C30 - Spain Flashcards
1
Q
How many broad climatic zones does Spain have?
A
Three
2
Q
Describe Spain’s northernmost climatic zone
A
The north and north-west coast of Spain has a moderate maritime climate, dominated by Atlantic weather systems
Rainfall and associated risks is high
3
Q
Describe Spain’s middle climatic zone
A
The east coast from Catalunya in the north to Levante further south, has a warm Mediterranean climate
Many of the vineyards are moderated by sea or altitude
Climate becomes increasingly hot the further south it goes
4
Q
Describe the climate of central Spain
A
The Meseta Central is cut off by mountains from the cooling effects of the sea and has a hot continental climate
Winter temperatures below freezing and summers are very hot and dry
Summer temperatures can be moderated by altitude in certain sites
5
Q
What are the biggest challenges to grape growing in Spain? What’s the exception?
A
Heat and lack of water
North-west Spain
6
Q
What is the benefit of the lack of water for grape-growing in Spain?
A
The incidence of fungal disease is low
7
Q
What is the main disadvantage of lack of water for grape growing in Spain?
A
It places a heavy stress on the vine
8
Q
What is the best way of managing the heat and lack of water availability in Spain? Explain
A
Low density, bush-trained vineyards
By maximising the amount of water available to each vine and shading the fruit from excessive heat
9
Q
What is slowly being introduced to Spanish vineyards? For what purpose?
A
Wire training
To facilitate machine harvesting
10
Q
Summarise the inexpensive red wines of Spain
A
Often made without Oak
Semi-carbonic maceration is used to enhance the fruity nature of these wines
11
Q
What is the role of oak in Spain’s best red wines?
A
They almost always see oak maturation, usually with at least a proportion of new oak
12
Q
What is the most used type of oak for Spanish reds?
A
Traditionally American oak, but now French oak is also common
13
Q
What is Spain’s premier red grape variety?
A
Tempranillo
14
Q
Where in Spain is Tempranillo grown most widely?
A
Throughout northern and central Spain
15
Q
What are Tempranillo’s key grape characteristics?
A
It’s thick-skinned with a medium acidity
16
Q
What is the key viticultural challenge relating to Tempranillo?
A
Due to its medium acidity, hot growing areas without a high diurnal range can cause the wine to lack the necessary acidity for an ideal balance
17
Q
Where is Tempranillo at its best in Spain?
A
In areas where summer temperatures are moderated by sea and/or altitude
18
Q
What is often the case with Tempranillo when fermented on its own in Spain?
A
It’s fermented using semi-carbonic maceration
19
Q
What kind of wine can Tempranillo produce when fermented on its own?
A
An early drinking style
A fresh, strawberry scented Joven wine
20
Q
What other broad style does Tempranillo play an important role in in Spain?
A
More concentrated, age worthy, oaked blends
21
Q
With which grapes is Tempranillo most commonly blended in Spain?
A
Garnacha
Graciano
Cariñena/Mazuelo
International varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon
22
Q
Garnacha Tinta is the Spanish name for…
A
Grenache
23
Q
Describe the general profile of Garnacha Tinta
A
High alcohol Early ripening (with some exceptions)
24
Q
For which Spanish wines is Garnacha Tinta most important?
A
Rosados and Priorat
25
What are the wines of Priorat? How do they achieve this style?
Intense, complex, full-bodied reds from Garnacha Tinta
| From low-yielding, old vines
26
What is the better known name for Monastrell?
Mourvedre
27
What makes Monastrell suitable for Spain's climate?
It's drought tolerant and needs hot sunny conditions to ripen
28
Where is Monastrell most commonly grown in Spain?
In south-eastern DOs such as Yecla and Jumilla
29
Describe Monastrell wines from south-eastern Spain
```
Full-bodied
Deeply coloured
High tannins
High alcohol
Low to medium acidity
Flavours of ripe blackberry fruit
```
30
Where in Spain is Graciano mostly cultivated?
Rioja
31
How is Graciano used in Rioja?
As part of the blend in many of the best wines
32
What does Graciano add to a blend?
