Glossary

Langhe DOC

The Langhe DOC is a Piedmontese appellation recognised in 1994 that is of great strategic importance: it serves as an umbrella designation for the numerous smaller DOCs and DOCGs of the Langhe region around Alba in the province of Cuneo. The name "Langhe" derives from the long, stretching ridges that give the area its distinctive topography – the very same hills on which Barolo, Barbaresco, Dolcetto and Barbera thrive. The wine-growing region stretches across numerous municipalities between the rivers Tanaro, Belbo and Bormida, with a variety of soils comprising marl, limestone, sand and clay, which allows for an unusually wide range of grape varieties.

The production regulations permit both blended cuvées (Langhe Rosso, Langhe Bianco) as well as single-varietal wines containing at least 85 per cent of one of the authorised grape varieties – including Arneis, Barbera, Chardonnay, Dolcetto, Favorita, Freisa, Nascetta, Nebbiolo, Pinot Nero, Riesling and Sauvignon. In addition, there are Langhe Rosso Passito (made from Barbera, Dolcetto or Nebbiolo) and Langhe Bianco Passito. In practice, the DOC plays a dual role: as a home for indigenous niche grape varieties such as Nascetta and Favorita, and as an alternative for producers who deliberately choose not to market wines from Barolo or Barbaresco vineyards under the DOCG designation. Langhe Nebbiolo bears the stylistic hallmarks of the great Nebbiolo wines but is more approachable at an earlier stage – for many, it is the gateway to the world of Nebbiolo. Everything you need to know about Piedmont wines. – SUPERIORE.DE

Large Barrel

Large wooden casks are defined as those with a capacity of around 1,000 litres or more; in the Italian tradition, these are known as "botti". Common sizes range from 2,500 to 5,000 litres, whilst the largest examples hold many times that amount. Slavonian and French oak are used, and in Tuscany, chestnut is also used in some cases. Because the staves are five to seven centimetres thick, they cannot be bent over a fire – they are shaped using steam, and are either not toasted at all or only lightly.

This is precisely the point. The ratio of wood surface area to volume of wine is low, so the supply of oxygen is correspondingly slow, and the wood imparts hardly any aroma. Over time, old barrels develop a layer of tartar on the inside, which renders them virtually inert – a quality particularly prized by traditional producers. A large barrel can last for decades because the inside can be planed down and individual staves replaced. Barolo, Barbaresco, Brunello and Amarone are traditionally aged in such casks. – SUPERIORE.DE

Length

→ See Finish

Liqueur Wine

Liqueur wine is a separate category under EU wine legislation. The actual alcohol content is generally between 15 and 22 per cent by volume, with a minimum total alcohol content of 17.5 per cent by volume; the raw material must, as a rule, have a natural alcohol content of at least 12 per cent by volume. Exceptions apply to certain protected liqueur wines.

Liqueur wine is produced from fermenting must, wine or a combination of the two, to which – depending on the product – neutral alcohol of viticultural origin or wine or dry grape distillate, amongst other things, is added; certain must products may also be permitted. Marsala is the best-known Italian example of this category. Everything you need to know about Distillates +. – SUPERIORE.DE

Lison (interreg. VEN/FRI) DOCG

Lison DOCG is an interregional designation, recognised since 2010 on the basis of the existing Lison-Pramaggiore DOC. The wine-growing area spans the border between Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia: the provinces of Venice and Treviso in the west, and Pordenone in the east, situated on the plain between the rivers Livenza and Tagliamento, just a few kilometres from the Adriatic coast. The wine is based on the Tai (Venetian name) or Friulano (Friulian name) grape variety, which must account for at least 85 per cent – both are modern names for the former Tocai Friulano grape.

The Disciplinare recognises two types: the standard type and the Classico (from the historically oldest area). Typical characteristics of Lison include a straw-yellow colour with greenish to golden highlights, a herbaceous, aromatic bouquet of white blossom, white fruit and almond blossom, as well as a dry flavour with pronounced freshness – typical characteristics of the Tai/Friulano grown in the flat coastal climate with marked day-night temperature differences. The name dates back to the ancient Roman village of Lison in the Portogruaro area. Everything you need to know about Veneto wines. – SUPERIORE.DE

Lively

"Lively" describes a wine that shows movement on the palate rather than appearing one-dimensional. This impression stems primarily from the acidity, often enhanced by dissolved carbon dioxide, which remains in small quantities even in still wines and causes a slight tingling sensation on the tongue.

Unlike "freshness", which describes a state, "lively" refers to the progression: the wine continues to develop in the mouth rather than remaining static at a single impression. – SUPERIORE.DE