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Micky WSET Lv3 > C30 - Spain - completed > Flashcards

C30 - Spain - completed Flashcards

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1
Q

How many broad climatic zones does Spain have?

A

Three

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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
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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 challenges to grape growing in Spain? What’s the exception?

A
  • Heat and lack of water

- North-west Spain

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6
Q

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

A

The incidence of fungal disease is low

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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

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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

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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

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

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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

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12
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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13
Q

What is Spain’s premier red grape variety?

A

Tempranillo

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14
Q

Where in Spain is Tempranillo grown most widely?

A

Throughout northern and central Spain

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15
Q

What are Tempranillo’s key grape characteristics?

A

It’s thick-skinned with a medium acidity

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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

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17
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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18
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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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

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20
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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21
Q

With which grapes is Tempranillo most commonly blended in Spain?

A
  • Garnacha
  • Graciano
  • Cariñena/Mazuelo
  • International varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon
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22
Q

Garnacha Tinta is the Spanish name for…

A

Grenache

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23
Q

Describe the general profile of Garnacha Tinta

A 
High alcohol
Early ripening (with some exceptions)
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24
Q

For which Spanish wines is Garnacha Tinta most important?

A

Rosados and Priorat

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25
Q

What are the wines of Priorat? How do they achieve this style?

A
  • Intense, complex, full-bodied reds from Garnacha Tinta

- From low-yielding, old vines

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26
Q

What is the better known name for Monastrell?

A

Mourvedre

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27
Q

What makes Monastrell suitable for Spain’s climate?

A

It’s drought tolerant and needs hot sunny conditions to ripen

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28
Q

Where is Monastrell most commonly grown in Spain?

A

In south-eastern DOs such as Yecla and Jumilla

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29
Q

Describe Monastrell wines from south-eastern Spain

A
  • Full-bodied
  • Deeply coloured
  • High tannins
  • High alcohol
  • Low to medium acidity
  • Flavours of ripe blackberry fruit
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30
Q

Where in Spain is Graciano mainly cultivated?

A

Rioja

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31
Q

How is Graciano used in Rioja?

A

As part of the blend in many of the best wines

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32
Q

What does Graciano add to a blend?

A

Tannins, acidity and concentrated black fruit aromas

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33
Q

What is the Spanish name for Carignan?

A

Cariñena

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34
Q

What else is Carignan called in Spain other than Cariñena? Where is it called this?

A

“Mazuelo” in Rioja

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35
Q

What kinds of wine does Cariñena make?

A

Wines that are high in tannin, colour and acidity

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36
Q

How is Cariñena/Mazuelo used in Spain?

A

As a blending partner for Tempranillo

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37
Q

Where other than Rioja is Cariñena grown?

A

Priorat

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38
Q

What is the role of Cariñena in Priorat?

A

To add tannic structure

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39
Q

Which local black variety is coming to prominence in Spain?

A

Mencia

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40
Q

To what climate is Mencia best suited?

A

Moderate climates

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41
Q

Describe wines made from Mencia

A
  • Medium to high acidity
  • Fresh fruit flavours
  • Sometimes a hint of herbaceousness
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42
Q

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

A

Fresh and fruity

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43
Q

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

A
  • Harvesting at night or early morning

- Fermenting in temperature-controlled stainless steel vessels

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44
Q

What is the challenge with grape variety Verdejo?

A

It is particularly susceptible to oxidation

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45
Q

What was Verdejo used to make?

A

Sherry-like wines

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46
Q

Describe Verdejo when made protectively

A
  • Light-bodied
  • High acid
  • Melon and peach flavour
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47
Q

Which Spanish grape is seen as similar to Sauvignon Blanc?

A

Verdejo

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48
Q

With which grape is Verdejo often blended?

A

Sauvignon Blanc

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49
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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50
Q

Where in Spain is Albariño grown?

A

North-west of Spain

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51
Q

What is Albariño’s best viticultural trait?

A

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

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52
Q

Why is fungal resistance so important for Albariño?

