Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Old_Full > Ch. 20 – Spain > Flashcards

Ch. 20 – Spain Flashcards

1
Q

Historically important Spanish winemakers

A

Marques de Murrieta, Marques de Riscal
- exile in Bordeaux during civil wars in the 19th century
- new techniques brought back, including barriques

Miguel Torres (1960s)
- French and German varieties, trellising
- temperature control, laboratories established

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Phylloxera in Spain

A

came in very late stage when remedies were known
- Spain supplied wine to Phylloxera hit France beforehand

Many regions were unaffected thanks to sandy soils
- Toro, Rueda
- ungrafted vines

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Spain climate

A

Generally warm, can vary markedly
- extensive coastline, mountains, plateau

North west
- influenced by Atlantic - maritime
- high rainfall

North, North-east
- sheltered from Atlantic by mountains
- continental with some maritime or mediterranean influence

South and east
- moderated mediterranean climate

Meseta plateau (central Spain)
- continental
- 600-900m moderates the heat

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Spain vineyard management

A

Many old bush vines planted at low density
- naturally low yields

Irrigation is permitted (regulated by regions)
- in some cases, only allowed for young vines or extreme drought
- in others, allowed during early part of season but never during ripening

Heavy storms with temperatures raising quickly afterwards
- risk of mildew
- in some regions frost is a problem (continental)

Many producers farm organically (few are certified)
- don’t believe in raising cost by certification

Very small average vineyard holdings
- limited mechanization

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Size of Spain’s vineyard plantings (world’s rating)

A

World’s largest vineyard plantings (nearly 1 million ha)
- but only 3rd largest wine producer (Italy, France)

Many bush vines and low density

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Airén

A

Central Spain - Castilla-La Mancha

Inexpensive neutral white wines

Much is distilled into Brandy de Jerez

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Tempranillo

A

Medium to high yields
- quality focused growers reduce yields

Early ripening
- best in warm regions with some cooling influence

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Macabeo

A

Mainly Catalunya
- both still and Cava

Main white variety in Rioja (called Viura)

Many inexpensive but also premium examples
- fermented and aged in oak

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Monastrell

A

Mourvedre

Predominantly Valencia and Murcia
- well suited to Mediterranean climate
- needs heat late in season - late ripening

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Winemaking for youthful fruity red white and rose in Spain

A

Made protectively

Inert gases

Cultured yeast

Fining and/or filtration

Many undergo carbonic or semi-carbonic maceration

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Winemaking in Spain

A

Youthful, fruity styles
- Stainless steel with temp control
- Inert gases
- Cultured yeast
- May undergo carbonic or semi-carbonic maceration

Stainless steel with temperature control also common for premium wines
- some use concrete, eggs, amphorae

Oak maturation common for reds and whites (mid price and above)
- Whites may be fermented in oak
- Unoaked whites may be aged on lees

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

General ageing rules of wines in Spain

A

National ageing legislation specifies the minimum aging and minimum oak ageing for Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva
- individual DOs may be stricter
- criticized for being too prescriptive but also not prescriptive enough
- implies a quality hierarchy, but there are no quality requirements set for these categories
- age and origin of oak not specified
- very little indication of style or quality

The oak vessel MUST be of a maximum 330 litres

Many producers don’t use these labelling terms
- larger barrels
- not meeting minimum time
- don’t believe the terms will benefit marketing

Mostly used in Rioja or RIbera del Duero
- Rarely used in Priorat

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Aging requirements in Spain (table)

A
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Roble

A

Labelling term for oak
- no minimum duration
- usually less than the requirements for Crianza

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Joven

A

Term for wines released young
- often with no or minimal oak

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Oak of choice in Spain

A

American
- strong trading relationship with America
- relatively cheap compared to French oak

Use of French oak has grown
- Penedes, Priorat, Ribera del Duero

Some use both American and French

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Rose winemaking in Spain

A

Much is inexpensive and sold in bulk

Better understanding of vineyard management and harvesting times, improvements in winemaking and focus on market trends

Leading away from over-ripe jammy wines

Classically deep colour (pale colours increased in recent years)
- longer skin contact
- mainly steel
- bottled soon after ferment
- may be matured and stored in oak or stored on lees for texture

