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Spanish Wine Scholar > Cataluna > Flashcards

Cataluna Flashcards

1
Q

Where is Cataluna located?

A

This autonomous community is situated in the northeastern corner of Spain. The triangle-shaped region is bordered by the countries of France & Andorra to the north, Aragon to the west and Comunidad Valenciana (Valencia) to the south. The Mediterranean Sea forms the region’s eastern border.

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2
Q

What is the capital of Cataluna?

A

Barcelona

This is the region’s largest city and Spain’s 2nd largest after Madrid.

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3
Q

What is the Via Augusta?

A

This was the longest & busitest road on the Spanish mainland constructed in the 1st century CE with the intention of connecting Hispania to Rome.
It extended from Gades (Cadiz) on the southern coast of Andalucia to the vital port town of Carthago Nova (Cartagena), then struck northward along the Mediterranean coast to the Pirineos. It stretched nearly 932mi/1,500km.

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4
Q

Why is the Liber maiolichinus de gestis pisanorum illustribus significant?

A

“Majorcan Book of the Deeds of the Illustrious Pisans” reveals the origins of Catalan identity.
It contains known reference to the ethnicity of the Catalanenses (Catalans) as well as to their homeland of Catalania (Catalonia).
It details a Pisan’led military expedition against the taifa of the Balearic Islands from 1113 to 1115. This document was commissioned by the commune of Pisa and likely penned by a cleric on the expedition.

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5
Q

What is the Cartoixa d’Escaladei?

A

Carthusian Monastery of Scala Dei
This is considered the birthplace of wines & winemaking in the Priorat region of Cataluna. It was established in 1194 in the foothills of the Montsant mountains (Serra de Montsant).

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6
Q

Who crafted Spain’s first metodo traditionale wine?

A

Josep Reventos i Fatjo of Catalan heritage.

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7
Q

Who is Antoni Gaudi?

A

He was a Catalan architect born in Barcelona in 1852. He became part of the Modernista movement which gained popularity during the late 19th & early 20th centuries.
His structures include:
* lamp posts lining the Passeig de Gracia in Barcelona
* Park Guell
* Casa Mila-La Pedrera
* La Sagrada Familia church

His works are recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage sites, incorporating 7 of his buildings, including the 3 parst of the La Sagrada Familia that were completed during his lifetime.

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8
Q

Name the provinces of Cataluna.

A
  1. Lerida (Catalan: Lleida): in the northwestern corner
  2. Gerona (Catalan: Girona): northern coast
  3. Barcelona: central coast
  4. Tarragona: southern coast
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9
Q

What is the climate in Cataluna?

A

Mediterranean
* dry, hot summers
* cool winters
* lower winter temperatures & heavier precipitation in the north
* continental influences further inland
* moderate temperatures & humidity along the coast
* 20-24in/500-600mm average annual rainfall
* spring/autumn are rainiest seasons w/ northern areas having summer rains as well
* coastal: 79-88F/26-31C
* inland: 104F-40C

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10
Q

Name the 3 major topographical features in Cataluna.

A
  • Catalan Pirineos
  • Cordilleras Costero-Catalanas
  • Central Catalan Depression
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11
Q

Where is the Catalan Pirineos located?

A

This section of Cataluna forms a natural border with France and represents half of the length of the entire Pirineos mountain range.
It extends ~124mi/200km from the Mediterranean Sea inland to the Aragonese border.

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12
Q

What is the highest peak in Catalan Pirineos?

A

Pica d’Estats (10,312ft/3,143m)

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13
Q

Where is the Cordilleras Costero-Catalanas located?

A

This mountain range runs parallel to Cataluna’s 360mi/580km long Mediterranean coastline.
The system consists of 2 ranges:
* Cordillera Litoral: lies closest to the coastline (2,503ft-763m)
* Cordillera Prelitoral: lies further inland running parallel to Litoral (5,617ft/1,712m)

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14
Q

Where is the Central Catalan Depression located?

A

This topographical feature in Cataluna is between the Catalan Pirineos & the Cordilleras Costero-Catalanas.
It includes eroded river basins & sits at elevations of 656-1,969ft/200-600m.

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15
Q

Name the major rivers of Cataluna.

A
  • Ter River (129mi/208km)
  • Llobregat River (106mi/170km)
  • Ebro River: path cuts through Castilla y Leon, La Rioja, & Aragon, before running through the southern part of this region, emptying into the Mediterranean Sea
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16
Q

Which is the longest river in Cataluna?

A

Ter River

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17
Q

What types of soils are found in Cataluna?

