C30 - Spain /checked Flashcards

1
Q

How many broad climatic zones does Spain have?

A

3

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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

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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

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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

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5
Q

What are the biggest 2 challenges to grape growing in Spain?

What area is the exception?

A
  1. Heat
  2. Lack of water

North-west Spain

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6
Q

What is the benefit of the lack of water + humidity for grape-growing in Spain?

A

Fungal disease risk is low

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7
Q

What is the main disadvantage of lack of water for grape growing in Spain?

A

Heavy stress on the vine

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8
Q

What is the best way of managing the heat and lack of water availability in Spain? (2 techniques)

Explain

A
  1. Low density
  2. Bush-trained vineyards

By maximising the amount of water available to each vine and shading the fruit from excessive heat

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9
Q

What is slowly being introduced to Spanish vineyards?

For what purpose?

A

Wire training

To facilitate machine harvesting

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10
Q

What is the most used type of oak for Spanish reds?

A

Traditionally American oak, but now French oak is also common

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11
Q

What is Spain’s premier red grape variety?

A

TEMPRANILLO

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12
Q

Where in Spain is Tempranillo grown most widely? (2)

A
  1. NORTH

2. CENTRAL

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13
Q

What are Tempranillo’s key grape characteristics?

skin, acidity

A
  • thick-skinned

- medium acidity

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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

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15
Q

Where is Tempranillo at its best in Spain?

A

In areas where summer temperatures are moderated by sea and/or altitude

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16
Q

What is often the case with Tempranillo when fermented on its own in Spain?

A

It’s fermented using semi-carbonic maceration

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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

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18
Q

What other broad style does Tempranillo play an important role in in Spain?

A

More concentrated, age worthy, oaked BLENDS

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19
Q

With which grapes is Tempranillo most commonly blended in Spain? (4)

A
  1. Garnacha
  2. Graciano
  3. Cariñena/Mazuelo
  4. International varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon
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20
Q

Garnacha Tinta is the Spanish name for what French variety?

A

Grenache

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21
Q

Describe the general profile of Garnacha Tinta

alcohol, ripening

A
  • High alcohol

- Early ripening (with some exceptions)

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22
Q

For which Spanish wines is Garnacha Tinta most important? (2)

A
  1. Rosados

2. Priorat

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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

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24
Q

What is the better known name for Monastrell?

A

Mourvedre

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25
Q

What makes Monastrell suitable for Spain’s climate?

A
  1. Drought tolerant

2. Requires hot sunny conditions to ripen

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26
Q

Where is Monastrell most commonly grown in Spain?

A

In south-eastern DOs such as Yecla and Jumilla

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27
Q

Describe Monastrell wines from south-eastern Spain

body, colour, tannin, alcohol, acidity, aroma/flavour

A
  • Full-bodied
  • Deeply coloured
  • High tannins
  • High alcohol
  • Low to medium acidity
  • Flavours of ripe blackberry fruit
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28
Q

Where in Spain is Graciano mostly cultivated?

A

Rioja

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29
Q

How is Graciano used in Rioja?

A

As part of the blend in many of the best wines

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30
Q

What does Graciano add to a blend? (3)

A
  • Tannins,
  • Acidity
  • concentrated black fruit aromas
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31
Q

What is the Spanish name for Carignan?

A

Cariñena

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32
Q

What else is Carignan called in Spain other than Cariñena?

Where is it called this?

A

Mazuelo

In the Rioja

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33
Q

What kinds of wine does Cariñena make? (3)

A
  • high in tannin
  • high in colour
  • high in acidity
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34
Q

How is Carignan/Cariñena/Mazuelo used in Spain?

A

As a blending partner for Tempranillo

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35
Q

To what climate is Mencia best suited?

A

Moderate climates

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36
Q

Describe wines made from Mencia

acidity, aroma/flavour

A
  • Medium to high acidity
  • Fresh fruit flavours
  • Sometimes a hint of herbaceousness
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37
Q

How can most of Spain’s white varieties be described?

A

Fresh and fruity

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38
Q

How are the intended fresh fruit aromas for Spanish whites retained?

A
  1. Harvesting at NIGHT or early morning

2. Fermenting in temperature-controlled stainless steel

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39
Q

What is the challenge with grape variety Verdejo? (1)

A

It is particularly susceptible to OXIDATION

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40
Q

Describe Verdejo when made protectively

body, acidity, aroma/flavour

A
  • Light-bodied
  • High acid
  • Melon and peach flavour
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41
Q

Which Spanish grape is seen as similar to Sauvignon Blanc?