Some make a traditional style from a mix of black and white grapes that are macerated, pressed, and fermented together (Bodegas Lopez de Heredia)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Wine law and regulations in Spain

Labelling terms

A

DO and DOCa/DOQ (denominación de origen)
- Rioja and Priorat are the only DOCa/DOQ
(denominación de origen calificada)

VP (Vino de Pago)
- small numbers of single estates with high reputations
- estates may use only their own grapes, vinified and matured on their estate
- within PDO category

VT (Vino de la Tierra)
- PGI wines

Vino
- without geographical indication

Set and controlled by Consejo Regulador:
- max yields
- permitted varieties
- vineyard practices (irrigation)
- winemaking practises (ageing)
- bottling requirements

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Requirements to apply for DOQ/DOCa status

A

DO must have been established for a min of 10 years

All wines must be bottled at producer’s property

Various quality regulations
- including tasting assessment by external panel

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Wine business in Spain

A

Many producers with tiny landholdings
- dominated by cooperatives
- negociants also common
- Wine estates produce small volumes

Large businesses
- Pernod Ricard Groupe
- Miguel Torres SA

Low domestic consumption
- trend toward higher quality wines with DO status

World’s largest exporter in terms of volume
- average price per liter is the lowest of large exporters
- world’s largest exporter of bulk wine (55% of exports)

Handful of super premium wines
- not a large investment market

Main exports
- Germany, China, USA (high value)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Wine DOs in Galicia

A

Rías Baixas DO
Ribeiro DO
Ribeira Sacra DO
Valdeorras DO
Monterrei DO

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Rías Baixas DO climate

A

Strong maritime climate
- high rainfall throughout year
- problem of fungal diseases and rain before harvest
- significant vintage variation

Soil:
- sand over granite (free-draining)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Rías Baixas DO grape varieties

A

Albarino (95%)
Loureira (citrus, pear, floral)
Treixadura (low acid, apple, peach)
Caino Blanco
Souson (black)
Caino Tinto (black)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Rías Baixas DO subzones

A

5 non-contiguous sub-zones

Val do Salnes
- greatest number of plantings and wineries
- directly on the coast
- coolest and wettest
- high acidity

O Rosal
- along river Mino on border with Portugal (Vinho Verde)
- often blends of Albarino, Loureira, Treixadura, and Caino Blanco
- south-facing sites
- warmer than Val do Salnes

Condado do Tea
- warmer, riper style, more peach, lower acidity

Ribeira do Ulla
- inexpensive wines

Soutomaior
- smallest

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

Rías Baixas DO wine business

A

25% exported (US)

Co-ops are dominant, due to very small vineyards
- Bodegas Martin Codax is the largest

Pazo de Senorans (high quality)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Rías Baixas DO general

A

In Galicia

Replanted with hybrids and Palomino after phylloxera

Incentives to grow indigenous varieties and modernize equipment led to significant improvements in quality
- quick rise in popularity since 90s

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

Albarino

A

mostly in Rias Baixas

Well suited to damp climate
- thick skins (less prone to rot)

Early to mid-ripening

High in acidity, medium- (medium) body, medium alcohol, aroma of lemon, grapefruit, peach, sometimes floral

Usually made as single varietal
- sometimes blended with Loureira, Treixadura, Caino Blanco

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

Trellising in Rias Baixas

A

Pergola (parral) remains popular
- trained high to promote circulations under canopy
- often using granite supports due to humidity

VSP now common for bigger producers, to allow mechanization

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

Winemaking in Rias Baixas

A

Generally protective
- few hours of skin contact
- cool ferment in steel
- may have malo in cool years, to reduce malic acid
- more expensive wines are often stored on lees (sobre lias) for 1-2 years
- few premium producers ferment in oak (ranging from large old oak to small, new barrels)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

Ribeiro DO

A

In Galicia

Maritime climate (more sheltered than Rias Biaxas)
- High rainfall

Mainly white wines
- most planted is Treixadura (expensive wines often oak aged)
- single varietal or blended with other Galician varieties

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

Ribeira Sacra DO

A

In Galicia

Mainly continental climate with maritime influence depending upon exposure

Along two river valleys (Mino and Sil)
- vineyards on steep, stony slopes with good drainage and that reflect heat
- extremely labor intensive

