20.6 - Catalunya Flashcards
In general, how important are int’l varieties in Catalunya.
Important - higher % than other parts of Spain and similar to Somontano and Navarra
What kind of wine is produced under the Catalunya DO? Why is it popular?
Used by large brands
- Use of many varieties
- Freedom to source from across the region
- Catalunya is a well-recognised name and a strong soft brand
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 but with some differences between sub-zones
Rainfall low around 500mm, esp. in summer
Soil Loam and calcareous –> water retention
Subzones:
Penedès Marítim: coastal region, low altitude and warm
Penedès Central: flat plains, higher altitude around 500m
Penedès Superior: furthest inland, 500-800m
Map the three sub-zones of Penedes DO with the type of wine they produce.
Penedès Marítim - full-bodied reds from Monastrell, some white from Cava varieties
Penedès Central - lots of white wine from Cava varieties plus reds from int’ls and Temp
Penedès Superior - white from int’l varieties incl Riesling and Gewurtz plus some Pinot Noir
How has the Penedes DO changed in recent years?
It has introduced sub-zoning - ten sub-zones now mapped
Sub-zone labelling requires 100% of grapes come from that sub-zone
Where is wine from Catalunya DO sold?
70 domestic (with most sold in local region –> large tourism industry)
30 exported
Describe the characteristics of Xarel-lo, Parellada, and Macabeo in terms of budding, ripening, vulnerabilities and flavour.
Budding
Parellada: early-budding
Xarel-lo: mid-budding
Macabeo: late-budding
Ripening
Macabeo: early ripening
Xarel-lo: mid-ripening
Parellada: late-ripening (must be planted at altitude to avoid excessive ABV)
Susceptible
Parellada: frost, powdery mildew
Xarel-lo: Powdery and downy mildew
Macabeo: Botrytis and bacterial blight
Flavour
Parellada: floral
Macabeo: Light intensity apple, lemon
Xarel-lo: Greengage, gooseberry, fennel; works well with oak
Where are Macabeo, Xarel-lo and Parellada best planted respectively?
Macabeo - widely planted at high vols
Xarel-lo - suited to moderate temps
Parellada - cooler areas where it can ripen without too much ABV
Why has Priorat struggled in recent history?
How was the region’s reputation revived?
Mountainous topography, extreme weather, phylloxera, growth of local industries –> vineyard abandoned late c19th
1989 - René Barbier (Clos Mogador) worked with other growers to revive top plots, use of int’l varieties alongside Garnacha/Carinena, French winemaking techniques
Priorat was then promoted to DOQ in 2009
Describe the situation, climate, topography, rainfall and soil of Priorat.
Situation southern part of Catalunya, slightly inland
Climate warm, continental - protected from Med breeze and cold northerly winds by surrounding mountains
Topography very hilly with River Siurana contributing to large range of aspects/elevations 100-750m; many vineyards of costers which need terracing
Rainfall 500-600mm with heavy storms in winter and spring
Soil Rocky and poor, lots of slate with mica llicorella
Why is production in Priorat so expensive? (3)
- Terrain: extremely hilly terrain increases labour costs esp. if terracing needed
- Poor soils: limit yield via nutrients and water
- Climate: lack of rainfall further 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?
Largely poor and stony but with some outcrops of clay
Llicorella - most common - thin, rocky with particles of mica –> reflect heat and 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 and Carinena are most common (2/3 of black grape plantings) - both well suited to dry, hot conditions
Cab, Syrah, Merlot make up most of remaining 1/3
White grapes are 6% of plantings, mainly Garnacha Blanca and Macabeo