20.2 Spain - Castilla y Leon Flashcards
What are the four key DOs of Castilla y León east to west?
1) Bierzo DO
2) Toro DO
3) Rueda DO
4) Ribera del Duero DO
What soil type can be found across Castilla y Leon that means there are some very old vines in all regions?
Sand
What Castilla y Leon DO has maritime influence? Why?
1) Bierzo
2) Due to being open to the west (the other three sides are bordered by mountains or hills
What is the key black grape of Bierzo?
Mencia
When does Mencia ripen?
Early to mid
Bierzo reds must be what per cent Mencia with the remaining per cent what variety?
1) 70%
2) Alicante Bouschet
What is the altitude of the better Bierzo vineyards?
Steep 500-850m
What are the soils of the better Bierzo vineyards?
Shallow slaate
What winemaking technique might be employed for inexpensive Bierzo and Toro? Why?
1) (Semi-)carbonic maceration
2) Extract less tannin and enhance fruity characters
Mencia can lose acidity and accumulate sugar rapidly. Why are the the sites at altitude in Bierzo ideal for this variety?
The diurnal range preserves acidity and lengthens the ripening period
What form of vine training is common in Bierzo?
Bush
What are two contributing factors to Bierzo DO’s low yields?
1) Poor nutrient, free-draining soils
2) High percentage of old bush vines
What are the soils of the lower slopes and plains of Bierzo?
Fertile silty loam soils
Name a key producer of Bierzo
Raul Perez.
Why is machine harvesting uncommon in Bierzo? (2)
1) Bush vines
2) Almost 2,400 ha is planted, and tended by just over 1,100 growers, many with very small plots.
What is the climate of all Castilla y Leon DOs?
Continental with hot summers and cold winters
What is Toro DO’s altitude?
620-750m
Given Toro DO’s location, what is a climatic concern?
Spring frost due to no moderating influence of water etc
What is the main grape of Toro DO?
Tinta de Toro (similar to Tempranillo with thicker skins)
Red Toro wines must be what minimum per cent Tinta de Toro?
75%
What other variety is permitted in Toro DO red wines?
Garnacha
Toro DO whites are made from which two varieties?
1) Malvasia
2) Verdejo
When is irrigation disallowed in Toro DO?
From June until after harvest
How do Toro DO growers combat the limited water of the region?
By planting low density (2,700 max) bush vineyards with a low number of bunches per vine
What is the main soil type of Toro DO?
Sand