Mencia is the most planted variety
- mainly fresh and early-drinking

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

Valdeorras DO

A

Easternmost DO in Galicia

Continental climate but with plenty of rainfall
- vineyards at 300m altitude

Quality-focused production of Godello
- citrus, stone fruit, herbal, wet stone, med+ acidity
- premium wines often fermented and/or aged in oak

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

Monterrei DO

A

Southernmost DO in Galicia, on Portuguese border

Continental climate
- sheltered from ocean by Sierra de Larouca mountains
- hot summers
- relatively low rainfall

Mostly inexpensive bulk wine
- some good Mencia (riper style than Ribeira Sacra)
- some Godello

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

Castilla y Leon climate

A

Continental with maritime influence in in west

Made up of high altitude plateau (northern part of the meseta)
- mountains to the north and south

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

Castilla y Leon wine regions

A

Bierzo DO
Toro DO
Ribera del Duero DO
Rueda DO
Castilla y Leon VT

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

Bierzo DO climate and varieties
+ requirements for red wines

A

Continental climate with occasional maritime influence
- mountains on three sides (open to the west)
- adequate rainfall
- marked vintage variation (wet vs dry years)

Dominated by Mencia (75%) and some Godello

Min 70% of Mencia in any red wine blend
- can be blended with Alicante Bouschet
- most are 100% Mencia

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

Mencia

A

Early to mid-ripening

Can lose acidity fast as sugar accumulates (high alcohol if picked late)

Ranges from light bodied to concentrated wines with higher tannin

Med+ to high acidity

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

Bierzo DO soils, topography

A

Flat plains and lower slopes:
- fertile soils
- higher yields
- sometimes carbonic or semi-carbonic
- inexpensive to mid-priced

Best vineyards on hillsides
- 500-850m
- good drainage
- poor shallow slate soils
- cooling influence
- high diurnal range
- old, bush vines
- Often matured in oak

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

Bierzo DO wine business

A

Growth was prompted by investment from producers from Priorat, attracted by slate soils similar to those in Priorat

Very small plots
- many sell to co-ops
- hand-harvesting is the norm

Most wineries have been established in the last 10-15 years

In 2017, the Consejo Regulador created a new classification system to designate single village and single vineyard wines, similar to the system in Priorat
- lower max yields

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

Toro DO

Requirements for wines

A

Red wines must be min 75% Tinta de Toro
- remainder Garnacha
- max 15% alcohol

Rose
- Tinta de Toro or Garnacha

White
- Malvasia or Verdejo

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

Synonym for Tempranillo in Toro

A

Tinta de Toro

but with thicker skins due to intensity of sun
- greater colour and tannin

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

Toro DO climate

A

Part of Castilla y Leon region
- on the Duero River

Continental climate
- altitude 620-750m
- large diurnal range
- frost can be problem
- low rainfall (irrigation not allowed from June)

43
Q

Toro DO viticulture

A

Viticulture
- low density is required
- low number of bunches per vine
- mainly bush vines
- ungrafted vines (sandy soils)
- many very old vines

Cooler sites in higher-altitude west, or on north-facing slopes

44
Q

Toro DO red wine typical expression

A

deep colour, full body, often high alcohol with high tannins

Ripe blackberry and blueberry
medium+ to high acidity

Often aged in oak with proportion of new
- inexpensive may be carbonic, with no oak

45
Q

Rise and history of Ribera del Duero

A

First established winery - Vega Sicilia in late 19th century

Pesquera began winning awards in 1980s
- Rapid expansion of vineyard area

Close proximity to Madrid, making it popular in domestic market

Investment from other regions (Catalunya and Rioja)

46
Q

Ribera del Duero DO

climate

A

Part of Castilla y Leon
- upper valley of River Duero

Continental climate
- low rainfall
- irrigation can be used before ripening period
- high altitudes (700-1000m)
- eastern end is higher and cooler
- frost problem
- may blend across areas for balance

47
Q

Ribera del Duero DO grape varieties

A

Predominantly Tempranillo
- aka Tinta Fino
- many bush vines (new vines trellised)
- many old vines

Small vineyard holdings

48
Q

Ribera del Duero DO requirements

and style

producers

A

Red, rose, and white

Min 75% Tempranillo
- with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Garnacha and Albillo (white)
- many are 100% Tempranillo