Tannins, acidity and concentrated black fruit aromas
33
What is the Spanish name for Carignan?
Cariñena
34
What else is Carignan called in Spain other than Cariñena? Where is it called this?
Mazuelo
| Rioja
35
What kinds of wine does Cariñena make?
Wines that are high in tannin, colour and acidity
36
How is Cariñena/Mazuelo used in Spain?
As a blending partner for Tempranillo
37
Where other than Rioja is Cariñena grown?
Priorat
38
What is the role of Cariñena in Priorat?
To add tannic structure
39
Which local black variety is coming to prominence in Spain?
Mencia
40
To what climate is Mencia best suited?
Moderate climates
41
Describe wines made from Mencia
Medium to high acidity
Fresh fruit flavours
Sometimes a hint of herbaceousness
42
How can most of Spain's white varieties be described?
Fresh and fruity
43
How are the intended fresh fruit aromas for Spanish whites retained?
Harvesting at night or early morning
| Fermenting in temperature-controlled stainless steel
44
T or F: Spanish whites are only fermented in steel
False; Oak fermentation and maturation are used as well as lees stirring for the addition of texture and flavours
45
What is the challenge with grape variety Verdejo?
It is particularly susceptible to oxidation
46
What was Verdejo used to make?
Sherry-like wines
47
Describe Verdejo when made protectively
Light-bodied
High acid
Melon and peach flavour
48
Which Spanish grape is seen as similar to Sauvignon Blanc?
Verdejo
49
With which grape is Verdejo often blended?
Sauvignon Blanc
50
Other than the 'Sauvignon style', what other style can Verdejo be made into? How?
Richer, fuller-bodied style
| It undergoes skin contact and barrel fermentation
51
Where in Spain is Albariño grown?
North-west of Spain
52
What is Albariño's best viticultural trait?
It's thick-skinned and thus able to resist fungal disease
53
Why is fungal resistance so important for Albariño?
North-western Spain is a damp climate
54
Describe wines from Albariño
Naturally high in acidity
Citrus and stone fruit flavours
Can be made into a richer, fuller-bodied style
55
What is the most widely planted variety in Spain?
Airén
56
Where is the vast majority of Airén planted?
La Mancha in central Spain
57
Name one of the few varieties able to cope with the extreme heat and drought conditions of the Meseta Central
Airén
58
What is Airén mostly used for?
Production of Brandy de Jerez
59
Which local varieties are planted widely in Catalunya? These are the main varieties used in...
Parellada, Xarel-lo and Macabeo
60
How else is Macabeo known? Where?
Viura
| Rioja
61
Which of Cava's main varieties is also often used for still wine production?
Macabeo/Viura
62
Describe the aromas of unoaked Viura
Subtle herb and spice aromas
63
What is Viura's traditional role?
As the mainstay of heavily oaked white Riojas
64
Which international varieties are successful in Spain?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay
65
Where are international varieties most successful in Spain?
North-east
66
How many geographical regions may the principal DO regions be grouped into?
Six
67
What are the six geographical DO regions of Spain?
```
The Upper Ebro
Catalunya
The Duero Valley
The North-West
The Levante
Castilla-La Mancha
```
68
What is the most extensive Spanish region designated for the production of Vino de la Tierra
Castilla y León
69
Where is Castilla y León?
Towards the north of the Meseta Central
70
What is Rioja's principal city?
Logroño
71
How many sub-regions comprise Rioja?
Three
72
What are the three sub-regions of Rioja?
Rioja Alavesa
Rioja Alta
Rioja Baja
73
Where is Rioja Alavesa?
To the west of Logroño on the north bank of the Ebro in the foothills of the Cantabrian Mountains
74
Describe the wines of Rioja Alavesa
The lightest of Rioja; they often have the most finesse
75
How is Rioja Alta located?
To the west of Logroño and south of the Ebro river
76
List the sub-regions of Rioja in descending order
Rioja Baja
Rioja Alta
Rioja Alavesa
77
What is the topography of Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta?