A

Verdejo

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42
Q

With which grape is Verdejo often blended?

A

Sauvignon Blanc

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43
Q

Other than the ‘Sauvignon style’, what other style can Verdejo be made into? How?

A

Richer, fuller-bodied style

It undergoes skin contact and barrel fermentation

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44
Q

Where in Spain is Albariño grown?

A

North-west of Spain

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45
Q

What is Albariño’s best viticultural trait?

skin

A

It’s thick-skinned and thus able to resist fungal disease

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46
Q

Why is fungal resistance so important for Albariño?

A

North-western Spain is a damp climate

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47
Q

Describe wines from Albariño

acidity, aroma/flavour, body

A
  • Naturally high in acidity
  • Citrus and stone fruit flavours
  • Can be made into a richer, fuller-bodied style
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48
Q

What is the most widely planted variety in Spain?

A

Airén

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49
Q

Where is the vast majority of Airén planted?

A

La Mancha in central Spain

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50
Q

Name one of the few varieties able to cope with the extreme heat and drought conditions of the Meseta Central

A

Airén

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51
Q

What is Airén mostly used for?

A

Production of Brandy de Jerez

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52
Q

Which local varieties are planted widely in Catalunya? (3)

These are the main varieties used in Cava

A
  1. Parellada
  2. Xarel-lo
  3. Macabeo
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53
Q

How else is Macabeo known? Where?

A

Viura

Rioja

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54
Q

Which of Cava’s main varieties is also often used for still wine production?

A

Macabeo/Viura

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55
Q

Which international varieties are successful in Spain?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay

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56
Q

What are the 6 geographical DO regions of Spain?

A
  1. The Upper Ebro
  2. Catalunya
  3. The Duero Valley
  4. The North-West
  5. The Levante
  6. Castilla-La Mancha
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57
Q

What is the most extensive Spanish region designated for the production of Vino de la Tierra

A

Castilla y León

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58
Q

What is Rioja’s principal city?

A

Logroño

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59
Q

What are the 3 sub-regions of Rioja?

A
  1. Rioja Alavesa
  2. Rioja Alta
  3. Rioja Baja
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60
Q

Where is Rioja Alavesa?

A

To the west of Logroño on the north bank of the Ebro in the foothills of the Cantabrian Mountains

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61
Q

Describe the wines of Rioja Alavesa

A

The lightest of Rioja; they often have the most finesse

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62
Q

How is Rioja Alta located?

A

To the west of Logroño and south of the Ebro river

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63
Q

What is the topography of Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta?

A

Both sub-regions are planted at a range of altitudes from 500 to 800 metres

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64
Q

How are the climates of Rioja moderated? (2)

A
  1. Altitude

2. Atlantic Ocean

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65
Q

What shields Rioja from the worst of the Atlantic weather?

A

The Cantabrian Mountains

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66
Q

What is the climate in Rioja Baja?

A

Less maritime
Hotter summers and more severe winters
Low annual rainfall

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67
Q

What is an issue for growers in Rioja? (1)

A

Drought

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68
Q

What is the most widely planted variety in Rioja?

A

Tempranillo

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69
Q

Where does Tempranillo do best in Rioja?

A

In the cooler western sub-regions

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70
Q

Describe the general features of Tempranillo in Rioja

tannin, flavour

A
  • Medium tannins

- Red fruit flavours

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71
Q

How does the addition of Garnacha benefit a Tempranillo-based blend? (2)

A

Garnacha adds

  1. body
  2. alcohol
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72
Q

Where in Rioja does Garnacha grow best?

A

Rioja Baja

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73
Q

What are the less planted/supporting varieties of Rioja?

A

Mazuelo and Graciano

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74
Q

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

A

Using semi-carbonic maceration

  • Wines with vibrant red-fruit flavours
  • Low levels of smooth tannins
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75
Q

How may some Rioja producers produce heavily extracted wines?
(1 vineyard technique, 1 wine making technique)

What will the result be?
colour, flavour

A
  1. Vigorous cap-management techniques
  2. Extended periods of maceration
  • Deep colour
  • full of fruit flavours
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76
Q

What is the traditional role of oak in Rioja?

A

Wines were aged in American oak, giving pronounced aromas of vanilla

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77
Q

What is the emerging role of oak in Rioja? What is the result on wine?

