Glossary

Native Grape Variety

An autochthonous grape variety refers to a variety of grape that originated in a specific geographical area and has been cultivated there for a long time. The term derives from the Greek autóchthonos (from the earth itself) and is distinct from international grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Chardonnay, which have spread worldwide beyond their regions of origin. With over 500 documented indigenous varieties, Italy is one of the countries with the greatest diversity of grape varieties in the world; of these, around 350 are regularly used for winemaking.

Among the best-known Italian indigenous varieties are Nebbiolo in Piedmont, Corvina in Veneto, Ribolla Gialla in Friuli, Sangiovese in Tuscany, Aglianico in Campania and Basilicata, Primitivo in Apulia, Nero d'Avola in Sicily and Vermentino in Sardinia. After decades in which international grape varieties dominated, indigenous varieties experienced a renaissance from the 1980s onwards: today, they are regarded as an expression of terroir and regional wine-growing culture. – SUPERIORE.DE

Nizza DOCG

The Nizza DOCG is a Piedmontese red wine appellation from the province of Asti, which was established in 2014 following its separation from the former "Nizza" sub-zone of the Barbera d'Asti DOCG. The first bottles went on sale in 2016. The wine-growing area comprises 18 municipalities around Nizza Monferrato in the province of Asti, covering a compact, concentrated vineyard area. It is made exclusively from Barbera (100 per cent) – unlike the Barbera d'Asti DOCG, which permits up to 10 per cent of other grape varieties.

The Disciplinare recognises two categories: the standard wine (at least 18 months' ageing, of which at least 6 in wood, minimum 13% vol) and the Riserva (at least 30 months, of which 12 in wood). For both, the designation "Vigna" may be used, which requires stricter yield limits (6.3 instead of 7 t/ha) and a higher alcohol content (13.5% instead of 13%). Characteristic of the Nizza are an intense ruby-red colour, a complex bouquet of dark forest fruits, cherry and plum with spicy notes, and a dry, full-bodied and acid-driven flavour – the Barbera signature in its most structured form. Everything you need to know about Barbera wines. – SUPERIORE.DE

Noble Rot

Noble rot refers to the desired infection of fully ripe grapes by Botrytis cinerea. This requires weather conditions that are found in only a few regions: early morning mist or proximity to water provide the moisture needed for the fungus to grow, whilst warm afternoons dry the grapes out again. The fungus uses its enzymes to perforate the skin of the berries. Water evaporates through the holes, the constituents become concentrated, and the berries shrivel to the size of raisins. At the same time, it alters their composition: it metabolises sugar, acid and nitrogen, consuming proportionally more acid than sugar in the process and releasing glycerine into the berry. This results in the characteristic noble rot bouquet with notes of honey, saffron and oriental spices.

White grape varieties with high acidity are particularly suitable. In Italy, the Disciplinare for Orvieto DOC includes a separate category, "Muffa Nobile", for wines made from botrytised grapes. – SUPERIORE.DE

→ See also Botrytis

Novello

Novello is a traditional Italian wine category comprising young, fruit-forward red or white DOP wines, which are released onto the market shortly after the harvest and are intended to be drunk within a few months. The legal basis is the Italian Ministerial Decree of 6 October 1989, as amended by the Ministerial Decree of 13 August 2012. The designation is reserved for DOP and IGP wines (still or frizzante) and requires vinification using carbonic maceration, which must account for at least 40 per cent of the finished wine; the remainder may be vinified using traditional methods. The total alcohol content is at least 11% vol, with a maximum residual sugar content of 10 g/l.

As Italy's answer to the French Beaujolais Nouveau, Novello may be sold from 00:01 on 30 October (until 2012, the date was 6 November) and must be bottled by 31 December of the harvest year. Unlike in France, where Gamay is the dominant grape variety, Novello in Italy is not restricted to a single grape variety; the permitted varieties are determined by the respective appellation. Traditionally, Novello is tasted around the Festa di San Martino on 11 November. – SUPERIORE.DE