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WSET Level 3 - 2020 > 30 - Spain > Flashcards

30 - Spain Flashcards

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1
Q

Describe the 3 different climatic zones of Spain?

A

North and North West of Spain has a moderate maritime climate dominated by Atlantic weather systems. Rainfall with associated risks, is high.
East Coast from Catalunya to the Levante further south has a warm mediterranean climate. May of the vienyards are moderated by the sea or altitude, depending on location, it get increasingly hotter the further south.
The Meseta Central, a large plateau in the centre of Spain is mostly cut off by the influence of sea by encircling mountains and has a hot continental climate. In winter temperatures can drop fall below freezing in summer temps are avery high and rainfall is limited. High altitude provides moderation in some cases though.

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2
Q

Describe growing in Spain?

A

With notable exception of the North/North west, heat and lack of water are the biggest challenges. Although that doesn’t mean fungal disease doesn’t happen. Low density, bush trained vines remain dominant and the best way to maximise the amount of water available and shading fruit from excessive heat. Where it is possible wire training is being slowly introduced to allow for machine harvesting.

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3
Q

Describe the common wine styles of Spain?

A

Reds come in a wide range of styles. Inexpensive wines can be made without oak and semi carbonic maceration is used to enhance the fruity nature of these wines. Best wines almost always see oak maturation , usually with at least a portion of new oak. Traditionally , American oak was preferred now French oak is common.

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4
Q

What are the key red varieties of Spain?

A

Tempranillo, Garnacha Tinta, Monastrell, Graciano, Carinena and Mencia.

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5
Q

What are the key white varieties of Spain?

A

Verdejo and Albarino.

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6
Q

Describe the common profile of Tempranillo?

A

A thick skinned grape, with medium levels of acidity, and so while it needs sufficient warmth to develop its flavours, hot climates without a high diurnal temperature range could cause the wine to lack the necessary acidity for an ideal balance.

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7
Q

Where does Tempranillo grow best?

A

Where summer temperatures are moderated by the sea and/or altitude.

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8
Q

What wine making techniques are commonly used in Tempranillo production?

A

fermented on its own, often using semi-carbonic maceration. It can produce a fresh strawberry scented “Joven” wine, a popular early drinking style. It also plays a key role in ageworthy oaked blends, either with the traditional varieties: Garnacha, Graciano and Carinena or international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon.

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9
Q

Describe Garnacha production in Spain?

A

It gives a wine high in alcohol,with a tendency to mature early but there are notable exceptions. It’s widely used for rosados. It’s also very important in Priorat, where low yielding old vines enable production of intense, complex, full bodied reds.

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10
Q

Describe Monastrell production in Spain?

A

Another thick skinned variety that drought tolerant,but needs hot, sunny conditions to ripen. It’s grown in south eastern DO’s such as Yecla and Jumilla, where it can easily reach full ripeness and produces very deeply coloured, full bodied wines with high levels of tannin and alcohol, low to medium acidity and flavours of ripe blackberry fruit.

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11
Q

Describe the common profile of Graciano?

A

Highly valued grape, but challenging to grow. Grown mainly in Rioja,where it is used in part of the blend in many of the finest wines. Small quantities are used to add concentrated black fruit aromas, acidity and tannins to the structure of the wine to help it age.

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12
Q

Describe the Carinena grape in Spain?

A

Also called Mazuelo in Rioja and Carignan in France. it gives wines that are high in acidity, tannin and colour. A small proportion of this makes the perfect blend for Tempranillo. It is also grown in Priorat, where it is blended with Garnacha to enhance the tannic structure of the wines.

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13
Q

Describe Mencia that is made in Spain?

A

Suits moderate climates,giving wines with fresh fruit, medium to high acidity, and sometimes a hint of herbaceousness.

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14
Q

Describe the styles of Spanish white wine making?

A

Most of Spain’s white wines are fresh and fruity. Harvesting at night or early morning and fermenting in temp controlled stainless steel vessels help retain delicate fruit aromas. However some producers use oak fermentation and maturation, as well as lees stirring, to add texture and different flavours to their wine.

