C30 - Spain /checked Flashcards
1
Q
How many broad climatic zones does Spain have?
A
3
2
Q
Describe Spain’s northernmost climatic zone
A
The north and north-west coast of Spain has a MODERATE MEDITERRANEAN 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 2 challenges to grape growing in Spain?
What area is the exception?
A
- Heat
- Lack of water
North-west Spain
6
Q
What is the benefit of the lack of water + humidity for grape-growing in Spain?
A
Fungal disease risk is low
7
Q
What is the main disadvantage of lack of water for grape growing in Spain?
A
Heavy stress on the vine
8
Q
What is the best way of managing the heat and lack of water availability in Spain? (2 techniques)
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
What is the most used type of oak for Spanish reds?
A
Traditionally American oak, but now French oak is also common
11
Q
What is Spain’s premier red grape variety?
A
TEMPRANILLO
12
Q
Where in Spain is Tempranillo grown most widely? (2)
A
- NORTH
2. CENTRAL
13
Q
What are Tempranillo’s key grape characteristics?
skin, acidity
A
- thick-skinned
- medium acidity
14
Q
What is the key viticultural challenge relating to Tempranillo?
A
LACK ACIDITY
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
15
Q
Where is Tempranillo at its best in Spain?
A
In areas where summer temperatures are moderated by sea and/or altitude
16
Q
What is often the case with Tempranillo when fermented on its own in Spain?
A
It’s fermented using semi-carbonic maceration
17
Q
What kind of wine can Tempranillo produce when fermented on its own?
A
An early drinking style
A fresh, strawberry scented Joven wine
18
Q
What other broad style does Tempranillo play an important role in in Spain?
A
More concentrated, age worthy, oaked BLENDS
19
Q
With which grapes is Tempranillo most commonly blended in Spain? (4)
A
- Garnacha
- Graciano
- Cariñena/Mazuelo
- International varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon
20
Q
Garnacha Tinta is the Spanish name for what French variety?
A
Grenache
21
Q
Describe the general profile of Garnacha Tinta
alcohol, ripening
A
- High alcohol
- Early ripening (with some exceptions)
22
Q
For which Spanish wines is Garnacha Tinta most important? (2)
A
- Rosados
2. Priorat
23
Q
What are the wines of Priorat? How do they achieve this style?
colour, grape, intensity, body, vines
A
- Reds from Garnacha Tinta
- Intense, complex
- Full-bodied
From low-yielding, old vines
24
Q
What is the better known name for Monastrell?
A
Mourvedre
25
What makes Monastrell suitable for Spain's climate?
1. Drought tolerant
| 2. Requires hot sunny conditions to ripen
26
Where is Monastrell most commonly grown in Spain?
In south-eastern DOs such as Yecla and Jumilla
27
Describe Monastrell wines from south-eastern Spain
body, colour, tannin, alcohol, acidity, aroma/flavour
- Full-bodied
- Deeply coloured
- High tannins
- High alcohol
- Low to medium acidity
- Flavours of ripe blackberry fruit
28
Where in Spain is Graciano mostly cultivated?
Rioja
29
How is Graciano used in Rioja?
As part of the blend in many of the best wines
30
What does Graciano add to a blend? (3)
- Tannins,
- Acidity
- concentrated black fruit aromas
31
What is the Spanish name for Carignan?
Cariñena
32
What else is Carignan called in Spain other than Cariñena?
Where is it called this?
Mazuelo
In the Rioja
33
What kinds of wine does Cariñena make? (3)
- high in tannin
- high in colour
- high in acidity
34
How is Carignan/Cariñena/Mazuelo used in Spain?
As a blending partner for Tempranillo
35
To what climate is Mencia best suited?
Moderate climates
36
Describe wines made from Mencia
acidity, aroma/flavour
- Medium to high acidity
- Fresh fruit flavours
- Sometimes a hint of herbaceousness
37
How can most of Spain's white varieties be described?
Fresh and fruity
38
How are the intended fresh fruit aromas for Spanish whites retained?
1. Harvesting at NIGHT or early morning
| 2. Fermenting in temperature-controlled stainless steel
39
What is the challenge with grape variety Verdejo? (1)
It is particularly susceptible to OXIDATION
40
Describe Verdejo when made protectively
body, acidity, aroma/flavour
- Light-bodied
- High acid
- Melon and peach flavour
41
Which Spanish grape is seen as similar to Sauvignon Blanc?
Verdejo
42
With which grape is Verdejo often blended?
Sauvignon Blanc
43
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
44
Where in Spain is Albariño grown?
North-west of Spain
45
What is Albariño's best viticultural trait?
skin
It's thick-skinned and thus able to resist fungal disease
46
Why is fungal resistance so important for Albariño?