A
  • Between Cordillera Litoral & Mediterranean Sea: alluviums, limestone, & clay w/ pockets of granite & slate
  • Between Cordillera Litoral & Cordillera Prelitoral: slate & granite w/ limestone & calcareous clays
  • DOQ Priorat: llicorella (small outcrops also located in DOs Montsant & Conca de Barbera near the DOQ Priorat border
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18
Q

What is llicorella?

A

This is a shallow, copper-colored, decomposed slate/shale of low organic content that formed during the Devonian & Carboniferous periods 416-318 mya.
It is extremely fragile, foliated (layered) rock with a fine texture & low organic content. It breaks apart easily at the surface, yet vine roots must constantly search for fissures or fractures underground in order to access water & nutrients.

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19
Q

How does llicorella soil influence wines produced from vines grown in it?

A

The wines produced from vines grown in this soil tend to be rich & powerful with considerable minerality.

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20
Q

Why is it unclear whether llicorella is shale or slate?

A

Both of these soil types belong to the same family of metamorphic rock, however they are not the same.
When mud, clay, or basalt are subjected to heat & pressure they morph into shale, slate, & schist (in that order).
An accurate description has become a gray zone due to the rock being in a state of transition.

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21
Q

What is the Institut Catala de la Vinya i el Vi (INCAVI)?

A

This institution was created by the Catalan government to promote & advance viticultural & enological efforts throughout the region.
Their work includes:
* study of viticultural sites through soil & plant analysis at one of its two research centers (Reus or Vilafranca)
* implementation of certification & continuing education programs for Catalan wineries
* promotions of Catalan wine & gastronomy around the world through wine tourism

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22
Q

What styles of wines are produced in Cataluna?

A
  • vinos blancos: Xarel.lo & Garnacha Blanca are primary w/ any number of indigenous/international varieties added to the blend
  • vinos rosados: Garnacha Tinta forms the backbone w/ Tempranillo & Cabernet Sauvignon as traditional blending partners
  • vinos tintos: combinations of Garnacha Tinta & Carinena (Samso/Mazuelo)
  • vinos espumosos: primarily from Xarel.lo (Pansal Blanc/Pansa Blanca), Parellada, & Macabeo

Note: most wines in this region are blends

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23
Q

What are the typical characteristics of vinos blancos & rosados from Cataluna?

A

White and rose wines from this region are typically, but not exclusively, young, fresh, light, & aromatic. They have broad appeal.

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24
Q

What are the typical characteristics of vinos tintos from Cataluna?

A

Red wines from this region are more full-bodied & complex and have undergone some aging.