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15
Q

Describe Verdejo production in Spain?

A

It’s very susceptible to oxidation and was often used in the production of sherry like wines. With protective wine making, it can be made in a light bodied, high acid, melon and peach flavoured similar in style to Sauvignon Blanc. It can be made into a richer/fuller bodied style when it has undergone skin contact and barrel fermentation.

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16
Q

Describe Albarino production in Spain?

A

Grown in north west Spain it has become a very fashionable variety. It’s thick skinned and able to resist fungal disease, which is useful in this damp climate. Naturally high in acidity and can produce refreshing wines with citrus and stone fruit flavours. It too can be made into a richer/fuller style.

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17
Q

Which white varietal in Spain is most suited the hot droughty conditions of the Meseta Central?

A

Airen. Although now it can be made into acceptable dry wines, much of the output was used in production of Brandy de Jerez.

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18
Q

What 3 varietals are most commonly used in production of Cava?

A

Parellada, Xarel-lo and Macabeo (Viura in Rioja).

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19
Q

Describe Viura still wine production in Rioja?

A

Made in an unoaked style, with subtle herb and spice aromas. Traditionally it was the mainstay of heavily oaked white Riojas.

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20
Q

Which international varieties are also commonly now grown in Spain?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Especially common in the north-east.

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21
Q

What is PDO called in Spanish wine law?

A

Denominacion de Origen Protegida (DOP). But a number of traditional terms are also used.

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22
Q

What does DO mean in Spanish wine law?

A

Denominacion de Origen. These wines should be of a certain minimum quality, satisfying specifications covering grape varieties, viticulture and location.

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23
Q

What does DOCa mean in Spanish wine law?

A

Denominacion de Origen Calificada. DO’s of at least 10 years standing may apply for this more prestigious category.

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24
Q

What are the only two Spanish DOCa?

A

Rioja and Priorat.

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25
Q

What does DOQ mean in Spanish wine law?

A

Priorat uses the Catalan terminology for their DOCa. Denominacio d’Origen Qualificada.

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26
Q

What does Vinos de Pago mean in Spanish wine law?

A

Applies to a small number of Single estates with high reputations. Must use their own grapes, which must be vinified and matured on their estate.

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27
Q

What is the traditional terminology for PGI wines in Spain?

A

Vino de la Tierre (VdIT).

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28
Q

What are the 4 ageing categories in Spanish wine laws?

A

Joven, Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva. Gran Reserva wines are only made in exceptional vintages, white and rose are rarely made in this style.

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29
Q

Give the ageing requirements for Joven wines in Spain?

A

Red, white and rose wines have zero requirements.

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30
Q

Give the ageing requirements for Crianza wines in Spain?

A

Red wines require 24 months total ageing, which must include 6 months in barrel. White and rose wines would be 18 months total ageing and include 6 months in barrel.

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31
Q

Give the ageing requirements for Reserva wines in Spain?

A

Red wines require 36 months total ageing and which must include 12 months spent in barrel. White and Rose would 24 months and 6 months respectively.

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32
Q

Give the ageing requirements for Gran Reserva wines in Spain?

A

Red wines require 60 months total ageing, which must include 18 months in barrel. White and rose wines would be 48 months total ageing and include 6 months in barrel.

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33
Q

With regards to ageing laws in Spain, some regions have their own laws. Which region is most notable for this?

A

Rioja.

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34
Q

What are the six geographical regions of Spanish wine growing?

A

The Upper Ebro, Catalunya, the Duero Valley, the north west, the Levante and Castilla-La Mancha.

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35
Q

There are a number of regions designated for Vino de la Tierra in Spain, which is the most extensive?

A

Castilla y Leon, towards the north of the Meseta Central.

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36
Q

What are the 4 main regions of The Upper Ebro?

A

Rioja, Navarra, Carinena and Calatayud.

