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.