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Intro to Wine > 3 - Wines of Spain and Northern Europe > Flashcards

3 - Wines of Spain and Northern Europe Flashcards

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1
Q

Which country has the largest acreage of vines in the world?

A

Spain, though production is lower per acre due to dry climates.

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2
Q

Name the primary red grape varieties of SPain.

A

Tempranillo, Garnacha (Grenache), Monastrell (Mourverde), and Cariñena (Carignan).

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3
Q

What are the main white grapes of Spain?

A

Albariño, Palomino (for Sherry), Airen, Parellada, Xarel-lo, and Macabeo (used in Cava)

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4
Q

What are the five tiers of Spain’s wine classification?

A

Vino de Mesa, Vino de Tierra, Vino de CAlidad, Demoninacion de ORigen, and Denominacion de Origen Calificada

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5
Q

Which Spainish regions are known for Tempranillo production?

A

Rioja and Ribera del Duero

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6
Q

What is the aging requirement for Crianza red wines?

A

A minimum of 2 years, with at least 6 months in oak.

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7
Q

What grape is dominant in the wines of Rias Baixas?

A

Albraino

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8
Q

What is Germany’s most important white grape variety?

A

Riesling

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9
Q

What are the sweetness levels in the German system?

A

Kabinnett, Spatlese, Auslese, Beerenauslese, Trockenbeerenauselse, and Eiswein

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10
Q

What is Sekt in German wine?

A

A sparkling wine made in Germany

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11
Q

What soil type is prominent in Germany’s wine regions?

A

Slate, which retains heat and helps ripen grapes in the cool climate.

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12
Q

What is Austria’s signature white grape vierty?

A

Gruner Veltliner

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13
Q

What river influences many of Austria’s wine regions?

A

The Danube River

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14
Q

Name one sweet wine classification unique to Austria.

A

Ausbruch or Trockenbeerenauslese

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15
Q

What makes Alsace wines unique compared to other French regions?

A

Alsace produces varietal wines, and the grape variety is displayed on the label.

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16
Q

Which mountain range shelters Alsace form rain?

A

The Vosages Mountains

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17
Q

Name the three AOC classifications in Alsace

A

Alsace AOC, Alsace Grand Cru AOC, and Cremant d’Alsace AOC

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18
Q

What percentage of Alsace wines are white?

A

Apporx 90%

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19
Q

Which grape varieties dominate Alsace wine production?

A

Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Muscat

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20
Q

What factors influence the viticulture in Spain?

A

Dry climate dominate most regions, with significant vineyard acreage but low production per acre. Mountain ranges influence climate, isolating regions like Galicia and shielding Rioja from cool winds.

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21
Q

What is the importance of the Denominacion de Origen (DO) system in Spain?

A

It regulates wine quality and ensures adherence to production standards. The DO system is similar to France’s AOC and was established in 1932.

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22
Q

What distinguishes Rioja wines?

A

Rioja wines are primarily Tempranillo-based, and the region is known for strict aging classifications like Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva. Rioja is divided into three zones: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Oriental.

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23
Q

What is the Meseta Central, and why is it significant in Spanish wine production?

A

The Meseta central is Spain’s high plateau, known for its extreme climate. Main grape: Airen, used for brandy and bulk wine.

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24
Q

Describe the wine styles of Galicia (Green Spain)

A

Galicia specializes in zesty, high-acid white wines made from Albraino. The Rias Baixas sub-region features granite soils and high rainfall.

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25
Q

What is the primary wine of Andalusia?

A

Sherry, made from the Palomino grape, often aged in the solera system and influenced by the albariza soil of the region.

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26
Q

What are the major wine regions in Germany?

A

The Mosel, Rheingau, and Pfalz regions, know for producing Riesling and other aromatic whites.

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27
Q

How does Germany’s climate influence its wines?

A

Cool climates necessitate steep vineyard sites facing south or southwest for maximum sun exposure.

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28
Q

What is the Prädikatswein system in Germany?

A

A wine classification system based on grape ripeness at harvest, with six categories: Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese, Beerenauslese, Eiswein, and Trockenbeerenauslese.

29
Q

What is unique about Eiswein?

A

It is made from grapes frozen on the vine, which concentrates sugars and flavors.

30
Q

What role does the Rhine River play in German viticulture?

A

It moderates temperatures and reflects sunlight, helping grapes ripen in a cool climate.

31
Q

What is Grüner Veltliner, and why is it significant in Austria?

A

Austria’s most planted white grape, known for producing dry wines with peppery and citrus flavors.

32
Q

What is the Wachau region known for?

A

High-quality dry white wines from steep, terraced vineyards along the Danube River.

33
Q

Describe Austria’s wine classification system.