A

North-western Spain is a damp climate

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53
Q

Describe wines from Albariño

A
  • Naturally high in acidity
  • Citrus and stone fruit flavours
  • Can be made into a richer, fuller-bodied style
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54
Q

What is the most widely planted variety in Spain?

A

Airén

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55
Q

Where is the vast majority of Airén planted?

A

La Mancha in central Spain

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56
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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57
Q

What is Airén mostly used for?

A

Production of Brandy de Jerez

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58
Q

Which local varieties are planted widely in Catalunya? These are the main varieties used in…

A

Parellada, Xarel-lo and Macabeo

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59
Q

How else is Macabeo known? Where?

A

“Viura” in Rioja

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60
Q

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

A

Macabeo/Viura

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61
Q

Describe the aromas of unoaked Viura

A

Subtle herb and spice aromas

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62
Q

What is Viura’s traditional role?

A

As the mainstay of heavily oaked white Riojas

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63
Q

Which international varieties are successful in Spain?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay

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64
Q

Where are international varieties most successful in Spain?

A

North-east

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65
Q

How many geographical regions may the principal DO regions be grouped into?

A

Six

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66
Q

What are the six geographical DO regions of Spain?

A
  • The Upper Ebro
  • Catalunya
  • The Duero Valley
  • The North-West
  • The Levante
  • Castilla-La Mancha
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67
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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68
Q

Where is Castilla y León?

A

Towards the north of the Meseta Central

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69
Q

What is Rioja’s principal city?

A

Logroño

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70
Q

How many sub-regions comprise Rioja?

A

Three

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71
Q

What are the three sub-regions of Rioja?

A
  • Rioja Alavesa
  • Rioja Alta
  • Rioja Baja
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72
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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73
Q

Describe the wines of Rioja Alavesa

A

The lightest of Rioja; they often have the most finesse

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74
Q

How is Rioja Alta located?

A

To the west of Logroño and south of the Ebro river

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75
Q

List the sub-regions of Rioja in descending order

A
  1. Rioja Baja
  2. Rioja Alta
  3. Rioja Alavesa
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76
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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77
Q

How are the climates of Rioja moderated?

A

By altitude and the Atlantic Ocean

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78
Q

What shields Rioja from the worst of the Atlantic weather?

A

The Cantabrian Mountains

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79
Q

Where is Rioja Baja?

A

To the east of Logroño, mainly on the south bank of the Ebro

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80
Q

What is the climate in Rioja Baja?

A
  • Less maritime
  • Hotter summers and more severe winters
  • Low annual rainfall
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81
Q

What is an issue for growers in Rioja?

A

Drought

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82
Q

What is the most widely planted variety in Rioja?

A

Tempranillo

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83
Q

Where does Tempranillo do best in Rioja?

A

In the cooler western sub-regions

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84
Q

Describe the general features of Tempranillo in Rioja

A
  • Medium tannins

- Red fruit flavours

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85
Q

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

A

Garnacha adds body and alcohol

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86
Q

Where in Rioja does Garnacha grow best?

A

Rioja Baja

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87
Q

What are the less planted/supporting varieties of Rioja?

A

Mazuelo and Graciano

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88
Q

Describe how an early-drinking style of red Rioja may be made. What kind of result will this have on the wines?

A
  • Using semi-carbonic maceration
  • Wines with vibrant red-fruit flavours
  • Low levels of smooth tannins
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89
Q

Outline the processes used in making a red Rioja designed for ageing

A
  • Usually destemmed and crushed

- Undergo traditional fermentation

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90
Q

How may some Rioja producers produce heavily extracted wines? What will the result be?

A
  • Vigorous cap-management techniques
  • Extended periods of maceration
  • Deep colour and full of fruit flavours
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91
Q

What style of Rioja are many makers now producing?

A

More subtle, elegant styles

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92
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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93
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

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94
Q

How many varieties are permitted for use in white Rioja?

A

Eight

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95
Q

What is the most widely planted white variety in Rioja?

