20.7 - Valencia and Murcia Flashcards

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1
Q

Generalise the climate, vineyard management and wines in Valencia and Murcia.

A

Climate hot and dry (either continental or Med)

Vineyard management Newer vineyards are trellised and VSP’d, older vineyards have bush vines

Wines Large proportion of cheap, bulk shipped wine with a growing number of quality producers

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2
Q

Describe the situation, climate and rainfall of Valencia.

A

Situation Two non-contiguous areas Alto Turia and Valentino

Climate Warm Mediterranean with coastal influence and altitude to cool

Rainfall Low 450mm –> irrigation widely used

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3
Q

Compare and contrast the growing environment and wines of the Alto Turia and Valentino

A

Situation AT is in the foothills of the Sistema Iberico; Valentino in the south near the sea

Elevation AT is at high altitude at 700-1100m; Valentino is 200-650m

Wines AT makes white wine from Moscatel de Alejandría
and Merseguera of varying quality; Valentino produces all types of wine from local and int’l varieties including Merseguera

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4
Q

What part of Valencia is known for sweet and fortified wines? Which grapes are used?

A

Inland from Valentino Moscatel de Alejandría

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5
Q

Describe the typical quality of wine made in Valencia.

A

Vast majority inexpensive, fruity from co-ops.

Small, but growing production of good-VG from producer-growers some using relatively unknown local varieties

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6
Q

Describe the situation, climate, elevation and rainfall of Utiel-Requena.

A

Situation inland, northern end of Valencia next to La Mancha

Climate warm, continental

Elevation 750m

Rainfall 450mm

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7
Q

Which grape is most widely planted in Utiel-Requena? Describe why it is well-suited to growing there (3) and the style of wines produced including flavour, structure, and quality-price.

A

Bobal

Mid-late budding - avoids frosts

Drought tolerant - low rainfall

Retains acid - hot climate

Produces red wines and rose of varying styles - semi-carbo for light through to old-vines, destemmed for full-bodied

Flavours Blackberry, black cherry, chocolate

Structure High acid, med-med(+) tannin, light-full body

Quality-Price Acceptable-VG/inexpensive-mid-priced

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8
Q

Describe the situation, climate, elevation and rainfall in Alicante.

A

Situation southern-most part of Valencia near the coast

Climate Mediterranean

Elevation Varies from coastal to 500m

Rainfall Extremely low 250mm

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9
Q

Which grapes are widely grown in Alicante?

A

Monastrell - 75% of plantings

Other blacks - Alicante Bouschet, Garnacha and Bobal

Whites - Moscatel de Alejandría

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10
Q

Name any important sub-zones within Alicante. How does the growing environment differ? What wines do they specialise in producing?

A

Marina Alta - in north-east near coast. Humid breezes and rainfall (500mm) - Moscatel de Alejandría for dry and sweet wine

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11
Q

Why is Monastrell widely planted in Alicante? How is it planted?

A

Late-ripening, acid retention and drought tolerance make it suited to climate

Planted bush vines at low density

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12
Q

Describe the blend, style and structure of red wine from Alicante DO.

A

Blend >80% Monastrell with Alicante Bouschet, Garnacha and Bobal making up the balanced

Flavours Ripe black fruit + oak

Structure Full-bodied, high alcohol, high tannins

N.B. some producers going for a fresher, lighter style

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13
Q

What is Fondillón?

A

An historic style of med-sweet red wine from late harvest Monastrell from Alicante

Tends to be oxidative in style

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14
Q

Outline the winemaking rules for Fondillón?

A

Max 40g/L

Min 16% ABV

At least 10 years in oak (often very large barrels)

Can be either vintage or solera blend

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15
Q

Describe the situation, size (relative to Rioja), climate, topography, rainfall and soil of Jumilla.

A

Situation between Alicante and La Mancha

Size 25,000ha (cf. Rioja 64,000ha)

Climate warm, continental

Topography large, flat plains 400-800m altitude

Rainfall is extremely low 250mm

Soil Sand on limestone (water retention?)

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16
Q

What styles/quality of wine is produced in Jumilla? (4)

A

Full-bodied reds from Monastrell of varying quality; most production is high vol and cheap

High quality red from old vine, cooler site Monastrell with med(+) to balance high alcohol

Blends of Monastrell with Spanish and int’l varieties to reduce tannin levels

Rose from Monastrell

17
Q

What event helped to improve the quality of wine production in Jumilla?

A

An outbreak of phylloxera in 1985 - vines grubbed up and replanted with higher quality clones

+ better winemaking e.g. temp controlled ferments improved quality

18
Q

To what extent are grower producers important in Jumilla?

A

Most wine is produced in high vol with grapes purchased from small growers

But 1989 phylloxera crisis and improved winemaking has allowed smaller grower-producers to achieve higher prices and export

19
Q

How similar is the growing environment in Yecla similar to Jumilla?

How similar are the wines?

A

Very similar with slightly more moderation from Med

Altitude, soils, rainfall is similar

Wines very similar, Monastrell dominant with slightly higher quality on average

20
Q

To what extent is production concentrated in Yecla?

Where is most Yecla wine sold?

A

Single co-op producers 60% of production

95% exported