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37
Q

What are the two most notable regions in Catalunya?

A

Penedes for Cava production and Priorat which has its own DOQ.

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38
Q

What are the three most notable regions of The Duero Valley?

A

Ribera del Duero, Toro and Rueda.

39
Q

What are the two most notable regions of the North West growing region in Spain?

A

Rias Baixas and Bierzo.

40
Q

What are the three most notable regions of The Levante?

A

Valencia, Jumilla and Yecla.

41
Q

What are the two most notable regions of Castilla-La Mancha?

A

La Mancha and Valdepenas.

42
Q

What are the three sub regions of Rioja?

A

Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Baja.

43
Q

Describe the region of Rioja Alavesa?

A

To the west of the principal city of Logrono, on the north bank of the Ebro river and in the foothills of the Cantabrian mountains. The wines are perhaps the lightest of Rioja and often have the most finesse.

44
Q

Describe the Rioja Alta region?

A

Also to the west of Logrono, but mainly to the south of the Ebro river. Vinyards are planted at a range of altitudes from 500 to 800 metres and their climates are moderated by the Atlantic Ocean, although the Cantabrian Mountains shield them from the worst weather.

45
Q

Describe the Rioja Baja region?

A

Situated to the east of Logrono, mainly on the south bank of the Ebro. The climate is less maritime, with hotter summers and more severe winters. Annual rainfall can be low, making drought an issue for growers.

46
Q

What is most widely planted grape in Rioja?

A

Tempranillo. It tends to do better in the cooler western sub-regions. It’s the main component in most blends giving red fruit flavours and a medium level of tannins.

47
Q

Tempranillo benefits from the body and alcohol of which grape?

A

Garnacha, which best grows in Rioja Baja. Mazuelo and Graciano are both less widely planted and provide a supporting role in blends.

48
Q

Describe the common wine making techniques used in Rioja?

A

Many different ways depending on the winemaker. Red wines made for early drinking may undergo semi carbonic maceration to produce wines that have vibrant red fruit flavours and low levels of smooth tannin. Wines designed for long term maturation are usually destemmed and crushed and undergo a a traditional fermentation.

49
Q

What effects do vigorous cap management techniques and extended maceration have for winemakers in Rioja?

A

To produce heavily extracted wines, deep in colour and full of fruit flavours, but many are making more subtle, elegant styles.

50
Q

Oak maturation has a defining role in Rioja, what oak was traditionally used?

A

in American oak, and often had pronounced aromas of vanilla. Many producers now use oak from France or other European countries, giving more spicy subtle flavours.

51
Q

What is the most widely planted white varietal in Rioja?

A

Viura (Macabeo). Traditionally wines were aged for an extended periods in American oak and developed deep golden colour and nutty flavours. These deliberately oxidised wines have fallen out of favour. Modern white Riojas are often made with minimal contact with oxygen, to preserve maximum amount of fruit. Some bodegas are producing barrel-fermented styles, but in a less oxidative style that traditionally.

52
Q

Describe the region of Navarra DO?

A

Stretching from the northern and eastern borders of Rioja into the foothills of the Pyrenees. The climate is similar to that of Rioja, but becomes cooler and wetter nearer the mountains.

53
Q

What is the most widely planted red varietal in Navarra?

A

Tempranillo. It’s either blended with the other Rioja varietals to make a wine similar in style or increasingly with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Styles range from good value Joven wines to top qaulity premium Gran Reservas.

54
Q

Which grape is heavily used in rose production in Navarra?

A

Garnacha. Picked earlier when acid levels are high and sugar levels are lower. They are handled protectively to create a refreshing, fruity wines with medium levels of alcohol.

55
Q

What white varietals are used in very small amounts in Navarra?

A

Viura, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

56
Q

Describe the regions of Carinena and Calatayud?

A

Both DO’s neighbouring each other to the south of the Ebro River. Both regions have warm continental climates and low rainfall. Garnacha is the main varietal grown in both regions.

57
Q

Describe the winemaking in Carinena and Calatayud?

