30 - Spain Flashcards
What are the 3 (broadly speaking) climatic zones in Spain?
north and north-west coast: moderate maritime dominated by Atlantic weather systems. High rainfall.
east coast: warm Mediterranean. Many vineyards moderated by sea influence/altitude. Climate is even hotter further south.
Meseta Central (large plateau in center of Spain): cut off from sea influence by mountains: Hot continental. Summer temps are very high but can be moderated by cool nights of high altitude sites.
What are the biggest challenges to grape growing in Spain?
heat and lack of water. with exception of north-west Spain.
this means fungal disease is low. but vine gets heavy stress. Low density, bush training vineyards help manage - maximizes the amount of water available to each vine.
True/False: For Spanish red wines, the best examples are usually matured in a proportion of new oak (traditionally American but now French)
True
What is Spain’s premier black grape variety? What are its characteristics?
Tempranillo. Grown widely throughout northern and central Spain.
Thick-skinned
medium acid
best in areas where summer temps are moderated by the sea.
can produce fresh young (Joven, strawberry-scented)
can also produce ageworthy, more concentration.
What are the characteristics of Grenache that is grown in Spain?
High in alcohol. usually matures early.
low-yielding old vines enable production of intense, complex, full-bodied reds, which are important in Priorat.
What are characteristics of Monastrell (Mourvedre) grown in Spain?
thick-skinned grape variety that is drought-tolerant
needs hot and sunny to ripen.
grown in south-eastern DOs like Yecla and Jumilla.
deep color, full body, high tannin, high alcohol, low to medium acid, ripe blackberry.
What are Spanish black grape varieties commonly grown?
Graciano: part of the blend in many fine wines. Small quantities add concentrated black fruit, acid, tannins to structure of blend.
Carinena (Carignan or Mazuelo): high acid, tannin, color. Often blended with Tempranillo and Garnacha
Mencia: moderate climate, fresh fruit, medium to high acidity, sometimes a hint of herbaceousness
True/False: most of Spain’s white varieties are fresh and fruity, and harvested at night/early morning and fermented in temp contorlled stainles steel
True. This helps retain delicate fruit aromas.
However, some producers use oak fermentation and maturation, as well as lees stirring.
What are the prominent white grape varieties grown in Spain?
Verdejo - white grape variety, highly susceptible to oxidation. used to make Sherry-like wines. It can also be made in style similar to Sauv Blanc.
Albarino - thick-skinned and able to resist fungal disease. Naturally high in acidity and can produce refreshing wines with citrus and stone fruit, or a richer fuller bodied style.
Airen - most planted variety in Spain. Majority is planted in La Mancha in central Spain. One of a few varieties that can cope with very hot conditions of Meseta Central. usually made into Brandy de Jerez.
Viura/Macabeo - mainstay of heavily oaked white Riojas traditionally.
Which international varieties are grown in Spain?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay
What is the PDO/PGI system defined in Spanish wine laws?
PDO wines:
-commonly called Denomacion de Origen Protegida, or DOP
-traditional names:
Denominacion de Origen (DO) or
Denominacion de Origen Calificada (DOCa) or
Vinos de Pago (VP): applies to small number of single estates with high reputations
PGI wines:
Vino de la Tierra (VdlT)
What are the requirements to apply for DOCa?
DOs of at least 10 years standing may apply.
What are the only two DOCas at present?
Rioja and Priorat
Which DOCa uses the Catalan terminology of Denominacio d’Origen Qualiicada (DOQ)?
Priorat
What are the 4 age categories of wine under Spanish law?
Joven - no minimum ageing
Crianza - 24 months (reds), 18 months (white and rose)
Reserva - 36 months (reds), 24 months (white and rose)
Gran Reserva - 60 months (reds), 48 (white and rose)
*includes time spent in barrel, which ranges 6-18 months for Crianza, reserva and gran reserva wines.
What are the 6 geographical regions that the principal DO regions in Spain are divided into?
Upper Ebro, Catalunya, Duero Valley, the North West, the Levante, and Castilla-la Mancha.
Which is the most extensive region of Spain dedicated to producing Vino de la Tierra (Spanish IGP wine)?
Castilla y Leon, which is north of the Meseta Central
What DOs are in the Upper Ebro?
Rioja, Navarra, Carinena and Calatayud
What are the three sub-regions of Rioja and what are their characteristics?
Rioja Alavesa: lightest Rioja with most finesse.
Rioja Alta: larger region.
both Rioja Alavesa and Alta are moderated by the Atlantic Ocean in terms of climate.
Rioja Baja: to the east - less maritime climate. Hotter summers. Drought can be an issue here. Garnacha grows best here.
Tempranillo dominates. does best in cooler western sub-regions. red fruit flavors and medium tannin, main component in red blends. Often blended with Garnacha which adds body and alcohol. Mazuelo and Graciano are planted and play support role in blends.
What is the winemaking process/or options for Rioja?
can be made in range of ways.
semi-carbonic maceration -> vibrant red fruit, low tannin for early drinking styles
for long-term maturation - wines undergo traditional fermentation, some may undergo vigorous cap management and extended maceration -> deep color, full of fruit.
Oak is very important in Rioja. Producers use American (vanilla) or France or European countries (spice, subtle)
for white wines - traditionally, the whites were aged for extended periods in American oak. developed deep golden color and nutty flavors. modern consumers prefer minimal oxygen contact to preserve fruit.
What varieties are grown in Navarra DO and what are the characteristics of wine they produce?
Tempranillo - most widely planted. Mostly made into red wine. either blended with other Rioja varieties or with Cabernet/Merlot. Quality ranges from Joven to top quality Gran Reserva
Garnacha - often used for rose. For rose, grapes picked earlier when lower sugar and higher acid and handled protectively.
Where are Carinena and Calatayud located? What is their climate?
in the south of the Ebro region. Warm continental climates, low rainfall
What is the main variety in Carinena and Calatayud? What are characteristics of wines made from this variety?
Garnacha.
Range of styles from inexpensive to higher quality wines made from old vine Garnacha and Carinena.
What DOs lie in Catalunya?
Catalunya is a generic DO for still wines that covers the region (unlike other spanish regions). Lies along Mediterranean.
Penedes - large DO iwth 3 climatic zones. a wide variety of wine styles. Most planted white grapes are used for Cava. International varieties also planted.
Priorat - lie inland away from sea - long hot drysummers, low rainfall -> ideal conditions for old Garnacha and Carinena vines which are late ripening. red slate soils known as ilicorella. mechanization not possible due to steep slopes. low nutrient soils and vine age -> low yields, high quality.
