Cataluna: part 2 Flashcards
Where is DO Montsant located?
This DOP almost completely encircles DOQ Priorat in southern Cataluna.
The growing area encompasses:
* Serra de Montsant (Cordillera Prelitoral): in the north (largest)
* Serra de La Figuera: to the west
* Serra de Llaberia: in the southeast
Name the rivers that flow through DO Montsant.
- Siurana River
- Montsant River
These rivers flow through this region & converge in the southern part of DOQ Priorat en route to the Ebro. Both are used as a water source when irrigation is deemed necessary.
Prior to attaining its own DO status, which DOP did the area of DO Montsant previously belong to?
DO Tarragona
What is the climate in DO Montsant?
Mediterranean with continental influences
* rainfall mostly in spring & autumn
* 16-28in/400-700mm average rainfall
What soil types are found in DO Montsant?
3 primary types:
* silty-loam (panal)
* limey clay w/ some granitic sand (saulo)
* slate (llicorella)
What led the Consejo Regulador to initiate a zoning project in DO Montsant in 2008?
The range of soil types as well as distinct topographical & climatic conditions within the DO.
Name the 6 divisions of DO Montsant.
- Pradell de la Teixeta-La Torre de Fontaubella: to the southeast
- Falset: to the south
- Marca-Capcanes-Els Guiamets-La Serra: to the south
- El Molar-El Masroig-Darmos: to the southwest
- La Figuera-Cabaces-La Bisbal-Margalef: to the west
- Cornudella de Montsant-Ulldemolins: to the northeast
Positions are in clockwise order.
NOT NTK
What styles of wine are produced in DO Montsant?
- Tinto (90%): blends of Garnatxa Negra & Samsa w/ small %s of other native and/or international varieties
- Blanco (6%)
- Rosado (3%)
- Other (1%)
Name the white varieties planted in DO Montsant.
Authorized:
* Chardonnay
* Garnacha Blanca
* Macabeo
* Moscatel de Grano Menudo
* Pansal (Xarel.lo)
* Parellada
White varieties account for only 5% of total plantings.
Name the red varieties planted in DO Montsant.
Authorized:
* Samso/Mazuela/Carignane (Carinena)
* Garnacha Negra/Tinta
* Cabernet Sauvignon
* Garnacha Peluda
* Merlot
* Monastrell
* Picapoll Tinto
* Syrah
* Ull de Llebre (Tempranillo
Almost 95% of all vineyards are planted to red grapes. Samso & Garnacha Negra account for more than 65% of all red grapes planted.
What are the characteristics of wines from DO Montsant?
These wines are typified by concentrated red fruits laced with alcohol, yet the finish is refreshing with a mineral/stony edge.
They are similar to wines of DOQ Priorat but generally are lighter & less complex.
Where is DO Penedes located?
This DOP is in central Cataluna, along the coast and extending inland.
Name the 3 subzones of DO Penedes.
- Penedes Superior (previously Alt Penedes): located in the central plain; largest area of production
- Penedes Central: : contains regional capital Vilafranca del Penedes; is home to one of Spain’s largest wineries, Bodegas Torres; center of cava production, Sant Sadurni d’Anoia, is here
- Penedes Maritim (previously Baix Penedes): largely coastal
Name the 10 unique & newly delineated growing areas in DO Penedes.
- Alts d’Ancosa
- Conca del Foix
- Costers de l’Anoia
- Costers de Laverno
- Costers del Montmell
- Marina del Garraf
- Massis del Garraf
- Muntanyes d’Ordal
- Turons de Vilafranca
- Vall Bitlles-Anoia
This delineation was meant to identify distinctive mesoclimates w/in the DO.
NOT NTK
Which wine region in Spain was the first to adopt the use of temperature-controlled, stainless steel fermentation tanks?
DO Penedes
What is the climate in DO Penedes?
Mediterranean
* 20in/500mm annual rainfall
What soil types are found in DO Penedes?
- limestone
- loamy-clay
What styles of wine are produced in DO Penedes?
- Blanco (51%): typically light & crisp; some producers are experimenting with barrel aging to impart complexity
- Tinto (35%)
- Rosado (11%)
- Espumoso (1%)
- Other (2%)
Name the white varieties permitted in DO Penedes?
Authorized:
* Xarel.lo (primary grape)
* Macabeo
* Parellada
* Subirat Parent (Malvasia)
* Garnacha Blanca
* Moscatel de Alejandria
* Moscatel de Grano Menudo
* Malvasia de Sitges
* Chardonnay
* Sauvignon Blanc
* Riesling
* Gewurztraminer
* Chenin Blanc
* Sumoi Blanco (Sumoll Blanco)
* Viognier
Name the red varieties permitted in DO Penedes?
Authorized:
* Ull de Llebre (Tempranillo)
* Garnacha Tinta
* Samso (Carinena)
* Monastrell
* Sumoi Tinto (Sumoll Tinto)
* Cabernet Sauvignon
* Merlot
* Pinot Noir
* Syrah
* Cabernet Franc
* Petit Verdot
What are the characteristics of wines made from Xarel.lo in DO Penedes?
This grape typically yields simple, light, crisp, and citrusy vinos blancos.
What are the requirement for wines under the Classic Penedes classification?
- grapes must be 100% organic
- all grapes sourced from w/in Penedes
- wines produced via metodo tradicional
- process from tirage to disgorgement must take place in the bottle w/in cellars registered w/ the DO Penedes
- min. 15 months aging on lees (making them all Reserva)
This is the first 100% organic sparkling classification in the world.
Name the only Denominacion de Origen Calificada within Cataluna.
DOQ Priorat