French oak is popular
- new oak is common
- some blend French and American

Ageing categories (Crianza, Reserva) commonly used

Full body, high alcohol, ripe flavours, blackberry, plum, vanilla, chocolate
- general trend toward less extraction

tend to be good to outstanding
- 20% exported
- Vega Sicilia

49
Q

Rueda

climate
grapes

A

Part of Castilla y Leon

Dominated by white wines
- used to produce oxidative styles
- Marques de Riscal introduced protective styles

Continental climate
- low rainfall
- high altitudes (700-800m)
- frost problem
- sandy, stony, free draining soil, low in nutrients

Verdejo mainly
- some Sauvignon Blanc
- min 85% of named variety
- old bush vines
- new vineyards are VSP-trellised

50
Q

Verdejo

A

Relatively drought tolerant

Med to med+ acidity, med alcohol, apple, pear and peach, often herbal note (fennel) and slight bitterness on finish

51
Q

Rueda Winemaking

A

Inexpensive
- cool ferment in stainless
- bottled early
- cultured yeast

Mid-tier
- lees aging, often with regular stirring

Most expensive (still mid-priced)
- fermented and/or matured in oak

Malo is avoided in all styles

52
Q

Rueda wine business

A

Exponential growth in recent years
- driven mostly by domestic market

Fruity, crisp, early-drinking wines are in style
- but under threat from other regions (e.g. Pinot Grigio), so there’s a focus on increasing quality

Significant proportion of wineries are owned by companies based in Rioja or Ribera del Duero (as a white wine in their portfolio)

53
Q

Castilla y Leon VT

A

northern part of meseta
- protected from any Atlantic influence by mountains
- continental climate
- moderated by altitude

Large number of local and international varieties permitted

54
Q

Rioja DOCa

topography and climate and soils

A

along river Ebro
- eastern side is relatively open and gets Mediterranean influence
- tribunaries provide several aspects and soils

Sierra de Cantabria to the north
- protection from Atlantic

Sierra de la Demanda to the south
- protection from warmer center of Spain

Rioja Alta
- continental with maritime influence
- relatively low altitude, warm, alluvial soils
- north west is cooler and wetter
- south is at 700m, cool and wet

Rioja Alavesa
- lies in Alava province in Basque country
- relatively cool and wet
- up to 700m

Rioja Oriental
- Northern part is low altitude, warmest, driest part of Rioja (suffers from drought)
- south is 500-1000m, cooler

Clay soils in all parts of Rioja

Vintage variation (due to varying influence of mediterranean and maritime)

old bush vines but also VSP trellised

55
Q

Varieties in Rioja

A

Black varieties (90%)
Tempranillo (88% of black varieties)
Garnacha
Graciano
Mazuelo (Carignan, acidity)
Maturana Tinta (Trousseau, acidity)
Cabernet Sauvignon

Viura (70%)
Tempranillo Blanco
Malvasia
Garnacha Blanca
Verdejo
Sauvignon Blanc

56
Q

Tempranillo in Rioja

A

Garnacha was replaced
- Tempranillo reliably produces higher yields
- Legalization of irrigation made drought-resistance less important
- Now, many are planting more Garnacha in Rioja Oriental

Better suited to Rioja Alta and Alavesa
- able to ripen even in cool high altitude sites with clay

57
Q

Where is Garnacha grown in Rioja

A

mostly Rioja Oriental
- warm, dry conditions

58
Q

Graciano

A

late ripening, drought resistant
small yields

susceptible to fungal diseases

high acidity and tannin
fresh black fruit flavours to Rioja blends

59
Q

Viura

A

aka Macabeo

late budding, late ripening

susceptible to botrytis, best suited to dry, warm sites

Relatively neutral

60
Q

Tempranillo Blanco

A

mutation of Tempranillo used in Rioja blends

high acidity, lemon, grapefruit, pineapple

second most planted white variety in Rioja

61
Q

Rioja red winemaking

A

Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva labelling used with min requirements for ageing
- only 225L barriques can be used

Nowadays, aim to highlight characteristics and quality of grapes
- earlier harvest dates
- more gentle extraction
- older and/or larger oak (or concrete, amphorae)
- shorter maturation
- French oak now more common than American (some still use only American, and others blend)
- blending parcels from different parts of Rioja

