Castilla-y-Leon Flashcards

1
Q

What are the four main DOs of Castilla-y-Leon?

A
  • Bierzo
  • Rueda
  • Toro
  • Ribera del Duero
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2
Q

Does Bierzo see a lot of vintage variation?

A

Yes, while it is slightly further inland that Galicia and surrounded by mountains on three sides, it is still affected by the Atlantic coming in from the West.

Some years can be cool and rainy, while others can be warm and dry.

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3
Q

What is the main variety planted in Bierzo?

A

Mencia, which accounts for 75% of all the plantings

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4
Q

Mencia must account for 70% of the red wines of Bierzo, what is the grape that must make up the rest of the blend?

A

Alicante Bouschet

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5
Q

Alicante Bouschet accounts for what percentage of the plantings in Bierzo?

A

2%

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6
Q

Where are the best vineyard sites located in Bierzo and what makes them the best?

A

Generally on the hillside slopes, between 500-850 meters. These sites generally have shallow soils, and poorer slate soils, both help reduce vigor. There is also a large diurnal range so grapes can get ripe yet retain acid.

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7
Q

80% of the vineyards in Bierzo are estimated to be over ___ years old?

A

60 years old

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8
Q

How many wineries are located in Bierzo?

A

Only 75

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9
Q

What river runs through Toro?

A

The Duero River

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10
Q

What is the main grape of Toro?

A

Tinto de Toro

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11
Q

Red wines made in Toro must be _____ Tinto de Toro, with the remainder being ______

A
  • 75%

- Garnacha

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12
Q

What are Roses and Whites from Toro made from?

A
  • Roses are made from either Tinto de Toro or Garnacha

- Whites are made from either Malvasia or Verdejo

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13
Q

Is irrigation permitted in Toro?

A

Yes, but it is not allowed from June until after harvest

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14
Q

What is the main form of vine training in Toro?

A

Bush

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15
Q

What is the maximum planting density in Toro?

A

2,700 vines per ha

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16
Q

What is the maximum abv for the red wines of Toro?

A

15%

17
Q

What are the most common production methods for red wines made in Toro

A
  • For inexpensive reds, they are made using carbonic maceration, making them accessible in their youth.
  • Premium to super premium wines are made in the more traditional method, with the wines being aged in a mix of French and American oak as well
18
Q

How many wineries are there in Toro?

A

~50

19
Q

What is the name of the first winery established in Ribera del Duero?

A

Vega Sicilia

20
Q

How many wineries were in Ribera del Duero when the DO was founded vs there are today?

A

When the DO was founded in 1982, there was thought to be around 9, and now there are over 280

21
Q

When are the frost threats for producers in Ribera del Duero?

A

In the spring, and in the autumn

22
Q

Is irrigation allowed year round in Ribera del Duero?

A

Ribera del Duero sees on average 400-600mm of rain a year, so some irrigation is allowed. However irrigation is not allowed during ripening.

tl;dr No

23
Q

What are the two names for Tempranillo in Ribera del Duero?

A
  • Tinto del País

- Tinto Fino

24
Q

What are some of the different methods used to combat the frost in Ribera del Duero?

A
  • Sprinklers
  • Heaters
  • Helicopters
25
Q

What is something that Ribera del Duero and Toro both have in common?

A

They both have a high portion (20 to 25%) of vines that are 50+ years old, with both also having a small portion of vines that are 100 years old

26
Q

What is the average plot size for growers in Ribera del Duero?

A

under 1 hectare

27
Q

What is the local white variety used to make up the majority of white wine in Ribera del Duero?

A

Albillo Mayor

28
Q

What is the main grape used in the wines from Rueda?

A

Verdejo

29
Q

What is the most important grape in Rueda after Verdejo?

A

Sauvignon Blanc

30
Q

Is there much red wine being produced in Rueda?

A

Not really, what is being produced is made from Tempranillo, but with Toro and Ribera del Duero so close by the competition is very tough.