A

Viura

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96
Q

Describe traditional white Rioja-making and wines

A
  • Aged for extended periods in American oak
  • Developed a deep golden colour and nutty flavours
  • Deliberately oxidised
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97
Q

Describe how modern white Riojas are made and the reasoning

A

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

98
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

99
Q

Where in Spain is Navarra DO?

A

From the northern and eastern borders of Rioja into the foothills of the Pyrenees

100
Q

What is the climate of Navarra?

A

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

101
Q

What is the most widely planted variety of Navarra?

A

Tempranillo

102
Q

What kind of wine does Navarra production focus on?

A

Red wine

103
Q

How is Tempranillo typically blended in Navarra?

A

With other Rioja grapes, or increasingly with Cabernet or Merlot

104
Q

What is the range of red wine styles in Navarra?

A

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

105
Q

Describe winemaking for Garnacha-based rosés in Navarra

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
106
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

107
Q

What do Navarra’s whites tend to be made from?

A

Viura, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc

108
Q

What are the neighbouring DOs to the south of the Ebro?

A

Cariñena and Catalyud

109
Q

What are the climates of Cariñena and Catalyud?

A

Warm continental

Low rainfall

110
Q

What are the main varieties in Cariñena and Catalyud?

A

Garnacha in both

111
Q

Describe the inexpensive wines of Cariñena and Catalyud

A

Fruity and early-drinking

112
Q

Describe the higher quality wines of Cariñena and Catalyud

A

Made from old-vine Garnacha and Cariñena

Great flavour intensity and structure

113
Q

T or F: Cariñena is the most planted variety in Cariñena

A

False

114
Q

Where is Catalunya?

A

In the north-east corner of Spain

115
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

116
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

117
Q

Why did Catalunya’s generic DO come into existence?

A

Largely to enable the blending of wines from the various areas to provide the opportunity to create significant volumes of branded wine

118
Q

Where in Spain is nearly all Cava made?

A

In Catalunya

119
Q

Where is Penedès?

A

Immediately to the south-west of Barcelona

From the Mediterranean coast up into the hills

120
Q

How many distinct climatic zones are there in Penedès?

A

Three

121
Q

What are the three climatic zones of Penedès?

A
  • 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
Q

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

A

As a result of the three different climatic zones

123
Q

What are the most widely planted varieties of Penedès?

A

Those used for Cava

124
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
125
Q

What is Tempranillo called in Penedès?

A

Ull de Llebre

126
Q

Where are the vineyards of Priorat?

A

In Catalunya, within the hills inland from the city of Tarragona

127
Q

Describe the climate of Priorat

A
  • Summers are long, hot and dry

- Annual rainfall is very low

128
Q

For which grapes is the climate of Priorat ideal?

A

old Garnacha and Cariñena

129
Q

Describe the Cariñena and Garnacha vines of Priorat

A

They are mostly old vines

130
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

131
Q

Why are Llicorella soils considered as ‘good soils’?

A
  • 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
Q

Describe the role of mechanisation in Priorat

A

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

133
Q

What are the impracticalities of winemaking in Priorat?

A

The virtual impossibility of mechanisation makes vineyards here expensive and time-consuming to manage

134
Q

What is grape yield like in Priorat? Explain…

A
  • Low

- Contributed by low nutrient soils and old vines

135
Q

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

A

High complexity and intensity

136
Q

What is the average price of Priorat’s wines? List reasons why

A
  • High
  • Mechanisation is impossible; vineyards are expensive and time-consuming to manage
  • Yields are low
137
Q

Describe wines of Priorat

A
  • High tannins
  • Deeply coloured
  • Medium to high alcohol
  • Concentrated black fruit
  • toasty aromas from new French oak
138
Q

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

A

Some international varieties, especially Cabernet Sauvignon

139
Q

Can white and rosé wines be made in Priorat?

A

Yes, though they are rarely seen

140
Q

Where is the Duero Valley?

A

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

141
Q

What is the Portuguese name for the River Duero?

A

The Douro

142
Q

What is the climate of Ribera del Duero?

A
  • Cut off from any maritime influence by a ring of mountains

- Short, hot and dry summers and very cold winters

143
Q

Describe the vineyards of Ribera del Duero

A
  • 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
Q

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

A

Acidity and fresh fruit flavours are retained in the grapes

145
Q

What colours of wine are made in Ribera?