A

Inexpensive wines are made in an early drinking, fruity style. High quality wines tend to be made from old vine Garnacha and Carinena and display greater flavour intensity and structure.

58
Q

Is the grape variety Carinena the most widely planted grape in the DO of the same name?

A

No, despite its name, Garnacha is the most widely planted.

59
Q

Describe the region of Catalunya?

A

Occupying the north-east corner of Spain. The vast majority of vineyards are concentrated in an area that lies to the south of Barcelona and comprises the coastal plain and the hills to the immediate west.

60
Q

Why does Catalunya have generic DO for still wines that cover the whole region?

A

It cam into existence largely to enable the blending of wines from the various areas to provide the opportunity to create significant volumes of branded wine.

61
Q

Describe the region of Penedes?

A

Vineyards lie immediately to the south-west of Barcelona and stretch from the mediterranean coast up into the hills.

62
Q

What are the the three climatic zones within Penedes?

A

Hottest is the coastal plain where the climate is Mediterranean. Inland, in the valleys is slightly cooler than that on the plain, but still warm. Then further up into the hills, where vines are grown at up to 800 metres, the climate is moderate. This means a wide range of styles can be made here.

63
Q

What other significant plantings are there in Pendedes other than Xarel-lo, Parrellada and Macabeo?

A

Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Gewurtztraminer. Red varieties include: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo and Pinot Noir.

64
Q

What do they call Tempranillo in Catalunya?

A

Ull e Llebre.

65
Q

Describe the region of Priorat?

A

Vineyards lie within the hills inland from the city of Tarragona. Summers are long, hot and dry, and annual rainfall is low, which is ideal for old Garnacha and Carinena vines planted here, both being late ripening varietals.

66
Q

What is the name of the best soils in Priorat?

A

Llicorella. Consists of red slate with small particles of mica that sparkle in the sun. They help ripening by reflecting and conserving heat, and because of their depth they are able to retain sufficient water throughout the growing season. Cool night time temperatures provide some relief from the heat.

67
Q

Describe growing and harvesting in Priorat?

A

Bush vines and steep slopes mean the mechanisation is almost impossible, and thus vineyards expensive and time consuming to manage. Low nutrient soil, age of vines and small yields contribute to the complexity and intensity of Priorat. This also means that Priorat wines are never cheap.

68
Q

Describe the common profile of Priorat’s red wines?

A

Deeply coloured, with high tannins, medium to high alcohol and concentrated black fruit, often complimented by toasty aromas from new french oak.

69
Q

Garnacha and Carinena remain dominant in Priorat, but what other international variety may be commonly seen here?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon. White and rose can be made, but is rarely seen.

70
Q

Where is the Duero Valley?

A

Starting in the mountains south of Rioja and flows through Spain into Portugal where it’s called the Douro.

71
Q

Describe the region of Ribera del Duero?

A

Cut off by from any maritime influence by mountains by a ring of mountains. It has short, hot dry summers and very cold winters. Vineyards sit on the highest part of the Meseta Central, with some planted at over 850 metres. Which helps with cool night time temperatures and this helping grapes retain acidity and fresh fruit flavours.

72
Q

What wine is permitted to be made in Ribera del Duero?

A

It’s a DO for just for red and rose production, but mainly red wine.

73
Q

What is the dominant grape varietal in Riber del Duero?

A

Tempranillo. Which are typically dark in colour and high in tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Merlot are permitted but rarely used. Some Garnacha is made but mainly for dry rose production.

74
Q

What are many winemakers in Ribera del Duero choosing to do when making wine?

A

Choosing to accentuate and the concentrated fruit flavours by undertaking long macerations and ageing the wines for a relatively short period of time in new oak barrels, which are more becoming more increasingly made from French not American oak.

75
Q

Describe the region of Toro?

