20. Spain - Introduction Flashcards
What is the meseta?
Several significant mountain ranges and a large raised plateau at an altitude of 600-900m in central Spain
Despite having the largest area under vine, Spain is only the third largest producer. Why?
Many Spanish vineyards are made up of bush vines planted at low density
What allowed for the establishment of new vineyards in 1996?
The legalisation of irrigation (though still controlled by the Consejo Regulador)
What are two regions largely unaffected by phylloxera due to their sandy soils?
1) Rueda
2) Toro
What is one of the most common pests across Spain?
European grapevine moth
What is the most planted white variety in Spain?
Airen
What is the most planted black variety in Spain?
Tempranillo
Most Airen is made into what?
Brandy de Jerez
When does Tempranillo ripen?
Early
Besides Airen and Tempranillo, what are the four other leading grape varieties by planting?
1) Garnacha
2) Bobal
3) Macabeo
4) Monastrell
In which four regions is Garnacha Tinta mostly planted?
Rioja, Navarra,
Catalunya and Aragon
What is the Rioja synonym for Macabeo?
Viura
Where is Macabeo mainly planted?
Catalunya (Cava)
When does Monastrell ripen?
Late
National legislation specifies that the oak vessels must be of what maximum capacity?
330 L
National legislation specifies that minimum ageing term for red Crianza is how long?
1) 6 months in barrel
2) 24 months total
National legislation specifies that minimum ageing term for white and rose Crianza is how long?
1) 6 months in barrel
2) 18 months total
National legislation specifies that minimum ageing term for red Reserva is how long?
1) 12 months in barrel
2) 36 months total
National legislation specifies that minimum ageing term for rose and white Reserve is how long?
1) 6 months in barrel
2) 24 months total
National legislation specifies that minimum ageing term for red Gran Reserva is how long?
1) 18 months in barrel
2) 60 months total
National legislation specifies that minimum ageing term for white and rose Gran Reserva is how long?
1) 6 months in barrel
2) 48 months total
What are two criticisms of the national legislation that specifies minimum ageing terms?
1) Sets an expectation that Gran Reserva will
be the highest quality wine and hence that the highest quality wines will be those aged for the
longest periods of time in oak and bottle, which is not necessarily
appropriate for all styles of wine
2) No quality requirements are specified for
the wines in each category (beyond standard
regulations of the denomination), the age or origin of oak is not specified and only a minimum ageing requirement is given
What is the English translation of ‘roble’?
Oak
Roble is typically used on a label to describe what?
Wines, typically red, that have been matured in oak for an unspecified duration, usually less than the requirements for Crianza.
