C30 - Spain - completed 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 key characteristics of making 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 mainly 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" in 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 vessels
44
What is the challenge with grape variety Verdejo?
It is particularly susceptible to oxidation
45
What was Verdejo used to make?
Sherry-like wines
46
Describe Verdejo when made protectively
- Light-bodied
- High acid
- Melon and peach flavour
47
Which Spanish grape is seen as similar to Sauvignon Blanc?
Verdejo
48
With which grape is Verdejo often blended?
Sauvignon Blanc
49
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
50
Where in Spain is Albariño grown?
North-west of Spain
51
What is Albariño's best viticultural trait?
It's thick-skinned and thus able to resist fungal disease
52
Why is fungal resistance so important for Albariño?
North-western Spain is a damp climate
53
Describe wines from Albariño
- Naturally high in acidity
- Citrus and stone fruit flavours
- Can be made into a richer, fuller-bodied style
54
What is the most widely planted variety in Spain?
Airén
55
Where is the vast majority of Airén planted?
La Mancha in central Spain
56
Name one of the few varieties able to cope with the extreme heat and drought conditions of the Meseta Central
Airén
57
What is Airén mostly used for?
Production of Brandy de Jerez
58
Which local varieties are planted widely in Catalunya? These are the main varieties used in...
Parellada, Xarel-lo and Macabeo
59
How else is Macabeo known? Where?
"Viura" in Rioja
60
Which of Cava's main varieties is also often used for still wine production?
Macabeo/Viura
61
Describe the aromas of unoaked Viura
Subtle herb and spice aromas
62
What is Viura's traditional role?
As the mainstay of heavily oaked white Riojas
63
Which international varieties are successful in Spain?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay
64
Where are international varieties most successful in Spain?
North-east
65
How many geographical regions may the principal DO regions be grouped into?
Six
66
What are the six geographical DO regions of Spain?
- The Upper Ebro
- Catalunya
- The Duero Valley
- The North-West
- The Levante
- Castilla-La Mancha
67
What is the most extensive Spanish region designated for the production of Vino de la Tierra?
Castilla y León
68
Where is Castilla y León?
Towards the north of the Meseta Central
69
What is Rioja's principal city?
Logroño
70
How many sub-regions comprise Rioja?
Three
71
What are the three sub-regions of Rioja?
- Rioja Alavesa
- Rioja Alta
- Rioja Baja
72
Where is Rioja Alavesa?
To the west of Logroño on the north bank of the Ebro in the foothills of the Cantabrian Mountains
73
Describe the wines of Rioja Alavesa
The lightest of Rioja; they often have the most finesse
74
How is Rioja Alta located?
To the west of Logroño and south of the Ebro river
75
List the sub-regions of Rioja in descending order
1. Rioja Baja
2. Rioja Alta
3. Rioja Alavesa
76
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
77
How are the climates of Rioja moderated?
By altitude and the Atlantic Ocean
78
What shields Rioja from the worst of the Atlantic weather?
The Cantabrian Mountains
79
Where is Rioja Baja?
To the east of Logroño, mainly on the south bank of the Ebro
80
What is the climate in Rioja Baja?
- Less maritime
- Hotter summers and more severe winters
- Low annual rainfall
81
What is an issue for growers in Rioja?
Drought
82
What is the most widely planted variety in Rioja?
Tempranillo
83
Where does Tempranillo do best in Rioja?
In the cooler western sub-regions
84
Describe the general features of Tempranillo in Rioja
- Medium tannins
| - Red fruit flavours
85
How does the addition of Garnacha benefit a Tempranillo-based blend?
Garnacha adds body and alcohol
86
Where in Rioja does Garnacha grow best?
Rioja Baja
87
What are the less planted/supporting varieties of Rioja?
Mazuelo and Graciano
88
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
89
Outline the processes used in making a red Rioja designed for ageing
- Usually destemmed and crushed
| - Undergo traditional fermentation
90
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
91
What style of Rioja are many makers now producing?
More subtle, elegant styles
92
What is the traditional role of oak in Rioja?