Both sub-regions are planted at a range of altitudes from 500 to 800 metres
78
How are the climates of Rioja moderated?
By altitude and the Atlantic Ocean
79
What shields Rioja from the worst of the Atlantic weather?
The Cantabrian Mountains
80
Where is Rioja Baja?
To the east of Logroño, mainly on the south bank of the Ebro
81
What is the climate in Rioja Baja?
Less maritime
Hotter summers and more severe winters
Low annual rainfall
82
What is an issue for growers in Rioja?
Drought
83
What is the most widely planted variety in Rioja?
Tempranillo
84
Where does Tempranillo do best in Rioja?
In the cooler western sub-regions
85
Describe the general features of Tempranillo in Rioja
Medium tannins
| Red fruit flavours
86
How does the addition of Garnacha benefit a Tempranillo-based blend?
Garnacha adds body and alcohol
87
Where in Rioja does Garnacha grow best?
Rioja Baja
88
What are the less planted/supporting varieties of Rioja?
Mazuelo and Graciano
89
Describe how an early-drinking style of red Rioja may be made. What kind of result will this have on the wines?
Using semi-carbonic maceration
Wines with vibrant red-fruit flavours
Low levels of smooth tannins
90
Outline the processes used in making a red Rioja designed for ageing
Usually destemmed and crushed
| Undergo traditional fermentation
91
How may some Rioja producers produce heavily extracted wines? What will the result be?
Vigorous cap-management techniques
Extended periods of maceration
Deep colour and full of fruit flavours
92
What style of Rioja are many makers now producing?
More subtle, elegant styles
93
What is the traditional role of oak in Rioja?
Wines were aged in American oak, giving pronounced aromas of vanilla
94
What is the emerging role of oak in Rioja? What is the result on wine?
Many producers now use oak from France or other European countries for at least some of their wine
More subtle, spicy aromas
95
How many varieties are permitted for use in white Rioja?
Eight
96
What is the most widely planted white variety in Rioja?
Viura
97
Describe traditional white Rioja-making and wines
Aged for extended periods in American oak
Developed a deep golden colour and nutty flavours
Deliberately oxidised
98
Describe how modern white Riojas are made and the reasoning
Made with minimal oxygen contact to preserve the maximum amount of fruit
99
What is the 'in between' style of white Rioja now being produced by some Bodegas?
Some are being barrel-fermented but in a less oxidative style than traditional white Riojas
100
Where in Spain is Navarra DO?
From the northern and eastern borders of Rioja into the foothills of the Pyrenees
101
What is the climate of Navarra?
Similar to that of Rioja, but cooler and wetter nearer the mountains
102
What is the most widely planted variety of Navarra?
Tempranillo
103
What kind of wine does Navarra production focus on?
Red wine
104
How is Tempranillo typically blended in Navarra?
With other Rioja grapes, or increasingly with Cabernet or Merlot
105
What is the range of red wine styles in Navarra?
From good value Joven wines to top quality, premium Gran Reservas
106
Describe winemaking for Garnacha-based rosés in Navarra
Garnacha is picked earlier when acid levels are higher and sugar levels are lower
They are handled protectively to create refreshing, fruity wines with medium levels of alcohol
107
What is the role of white wine in Navarra?
It only accounts for a very small proportion of the total output of the region
108
What do Navarra's whites tend to be made from?
Viura, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc
109
What are the neighbouring DOs to the south of the Ebro?
Cariñena and Catalyud
110
What are the climates of Cariñena and Catalyud?
Warm continental
| Low rainfall
111
What are the main varieties in Cariñena and Catalyud?
Garnacha in both
112
Describe the inexpensive wines of Cariñena and Catalyud
Fruity and early-drinking
113
Describe the higher quality wines of Cariñena and Catalyud
Made from old-vine Garnacha and Cariñena
| Great flavour intensity and structure
114
T or F: Cariñena is the most planted variety in Cariñena
False
115
Where is Catalunya?
In the north-east corner of Spain
116
Where are the vast majority of vineyards in Catalunya?
In an area to the south-west of Barcelona, on the coastal plain and hills
117
What is different about Catalunya as an administrative region when relating to wine?
