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.
Joven may be used to denote what?
Wines that are
released young, often with no or minimal oak ageing.
How are ‘traditional’ roses made in Spain?
Typically made from a mixture of black and white grapes (mainly black) that are
macerated (sometimes beyond the beginning of fermentation), pressed and then fermented
together.
Name a producer of a traditional rose.
Bodegas Lopez de Heredia
How many DOs does Spain have?
70
Which two regions have the DOCa status?
Rioja
Priorat
What does DOCa stand for?
Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa)
Denominació d’Origen Qualificada (DOQ) Catalan
What is Vino de Pago?
A category that applies to a small number of single estates with
high reputations
What two things must approved Vino de Pago estates adhere to?
1) May only use their own grapes
2) Grapes must be vinified and matured
on their estate.
What is Vino de la Tierra (VT)?
The term commonly used for PGI wines
How many Vino de la Tierras are there?
40
What is the largest Vino de la Tierras?
Castilla
Bulk wine sales account for what per cent of Spain’s exports
56%
What are the two leading export markets for Spanish wine?
France
Germany
Name three of the largest producers of still table wine in Spain
J. García Carrión
Félix Solís Avantis
Pernod Ricard Groupe
What is the trend of wine consumption within Spain?
Towards drinking higher quality, higher priced wines (DO) with falling sales of wines
without a designation of origin
