20.3 - Rioja Flashcards
Describe the situation, topography and climate of Rioja
Situation northern end of the Meseta central
Topography
- cut off from Atlantic by Sierra de Cantabria
- cut off from warmer weather off the centre by Sierra de la Demanda
- open valley to the SE through which the Ebro flows opens the eastern end to Med influence
- tributaries of Ebro mean varieties of aspects
Climate Climate is generally continental and warm although conditions vary by sub-region
Outline the difference in size & situation, topography, climate and soil between the Alta, Alavesa and Oriental
Size & Situation
Alta - largest, mainly south of river Ebro, west
Alavesa - small, north of Ebro west of Logorono
Oriental - similar size of Alta, to the east on both sides of the river
Topography
Alta - low altitude with some southern parts up to 700m
Alavesa - higher altitude up to 700m
Oriental - northern area is low altitude, southern area 500-1000m
Climate
Alta - warm, NW and south are relatively cool and wet
Alavesa - relatively cool and wet
Oriental - northern part of warmest and driest, southern area can be as cool as Alavesa
Soils
Alta - calcareous clay in NW, ferrous clay in south
Alavesa - calcareous clay
Oriental - mix of calcareous clay and ferrous clay in south
Briefly explain how calcareous clay and ferrous clay may impact grape ripening and the style of wine produced.
Calcareous clay - clay with high % of calcium and magnesium carbonate –> high pH which promotes acid production, coolness delays ripening –> higher acid, grippier tannin
Ferrous clay - iron-rich clay –> in general, clay is cooler so delays ripening, iron is important for photosynthesis (prevents chlorosis)
How has climate change impacted the region?
Improved viability of cooler, high altitude vineyards
Increased drought risk in warmer, drier areas esp. parts of Oriental
To what extent does Rioja have good and bad vintages?
Some years have more Atlantic or Med influence which can markedly change vintage character
But variety of growing conditions makes it difficult to generalise
E.g. warmer, drier years can be bad for lower altitude Oriental but a boon for higher altitude Oriental
Describe planting and production trends in Rioja since the 1980s.
What is the average yield?
64,000 ha - up 50% since 1990
Production = 3mn hL
Average yield = 46 hL/ha (low-middling)
How has viticulture changed in Rioja?
Increase in VSP and mechanisation
BUT
Bush vines and old vines remain important
Why has Tempranillo largely replaced plantings of Garnacha? (2)
Where is Garnacha regaining ground?
- Better yields
- Legalisation of irrigation means Garnacha’s drought resistance is less important
BUT
Garncha regaining ground in the warmer, drier areas of Oriental especially amongst quality-focussed producers
Describe what Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Graciano contribute to a blend.
Tempranillo - raspberry and black plum, med-med(+) acid and tannin (88% of plantings)
Garnacha - strawberries, soft tannin, body (8% of plantings)
Graciano - fresh black fruit, high acid and tannin (2% of plantings)
Describe what Mazuelo, Maturana Tinta, and Cabernet Sauvignon contribute to a blend.
Mazuelo (Carinena/Carignan) - black fruit, high acid
Maturana Tinta (Trousseau) - deep purple colour, fresh cranberry and blackberry, high acid
Cabernet Sauvignon - black fruits, high acid and tannin
Describe the blends used to produce red Rioja.
Principally or solely Tempranillo
Everything else plays a supporting role although Graciano and Mazuelo sometimes used to make single-variety wines
Describe the characteristics of Graciano including:
- Drought tolerance
- Yield
- Fungal disease tolerance
- Structure and flavour
Drought resistant
Low yields
Vulnerable to fungal diseases
Fresh black fruit
Describe the characteristics of Viura including:
- Budding / Ripening
- Vulnerability
- Ideal sites
- Styles produced
- Late budding and ripening
- Susceptible to botrytis
- Warm, dry sites
1. High yields –> neutral, early-drinking in SST
2. Low yields –> concentrated, complex wines with ageing potential via barrel-ferment and maturation
What % of plantings is black vs white grapes in Rioja?
90/10
How are Tempranillo Blanco, Malvasia, Garnacha Blanca, Verdejo and Sauvignon Blanc used for/contribute to blend
Temp Blanco - lemon, grapefruit, pineapple + high acid
Malvasia & Garnacha Blanca - both add more complexity, Garnacha adds acidity; usually in oak matured wines
Verdejo & Sauvignon Blanc - blended with Viura for unoaked styles