Single vineyard wines can be also made

62
Q

Contrasting styles of Rioja from the past

A

Vinos de autor (1990s):
- low yields, concentrated, new French oak
- labeled without an aging category

Earlier:
- less focus on concentration and extraction
- American oak, long aging
- coconut, cured meat

both still do exist but now there is a compromise somewhere in the middle

63
Q

Rioja white winemaking

A

Inexpensive unoaked style
- made protectively
- released early
- wines from high yields of Viura can be quite neutral, but other varieties like Verdejo and Sauvignon Blanc can add more character

Premium
- tend to be oaked
- Viura grown at lower yields
- Malvasia and Garnacha Blanca commonly added
- sometimes oxidative (traditional)
med+ body, med+ acidity, citrus, smoky, nutty aroma

Traditional oxidative style producer
- Vina Tondonia Gran Reserva from Lopez de Heredia
- dried fruits, honey, nuts, high acidity

64
Q

Rioja wine regulations

A

New regulations approved in 2017

Ageing must be done in 225L barriques

Crianza / Reserva / Gran Reserva categories
- specified minimum aging in total, in barrel, and in bottle
- there is no bottle aging required for whites and roses

Vino de Zona
- All grapes from named zone
(15% can be from outside the zone, if vineyard borders the zone and grapes have been sourced for 10 consecutive years)
- vinified, aged, bottled within zone
- label can indicate the zone

Vino de Municipio
- all grapes from named municipality
(15% can be from outside the municipality, if vineyard borders the municipality and grapes have been sourced for 10 consecutive years)
- vinified, aged, bottled within municipality
- this means producers must have a winery in this municipality (unlike Burgundy)
- label can indicate the municipality (and also zone)

Vinedo Singular

65
Q

Rioja Aging Requirements

A
66
Q

Name for single vineyards in Rioja and its regulations

A

Vinedo Singular

  • all grapes from named vineyard
  • Vinification, ageing, storage and bottling within same winery
  • producer must own vineyard for 10 consecutive years
  • min 35 years old
  • max yield must be respected
  • must be hand harvested and treated in sustainable way
  • restrictions on pruning during growing season
  • must be authorised by tasting panel
  • may indicate municipality and zone as well
  • label can name vineyard and “Vinedo Singular”
67
Q

Rioja wine business

A

Small vineyards (most below 1ha)
- co-ops have strong position
- many co-ops sell wine on to merchants
- many producers are also merchants
- handful of very large producers

Sales are slowly increasing, driven by exports
- 40% exported (USA)

Crianza is popular in Spain

Average price of Rioja is higher than other Spanish DOs
- but still below prices of France and Italy

Relatively small investment market

Marketing the value for money and diversity

68
Q

Navarra DO climate

A

many climatic influences
- Atlantic
- Mediterranean
- Pyrenees

5 sub-zones

Hilly north:
- Baja Montaña
- Valdizarbe
- Tierra Estella
- cooler, wetter (Atlantic + Pyrenees influence)

Central
- Ribera Alta
- warmer, drier, flatter

South
- Ribera Baja
- even warmer, drier, flatter

69
Q

Grape varieties in Navarra DO

A

Garnacha (used to be most planted, used for deep-colored rose)

Tempranillo (now the most planted)

Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Chardonnay

70
Q

Navarra wine styles

A

Tempranillo often single varietal

Cabernet and Merlot usually blended with Tempranillo and sometimes Garnacha

Fruity, easy-drinking to concentrated wines (aged for 1 year or more)
- French oak for Cabernet & Merlot
- American oak for Tempranillo

Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva often used

Chardonnay both oaked and unoaked

Garnacha:
- lighter, fruitier reds in cooler areas
- heavier, tannic reds in warmer areas
- significant amount of rose, mostly from cooler north
- rose must be made by short maceration (3-12 hours)
- some ferment/age rose in barrels

71
Q

Wine regions in Aragon

A

Carinena DO
Campo de Borja DO
Calatayud DO
Somontano DO (northeast, different climate)