A

Many producers now use oak from France or other European countries for at least some of their wine
More subtle, spicy aromas

78
Q

How many varieties are permitted for use in white Rioja?

A

8

79
Q

What is the most widely planted white variety in Rioja?

A

Viura

80
Q

Describe traditional white Rioja-making and wines

ageing, colour, flavour, oxidisation

A
  • Aged for extended periods in American oak
  • Developed a deep golden colour
  • Nutty flavours
  • Deliberately oxidised
81
Q

Describe how modern white Riojas are made and the reasoning

A

Made with minimal oxygen contact to preserve the maximum amount of fruit

82
Q

What is the ‘in between’ style of white Rioja now being produced by some Bodegas?

A

Some are being barrel-fermented but in a less oxidative style than traditional white Riojas

83
Q

What is the climate of Navarra?

A

Similar to that of Rioja, but cooler and wetter nearer the mountains

84
Q

What is the most widely planted variety of Navarra?

A

Tempranillo

85
Q

What kind of wine (colour) does Navarra production focus on?

A

Red wine

86
Q

What is the range of red wine styles in Navarra?

A

From good value Joven wines to top quality, premium Gran Reservas

87
Q

Describe winemaking for Garnacha-based rosés in Navarra

picking time, acidity, sugar levels, handling
resulting wine: flavour, alcohol

A

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
Q

What is the role of white wine in Navarra?

A

It only accounts for a very small proportion of the total output of the region

89
Q

What varieties do Navarra’s whites tend to be made from? (3)

A
  1. Viura
  2. Chardonnay
  3. Sauvignon Blanc
90
Q

What are the climates of Cariñena and Catalyud?

climate, rainfall

A
  • Warm continental

- Low rainfall

91
Q

What is the main variety in both Cariñena and Catalyud?

A

Garnacha in both

92
Q

Where are the vast majority of vineyards in Catalunya?

A

In an area to the south-west of BARCELONA, on the coastal plain and hills

93
Q

What is different about Catalunya as an administrative region when relating to wine?

A

It is the only administrative region of Spain that has a generic DO for still wines that covers the entire region

94
Q

Why did Catalunya’s generic DO come into existence?

A

Largely to ENABLE BLENDING of wines from the various areas to provide the opportunity to create significant volumes of branded wine

95
Q

Where in Spain is nearly all Cava made?

A

In Catalunya

96
Q

What are the 3 climatic zones of Penedès?

A

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
Q

Why is there such a wide variety of styles and grapes in Penedès?

A

As a result of the widely varying different climatic zones

98
Q

Besides Cava varieties, what are other significant plantings in Penedès?

A

International varieties, such as Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc
Also Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo and Pinot Noir

99
Q

What is Tempranillo called in Penedès?

A

Ull de Llebre

100
Q

Describe the climate of Priorat

summers, annual rainfall

A

Summers are long, hot and dry

Annual rainfall is very low

101
Q

For which 2 grapes is the climate of Priorat ideal?

A
  1. Garnacha

2. Cariñena

102
Q

Describe the Cariñena and Garnacha vines of Priorat

A

They are mostly old vines

103
Q

What are the best soils of Priorat called?

Describe them

A

Llicorella

Layers of red slate with small particles of mica that sparkle in the sun

104
Q

Why are Llicorella soils considered as ‘good soils’? (2)

A

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
Q

Describe the role of mechanisation in Priorat

A

Bush vines and steep slopes mean that mechanisation is nearly impossible in Priorat

106
Q

What is grape yield like in Priorat?

Why?

A

Low

Low nutrient soils and old vines

107
Q

What is the result on Priorat’s wines of its low-yielding vines?

complexity, intensity

A
  • High complexity

- High intensity

108
Q

Why is the average price of Priorat’s wines high? (3)

A
  1. Mechanisation is impossible
  2. Vineyards are expensive
  3. Yields are low
109
Q

Describe wines of Priorat

tannin, colour, alcohol, aroma/flavour, oak

A
  • High tannins
  • Deeply coloured
  • Medium to high alcohol
  • Concentrated black fruit with toasty aromas from new -
  • French oak
110
Q

What varieties can be added to wines of Priorat (besides Garnacha and Cariñena)

A

Some international varieties, especially Cabernet Sauvignon

111
Q

Can white and rosé wines be made in Priorat?

A

Yes, though they are rarely seen

112
Q

Where is the Duero Valley?

A

It starts in the mountains south of Rioja and flows through Spain into Portugal

113
Q

What is the Portuguese name for the River Duero?