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25
What aging designations are used in **Cataluna**?
Most **DO**s in this region utilize the traditional aging designations of ***Crianza***, ***Reserva***, & ***Gran Reserva***. However, **DOQ Priorat** adheres to a different & more stringent, higher-level system by which wines are designated by their place of origin rather than by age.
26
Name the **DOP**s of **Cataluna**.
1. **DO Cataluna**/**Catalunya** (1999) 2. **DO Cava** (1986) 3. **DO Emporda** (1975) 4. **DO Montsant** (2002) 5. **DO Penedes** (1960) 6. **DOQ Priorat** (2009) 7. **DO Terra Alta** (1982) 8. DO Alella (1956) 9. DO Conca de Barbera (1985) 10. DO Costers del Segre (1988) 11. DO Pla de Bages (1998) 12. DO Tarragona (1947)
27
What areas does the **DO Catalunya** designation cover?
This **DOP** is an umbrella **DO** that encompasses wineries within all existing **Catalan** wine regions as well as those vineyards outside official **DO** boundaries.
28
Why was **DO Catalunya** created?
This **DOP** was created in an effort to provide greater flexibility to winemakers who wanted to experiment outside the stipulations of existing appellation regulations and/or use grape varieties not sanctioned within existing DOs, but within a *Denominacion de Origen framework*.
29
What styles of wine are produced under **DO Catalunya**?
* ***Blanco*** (49%): range from light, fresh, & crisp to rich & oaked * ***Tinto*** (41%): range from easy-to-drink, fruit-driven with moderate acidity, tannins & alcohol to highly-concentrated barrel-aged examples * ***Rosado*** (10%) * Other (<1%)
30
Name the *white* varieties permitted under **DO Catalunya**.
Preferred: Chardonnay, Garnacha Blanca/Garnatxa Blanca/Lledoner Blanc, Macabeo/Viura, Moscatel de Alejandria, Parellada/Montonec/Montonega, Picapoll Blanco, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Xarel.lo/Cartoixa/Pansal/Pansa Blanca/Pansa Rosada Authorized: Albarino, Chenin Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Malvasia de Sitges, Subirat Parent/Malvasia Moscatel de Grano Menudo, Pedro Ximenez, Sumoll Blanco, Vinyater, Viognier
31
Name the *red* varieties permitted under **DO Catalunya**.
Preferred: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha Tinta/Lledoner Tinto, Garnacha Peluda, Merlot, Monastrell/Garrut, Pinot Noir, Samso/Crusillo/Carignane/Carinena/Mazuelo, Syrah, Trepat, Ulld de Llebre/Tempranillo Authorized: Garnacha Roja/Garnacha Gris, Garnacha Tintorera, Petit Verdot, Picapoll Tinto, Sumoll Tinto
32
How is the *Consejo Regulador* for **DO Catalunya** working to progressively improve the quality of wines produced in **Cataluna**?
* supporting/sponsoring new research * sharing technological advancements with other Catalan DOs * working to improve vineyard health & wine quality throughout the region * being open-minded with regard to the vinous potential of the area
33
What areas does the **DO Cava** cover?
This **DOP** incorporates more than **150** municipalities spread out over **7** autonomous regions: * **Cataluna** * **La Rioja** * **Comunidad Valenciana** * **Aragon** * **Navarra** * **Extremadura** * **Pais Vasco**
34
What region is the original & spiritual home of **DO Cava**?
**Penedes**
35
What style of wine is produced in **DO Cava**?
***Espumoso*** (100%)
36
What is the climate in **DO Cava**?
**Mediterranean** (**Cataluna**) * **continental** influence * 20in/500mm annual rainfall
37
Name the *white* varieties permitted under **DO Cava**
Authorized: * **Macabeu**/**Macabeo** * **Xarel.lo** * **Parellada** * Malvasia/Subirat Parent, Chardonnay
38
Name the *red* varieties permitted under **DO Cava**
Authorized: * Garnacha Tinta * Monastrell * Pinot Noir * Trepat
39
Who is responsible for producing the first champagne method sparkling wine in **Cataluna**?
**Josep Raventos i Fatjo** He was inspired by a visit to Champagne.
40
Who crafted the first sparkling wine using the traditional ***Cava*** varieties?
**Manuel Raventos Domenech** in 1888 (Josep Raventos' son)
41
How did **Cava** get its name?
The name of this wine style produced in **Cataluna** originally referenced the caves/cellars where the wine was made. The term became the official reference in 1972 with the creation of the *Consejo Regulador de los Vinos Espumosos* (Regulatory Council of Sparkling Wines).
42
What changes in the 1970s brought about beneficial changes for winemaking in **Cataluna**?
* invention of the semi-mechanized girasol (pre-cursor to the fully-automated gyropalette) which expedited the riddling process * new yeasts were developed to handle fermentation at cool temperatures & under pressure * design improvements to grape presses
43
What percentage of Spain's total ***cava*** production still hails from **Penedes**?
**~95%**
44
Name the **3** traditional varieties used in the production of ***cava*** wines.
These wines contain varying percentages of: * **Xarel.lo** * **Macabeo** * **Parellada** Note: today, smaller amounts of other authorized varieties can be added.
45
What are the grape requirements of ***cava rosat***/***rosado***?
min. **25%** authorized *red* varieties Note: these wines account for only **8%** of total production
46
Name the ***cava*** classifications for sweetness levels and detail the residual sugar for each.