72
Q

Carinena DO
Campo de Borja DO
Calatayud DO

climate and wine styles

A

warm continental climate
- far inland
- low annual rainfall
- high diurnal range from altitude (350-900m)
- cold winds (cierzo) from the north
- rocky free draining soils
- spring frost can be an issue

Mainly red
- a lot of old vine Garnacha
- mainly co-ops
- a lot of high volume inexpensive wines
- handful of small wineries making very good quality from old vine Garnacha
- they generally use less oak and/or older oak to highlight the fruit

73
Q

Somontano DO

A

region in Aragon

At the foot of the Pyrenees
- warm continental climate
- more rainfall than the other three
- 350-650m
- large diurnal range
- cold breezes from Pyrenees

Wide range of varieties
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay most planted
- Gewurztraminer

mid-priced wines
- biggest issue is competition from other better known regions making the same varieties

74
Q

Wine regions in Catalunya

A

Catalunya DO
Penedes DO
Priorat DOQ
Montsant DO
Costers del Segre DO

75
Q

Catalunya DO

A

applies to grapes grown anywhere in Catalunya

mainly for inexpensive wines

allows more freedom of varieties and where grapes can be grown

more widely recognized name than the smaller DOs

‘Vi de Finca’ (single-vineyard wines)

76
Q

Penedes DO

climate

A

Warm mediterranean climate
- split into 3 climatic sub-zones

Penedes Maritim
- between sea and coastal ranges
- low altitude
- warm climate without temperature extremes
- full bodied reds from late ripening varieties

Penedes Central
- relatively flat plains between coastal range and inland mountains
- moderate altitude (up to 500m)
- cooling influence
- Merlot, Cabernet, Tempranillo and Chardonnay

Penedes Superior
- inland mountains (500-800m)
- cooling influence
- spring frost
- cool climate grapes (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Noir)

rainfall is low, even drier in the summer
- irrigation used, but must get approval
- loam soils, store enough water through ripening period
- bush vines and trellising

77
Q

Grape varieties in Penedes DO

A

80% white
- Xarel-lo, Macabeo, Parellada
- Chardonnay
- Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling

Merlot
- followed by Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Pinot Noir, Syrah

78
Q

Development of Penedes

A

One of first Spanish regions to modernize
- Miquel Torres
- temperature control
- stainless steel

Quickly became known as a source of clean, fruity wines

More expensive red wines and some Chardonnay are often matured in oak, usually French

79
Q

Penedes wine business

A

30% exported (Germany, USA)

90% of domestic sales are in Catalunya

80
Q

Priorat DOQ winemaking history

A

Lack of easy access, challenging topography, and extremes of weather made viticulture difficult
- most vineyards abandoned after Phylloxera

Rene Barbier (1989)
- formed small group of viticulturists
- using French inspired techniques
- blending Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah with Garnacha and Carinena
- critical acclaim; wines sold for super premium prices
- Clos Martinet, Clos Erasmus

Followed by fast increase in plantings since 1990s

Promotion to DOQ in 2009

81
Q

Priorat

climate
viticulture
challenges and hazards

A

Warm continental climate
- protected from cold winds by Serra de Montsant in north and from Mediterranean by Serra de Llaberia to the south
- high diurnal range
- spring frost can be problem
- summers are very dry; irrigation permitted in driest years and to establish new vineyard

River Siurana
- range of altitudes 100-750m
- range of aspects
- extremely rugged topography

Vineyards on slopes (known as costers)
- ranging between 5 and 60% gradient
- narrow terraces (water run-off reduced)
- erosion
- everything done by hand
- number of old bush vines
- new vineyards are VSP-trellised where terrain allows

82
Q

Priorat soils

A

Poor and stony with outcrops of clay

Slate based soils - Llicorella
- thin, rocky
- lacking nutrients
- particles of mica reflecting light and heat

Slate bedrock splits vertically, allowing vines to grow deep roots to search for limited water

83
Q

maximum yield in Priorat

A

39 hl/ha

rarely achieved
- low densities
- old vines
- low nutrients
- low water

sometimes as low as 5-6 hl/ha

84
Q

Priorat grape varieties

A

Traditional Garnacha and Carinena
- Carinena grown on warmest sites

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah

White (only 6%) - Garnacha Blanca, Macabeo

85
Q

Winemaking in Priorat

and typical expression of red Priorat

A

Very traditional (basket press, large oak) to modern (stainless, optical sorting)