It is the only administrative region of Spain that has a generic DO for still wines that covers the entire region
118
Why did Catalunya's generic DO come into existence?
Largely to enable the blending of wines from the various areas to provide the opportunity to create significant volumes of branded wine
119
Where in Spain is nearly all Cava made?
In Catalunya
120
Where is Penedès?
Immediately to the south-west of Barcelona
| From the Mediterranean coast up into the hills
121
How many distinct climatic zones are there in Penedès?
Three
122
What are the three climatic zones of Penedès?
The hot coastal plain - the climate here is Mediterranean
The valleys inland - the climate is still warm, but slightly cooler
Further into the hills where vines are grown up to 800m asl - the climate is moderate
123
Why is there such a wide variety of styles and grapes in Penedès?
As a result of the three different climatic zones
124
What are the most widely planted varieties of Penedès?
Those used for Cava
125
Besides Cava varieties, what are other significant plantings in Penedès?
International varieties, such as Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc
Also Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo and Pinot Noir
126
What is Tempranillo called in Penedès?
Ull de Llebre
127
Where are the vineyards of Priorat?
In Catalunya, within the hills inland from the city of Tarragona
128
Describe the climate of Priorat
Summers are long, hot and dry
| Annual rainfall is very low
129
For which grapes is the climate of Priorat ideal?
Garnacha and Cariñena
130
Describe the Cariñena and Garnacha vines of Priorat
They are mostly old vines
131
What are the best soils of Priorat called? Describe them
Llicorella
| Layers of red slate with small particles of mica that sparkle in the sun
132
Why are Llicorella soils considered as 'good soils'?
They help ripening by reflecting and conserving heat
Because of their depth, they are able to retain sufficient water throughout the growing season
They are cool at night
133
Describe the role of mechanisation in Priorat
Bush vines and steep slopes mean that mechanisation is nearly impossible in Priorat
134
What are the impracticalities of winemaking in Priorat?
The virtual impossibility of mechanisation makes vineyards here expensive and time-consuming to manage
135
What is grape yield like in Priorat? Explain...
Low
| Contributed to by low nutrient soils and old vines
136
What is the result on Priorat's wines of its low-yielding vines?
High complexity and intensity
137
What is the average price of Priorat's wines? List reasons why
High
Mechanisation is impossible; vineyards are expensive and time-consuming to manage
Yields are low
138
Describe wines of Priorat
High tannins
Deeply coloured
Medium to high alcohol
Concentrated black fruit with toasty aromas from new French oak
139
What varieties can be added to wines of Priorat (besides Garnacha and Cariñena)
Some international varieties, especially Cabernet Sauvignon
140
Can white and rosé wines be made in Priorat?
Yes, though they are rarely seen
141
Where is the Duero Valley?
It starts in the mountains south of Rioja and flows through Spain into Portugal
142
What is the Portuguese name for the River Duero?
The Douro
143
What is the climate of Ribera del Duero?
Short, hot and dry summers and very cold winters
| Cut off from any maritime influence by a ring of mountains
144
Describe the vineyards of Ribera del Duero
They are situated on the highest part of the Meseta Central
Some vineyards are at over 850 metres
Due to altitude, night-time temperatures are cool
145
What is the effect of cool night-time temperatures in Ribera?
Acidity and fresh fruit flavours are retained in the grapes
146
What colours of wine are made in Ribera?
Red and rosé only
147
What style is the vast majority of wine in Ribera?
Red
148
What is the dominant grape variety of Ribera?
Tempranillo
149
What is the varietal make-up of Ribera del Duero's best wines?
Usually just Tempranillo
150
Describe a typical red wine from Ribera del Duero
Dark with high levels of tannins
151
Which international grapes are permitted in Ribera?
Cabernet, Merlot and Malbec
152
Which grape of Ribera is permitted and often used for dry rosé production?
Garnacha
153
What aspects of grapes are modern winemakers in Ribera trying to accentuate? How are they doing this?
