, low sugar, and pasito wines
  • Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP):
    • Gobelet (Geo) System becoming more common
    • Easier management and access for tractors and machines

Conclusion

  • Introduction to Northern Italian viticulture concludes here
  • Further content on regions such as Alto Adige, Trentino, Friuli Venezia Giulia available exclusively on the e-learning portal

Contact and Further Learning

  • Comments/questions can be directed through YouTube comments or via social media
  • Visit the e-learning portal for more resources and videos
  • Invitation to visit wine bars and schools in the UK
  • Next Steps: More detailed regional videos available on the website for subscribers

Jimmy encourages engagement and questions and offers further resources through his website.