7.6 Spain Flashcards
What type of climate influences Bierzo & Rías Baixas?
Maritime
Ocean influence leads to cooler and damper conditions
Which regions in Spain experience a Mediterranean climate?
Catalunya and south
Rainfall is scarce in summer in these areas
What climatic conditions are characteristic of the continental climate in Spain?
Long hot summers and cold harsh winters
Very little water is available
What is a strategy used in Spanish vineyards to combat lack of water and heat?
Low density planting
This method helps manage resources effectively
What type of vine training is used in Spanish vineyards to protect from the sun?
Bush trained vines
This method allows for better protection against sunlight
What is one benefit of training some vines on wires?
Easier machine harvest
This technique facilitates modern harvesting methods
Fill in the blank: The influence of the ocean in maritime climates leads to _______ and damper conditions.
cooler
True or False: Rainfall is abundant in summer in Mediterranean regions of Spain.
False
Rainfall is actually scarce during this season
What is a characteristic of the altitudes in the Mediterranean climate regions of Spain?
Allow a variety of grapes to be planted
This diversity enhances the wine production potential
What is the grape variety used for red and rosé wines?
Garnacha/Grenache
Key grape in Priorat & Rioja
What are the characteristics of Monastrell/Mourvèdre?
Thick skinned, high tannin, drought tolerance
Important for blending and structure
What is another name for Mazuelo?
Cariñena
Provides color, acidity, and tannins to blends
What is the role of Graziano in Rioja blends?
Provides perfume, tannin, and acidity
Enhances complexity in wines
Which grapes are commonly used alongside Cab and Merlot?
Syrah
Often blended for enhanced flavor profiles
What is the primary use of Macabeo/Viura?
Cava for sparkling wines
Responds well to oak influence
What are the characteristics of Albariño?
Aromatic, stone fruit, salinity, thick skinned, lees contact
Grown in maritime areas
What type of fruit does Verdejo typically exhibit?
Youthful aromatic riper fruit
Sometimes sees oak or skin contact
What is Airen primarily used for?
Brandy production
One of the most widely planted grape varieties
What is the skin characteristic of Tempranillo?
Thick skin
Contributes to tannin structure
What level of acidity is associated with Tempranillo?
Medium acidity
Balances the flavor profile
What is the significance of Garnacha in wine production?
Used for red & rosé wines
Key grape in regions like Priorat & Rioja
What does DO stand for in wine laws?
Protected region which follows quality controls (grape variety, yields, etc)
DO is an abbreviation for ‘Denominación de Origen’, which signifies a controlled designation of origin in wine production.
Which two regions are classified as DOCa?
Rioja & Priorat
DOCa stands for ‘Denominación de Origen Calificada’, representing the highest quality classification in Spanish wines.
What is the significance of DOCa in wine classification?
More prestigious
DOCa regions are recognized for their exceptional quality and stricter regulations compared to DO regions.
What are Vinos de Page?
Single estates that only use their own grapes
These wines are produced exclusively from grapes grown on a single estate, ensuring quality and authenticity.
What is the aging category for wines under 2 years of age?
Joven
Joven wines are intended to be consumed young and are typically fresh and fruity.
What does the term ‘Crianza’ refer to in wine aging?
An aging category with specific aging requirements
Crianza wines must age for a minimum of 2 years, with at least 6 months in oak barrels.
What is the next aging category after Crianza?
Reserva
Reserva wines require a minimum aging of 3 years, with at least 1 year in oak.
What distinguishes Gran Reserva wines?
Extended aging period
Gran Reserva wines must age for at least 5 years, with a minimum of 2 years in oak barrels.
Fill in the blank: Wines labeled as _______ are meant to be enjoyed young.
Joven
Joven wines are typically released shortly after production and do not undergo significant aging.
What is the main grape used in Upper Ebro wines?
Tempranillo
Tempranillo is the predominant grape variety in this region.
What type of oak is used for aging Upper Ebro wines?
American oak
American oak is commonly used for aging to impart specific flavors.
What flavor characteristics can you find in young and aged Upper Ebro wines?
Strawberry young, balsamic & tobacco aged
These flavors vary significantly with the age of the wine.
What geographical feature protects the Upper Ebro region from cold extremes?
Two mountain ranges
The mountain ranges help to moderate the climate for grape growing.
What are the three sub-regions of Rioja?
- Rioja Alta
- Rioja Alavesa
- Rioja Oriental
Each sub-region has its own unique characteristics and grape varieties.
