30. Spain Flashcards
What are the 3 main climatic zones of Spain?
- North-northwest coast: Moderate maritime, high rainfall
- East coast: Warm Mediterranean
- Mesata Central: Hot continental, very hot summers, very cold winters
What is the most important climatic challenge in Spain? How do the grape growers overcome this difficulty?
- Drought (with the exception of Northwest region)
- Low-density, bush trained vineyards
The name of Tempranillo is derived from which Spanish word? (E)
Temprano (early), because it ripens several weeks earlier
What are the 3 main red grapes of Spain?
- Tempranillo
- Grenache (Garnacha Tinto)
- Mourvedre (Monastrell)
What is the general style of Spanish white wines?
- Fresh and fruity
- Harvesting at night or early in the morning
- Fermenting in inert tanks
Describe the characteristics of wines made from Verdejo
- High acid
- Light body
- Melon and peach flavour
- Similar to Sauvignon Blanc style with which it is often blended
Why is Albarino resistant to fungal infection?
It is a thick-skinned grape
Describe the characteristics of wines made from Albarino
- High acid
- Refreshing
- Citrus and stone fruit flavours
What is the most widely planted grape variety in Spain?
Airen (most used in production of Brandy de Jeres)
Name the six geographical regions in Spain based on climate and grape varieties
- Upper Ebro: Rioja, Navarra, Carinena and Calatayud
- Catalunya: Priorat, Penedes
- Duero Valley: Ribera del Duero, Toro, Rueda
- North West: Rias Baixas, Bierzo
- Levante: Valencia, Jumilla and Yecla
- Castilla-La Mancha: La Mancha, Valdepenas
Name the subregions of Rioja
- Rioja Alta
- Rioja Alavesa
- Rioja Baja
The vineyards of Rioja Alta and Alavesa are planted at altitudes of:
500-800 m
Rioja is shielded from the Atlantic weather by which mountains?
Cantabrian
What is the most widely planted grape variety in Rioja?
Tempranillo
Which subregions of Rioja are more ideal to produce Tempranillo?
Cooler western subregions (Alta and Alavesa)
What does Tempranillo add to the Rioja blends?
- Red fruit flavours
- Medium level of tannins
Which subregions of Rioja are more ideal to produce Grenache?
Rioja Baja
What does Grenache add to the Rioja blends?
- Alcohol
- Body
How are the Rioja wines that are made for early drinking produced? Describe the tasting notes.
- Sometimes by using semicarbonic maceration
- Vibrant red fruit flavours, low levels of smooth tannin
Traditionally, what kind of oak is used in Rioja?
- American oak
How many grape varieties can be used for white Rioja? Name the most widely planted variety
- Eight white varieties
- Viura
What are the differences between traditional and modern white Riojas?
- Traditional white Rioja: Wines aged for extended periods so deliberately oxidized. They have deep golden color and nutty flavours.
- Modern white Rioja: Minimal contact with oxygen to preserve maximum amount of fruit
What is the most widely planted grape variety in Navarra?
Tempranillo
What is the most widely planted grape variety in Carinena and Calatayud?
Grenache (NOT Carignan!)
What are the three distinct climatic zones in Penedes?
- Coastal plain: Mediterranean (hot)
- Inland in the valleys: Slightly cooler but still warm
- Further into the hills (above 800 m): Moderate climate
What is the most widely planted grape varieties in Penedes?
Grape varieties used for Cava production (Paralleda, Macabeo, Xarel-lo)
What is the soil in Priorat named? What are its properties?
- Llicorella
- Consists of layers of red slate and small particles of mica
- It helps ripening by reflecting and conserving heat
- Able to retain sufficient water throughout growing season
Which grapes are used to produce red Priorat?
- Garnacha
- Carinena
- Cabernet Sauvignon (rare)
Why are Priorat wines expensive?
- Because of aged vines and low fertility of the soil, the yields are low
- Because of bush vines and steep slopes, mechanization is impossible
Tasting notes for red Priorat
- Deeply colored
- High tannins
- Medium to high alcohol
- Concentrated black fruit aromas
- Toasty aromas from new French oak
What is the climate of Ribera del Duero?
- Continental
- High altitude (some over 850 m)
- Harsh winters, hot summers, high daily temperature variation
Which subregion of Duero Valley focuses on white wine production? Name the dominant grape
- Rueda
- Verdejo
In Rueda, Verdejo - Sauvignon Blanc blends must have at least …% of Verdejo
50 %
How are the grape growers overcome mildew and rot problems which can occur in Rias Baixas due to humid conditions?
Vines are trained on pergolas to enhance the air circulation
Name the region where Mencia is the key grape variety?
Bierzo
Tasting notes of Mencia from Bierzo
- Medium to high acidity
- Fresh fruit
- A hint of herbaceousness
What is the most widely planted grape variety in Levante
Monastrell
What is the largest DO in Spain? What is the dominant grape?
- La Mancha
- Airen
What are the main white grapes of Spain?
- Verdejo
- Albarino
- Airen
- Viura (Macabeo in Catalunya)