Concentrated fruit flavours and tannins
| Long macerations and short ageing periods in new oak
154
Describe oak barrels in Ribera
Typically new French oak rather than American
155
Describe the climate of Toro DO
Similar to that of its neighbour, Ribera del Duero
156
What are the wines of Toro DO predominantly made from?
Tempranillo
157
Describe the typical red wines of Toro DO
Full-bodied
Intense fruit flavours
High alcohol
158
What causes the full body and high alcohol in Toro DO?
High daytime temperatures, sunny conditions and often low-yielding bush vines
159
What is different about the Joven wines of Toro DO compared with its other wines?
There is often a proportion of Garnacha
160
Describe Reservas and Gran Reservas of Toro
Exceptionally deeply coloured and tannic when young
| Ability to age well
161
What wines other than reds can be made in Toro?
Rosé and white wines in small quantities
162
Where in Spain is Rueda?
In-between Toro and Ribera del Duero
163
How does Rueda differ from its neighbours?
It focuses on white wine production
164
Outline the climate of Rueda
Continental
| Cool summer nights
165
What is Rueda's traditional grape variety?
Verdejo
166
What is the second important grape variety in Rueda?
Sauvignon Blanc
167
How may wines be labelled in Rueda?
For SB and Verdejo, they may be made and labelled as single varietal wines
168
What is the law for blended wines in Rueda?
At least 50% of the blend must be Verdejo
169
Describe the range of styles made in Rueda
From simple and fruity to richer, barrel-fermented versions
170
Which area of Spain is cooler and wetter than the rest? Why?
The north-west
| Due to the influence of the Atlantic ocean
171
What is north-west Spain best known for?
Many of Spain's best white wines
172
What is the most celebrated of Spain's white wines?
Albariño from Rías Baixas
173
Where in Spain is Rías Baixas?
On Spain's Atlantic coast
174
What is the climate of Rías Baixas?
Moderate and damp
175
What is the problem for Rías Baixas associated with the damp conditions?
Vine diseases such as mildew and rot are a common problem
176
How is the problem of vine diseases and mildew combated in Rías Baixas?
By training vines onto pergolas to encourage air circulation
| Some producers use other training and trellising systems which are easier to maintain
177
Describe the winemaking choice/style for most Rías Baixas Albariño
Made into a refreshing unoaked style to take advantage of the grape's naturally high acidity and ripe stone fruit flavours
178
What other style may Albariño be made into in Rías Baixas?
A richer style, occasionally with a touch of oak or lees-stirring
179
Can red wine be made in Rías Baixas?
Yes, but it is a minority concern
180
What is the predominant colour of wine from Bierzo?
Red
181
Where in Spain is Bierzo?
North-west Spain, in the mountains that mark the boundary between Galicia and the Meseta Central
182
What is the climate of Bierzo?
Moderate with a cooling maritime influence
183
What is the key grape variety of Bierzo?
Mencía
184
Describe the dominant wine style of Bierzo
Elegant red wines
Naturally high acidity
Red fruit aromas
185
Where do many of Bierzo's best wines come from?
Old vines, grown on the region's steep stony slopes
186
What is the other, less popular winemaking choice in Bierzo? What is the thinking?
Unoaked wines to retain the perfumed red fruit of Mencía
187
What is the intention of Bierzo winemakers using oak?
To add toasty aromas
188
Where in Spain is the Levante?
On the Mediterranean coast south of Catalunya
189
Why is the Levante significant within the Spanish wine industry?
The port of Valencia is the distribution hub for wines from the Levante and La Mancha
190
Describe Valencia DO
It is a large spread-out DO that is a source for value-for-money wines
191
Which grapes are planted in Valencia
A large number of local and international varieties
192
What is the most planted red grape of Valencia?
Monastrell
193
Which grape variety dominates white plantings in Valencia?
Merseguera
194
What is the second most planted wide variety of Valencia?
Muscat of Alexandria
195
What is the role of Muscat of Alexandria in Valencia?
It is used to produce the local Moscatel de Valencia, a sweet fortified wine
196
Where in Spain are Jumilla and Yecla?