Cultured yeast often used (due to high potential alcohol)

Typically fermented in oak (often French)
- usually 1 - 2 years

Quality focused winemakers usually aim for freshness and acidity

High alcohol (14.5%) is balanced by concentrated ripe but not jammy fruit, medium + acidity

86
Q

Classifications (4) in Priorat

A

Vi de Vila
- grapes from one of 12 sub-zones
- name of sub-zone + Vi de Vila

Vi de Paratge
- grapes from single paratge (named site, aka lieu dit)
- paratges classified by terrain, geology, and microclimate

Vinya Classificada
- single vineyard of merit within a paratge
- equivalent to Cru

Gran Vinya Classificada
- single vineyard of exceptional merit within a paratge
- equivalent to Grand Cru

To qualify for any classification producer must:
- own the vineyard or rent it for min 7 years
- each classification has own rules about blends, vine age and max yield
- Vinya Classificada and Gran Vinya Classificada require critical recognition for at least 5 years
- ‘old vines’ is a classified term = min 75 years

87
Q

Montsant DO

climate
soils
viticulture

A

Wine region in Catalunya

forms almost a complete ring around Priorat
- most plantings on flatter land in the south
- more Mediterranean influence than Priorat
- temperatures are not so extreme
- some vineyards in the more mountainous north, with higher altitude and cooler temps

Variety of soils, some patches of llicorella
- slightly more fertile than Priorat (higher yields)

Overall less extreme topography
- some terraced vineyards
- trellised vineyards relatively common
- some bush vines

88
Q

Montsant DO

Wine styles and business

A

Dominated by Garnacha and Carinena
+ Tempranillo
+ Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
- single varietal Carinena and Garnacha is common also
- usually 1-2 years of maturation in American or French oak

Majority produced by cooperatives

Number of Priorat producers own vineyards here as land is cheaper and climate is similar

45% exported (US, Germany)

89
Q

Costers del Segre DO

A

wine region in Catalunya

Relatively far from sea
- continental climate
- low average rainfall

200-700m, cooler sites are used for Cava
- free draining, sandy soils
- irrigation needed in most vineyards

Wide range of international and local varieties
- Macabeo, Parellada, Xerel-lo
- Chardonnay, Garnacha Blanca, Sauvignon Blanc
- Garnacha, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

Generally fresh and fruity style

Raimat owns 1/3 of land (who helped to establish the region)

90
Q

Wine regions in Valencia and Murcia

A

Valencia
- Valencia DO
- Utiel-Requena DO
- Alicante DO

Murcia
- Jumilla DO
- Yecla DO

Produces a lot of inexpensive wines sold in bulk

91
Q

Valencia DO

A

Warm mediterranean climate
- cooling influences from the coast and altitude
- low rainfall (irrigation used)

Sub-zones:
- Alto Turia
- foothills of Sistema Iberico (700-1100m)
- coolest area, almost exclusively white wine
- Moscatel de Alejandria and Merseguera

  • Valentino
    • warmer, but cooled by sea breezes
    • diverse range of varieties, red and white
  • Clariano
    • diverse range of varieties, red and white
  • Moscatel
    • produces Moscatel de Valencia (sweet wine) and vino de licor (unfermented grape must fortified with grape spirit)

Mostly cheap and fruity, made by co-ops

92
Q

Utiel-Requena DO

A

Wine region in Valencia

Continental climate
- 750m altitude
- risk of frost
- low rainfall

Dominated by reds
- mostly Bobal

93
Q

Bobal

A

Grape variety widely used in Utiel-Requena (Valencia)

mid to late budding (avoids frost)

very drought tolerant

tannins can be grippy

able to retain acidity

ripens unevenly, vigorous and high yielding

Blackberry, black cherry, chocolate
- adds color to inexpensive blends

Range of styles:
- light-bodied medium-tannin, made with semi-carbonic maceration
- concentrated wines with more body and tannin (often made from old vines and aged in oak)

94
Q

Alicante DO

A

region in Valencia

Mediterranean climate
- extremely dry growing season
- mostly low density bush vines

Vinalopo zone:
- main center of production
- from the coast up to 500m
- Monastrell