Wines were aged in American oak, giving pronounced aromas of vanilla
93
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
94
How many varieties are permitted for use in white Rioja?
Eight
95
What is the most widely planted white variety in Rioja?
Viura
96
Describe traditional white Rioja-making and wines
- Aged for extended periods in American oak
- Developed a deep golden colour and nutty flavours
- Deliberately oxidised
97
Describe how modern white Riojas are made and the reasoning
Made with minimal oxygen contact to preserve the maximum amount of fruit
98
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
99
Where in Spain is Navarra DO?
From the northern and eastern borders of Rioja into the foothills of the Pyrenees
100
What is the climate of Navarra?
Similar to that of Rioja, but cooler and wetter nearer the mountains
101
What is the most widely planted variety of Navarra?
Tempranillo
102
What kind of wine does Navarra production focus on?
Red wine
103
How is Tempranillo typically blended in Navarra?
With other Rioja grapes, or increasingly with Cabernet or Merlot
104
What is the range of red wine styles in Navarra?
From good value Joven wines to top quality, premium Gran Reservas
105
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
106
What is the role of white wine in Navarra?
It only accounts for a very small proportion of the total output of the region
107
What do Navarra's whites tend to be made from?
Viura, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc
108
What are the neighbouring DOs to the south of the Ebro?
Cariñena and Catalyud
109
What are the climates of Cariñena and Catalyud?
Warm continental
| Low rainfall
110
What are the main varieties in Cariñena and Catalyud?
Garnacha in both
111
Describe the inexpensive wines of Cariñena and Catalyud
Fruity and early-drinking
112
Describe the higher quality wines of Cariñena and Catalyud
Made from old-vine Garnacha and Cariñena
| Great flavour intensity and structure
113
T or F: Cariñena is the most planted variety in Cariñena
False
114
Where is Catalunya?
In the north-east corner of Spain
115
Where are the vast majority of vineyards in Catalunya?
In an area to the south-west of Barcelona, on the coastal plain and hills
116
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
117
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
118
Where in Spain is nearly all Cava made?
In Catalunya
119
Where is Penedès?
Immediately to the south-west of Barcelona
| From the Mediterranean coast up into the hills
120
How many distinct climatic zones are there in Penedès?
Three
121
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
122
Why is there such a wide variety of styles and grapes in Penedès?
As a result of the three different climatic zones
123
What are the most widely planted varieties of Penedès?
Those used for Cava
124
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
125
What is Tempranillo called in Penedès?
Ull de Llebre
126
Where are the vineyards of Priorat?
In Catalunya, within the hills inland from the city of Tarragona
127
Describe the climate of Priorat
- Summers are long, hot and dry
| - Annual rainfall is very low
128
For which grapes is the climate of Priorat ideal?
old Garnacha and Cariñena
129
Describe the Cariñena and Garnacha vines of Priorat
They are mostly old vines
130
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
131
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
132
Describe the role of mechanisation in Priorat
Bush vines and steep slopes mean that mechanisation is nearly impossible in Priorat
133
What are the impracticalities of winemaking in Priorat?
The virtual impossibility of mechanisation makes vineyards here expensive and time-consuming to manage
134
What is grape yield like in Priorat? Explain...
- Low
| - Contributed by low nutrient soils and old vines
135
What is the result on Priorat's wines of its low-yielding vines?
High complexity and intensity
136
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
137
Describe wines of Priorat
- High tannins
- Deeply coloured
- Medium to high alcohol
- Concentrated black fruit
- toasty aromas from new French oak
138
What varieties can be added to wines of Priorat (besides Garnacha and Cariñena)
Some international varieties, especially Cabernet Sauvignon
139
Can white and rosé wines be made in Priorat?
Yes, though they are rarely seen
140
Where is the Duero Valley?
It starts in the mountains south of Rioja and flows through Spain into Portugal
141
What is the Portuguese name for the River Duero?
The Douro
142
What is the climate of Ribera del Duero?
- Cut off from any maritime influence by a ring of mountains
| - Short, hot and dry summers and very cold winters
143
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
144
What is the effect of cool night-time temperatures in Ribera?