North-western Spain is a damp climate
47
Describe wines from Albariño
acidity, aroma/flavour, body
- Naturally high in acidity
- Citrus and stone fruit flavours
- Can be made into a richer, fuller-bodied style
48
What is the most widely planted variety in Spain?
Airén
49
Where is the vast majority of Airén planted?
La Mancha in central Spain
50
Name one of the few varieties able to cope with the extreme heat and drought conditions of the Meseta Central
Airén
51
What is Airén mostly used for?
Production of Brandy de Jerez
52
Which local varieties are planted widely in Catalunya? (3)
| These are the main varieties used in Cava
1. Parellada
2. Xarel-lo
3. Macabeo
53
How else is Macabeo known? Where?
Viura
Rioja
54
Which of Cava's main varieties is also often used for still wine production?
Macabeo/Viura
55
Which international varieties are successful in Spain?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay
56
What are the 6 geographical DO regions of Spain?
1. The Upper Ebro
2. Catalunya
3. The Duero Valley
4. The North-West
5. The Levante
6. Castilla-La Mancha
57
What is the most extensive Spanish region designated for the production of Vino de la Tierra
Castilla y León
58
What is Rioja's principal city?
Logroño
59
What are the 3 sub-regions of Rioja?
1. Rioja Alavesa
2. Rioja Alta
3. Rioja Baja
60
Where is Rioja Alavesa?
To the west of Logroño on the north bank of the Ebro in the foothills of the Cantabrian Mountains
61
Describe the wines of Rioja Alavesa
The lightest of Rioja; they often have the most finesse
62
How is Rioja Alta located?
To the west of Logroño and south of the Ebro river
63
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
64
How are the climates of Rioja moderated? (2)
1. Altitude
| 2. Atlantic Ocean
65
What shields Rioja from the worst of the Atlantic weather?
The Cantabrian Mountains
66
What is the climate in Rioja Baja?
Less maritime
Hotter summers and more severe winters
Low annual rainfall
67
What is an issue for growers in Rioja? (1)
Drought
68
What is the most widely planted variety in Rioja?
Tempranillo
69
Where does Tempranillo do best in Rioja?
In the cooler western sub-regions
70
Describe the general features of Tempranillo in Rioja
tannin, flavour
- Medium tannins
| - Red fruit flavours
71
How does the addition of Garnacha benefit a Tempranillo-based blend? (2)
Garnacha adds
1. body
2. alcohol
72
Where in Rioja does Garnacha grow best?
Rioja Baja
73
What are the less planted/supporting varieties of Rioja?
Mazuelo and Graciano
74
Describe how an early-drinking style of red Rioja may be made. (1 technique)
What kind of result will this have on the wines?
flavours, tannin
Using semi-carbonic maceration
- Wines with vibrant red-fruit flavours
- Low levels of smooth tannins
75
How may some Rioja producers produce heavily extracted wines?
(1 vineyard technique, 1 wine making technique)
What will the result be?
colour, flavour
1. Vigorous cap-management techniques
2. Extended periods of maceration
- Deep colour
- full of fruit flavours
76
What is the traditional role of oak in Rioja?
Wines were aged in American oak, giving pronounced aromas of vanilla
77
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
78
How many varieties are permitted for use in white Rioja?
8
79
What is the most widely planted white variety in Rioja?
Viura
80
Describe traditional white Rioja-making and wines
ageing, colour, flavour, oxidisation
- Aged for extended periods in American oak
- Developed a deep golden colour
- Nutty flavours
- Deliberately oxidised
81
Describe how modern white Riojas are made and the reasoning
Made with minimal oxygen contact to preserve the maximum amount of fruit
82
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
83
What is the climate of Navarra?
Similar to that of Rioja, but cooler and wetter nearer the mountains
84
What is the most widely planted variety of Navarra?
Tempranillo
85
What kind of wine (colour) does Navarra production focus on?
Red wine
86
What is the range of red wine styles in Navarra?
From good value Joven wines to top quality, premium Gran Reservas
87
Describe winemaking for Garnacha-based rosés in Navarra
picking time, acidity, sugar levels, handling
resulting wine: flavour, alcohol
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
88
What is the role of white wine in Navarra?
It only accounts for a very small proportion of the total output of the region
89
What varieties do Navarra's whites tend to be made from? (3)
1. Viura
2. Chardonnay
3. Sauvignon Blanc
90
What are the climates of Cariñena and Catalyud?
climate, rainfall
- Warm continental
| - Low rainfall
91
What is the main variety in both Cariñena and Catalyud?
Garnacha in both
92
Where are the vast majority of vineyards in Catalunya?
In an area to the south-west of BARCELONA, on the coastal plain and hills
93
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
94
Why did Catalunya's generic DO come into existence?