A

Red and rosé only

146
Q

What style is the vast majority of wine in Ribera?

A

Red

147
Q

What is the dominant grape variety of Ribera?

A

Tempranillo

148
Q

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

A

Usually just Tempranillo

149
Q

Describe a typical red wine from Ribera del Duero

A

Dark with high levels of tannins

150
Q

Which international grapes are permitted in Ribera?

A

Cabernet, Merlot and Malbec

151
Q

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

A

Garnacha

152
Q

What aspects of grapes are modern winemakers in Ribera trying to accentuate? How are they doing this?

A
  • Concentrated fruit flavours and tannins

- Long macerations and short ageing periods in new oak

153
Q

Describe oak barrels in Ribera

A

increasing using new French oak rather than American

154
Q

Describe the climate of Toro DO

A

Similar to that of its neighbour, Ribera del Duero

155
Q

What are the wines of Toro DO predominantly made from?

A

Tempranillo

156
Q

Describe the typical red wines of Toro DO

A
  • Full-bodied
  • Intense fruit flavours
  • High alcohol
157
Q

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

A

High daytime temperatures, sunny conditions and often low-yielding bush vines

158
Q

What is different about the Joven wines of Toro DO compared with its other wines?

A

There is often a proportion of Garnacha

159
Q

Describe Reservas and Gran Reservas of Toro

A

Exceptionally deeply coloured and tannic when young

Ability to age well

160
Q

What wines other than reds can be made in Toro?

A

Rosé and white wines in small quantities

161
Q

Where in Spain is Rueda?

A

In-between Toro and Ribera del Duero

162
Q

How does Rueda differ from its neighbours?

A

It focuses on white wine production

163
Q

Outline the climate of Rueda

A
  • Continental

- Cool summer nights

164
Q

What is Rueda’s traditional grape variety?

A

Verdejo

165
Q

What is the second important grape variety in Rueda?

A

Sauvignon Blanc

166
Q

How may wines be labelled in Rueda?

A

For SB and Verdejo, they may be made and labelled as single varietal wines

167
Q

What is the law for blended wines in Rueda?

A

At least 50% of the blend must be Verdejo

168
Q

Describe the range of styles made in Rueda

A

From simple and fruity to richer, barrel-fermented versions

169
Q

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

A
  • The north-west

- Due to the influence of the Atlantic ocean

170
Q

What is north-west Spain best known for?

A

Many of Spain’s best white wines

171
Q

What is the most celebrated of Spain’s white wines?

A

Albariño from Rías Baixas

172
Q

Where in Spain is Rías Baixas?

A

On Spain’s Atlantic coast

173
Q

What is the climate of Rías Baixas?

A

Moderate and damp

174
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

175
Q

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

A
  • By training vines onto pergolas to encourage air circulation
  • Some producers use other training and trellising systems which are easier to maintain
176
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

177
Q

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

A

A richer style, occasionally with a touch of oak or lees-stirring

178
Q

Can red wine be made in Rías Baixas?

A

Yes, but it is a minority concern

179
Q

What is the predominant colour of wine from Bierzo?

A

Red

180
Q

Where in Spain is Bierzo?

A

North-west Spain, in the mountains that mark the boundary between Galicia and the Meseta Central

181
Q

What is the climate of Bierzo?

A

Moderate with a cooling maritime influence

182
Q

What is the key grape variety of Bierzo?

A

Mencía

183
Q

Describe the dominant wine style of Bierzo

A
  • Elegant red wines
  • Naturally high acidity
  • Red fruit aromas
184
Q

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

A

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

185
Q

What is the other, less popular winemaking choice in Bierzo? What is the thinking?

A

Unoaked wines to retain the perfumed red fruit of Mencía

186
Q

What is the intention of Bierzo winemakers using new oak?

A

To add toasty aromas

187
Q

Where in Spain is the Levante?