A

It mirrors Germany’s, with Qualitätswein and Prädikatswein categories. Special classifications include Strohwein (made from grapes dried on straw mats) and Ausbruch (a dessert wine).

34
Q

What are DACs in Austria?

A

Designated wine-growing regions with specific styles and quality standards, such as Kamptal and Kremstal.

35
Q

What makes Alsace wines unique within France?

A

They are varietally labeled, often dry, and strongly influenced by German winemaking traditions.

36
Q

What grape varieties dominate in Alsace?

A

Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Muscat, and Pinot Blanc.

37
Q

How do the Vosges Mountains impact Alsace wines?

A

They create a dry and sunny climate by blocking rain from the west, allowing for high ripeness and aromatic intensity in grapes.

38
Q

What is Crémant d’Alsace?

A

A sparkling wine made in the traditional method, primarily from Pinot Blanc, Riesling, and other local grapes.

39
Q

What are the three zones of Rioja?

A

Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Oriental (formerly Rioja Baja).

40
Q

What is Rioja known for?

A

High-quality Tempranillo-based wines with aging classifications:

Crianza: 2 years aging (6 months in oak).
Reserva: 3 years aging (1 year in oak).
Gran Reserva: 5 years aging (18 months in oak, 36 months in bottle).

41
Q

What type of soils are common in Rioja?

A

Clay, limestone, and alluvial soils, contributing to structured and age-worthy wines.

42
Q

What grape dominates Ribera del Duero wines?

A

Tempranillo, locally known as Tinta del País or Tinta de Toro.

43
Q

What is the climate of Ribera del Duero?

A

Continental with hot summers and cold winters, contributing to bold red wines.

44
Q

Name a famous winery in Ribera del Duero.

A

Vega Sicilia, renowned for its premium wines.

45
Q

What grape is the star of Rías Baixas?

A

Albariño, producing zesty, high-acid white wines.

46
Q

What is unique about Albariño wines?

A

Aromatic terpenes with citrus and stone fruit notes, supported by strong acidity.

47
Q

What is the climate in Rías Baixas?

A

Maritime, with high rainfall and granite soils.

48
Q

What is Priorat known for?

A

Intense, mineral-driven red wines made primarily from Garnacha and Cariñena.

49
Q

What is unique about Priorat’s terroir?

A

Llicorella soils (slate and quartzite), which retain heat and add minerality.

50
Q

What style of wine is Priorat compared to?

A

Rhône GSM blends (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre).

51
Q

What type of wine is Jerez famous for?

A

Sherry, a fortified wine made primarily from the Palomino grape.

52
Q

What soil type is critical in Jerez?

A

Albariza, a chalky white soil ideal for Sherry production.

53
Q

What is the solera system?

A

A fractional aging process blending multiple vintages of Sherry for consistency.

54
Q

What grape dominates the Mosel region?

A

Riesling, known for its high acidity and minerality.

55
Q

What is unique about Mosel vineyards?

A

Steep slopes and slate soils help ripen grapes and retain heat in a cool climate.

56
Q

What style of Riesling is Mosel known for?

A

Light-bodied, aromatic, and often slightly sweet wines.

57
Q

How does Rheingau Riesling differ from Mosel Riesling?

A

Rheingau Rieslings are fuller-bodied and more structured, with citrus and stone fruit notes.

58
Q

What are the two key soil types in Rheingau?

A

Slate and loam.

59
Q

Name a famous producer in Rheingau.

A

Schloss Johannisberg, credited with popularizing Spätlese wines.

60
Q

What grape varieties are prominent in Pfalz?

A

Riesling, Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), and Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc).

61
Q

What makes Pfalz unique among German wine regions?

A

A warmer, drier climate produces richer, fruit-forward wines.

62
Q

What is Wachau known for?

A

High-quality dry white wines, especially Grüner Veltliner and Riesling.

63
Q

What classification system is unique to Wachau?

A

Steinfeder, Federspiel, and Smaragd, indicating ripeness and alcohol levels.

64
Q

What type of wines are produced in Burgenland?

A

Sweet wines like Ausbruch, and dry reds made from Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt.

65
Q

What lake influences Burgenland viticulture?

A

Neusiedlersee, providing a humid climate for botrytis development in sweet wines.

66
Q

What are the differences between Haut-Rhin and Bas-Rhin?

A

Haut-Rhin produces higher-quality wines due to better sun exposure and terroir.

67
Q

What styles of wine dominate Alsace?

A

Dry whites made from Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, and Muscat.

68
Q

What sparkling wine is Alsace known for?

A

Crémant d’Alsace, made in the traditional method.

69
Q
A

Intro to Wine (12 decks)

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