* **Brut Nature**: less than **0.3%** or **3g/l** (no dosage) * **Extra Brut**: **0-0.6%** or** 0-6g/l** * **Brut**: less than **1.2%** or **12g/l** * **Extra Seco**: **1.2-1.7%** or **12-17g/l** * **Seco**: **1.7-3.2%** or **17-32g/l** * **Semi-seco**: **3.2-5%** or **32-50g/l** * **Dulce**: more than **5%** or **50g/l**
47
How are wine producers in **DO Cava** using dosage to improve their wines?
* adding sugar (typical) * using older wines in dosage to add an extra layer of complexity * utilizing solera systems for their dosage
48
What are the requirements for a product labeled **DO Cava**?
* produced by ***traditional method*** * aged min. **9 months** on ***lees***
49
What are the premium categories of **DO Cava** and their designated aging periods?
* ***Reserva***: min. **15 months** on ***lees*** * ***Gran Reserva***: min. **30 months** on ***lees*** (reserved solely for *Brut Nature*, *Extra Brut*, or *Brut* types) * ***Paraje Calificado***: min. **36 months** on ***lees*** (reserved solely for *Brut Nature*, *Extra Brut*, or *Brut* types) Note: these premium categories account for ~13% of total production
50
Why did the *Consejo Regulador* create the ***Cava de Paraje Calificado***?
The ***Qualified Single Vineyard Cava*** was established in 2015 to highlight the uniqueness of particular terroirs within the region. The first wines were released in 2017.
51
What strict requirements must wineries meet in order to classify their wines ***Cava de Paraje Calificado***?
* min. 10 year old vines * grapes from a single vineyard * manual harvest * yields lower than standard cava yields * all wines must be vinified on the estate * wines must be vintage labled * min. 36 months lees aging * sweetness levels must fall under Brut designations (Brut Nature, Extra Brut, Brut) * wines must be tasted & approved by an international, unbiased panel * production must be traceble from vineyard to shelf
52
How many wineries are permitted to use ***Cava de Paraje Calificado***?
**7 companies** representing **9 estates** with **10 cavas** were included in this class. * Agricola Can Sala (Freixenet) * Alta Alella Mirgin * Castellroig * Codorniu * Juve & camps * Pere Ventura * Vins El Cep
53
What is **CORPINNAT**?
This is a *Collective European Brand* formed by a small group of producers in an effort to emphasize terroir-driven sparkling wines in the heart of the **Penedes** region. Wines carrying this label must be: * **100%** organic * hand-harvested * vinified solely on the winery's premises * min. **18 months** aging (30- and 60-month designations also exist) This group left **DO Cava** in early 2019 due to a disagreement on labeling, but communications between the two are ongoing.
54
How does ***cava*** compare to *Cremant* & *Champagne*?
* tends to have lower acidity * slightly heavier on the palate * generally less autolytic character * distinct hint of fennel and/or herbs * 5-6 bars of pressure (fully sparkling)
55
Where is **DO Emporda** located?
This **DOP** is in the northeastern corner of **Cataluna**. Vineyards in this coastal wine region are at the lowest elevation in all of the region.
56
Name the **2** non-contiguous sections of **DO Emporda**.
* **Alt Emporda**: to the north * **Baix Emporda**: to the south
57
What is the climate in **DO Emporda**?
**Mediterranean** * heavily affected by *Tramontana* winds * 24in/600mm annual rainfall
58
Describe the ***Tramontana*** wind and its effects on **DO Emporda**.
This is a strong, dry, north wind similar to the *Mistral* of southern France. It can reach gusts in excess of **75mph**/**120kmph**. It blows throughout the autumn, winter, & spring and can blow for **3-12** days at a time. It can desiccate the grapes near harvest, concentrating flavors & sugars. This is beneficial if not pushed to the extreme.
59
What soil types are found in **DO Emporda**?
* plains: *alluvium* * mountains: *slate*/*granite*
60
What styles of wine are produced in **DO Emporda**?
* ***Tinto*** (58%) * ***Blanco*** (24%) * ***Rosado*** (15%) * ***Espumoso*** (<1%) * Other (3%) Traditionally, this **DOP** produced sweet, fortified wines but has had recent success with young *vinos tintos* based on **Garnacha Tinta**/**Lledoner** & **Samso**/Carinena.
61
Name the *white* varieties permitted in **DO Emporda**.
Preferred: * **Garnacha Blanca** * Garnacha Roja/Garnacha Gris * Macabeo/Viura * Moscatel de Alejandria Authorized: * Chardonnay * Gewurztraminer * Malvasia Moscatel de Grano Pequeno * Picapoll Blanco * Sauvignon Blanc * Xarelo (Xarel.lo)
62
Name the *red* varieties permitted in **DO Emporda**.
Preferred: * **Samso** (Carinena/Mazuelo) * **Garnacha Tinta**/**Lledoner** Authorized: * Cabernet Sauvignon * Cabernet Franc * Merlot * Monastrell * Ull de Llebre (Tempranillo) * Syrah * Garnacha Peluda
63
What are the characteristics of wines from **DO Emporda**?
These wines show fresh fruit, with more acidity and grippier tannins than wines from other parts of **Cataluna**.
64
What are the requirements of wines labeled ***Garnacha del Emporda***?
* ***vinos de licor*** * made from overripe grapes * min. **90%** **Garnacha Tinta** and/or **Garnacha Peluda** and/or **Garnacha Roja** * min **2 years** aging | Errata 2022

Spanish Wine Scholar (31 decks)

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