20.7 - Valencia and Murcia Flashcards
Generalise the climate, vineyard management and wines in Valencia and Murcia.
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
Describe the situation, climate and rainfall of Valencia.
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
Compare and contrast the growing environment and wines of the Alto Turia and Valentino
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
What part of Valencia is known for sweet and fortified wines? Which grapes are used?
Inland from Valentino Moscatel de Alejandría
Describe the typical quality of wine made in Valencia.
Vast majority inexpensive, fruity from co-ops.
Small, but growing production of good-VG from producer-growers some using relatively unknown local varieties
Describe the situation, climate, elevation and rainfall of Utiel-Requena.
Situation inland, northern end of Valencia next to La Mancha
Climate warm, continental
Elevation 750m
Rainfall 450mm
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.
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
Describe the situation, climate, elevation and rainfall in Alicante.
Situation southern-most part of Valencia near the coast
Climate Mediterranean
Elevation Varies from coastal to 500m
Rainfall Extremely low 250mm
Which grapes are widely grown in Alicante?
Monastrell - 75% of plantings
Other blacks - Alicante Bouschet, Garnacha and Bobal
Whites - Moscatel de Alejandría
Name any important sub-zones within Alicante. How does the growing environment differ? What wines do they specialise in producing?
Marina Alta - in north-east near coast. Humid breezes and rainfall (500mm) - Moscatel de Alejandría for dry and sweet wine
Why is Monastrell widely planted in Alicante? How is it planted?
Late-ripening, acid retention and drought tolerance make it suited to climate
Planted bush vines at low density
Describe the blend, style and structure of red wine from Alicante DO.
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
What is Fondillón?
An historic style of med-sweet red wine from late harvest Monastrell from Alicante
Tends to be oxidative in style
Outline the winemaking rules for Fondillón?
Max 40g/L
Min 16% ABV
At least 10 years in oak (often very large barrels)
Can be either vintage or solera blend
Describe the situation, size (relative to Rioja), climate, topography, rainfall and soil of Jumilla.
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?)
To what extent are grower producers important in Jumilla?
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