A

The Douro

114
Q

What is the climate of Ribera del Duero?

summer, winter, maritime influence

A
  • Short, hot and dry summers and very cold winters

- Cut off from any maritime influence by a ring of mountains

115
Q

Describe the vineyards of Ribera del Duero

A

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
Q

What is the effect of cool night-time temperatures in Ribera?

acidity, flavours

A

Acidity and fresh fruit flavours are retained in the grapes

117
Q

What colours of wine are made in Ribera?

A

Red and rosé only

118
Q

What style is the vast majority of wine in Ribera?

A

Red

119
Q

What is the dominant grape variety of Ribera?

A

Tempranillo

120
Q

What is the varietal make-up of Ribera del Duero’s best wines?

A

Usually 100% Tempranillo

121
Q

Describe a typical red wine from Ribera del Duero

colour, tannin

A
  • Dark

- high levels of tannins

122
Q

Which international grapes are permitted in Ribera? (3)

A
  1. Cabernet Sauvignon
  2. Merlot
  3. Malbec
123
Q

Which grape of Ribera is permitted and often used for dry rosé production? (1)

A

Garnacha

124
Q

Describe oak barrels in Ribera

A

Typically new French oak rather than American

125
Q

Describe the climate of Toro DO

summer, winter, maritime influence

A

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
Q

What are the wines of Toro DO predominantly made from?

A

Tempranillo

127
Q

Describe the typical red wines of Toro DO

body, flavour, alcohol

A
  • Full-bodied
  • Intense fruit flavours
  • High alcohol
128
Q

What causes the full body and high alcohol in Toro DO? (3)

A
  1. High daytime temperatures
  2. Sunny conditions
  3. Low-yielding bush vines
129
Q

Describe Reservas and Gran Reservas of Toro

colour, tannin

A

Exceptionally deeply coloured and tannic when young

Ability to age well

130
Q

How does Rueda differ from its neighbours?

A

It focuses on WHITE WINE production

131
Q

Outline the climate of Rueda

climate, summer

A
  • Continental

- Cool summer nights

132
Q

What is Rueda’s traditional grape variety?

A

Verdejo

133
Q

What is the second important grape variety in Rueda?

A

Sauvignon Blanc

134
Q

How may white wines be labelled in Rueda? (3)

A
  • Single varietal wines, must be 100% either SB or Verdejo.

- Blend, must be 50%+ Verdejo.

135
Q

Which area of Spain is cooler and wetter than the rest? Why?

A

The north-west: Rías Baixas & Bierzo

Due to the influence of the Atlantic ocean

136
Q

What variety is used in Rías Baixas?

A

Albariño

137
Q

What is the climate of Rías Baixas?

climate, humidity

A
  • Moderate

- Damp

138
Q

What is the problem for Rías Baixas associated with the damp conditions?

A

Vine diseases such as mildew and rot are a common problem

139
Q

How is the problem of vine diseases and mildew combated in Rías Baixas?

A
  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
Q

Describe the winemaking choice/style for most Rías Baixas Albariño

A

Made into a refreshing UNOAKED style to take advantage of the grape’s naturally high acidity and ripe stone fruit flavours

141
Q

What other style may Albariño be made into in Rías Baixas?

2 Secondary flavour techniques

A

A richer style, occasionally with a touch of OAK or LEES-stirring

142
Q

What is the predominant colour of wine from Bierzo?

A

Red

143
Q

What is the climate of Bierzo?

climate, cooling influence

A
  • Moderate

- Cooling maritime influence

144
Q

What is the key grape variety of Bierzo?

A

Mencía

145
Q

Describe the dominant wine style of Bierzo

acidity, aroma/flavour

A

Elegant red wines

  • Naturally high acidity
  • Red fruit aromas
146
Q

Where do many of Bierzo’s best wines come from?

A

Old vines, grown on the region’s steep stony slopes

147
Q

What is the intention of Bierzo winemakers using oak?

A

To add toasty aromas

148
Q

Why is the Levante significant within the Spanish wine industry?

A

The port of Valencia is the distribution hub for wines from the Levante and La Mancha

149
Q

Describe Valencia DO

A

It is a large spread-out DO that is a source for value-for-money wines

150
Q

Which grapes are planted in Valencia

A

A large number of local and international varieties

151
Q

What is the most planted red grape of Valencia?

A

Monastrell

152
Q

Which grape variety dominates white plantings in Valencia?

