20.1 Spain - Galicia Flashcards
What is the main business type Rias Baixas?
Co-operatives
What is the climate of Rias Baixas?
1) Maritime
2) Warm summers and mild winters due to Atlantic moderation
3) High annual rainfall
What makes Albarino suitable to damp climates?
Thick skins that make it less prone to damage from rot
Rias Baixas’s high rainfall poses what threat?
Fungal disease prior to harvest
What are the soils of Rias Baixas?
Free-draining sand over granite
What is the principal grape variety of Rias Baixas?
Albarino (95%)
When does Albarino ripen?
Early to mid
What three other varieties is are permitted to be blended with Albarino in Rias Baixas?
Loureira
Treixadura
Caiño Blanco
Is red wine production permitted in Rias Baixas?
Yes, but accounts for only 1% of production
What are the three (of 5) main sub-regions of Rias Baixas?
1) Val do Salnes
2) O Rosal
3) Condado do Tea
What is the coolest, wettest sub-region of Rias Baixas and why?
1) Val do Salnes
2) It is located directly on the coast
Why is O Rosal typically warmer than Val do Salnes? (2)
1) Its vineyards are on south-facing riverbank sites on the north of the river
2) It is less surrounded by the Atlantic
Why does Condado do Tea produce wines that are riper in style with more peach fruit and slightly lower acidity?
It is further inland than Val do Salnes and O Rosal so warmer
Name a Rias Baixas producer known for their quality
Pazo de Senorans
What is the popular trellising system?
Pergola (Parral)
Why is pergola the traditional training method in RB?
To promote air circulation and mitigate fungal disease
Why are modern RB producers moving to VSP?
Easier to mechanise
Describe RB’s winemaking in four general terms
1) Protective to retain fresh fruit flavours
2) The white grapes may be macerated for a few hours to enhance the intensity and texture.
3) Cool fermentation in stainless steel
4) Partial malolactic conversion in cool years to reduce malic acidity
Are more premium expressions of RB stored on lees?
Yes, for 1-2 years and often longer though not stirred
Is most Rias Baixas sold domestically or exported?
Domestically
What are the main five Galician DOs?
1) Ribeiro DO
2) Ribeira Sacra DO
3) Valdeorras DO
4) Monterrei DO
5) Rias Baixas DO
What is Ribeiro DO’s climate?
Maritime (just south-east of RB)
What is the principal white grape variety of Ribeiro DO?
Treixadura
What is the climate of Ribeira Sacra DO?
Continental with maritime influence depending on exposure
Explain the terroir of Ribeira Sacra DO
Steep valley sides at various altitudes and aspects.
What is the principal black grape variety of Ribeira Sacra DO?
Mencia
What is the most easterly Galician DO?
Valdeorras DO
What is the climate of Valdeorras DO?
Continental but with plentiful rain
What is the principale variety of Valdeorras?
Godello
At what altitude are most Valdeorras vineyards planted?
300m
What is the climate of Monterrei DO?
Continental with hot summers and relatively low rainfall
Monterrei DO is mostly bulk but quality-minded producers are crafting which varieties?
1) Godello
2) Mencia
What are the soils of Ribeira Sacra DO?
Stony slopes that provide good drainage and conduct heat during the day
Where within Galicia is Monterrei DO?
Inland to the south on the Portuguese border