A

On the Mediterranean coast south of Catalunya

188
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

189
Q

Describe Valencia DO

A

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

190
Q

Which grapes are planted in Valencia

A

A large number of local and international varieties

191
Q

What is the most planted red grape of Valencia?

A

Monastrell

192
Q

Which grape variety dominates white plantings in Valencia?

A

Merseguera

193
Q

What is the second most planted wide variety of Valencia?

A

Muscat of Alexandria

194
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

195
Q

Where in Spain are Jumilla and Yecla?

A

In the Levante, further inland

196
Q

What are the climates of Jumilla and Yecla?

A

Hot and arid

197
Q

What is the dominant local variety of Jumilla and Yecla?

A

Monastrell

198
Q

Describes the majority of wines in Jumilla and Yecla

A

Youthful and fruity in style

199
Q

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

A

Castilla-La Mancha

200
Q

Where is Castilla-La Mancha?

A

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

201
Q

What is the largest DO in Spain?

A

La Mancha

202
Q

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

A

Airén

203
Q

What wines are produced from the grape Airén?

A

Neutral, fresh white wines

204
Q

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

A
  • Airén

- Authorities have encouraged producers to plant Tempranillo

205
Q

What is Tempranillo locally known as in La Mancha?

A

Cencibel

206
Q

Name other international grape varieties in La Mancha

A
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Merlot
  • Syrah
  • Chardonnay
  • Sauvignon Blanc
207
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
208
Q

…was where the trend for top-quality pagos wines began

A

La Mancha

209
Q

La Mancha is still the home of the majority of the estates that have been awarded the appellation…

A

Vinos de Pago

210
Q

Which DO lies immediately to the south of La Mancha?

A

Valdepeñas

211
Q

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

A

It has a better reputation for quality

212
Q

What is the climate of Valdepeñas?

A

Identical to that of La Mancha

213
Q

What is the most widely planted grape in Valdepeñas?

A

Airén

214
Q

What is the main variety for red wines of Valdepeñas?

A

Cencibel (Tempranillo)

215
Q

How may red wines be made in Valdepeñas?

A

Either as varietal wines or blended with international varieties

216
Q

What is the style range for wines from Valdepeñas?

A

They range from fruity to more concentrated and oak matured

217
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

218
Q

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

A

Vino

219
Q

What is the Spanish for PDO?

A

Denominación de Origen Protegida (DOP)

220
Q

What are the three Spanish PDO qualities in ascending order?

A
  • Denominación de Origen (DO)
  • Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa)
  • Vinos de Pago (VP)
221
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

222
Q

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

A

Must’ve been a DO for at least ten years

223
Q

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

A
  • Two
  • Priorat
  • Rioja
224
Q

What is DOCa called in Priorat in Catalan terminnology?

A

Denominació d’Origen Qualificada (DOQ)

225
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
226
Q

What is the traditional Spanish term for PGI wines?

A

Vino de la Tierra (VdlT)

227
Q

What are the four age categories for wines in Spain?

A
  • Joven
  • Crianza
  • Reserva
  • Gran Reserva
228
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

229
Q

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

A

No ageing required at all

230
Q

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

A
  • 24 months in total

- 6 months in barrel

231
Q

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

A
  • 36 months in total

- 12 months in barrel

232
Q

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

A
  • 60 months in total

- 18 months in barrel

233
Q

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

A
  • 48 months in total

- 6 months in barrel

234
Q

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

A
  • 24 months in total

- 6 months in barrel

235
Q

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

A
  • 18 months in total

- 6 months in barrel

236
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

237
Q

the Spanish name of Grenache?

A

Garnacha Tinto

238
Q

the Spanish name of Mourvedre?

A

Monastrell

239
Q

the Spanish name of Rosé?

A

Rosado

240
Q

the Spanish name of Carignan?

A
  • Carinena (in Spain)

- Mazuelo (in Rioja)

241
Q

What kind of techniques some of the producers use in making white wine, to add texture and different flavours?

A
  • oak fermentation and maturation

- lees stirring

242
Q

What is the most widely planted grape in Spain?

A

Airen

Micky WSET Lv3 (46 decks)

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