A

Merseguera

153
Q

What is the second most planted wide variety of Valencia?

A

Muscat of Alexandria

154
Q

What is the role of Muscat of Alexandria in Valencia?

A

It is used to produce the local Moscatel de Valencia, a sweet fortified wine

155
Q

What are the climates of Jumilla and Yecla?

temperature, humidity

A

Hot and arid

156
Q

What is the dominant local variety of Jumilla and Yecla?

A

Monastrell

157
Q

Describes the majority of wines in Jumilla and Yecla

A

Youthful and fruity in style

158
Q

From which region does almost half of Spain’s total wine production originate?

A

Castilla-LA MANCHA

159
Q

Where is Castilla-La Mancha?

A

A vast central area of the Meseta Central to the south of Madrid

160
Q

What is the largest DO in Spain?

A

La Mancha

161
Q

What is the most widely planted grape variety of La Mancha?

A

Airén

162
Q

What wines are produced from the grape Airén?

A

Neutral, fresh white wines

163
Q

Which grape variety is in decline in La Mancha? Why?

A

Airén

Authorities have encouraged producers to plant Tempranillo

164
Q

What is Tempranillo locally known as in La Mancha?

A

Cencibel

165
Q

Name 5 other grape varieties in La Mancha

the internationals

A
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Syrah
Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
166
Q

What role does La Mancha now have in Spain? Why/how?

A

It’s an excellent source of inexpensive, well-made reds and whites for the export market
Significant investment in technology and expertise

167
Q

How does the reputation of Valdepeñas compare with that of its neighbour La Mancha?

A

It has a better reputation for quality

168
Q

What is the climate of Valdepeñas?

A

Identical to that of La Mancha

169
Q

What is the most widely planted grape in Valdepeñas?

A

Airén

170
Q

What is the main variety for red wines of Valdepeñas?

A

Cencibel (Tempranillo)

171
Q

How may red wines be made in Valdepeñas?

A

Either as varietal wines or blended with international varieties

172
Q

What is the style range for wines from Valdepeñas?

A

They range from fruity to more concentrated and oak matured

173
Q

Besides offering a hierarchy of PGI and PDO wines, what else can Spanish wine law define?

A

Specific ageing criteria for red and white wines

174
Q

How are wines labelled if they fall outside of Spanish PGI/PDO law?

A

Vino

175
Q

What is the Spanish for PDO?

A

Denominación de Origen Protegida (DOP)

176
Q

What are the 3 Spanish PDO qualities in ascending order?

A
  1. Denominación de Origen (DO)
  2. Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa)
  3. Vinos de Pago (VP)
177
Q

Loosely, how must a wine achieve DO status in Spain?

A

They should be of a certain minimum quality

They must satisfy specifications covering grape varieties, viticulture and location

178
Q

What must a Spanish DO do/achieve to be awarded DOCa status?

A

Must’ve been a DO for at least ten years

179
Q

How many DOCa are there in Spain? What are they?

A
  1. Priorat

2. Rioja

180
Q

What is DOCa called in Priorat?

A

Denominació d’Origen Qualificada (DOQ)

181
Q

What is Vinos de Pago?

A

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
Q

What is the traditional Spanish term for PGI wines?

A

Vino de la Tierra (VdlT)

183
Q

What are the 4 age categories for wines in Spain?

A
  1. Joven
  2. Crianza
  3. Reserva
  4. Gran Reserva
184
Q

What wines may become Gran Reserva (besides the actual ageing requirements)?

A

Only wines from exceptional vintages

White and rosé wines are rarely made in this style

185
Q

What are the ageing requirements for Joven wines (white and red) in Spain?

A

No ageing required at all

186
Q

What are the ageing requirements for red Crianza wines in Spain?

A

24 months in total

6 months in barrel

187
Q

What are the ageing requirements for red Reserva wines in Spain?

A

36 months in total

12 months in barrel

188
Q

What are the ageing requirements for red Gran Reserva wines in Spain?

A

60 months in total

18 months in barrel

189
Q

What are the ageing requirements for white Gran Reserva wines in Spain?

A

48 months in total

6 months in barrel

190
Q

What are the ageing requirements for white Reserva wines in Spain?

A

24 months in total

6 months in barrel

191
Q

What are the ageing requirements for white Crianza wines in Spain?

A

18 months in total

6 months in barrel

192
Q

When in Spain are there exceptions to the general ageing requirements?

A

In some regions such as Rioja, there are even longer requirements for total ageing and barrel ageing