Which sub-region of Rioja primarily uses Tempranillo?
Rioja Alta
Rioja Alta is known for its focus on Tempranillo.
Which sub-region of Rioja primarily uses Garnacha?
Rioja Oriental
Rioja Oriental is distinct for its use of Garnacha.
What are the two styles of White Rioja?
- Youthful & fresh
- Oaked & oxidative
The style can vary greatly depending on the production method.
What is the blend composition of Navarro wines?
- Tempranillo
- Garnacha
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
Navarro wines are known for their blends, including both red and rosé styles.
What is a major style produced in Navarro?
Rosé
Rosé is a significant wine style from the Navarro region.
Which grape variety dominates in Calatayud & Cariñena?
Garnacha
Garnacha is the leading grape variety in these regions.
Fill in the blank: Upper Ebro wines are typically blends from across the _______.
region
True or False: Rioja Alavesa primarily uses Garnacha.
False
Rioja Alavesa primarily uses Tempranillo.
What are the three distinct climate zones in Catalunya?
- Coastal plain-Mediterranean, hot
- Inland in the valleys-cooler than the plain but still warm
- Hills 800m above sea level-moderate, for cava production
Each climate zone contributes to the diversity of wine production in Catalunya.
What are the key grape varieties used in Priorat?
- Garnacha
- Cariñene
These grape varieties thrive in the unique soil conditions of Priorat.
What is the unique soil type found in Priorat?
Llicorella
Llicorella is a combination of mica and red slate that retains heat and water.
What are the characteristics of llicorella soil?
- Retains heat & water
- Low fertility
This soil type contributes to the intensely flavored wines produced in Priorat.
What is the typical training method for vines in Priorat?
Bush-trained
Bush training is common in Priorat due to the unique growing conditions.
What is the significance of the large diurnal shift in Priorat?
Keeps higher acidity
The temperature variation between day and night helps maintain grape acidity.
What type of wines are produced in the Ribera del Duero region?
- Reds-Tempranillo based wines
- DO red, white & rosé wines produced
Ribera del Duero is known for its high-quality Tempranillo wines.
What additional grape varieties have been introduced in Ribera del Duero?
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
These varieties are being added to enhance the diversity of the wine profile.
What type of wines are produced in the Toro region?
Tempranillo based wines
Wines from Toro are known for being extracted and having higher alcohol content.
What grape varieties are prominent in Rueda?
- Verdejo
- Sauvignon Blanc
Rueda is recognized for its fresh and aromatic white wines.
What is the key grape variety used in Bierzo?
Mencía
Mencía is related to Cabernet Franc and is known for its herbaceous and fresh fruit characteristics.
What are the tasting notes associated with Mencía grape from Bierzo?
- Herbaceous
- Fresh fruit
- Perfume
- Med-high acidity
These characteristics make Bierzo wines unique and appealing.
What is a major problem in Ría Baixas?
Rot due to cold and damp conditions
Ría Baixas is known for its challenging climate for wine production.
What grape variety is primarily associated with Ría Baixas?
Albariño
Albariño is known for its aromatic qualities.
Describe the characteristics of Albariño.
Lighter in alcohol, aged on fine lees, very aromatic
These characteristics contribute to its unique flavor profile.
Which regions are included in The Levante?
Valencia, Jumilla, & Yecla
These regions are known for their distinct wine production.
What is the primary grape variety in The Levante?
Monastrell
Monastrell is known for its drought tolerance.
What are the characteristics of Monastrell?
Drought tolerant, tannic, deeply colored reds
This grape variety thrives in arid conditions.
What type of wine is Muscat of Alexandria known for?
Sweet fortified wine
Muscat of Alexandria is often used for dessert wines.
What is the largest DO in Spain?
La Mancha
La Mancha has a significant impact on Spanish wine production.
What is Airén known for?
Neutral fresh white wine
Airén is a widely planted grape variety in La Mancha.
Which red grape is prominently featured in La Mancha?
Tempranillo
Tempranillo is one of the most important grape varieties in Spain.
What international varieties are present in La Mancha?
CS, ME, CH, SB
These represent Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.
What is a main concern for La Mancha’s wine production?
Enough water
Water availability is critical for grape cultivation.
What are Vinos de Pago?
A classification for high-quality wines from specific estates
These wines are recognized for their unique terroir.
What is Valdepeñas known for?
Brandy and Tempranillo
Valdepeñas is famous for both its spirits and wines.
