14 Intro to Spain & Portugal Flashcards
Spain Stats
Location: Most of iberian peninsula with Portugal on West; Atlantic ocean to North & Northwest; Mediterranean to south & east
Climate: Cool maritime in north, arid warm in center & south
Topography: Mountainous with Meseta plateau in interior
Grapes: Tempranillo is best known
Spanish Wine law
No Geographic Indication
- Vino - a lot is sold internationally, just has year and grape variety, is very low quality
Geographic Indication
- IGP - Vino de la Tierra (VdiT): specific location, but minimal other requirements
- DOP
–> VICG (Vinos de Calidad con Indicacion Geograpfica) - to help VdIT regions get DO status
–> DO (Denominacion de Origen) - Each DO has a regulatory body that creates & defines wine law / regulations
–> DOCa (Denominacion de Origen Calificada) - Recognize top quality wine regions in Spain - Rioja and Priorat - Vinos de Pagos: Single estate wine with designation outside the DO system - must be made and bottled in that domain or estate, and an estate within an existing DO must surpass DO requirements
–> established for producers using int’l grapes that therefore couldn’t fit into DO/DOCa segments
Rías Baixas
Location
- Northwestern Spain
- Green Spain (b/c verdant & lush)
- Portuguese border (continuity in wine cycle)
- Atlantic Ocean / Rivers
Climate
- Maritime & Humid
Soil
- Granite, Alluvial & Slate (sand-based soils provide good drainage)
Viticulture
- Vines are grown 6-7’ off of the ground b/c humid air collects along the ground & could cause rot
- Higher location of vines provides additional sunlight & supports even ripening
Grape
- Albariño (90% of plantings)
- Wines labeled as Albariño must be 100%
Vinification
- Stainless steel fermentation
- Lees contact (adds extra complexity & richness)
- Crisp, dry white wines - juicy & refreshing, like a squeeze of lemon on food, bit of the ocean
North Central Spain Regions
- Rioja DOCa
- Ribiera del Duero DO
- Toro DO
- Rueda DO