Largely to ENABLE BLENDING of wines from the various areas to provide the opportunity to create significant volumes of branded wine
95
Where in Spain is nearly all Cava made?
In Catalunya
96
What are the 3 climatic zones of Penedès?
Plains, Valleys, Hills
1. The hot coastal plain - the climate here is Mediterranean
2. The valleys inland - the climate is still warm, but slightly cooler
3. Further into the hills where vines are grown up to 800m asl - the climate is moderate
97
Why is there such a wide variety of styles and grapes in Penedès?
As a result of the widely varying different climatic zones
98
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
99
What is Tempranillo called in Penedès?
Ull de Llebre
100
Describe the climate of Priorat
summers, annual rainfall
Summers are long, hot and dry
| Annual rainfall is very low
101
For which 2 grapes is the climate of Priorat ideal?
1. Garnacha
| 2. Cariñena
102
Describe the Cariñena and Garnacha vines of Priorat
They are mostly old vines
103
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
104
Why are Llicorella soils considered as 'good soils'? (2)
CONSERVING HEAT, RETAIN WATER
1. They help ripening by reflecting and conserving heat
2. Because of their depth, they are able to retain sufficient water throughout the growing season
105
Describe the role of mechanisation in Priorat
Bush vines and steep slopes mean that mechanisation is nearly impossible in Priorat
106
What is grape yield like in Priorat?
Why?
Low
Low nutrient soils and old vines
107
What is the result on Priorat's wines of its low-yielding vines?
complexity, intensity
- High complexity
| - High intensity
108
Why is the average price of Priorat's wines high? (3)
1. Mechanisation is impossible
2. Vineyards are expensive
3. Yields are low
109
Describe wines of Priorat
tannin, colour, alcohol, aroma/flavour, oak
- High tannins
- Deeply coloured
- Medium to high alcohol
- Concentrated black fruit with toasty aromas from new -
- French oak
110
What varieties can be added to wines of Priorat (besides Garnacha and Cariñena)
Some international varieties, especially Cabernet Sauvignon
111
Can white and rosé wines be made in Priorat?
Yes, though they are rarely seen
112
Where is the Duero Valley?
It starts in the mountains south of Rioja and flows through Spain into Portugal
113
What is the Portuguese name for the River Duero?
The Douro
114
What is the climate of Ribera del Duero?
summer, winter, maritime influence
- Short, hot and dry summers and very cold winters
| - Cut off from any maritime influence by a ring of mountains
115
Describe the vineyards of Ribera del Duero
VERY HIGH
- 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
116
What is the effect of cool night-time temperatures in Ribera?
acidity, flavours
Acidity and fresh fruit flavours are retained in the grapes
117
What colours of wine are made in Ribera?
Red and rosé only
118
What style is the vast majority of wine in Ribera?
Red
119
What is the dominant grape variety of Ribera?
Tempranillo
120
What is the varietal make-up of Ribera del Duero's best wines?
Usually 100% Tempranillo
121
Describe a typical red wine from Ribera del Duero
colour, tannin
- Dark
| - high levels of tannins
122
Which international grapes are permitted in Ribera? (3)
1. Cabernet Sauvignon
2. Merlot
3. Malbec
123
Which grape of Ribera is permitted and often used for dry rosé production? (1)
Garnacha
124
Describe oak barrels in Ribera
Typically new French oak rather than American
125
Describe the climate of Toro DO
summer, winter, maritime influence
Similar to that of its neighbour, Ribera del Duero
- Short, hot and dry summers and very cold winters
- Cut off from any maritime influence by a ring of mountains
126
What are the wines of Toro DO predominantly made from?
Tempranillo
127
Describe the typical red wines of Toro DO
body, flavour, alcohol
- Full-bodied
- Intense fruit flavours
- High alcohol
128
What causes the full body and high alcohol in Toro DO? (3)
1. High daytime temperatures
2. Sunny conditions
3. Low-yielding bush vines
129
Describe Reservas and Gran Reservas of Toro
colour, tannin
Exceptionally deeply coloured and tannic when young
| Ability to age well
130
How does Rueda differ from its neighbours?
It focuses on WHITE WINE production
131
Outline the climate of Rueda
climate, summer
- Continental
| - Cool summer nights
132
What is Rueda's traditional grape variety?
Verdejo
133
What is the second important grape variety in Rueda?
Sauvignon Blanc
134
How may white wines be labelled in Rueda? (3)
- Single varietal wines, must be 100% either SB or Verdejo.
| - Blend, must be 50%+ Verdejo.
135
Which area of Spain is cooler and wetter than the rest? Why?
The north-west: Rías Baixas & Bierzo
| Due to the influence of the Atlantic ocean
136
What variety is used in Rías Baixas?