Acidity and fresh fruit flavours are retained in the grapes
145
What colours of wine are made in Ribera?
Red and rosé only
146
What style is the vast majority of wine in Ribera?
Red
147
What is the dominant grape variety of Ribera?
Tempranillo
148
What is the varietal make-up of Ribera del Duero's best wines?
Usually just Tempranillo
149
Describe a typical red wine from Ribera del Duero
Dark with high levels of tannins
150
Which international grapes are permitted in Ribera?
Cabernet, Merlot and Malbec
151
Which grape of Ribera is permitted and often used for dry rosé production?
Garnacha
152
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
153
Describe oak barrels in Ribera
increasing using new French oak rather than American
154
Describe the climate of Toro DO
Similar to that of its neighbour, Ribera del Duero
155
What are the wines of Toro DO predominantly made from?
Tempranillo
156
Describe the typical red wines of Toro DO
- Full-bodied
- Intense fruit flavours
- High alcohol
157
What causes the full body and high alcohol in Toro DO?
High daytime temperatures, sunny conditions and often low-yielding bush vines
158
What is different about the Joven wines of Toro DO compared with its other wines?
There is often a proportion of Garnacha
159
Describe Reservas and Gran Reservas of Toro
Exceptionally deeply coloured and tannic when young
| Ability to age well
160
What wines other than reds can be made in Toro?
Rosé and white wines in small quantities
161
Where in Spain is Rueda?
In-between Toro and Ribera del Duero
162
How does Rueda differ from its neighbours?
It focuses on white wine production
163
Outline the climate of Rueda
- Continental
| - Cool summer nights
164
What is Rueda's traditional grape variety?
Verdejo
165
What is the second important grape variety in Rueda?
Sauvignon Blanc
166
How may wines be labelled in Rueda?
For SB and Verdejo, they may be made and labelled as single varietal wines
167
What is the law for blended wines in Rueda?
At least 50% of the blend must be Verdejo
168
Describe the range of styles made in Rueda
From simple and fruity to richer, barrel-fermented versions
169
Which area of Spain is cooler and wetter than the rest? Why?
- The north-west
| - Due to the influence of the Atlantic ocean
170
What is north-west Spain best known for?
Many of Spain's best white wines
171
What is the most celebrated of Spain's white wines?
Albariño from Rías Baixas
172
Where in Spain is Rías Baixas?
On Spain's Atlantic coast
173
What is the climate of Rías Baixas?
Moderate and damp
174
What is the problem for Rías Baixas associated with the damp conditions?
Vine diseases such as mildew and rot are a common problem
175
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
176
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
177
What other style may Albariño be made into in Rías Baixas?
A richer style, occasionally with a touch of oak or lees-stirring
178
Can red wine be made in Rías Baixas?
Yes, but it is a minority concern
179
What is the predominant colour of wine from Bierzo?
Red
180
Where in Spain is Bierzo?
North-west Spain, in the mountains that mark the boundary between Galicia and the Meseta Central
181
What is the climate of Bierzo?
Moderate with a cooling maritime influence
182
What is the key grape variety of Bierzo?
Mencía
183
Describe the dominant wine style of Bierzo
- Elegant red wines
- Naturally high acidity
- Red fruit aromas
184
Where do many of Bierzo's best wines come from?
Old vines, grown on the region's steep stony slopes
185
What is the other, less popular winemaking choice in Bierzo? What is the thinking?
Unoaked wines to retain the perfumed red fruit of Mencía
186
What is the intention of Bierzo winemakers using new oak?
To add toasty aromas
187
Where in Spain is the Levante?
On the Mediterranean coast south of Catalunya
188
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
189
Describe Valencia DO
It is a large spread-out DO that is a source for value-for-money wines
190
Which grapes are planted in Valencia
A large number of local and international varieties
191
What is the most planted red grape of Valencia?
Monastrell
192
Which grape variety dominates white plantings in Valencia?
Merseguera
193
What is the second most planted wide variety of Valencia?
Muscat of Alexandria
194
What is the role of Muscat of Alexandria in Valencia?
