Ch. 20 – Spain Flashcards

Question

Rías Baixas DO wine business

Answer 1

25% exported (US) Co-ops are dominant, due to very small vineyards - Bodegas Martin Codax is the largest Pazo de Senorans (high quality)

Answer 2

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

Answer 3

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

Answer 4

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

Answer 5

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)

Answer 6

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

Answer 7

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

Answer 8

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

Answer 9

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

Answer 10

Continental with maritime influence in in west Made up of high altitude plateau (northern part of the meseta) - mountains to the north and south

Answer 11

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

Answer 12

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

Answer 13

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

Answer 14

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

Answer 15

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

Answer 16

Red wines must be min 75% Tinta de Toro - remainder Garnacha - max 15% alcohol Rose - Tinta de Toro or Garnacha White - Malvasia or Verdejo

Answer 17

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

Answer 18

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)

Answer 19

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

Answer 20

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

Answer 21

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)

Answer 22

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

Answer 23

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

Answer 24

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

Answer 25

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

Answer 26

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

Answer 27

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

Answer 28

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)

Answer 29

northern part of meseta - protected from any Atlantic influence by mountains - continental climate - moderated by altitude Large number of local and international varieties permitted

Answer 30

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

Answer 31

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

Answer 32

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

Answer 33

mostly Rioja Oriental - warm, dry conditions

Answer 34

late ripening, drought resistant small yields susceptible to fungal diseases high acidity and tannin fresh black fruit flavours to Rioja blends

Answer 35

aka Macabeo late budding, late ripening susceptible to botrytis, best suited to dry, warm sites Relatively neutral

Answer 36

mutation of Tempranillo used in Rioja blends high acidity, lemon, grapefruit, pineapple second most planted white variety in Rioja

Answer 37

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

Answer 38

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

Answer 39

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

Answer 40

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

Answer 41

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"

Answer 42

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

Answer 43

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

Answer 44

Garnacha (used to be most planted, used for deep-colored rose) Tempranillo (now the most planted) Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Chardonnay

Answer 45

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

Answer 46

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

Answer 47

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

Answer 48

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

Answer 49

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

Answer 50

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)

Answer 51

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

Answer 52

80% white - Xarel-lo, Macabeo, Parellada - Chardonnay - Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling Merlot - followed by Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Pinot Noir, Syrah

Answer 53

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

Answer 54

30% exported (Germany, USA) 90% of domestic sales are in Catalunya

Answer 55

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

Answer 56

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

Answer 57

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

Answer 58

39 hl/ha rarely achieved - low densities - old vines - low nutrients - low water sometimes as low as 5-6 hl/ha

Answer 59

Traditional Garnacha and Carinena - Carinena grown on warmest sites Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah White (only 6%) - Garnacha Blanca, Macabeo

Answer 60

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

Answer 61

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

Answer 62

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

Answer 63

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)

Answer 64

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)

Answer 65

Valencia - Valencia DO - Utiel-Requena DO - Alicante DO Murcia - Jumilla DO - Yecla DO Produces a lot of inexpensive wines sold in bulk

Answer 66

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

Answer 67

Wine region in Valencia Continental climate - 750m altitude - risk of frost - low rainfall Dominated by reds - mostly Bobal

Answer 68

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)

Answer 69

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)

Answer 70

- 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)

Answer 71

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

Answer 72

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

Answer 73

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

Answer 74

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)

Answer 75

Southern meseta - extreme continental climate Cencibel (Tempranillo) inexpensive wines

Answer 76

Vast area, similar climate to La Mancha and Valdepeñas large range of international and local varieties inexpensive wines

Answer 77

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

Answer 78

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

Answer 79

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