Albariño
137
What is the climate of Rías Baixas?
climate, humidity
- Moderate
| - Damp
138
What is the problem for Rías Baixas associated with the damp conditions?
Vine diseases such as mildew and rot are a common problem
139
How is the problem of vine diseases and mildew combated in Rías Baixas?
1. By training vines onto pergolas to encourage air circulation
2. Some producers use other training and trellising systems which are easier to maintain
140
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
141
What other style may Albariño be made into in Rías Baixas?
2 Secondary flavour techniques
A richer style, occasionally with a touch of OAK or LEES-stirring
142
What is the predominant colour of wine from Bierzo?
Red
143
What is the climate of Bierzo?
climate, cooling influence
- Moderate
| - Cooling maritime influence
144
What is the key grape variety of Bierzo?
Mencía
145
Describe the dominant wine style of Bierzo
acidity, aroma/flavour
Elegant red wines
- Naturally high acidity
- Red fruit aromas
146
Where do many of Bierzo's best wines come from?
Old vines, grown on the region's steep stony slopes
147
What is the intention of Bierzo winemakers using oak?
To add toasty aromas
148
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
149
Describe Valencia DO
It is a large spread-out DO that is a source for value-for-money wines
150
Which grapes are planted in Valencia
A large number of local and international varieties
151
What is the most planted red grape of Valencia?
Monastrell
152
Which grape variety dominates white plantings in Valencia?
Merseguera
153
What is the second most planted wide variety of Valencia?
Muscat of Alexandria
154
What is the role of Muscat of Alexandria in Valencia?
It is used to produce the local Moscatel de Valencia, a sweet fortified wine
155
What are the climates of Jumilla and Yecla?
temperature, humidity
Hot and arid
156
What is the dominant local variety of Jumilla and Yecla?
Monastrell
157
Describes the majority of wines in Jumilla and Yecla
Youthful and fruity in style
158
From which region does almost half of Spain's total wine production originate?
Castilla-LA MANCHA
159
Where is Castilla-La Mancha?
A vast central area of the Meseta Central to the south of Madrid
160
What is the largest DO in Spain?
La Mancha
161
What is the most widely planted grape variety of La Mancha?
Airén
162
What wines are produced from the grape Airén?
Neutral, fresh white wines
163
Which grape variety is in decline in La Mancha? Why?
Airén
Authorities have encouraged producers to plant Tempranillo
164
What is Tempranillo locally known as in La Mancha?
Cencibel
165
Name 5 other grape varieties in La Mancha
| the internationals
```
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Syrah
Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
```
166
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
167
How does the reputation of Valdepeñas compare with that of its neighbour La Mancha?
It has a better reputation for quality
168
What is the climate of Valdepeñas?
Identical to that of La Mancha
169
What is the most widely planted grape in Valdepeñas?
Airén
170
What is the main variety for red wines of Valdepeñas?
Cencibel (Tempranillo)
171
How may red wines be made in Valdepeñas?
Either as varietal wines or blended with international varieties
172
What is the style range for wines from Valdepeñas?
They range from fruity to more concentrated and oak matured
173
Besides offering a hierarchy of PGI and PDO wines, what else can Spanish wine law define?
Specific ageing criteria for red and white wines
174
How are wines labelled if they fall outside of Spanish PGI/PDO law?
Vino
175
What is the Spanish for PDO?
Denominación de Origen Protegida (DOP)
176
What are the 3 Spanish PDO qualities in ascending order?
1. Denominación de Origen (DO)
2. Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa)
3. Vinos de Pago (VP)
177
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
178
What must a Spanish DO do/achieve to be awarded DOCa status?
Must've been a DO for at least ten years
179
How many DOCa are there in Spain? What are they?
1. Priorat
| 2. Rioja
180
What is DOCa called in Priorat?
Denominació d'Origen Qualificada (DOQ)
181
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
182
What is the traditional Spanish term for PGI wines?
Vino de la Tierra (VdlT)
183
What are the 4 age categories for wines in Spain?
1. Joven
2. Crianza
3. Reserva
4. Gran Reserva
184
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
185
What are the ageing requirements for Joven wines (white and red) in Spain?
No ageing required at all
186
What are the ageing requirements for red Crianza wines in Spain?
24 months in total
| 6 months in barrel
187
What are the ageing requirements for red Reserva wines in Spain?
36 months in total
| 12 months in barrel
188
What are the ageing requirements for red Gran Reserva wines in Spain?
60 months in total
| 18 months in barrel
189
What are the ageing requirements for white Gran Reserva wines in Spain?
48 months in total
| 6 months in barrel
190
What are the ageing requirements for white Reserva wines in Spain?
24 months in total
| 6 months in barrel
191
What are the ageing requirements for white Crianza wines in Spain?
18 months in total
| 6 months in barrel
192
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