It is used to produce the local Moscatel de Valencia, a sweet fortified wine
195
Where in Spain are Jumilla and Yecla?
In the Levante, further inland
196
What are the climates of Jumilla and Yecla?
Hot and arid
197
What is the dominant local variety of Jumilla and Yecla?
Monastrell
198
Describes the majority of wines in Jumilla and Yecla
Youthful and fruity in style
199
From which region does almost half of Spain's total wine production originate?
Castilla-La Mancha
200
Where is Castilla-La Mancha?
A vast central area of the Meseta Central to the south of Madrid
201
What is the largest DO in Spain?
La Mancha
202
What is the most widely planted grape variety of La Mancha?
Airén
203
What wines are produced from the grape Airén?
Neutral, fresh white wines
204
Which grape variety is in decline in La Mancha? Why?
- Airén
| - Authorities have encouraged producers to plant Tempranillo
205
What is Tempranillo locally known as in La Mancha?
Cencibel
206
Name other international grape varieties in La Mancha
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Syrah
- Chardonnay
- Sauvignon Blanc
207
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
208
...was where the trend for top-quality pagos wines began
La Mancha
209
La Mancha is still the home of the majority of the estates that have been awarded the appellation...
Vinos de Pago
210
Which DO lies immediately to the south of La Mancha?
Valdepeñas
211
How does the reputation of Valdepeñas compare with that of its neighbour La Mancha?
It has a better reputation for quality
212
What is the climate of Valdepeñas?
Identical to that of La Mancha
213
What is the most widely planted grape in Valdepeñas?
Airén
214
What is the main variety for red wines of Valdepeñas?
Cencibel (Tempranillo)
215
How may red wines be made in Valdepeñas?
Either as varietal wines or blended with international varieties
216
What is the style range for wines from Valdepeñas?
They range from fruity to more concentrated and oak matured
217
Besides offering a hierarchy of PGI and PDO wines, what else can Spanish wine law define?
Specific ageing criteria for red and white wines
218
How are wines labelled if they fall outside of Spanish PGI/PDO law?
Vino
219
What is the Spanish for PDO?
Denominación de Origen Protegida (DOP)
220
What are the three Spanish PDO qualities in ascending order?
- Denominación de Origen (DO)
- Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa)
- Vinos de Pago (VP)
221
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
222
What must a Spanish DO do/achieve to be awarded DOCa status?
Must've been a DO for at least ten years
223
How many DOCa are there in Spain? What are they?
- Two
- Priorat
- Rioja
224
What is DOCa called in Priorat in Catalan terminnology?
Denominació d'Origen Qualificada (DOQ)
225
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
226
What is the traditional Spanish term for PGI wines?
Vino de la Tierra (VdlT)
227
What are the four age categories for wines in Spain?
- Joven
- Crianza
- Reserva
- Gran Reserva
228
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
229
What are the ageing requirements for Joven wines (white and red) in Spain?
No ageing required at all
230
What are the ageing requirements for red Crianza wines in Spain?
- 24 months in total
| - 6 months in barrel
231
What are the ageing requirements for red Reserva wines in Spain?
- 36 months in total
| - 12 months in barrel
232
What are the ageing requirements for red Gran Reserva wines in Spain?
- 60 months in total
| - 18 months in barrel
233
What are the ageing requirements for white Gran Reserva wines in Spain?
- 48 months in total
| - 6 months in barrel
234
What are the ageing requirements for white Reserva wines in Spain?
- 24 months in total
| - 6 months in barrel
235
What are the ageing requirements for white Crianza wines in Spain?
- 18 months in total
| - 6 months in barrel
236
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
237
the Spanish name of Grenache?
Garnacha Tinto
238
the Spanish name of Mourvedre?
Monastrell
239
the Spanish name of Rosé?
Rosado
240
the Spanish name of Carignan?
- Carinena (in Spain)
| - Mazuelo (in Rioja)
241
What kind of techniques some of the producers use in making white wine, to add texture and different flavours?
- oak fermentation and maturation
| - lees stirring
242
What is the most widely planted grape in Spain?
Airen