A

A similar climate to it’s neighbour Ribera del Duero. Reds are predominantly made from Tempranillo and are full bodied with intense fruit flavours and high alcohol, which is a result of the high day time temperatures, sunny conditions and often low yielding bush vines. Joven wines tend to include some Garnacha. Rose and white wines are made small quantities.

76
Q

Describe Reserva and Gran Reserva Wines in Toro?

A

Can be exceptionally deeply coloured and tannic when young and have the ability to age well.

77
Q

Describe the region of Rueda?

A

Lies in between Toro and Ribera del Duero. Different from these two DO’s and focuses mainly on white wine production. The continental climate, with cool summer nights is ideal for Rueda’s traditional variety, Verdejo.

78
Q

What other white varietal is grown in Rueda?

A

Sauvignon Blanc. Both grapes can be made and labelled as single varietal wines. Blended wines must contain at least 50% Verdejo. Styles range from simple and fruity, to richer, barrel fermented versions.

79
Q

Describe the region of Rias Baixas?

A

Situated on the Atlantic coast, it has a moderate, damp climate. Humid conditions mean that vine diseases such as mildew and rot are a common problem.

80
Q

What growing techniques do they use in Rias Baixas to help combat the damp and humid conditions?

A

Vine are trained on Pergolas to encourage air circulation. Some producers are using other training and trellising systems that are easier to maintain.

81
Q

Describe the common profile of Albarino made in Rias Baixas?

A

Mostly mad in a refreshing unoaked stlye, taking advantage of the grapes natural high acidity and ripe stone fruit flavours. Some are made in a richer style, occasionally with a touch of oak or lees stirring.

82
Q

Describe the region of Bierzo?

A

A predominantly red wine DO, it lies in the mountains that mark the boundary between Galicia and and the Meseta Central. The climate is moderate and benefits from a cooling maritime influence.

83
Q

What is the key grape varietal in Bierzo?

A

Mencia is dominant here.

84
Q

Describe the common profile of wines from Bierzo?

A

Can produce elegant wines with naturally high acidity and red fruit aromas. Many of the best wines come from old vines grown on the regions steep slopes. Some producers make unaoked wines to retain perfumed red fruit from the grape variety, but may use new oak to add toasty aromas.

85
Q

Describe the Levante region?

A

A region on the Mediterranean coast, south of Catalunya. Trade is centred around the port of Valencia, which is the distribution hub for the wines of the Levante and La Mancha.

86
Q

Describe the Valencia DO?

A

A large spread out DO that is a source of value-for-money wines.

87
Q

What the most dominant wine plantings in Valencia DO?

A

A large number of local and international varieties are grown, but Monstrell is the most planted red grape. White plantings are dominated by local variety Mersegeura, although significant plantings of Muscat of Alexandria are made to make the local Moscatel de Valencia, a sweet fortified wine.

88
Q

Describe the Jumilla and Yecla regions?

A

Located further inland they have hot, arid climates, perfect for the dominant local grape variety, Monastrell. The majority of wines are youthful and fruity in style.

89
Q

Where almost half of all Spain’s wine production come from?

A

Castilla-La Mancha. This vast area of the Meseta Central that lies to the south of Madrid.

90
Q

Describe the DO of La Mancha?

A

The largest DO in Spain. Significant investment in technology and expertise has ensured that La Mancha is now an excellent source of inexpensive well-made red and white wines for the export market.

91
Q

What grape is most widely planted in La Mancha?

A

Airen. This white varietal is used to produce neutral, fresh white wines. Plating are now declining due to authorities encouraging producers to use Tempranillo (Cencibel) and other international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and even Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

92
Q

Describe the Valdepenas region south of La Mancha?

A

Lies immediately south of La Mancha. it experiences the same climate as La Mancha but it has built a reoutation for quality that exceeds its larger neighbour.

93
Q

What are the dominant varietals in Valdepenas?

A

Airen is again the most widely planted, but Tempranillo is the most widely planted red grape, either as a varietal wine or blended with international grape varieties. The wines range from fruity to more concentrated and oak matured.

WSET Level 3 - 2020 (30 decks)

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