In the Levante, further inland
197
What are the climates of Jumilla and Yecla?
Hot and arid
198
What is the dominant local variety of Jumilla and Yecla?
Monastrell
199
Describes the majority of wines in Jumilla and Yecla
Youthful and fruity in style
200
From which region does almost half of Spain's total wine production originate?
Castilla-La Mancha
201
Where is Castilla-La Mancha?
A vast central area of the Meseta Central to the south of Madrid
202
What is the largest DO in Spain?
La Mancha
203
What is the most widely planted grape variety of La Mancha?
Airén
204
What wines are produced from the grape Airén?
Neutral, fresh white wines
205
Which grape variety is in decline in La Mancha? Why?
Airén
| Authorities have encouraged producers to plant Tempranillo
206
What is Tempranillo locally known as in La Mancha?
Cencibel
207
Name other grape varieties in La Mancha
```
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Syrah
Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
```
208
What role does La Mancha now have in Spain? Why/how?
It's an excellent source of inexpensive, well-made reds and whites for the export market
Significant investment in technology and expertise
209
...was where the trend for top-quality pagos wines began
La Mancha
210
La Mancha is still the home of the majority of the estates that have been awarded the appellation...
Vinos de Pago
211
Which DO lies immediately to the south of La Mancha?
Valdepeñas
212
How does the reputation of Valdepeñas compare with that of its neighbour La Mancha?
It has a better reputation for quality
213
What is the climate of Valdepeñas?
Identical to that of La Mancha
214
What is the most widely planted grape in Valdepeñas?
Airén
215
What is the main variety for red wines of Valdepeñas?
Cencibel (Tempranillo)
216
How may red wines be made in Valdepeñas?
Either as varietal wines or blended with international varieties
217
What is the style range for wines from Valdepeñas?
They range from fruity to more concentrated and oak matured
218
Besides offering a hierarchy of PGI and PDO wines, what else can Spanish wine law define?
Specific ageing criteria for red and white wines
219
How are wines labelled if they fall outside of Spanish PGI/PDO law?
Vino
220
What is the Spanish for PDO?
Denominación de Origen Protegida (DOP)
221
What are the three Spanish PDO qualities in ascending order?
Denominación de Origen (DO)
Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa)
Vinos de Pago (VP)
222
Loosely, how must a wine achieve DO status in Spain?
They should be of a certain minimum quality
| They must satisfy specifications covering grape varieties, viticulture and location
223
What must a Spanish DO do/achieve to be awarded DOCa status?
Must've been a DO for at least ten years
224
How many DOCa are there in Spain? What are they?
Two
Priorat
Rioja
225
What is DOCa called in Priorat?
Denominació d'Origen Qualificada (DOQ)
226
What is Vinos de Pago?
A category applying to only a small number of single estates in Spain with high reputations
Estates may only use their own grapes, which must be grown, vinified and matured on their estate
227
What is the traditional Spanish term for PGI wines?
Vino de la Tierra (VdlT)
228
What are the four age categories for wines in Spain?
Joven
Crianza
Reserva
Gran Reserva
229
What wines may become Gran Reserva (besides the actual ageing requirements)?
Only wines from exceptional vintages
| White and rosé wines are rarely made in this style
230
What are the ageing requirements for Joven wines (white and red) in Spain?
No ageing required at all
231
What are the ageing requirements for red Crianza wines in Spain?
24 months in total
| 6 months in barrel
232
What are the ageing requirements for red Reserva wines in Spain?
36 months in total
| 12 months in barrel
233
What are the ageing requirements for red Gran Reserva wines in Spain?
60 months in total
| 18 months in barrel
234
What are the ageing requirements for white Gran Reserva wines in Spain?
48 months in total
| 6 months in barrel
235
What are the ageing requirements for white Reserva wines in Spain?
24 months in total
| 6 months in barrel
236
What are the ageing requirements for white Crianza wines in Spain?
18 months in total
| 6 months in barrel
237
When in Spain are there exceptions to the general ageing requirements?
In some regions such as Rioja, there are even longer requirements for total ageing and barrel ageing
