20.6 - Catalunya Flashcards
In general, how important are int’l varieties in Catalunya.
Important
higher % than other parts of Spain, similar to Somontano + Navarra
What kind of wine is produced under the Catalunya DO? Why is it popular?
- grapes grown anywhere in Catalunya
- widely used by largest producers for their inexp
- international + local grapes
- Catalunya is a more widely recognised name in export markets than, for example, Penedès.
Describe the situation, climate, rainfall and soil of Penedes DO.
Name its three sub-zones and describe the topography of each.
Situation large area from Barcelona to inland mountains
Climate warm Mediterranean, with differences between sub-zones
Rainfall low around 500mm, esp. in summer
Soil Loam and calcareous → water retention
Subzones:
Penedès Marítim: coastal, low altitude, warm
Penedès Central: flat plains, higher altitude
Penedès Superior: inland, high altitude
Map the three sub-zones of Penedes DO with the type of wine they produce.
Penedès Marítim
- full-bodied Monastrell
- some white from Cava varieties
Penedès Central
- lots of white wine from Cava varieties
- reds from int’ls + Temp
Penedès Superior
- white from int’l varieties → Riesling + Gewurtz
- some Pinot Noir
Describe the characteristics of Parellada, Xarel-lo and Macabeo in terms of budding, ripening, vulnerabilities and flavour.
Budding
P: early
X: mid
M: late
Ripening
P: late (planted at altitude to avoid ex ABV)
X: mid
M: early
Susceptible
P: frost, P mildew
X: mildews
M: Botrytis + bacterial blight
Flavour
P: floral
X: Greengage, gooseberry, fennel; affinity with oak
M: Light intensity apple, lemon
Where are Parellada, Xarel-lo and Macabeo best planted respectively?
P - cooler areas where it can ripen without too much ABV
X - suited to mod temps
M - widely planted at high vols
Describe the situation, climate, topography, rainfall and soil of Priorat.
Situation S, slightly inland
Climate
- warm, continental
- → protected from Med breeze + cold N winds by surrounding mountains
Topography
- hilly
- River Siurana → large aspects/elevations
- many vineyards on costers(slopes) which need terracing
Rainfall
- 500-600mm
- heavy storms in winter + spring
Soil Rocky + poor, lots of slate with mica llicorella
Why is production in Priorat so expensive? (3)
- Terrain: extremely hilly → labour costs
- Poor soils: limit Y via nutrients + water
- Climate: lack of rainfall → lowers yields + frost a threat
Yields can be as low as 5-6 hL/ha
Describe the function of terracing in Priorat (2)
- Limits erosion on steep costers of up to 60% gradient
- Reduces water run-off
Describe the soil of Priorat in detail. How do they influence vine growth and grape ripening?
poor + stony, some outcrops of clay
Llicorella: thin, rocky with mica → reflect heat + light
Bedrock splits into vertical layers allowing vines to grow deep → access to water
To what extent are vineyards trellised in Priorat?
Newer vineyards may be → although still low density like the traditional bush vines
Which grape varieties are planted in Priorat?
Garnacha + Carinena
→ most common, suited to dry, hot conditions
Cab, Syrah, Merlot
6% white, mainly Garnacha B + Macabeo
Why are cultured yeasts popular in Priorat?
High potential ABV means ambient yeast can struggle
Describe the style of red typically produced in Priroat.
To what extent does winemaking vary?
- Concentrated, ripe fruit → flavours vary depending on blend + oak usage
- Med(+) acid, high alcohol, full body
- Winemaking varies from traditional to high tech
Compare Priorat’s max and typical yields.
Max - 39 hL/ha
Ave 5-6 hL/ha
Describe the situation, climate, topography and soils of Costers del Segre.
Situation several separate areas of inland Catalunya
Climate continental, low rainfall
Topography various elevations
Soils Sandy + free draining → most vineyards need irrigation