Marina Alta zone:
- on the coast
- humid breezes
- Moscatel de Alejandria
- dry and sweet wines

Alicante DO must be at least 80% Monastrell
+ Alicante Bouschet, Garnacha, Bobal
- full bodied, high tannins, ripe black fruit, barrel ageing (American oak is common)

95
Q

Fondillón

A
  • historic wine style in Alicante DO
  • medium-sweet red wine
  • late harvested Monastrell
  • no fortification allowed
  • min 10 years of maturation in oak (usually 1200L)
  • can be Anada (vintage) or made by solera system
  • tend to be oxidative (dried fruits and nuts)
96
Q

Jumilla DO

A

Wine region in Murcia

Flat plains
- warm continental climate
- 400-800m
- cooling influence from altitude (diurnal range)
- low annual rainfall
- sand over limestone (water retention)
- many vineyards do not irrigate

Mainly Monastrell (80%)
- full bodied with high alcohol, blackberry, cherry, spice

Other grapes:
- Tempranillo
- Alicante Bouchet
- Garnacha
- Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot
- often blended with Monastrell to soften tannins
- also some roses and whites

Mainly inexpensive wines with a few premium (e.g. Casa Castillo)

Majority of wines are sold on export market

97
Q

Yecla DO

A

Flat plains, warm continental climate
- some moderation from Mediterranean
- 500-900m
- cooling influence from altitude (diurnal range)
- low annual rainfall
- mixture of sand and limestone (retains water)

Monastrell dominant

Bulk and bottled. One co-op produces 60%

95% exported

98
Q

Wine regions in Castilla-La Mancha

A

La Mancha DO
Valdepeñas DO
Castilla VT

Also home to 9 of Spain’s 18 Vinos de Pago (VP)
- Dominio de Valdepusa, making Cabernet, Syrah, PV

99
Q

La Mancha DO

A

Largest DO in Spain, largest PDO in Europe (158,000ha)

Large, flat meseta at 500-700m

Extreme continental climate
- +45C degrees to -20C degrees
- low rainfall
- limestone and chalk (retention of water)
- irrigation common
- low density bush vines
- trellised, irrigated vineyards are more densely planted

Airen
- neutral wine for early consumption
- fermented in stainless steel
- much is used for distillation

Cencibel (Tempranillo)
- mostly in a fruity style with short oak aging

Co-ops
- majority of production
- Virgen de las Vinas (largest in Spain)

sold in bulk or bottled

40% exported (China)

100
Q

Valdepeñas DO

A

Southern meseta
- extreme continental climate

Cencibel (Tempranillo)

inexpensive wines

101
Q

Castilla VT

A

Vast area, similar climate to La Mancha and Valdepeñas

large range of international and local varieties

inexpensive wines

102
Q

Txakoli

A

three DOs in Basque Country

moderate maritime climate
- rainfall can be very high
- fungal diseases
- VSP trellising to open canopy

Hondarrabi Zuri (white)
- stainless steel
- released early
- high acidity, medium- body, low alcohol, fresh apple, pear, lemon
- sometimes light spritz
- some producers use lees contact, oak aging

103
Q

Sierra de Gredos

A

Mountain range west of Madrid
- does not have its own denomination
- may be labelled Vinos de Madrid DO or Castilla y Leon VT

Old vine Garnacha in very light style
- 600-1200m altitude provides cooling
- lighter in tannins, medium+ acidity, strawberry, cherry

Low intervention wines, low levels of sulphur

Albillo Real (white)
- full bodied
- fermented and/or matured in oak, sometimes on skins

104
Q

The Islands

A

Balearic Islands
- Manto Negro, Tempranillo, Cabernet, Chardonnay

Canary Islands
- tropical influence, hot humid conditions
- up to 1500m altitude
- mechanization impossible

Tenerife
- 5 DOs
- Listan Negro, Malvasia, Listan Blanco (Palomino)
- Listan Negro often made with carbonic maceration

Valle de Orotava DO (Tenerife)
- several vines twisted together to form long ‘ropes’, trained on low wires, growing up and down the hillsides

Lanzarote
- relatively flat
- dark volcanic ash
- vines planted in craters dug into ash, to protect vines from winds and capture any moisture possible
- Malvasia, dry and sweet

Old_Full (26 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions