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WSET® Level 4 Wine > WSET® Level 4 D3 Wines of the World > D3 - Spain 2: Catalunya, Valencia, Murcia, Castilla La Mancha, Basque, Gredos, the Islands > Flashcards

D3 - Spain 2: Catalunya, Valencia, Murcia, Castilla La Mancha, Basque, Gredos, the Islands Flashcards

Examines the region, grapes, method of production, and styles of Catalunya, Valencia, Murcia, Castilla La Mancha, the Basque Region, Gredos, and the Islands of Spain.

1
Q

What are the major influencers of Catalunya’s climate?

A
  • Mediterranean;
  • Inland altitude.
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2
Q

What are Vi de Finca?

A

Exceptional wines from Catalunya that meet strict specifications, including a restriction on yields and a minimum length of time for the wine established in the market.

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3
Q

Why would some producers choose to use the Catalunya DO on their wine label instead of some of the smaller DOs within Catalunya?

A

The Catalunya DO allows more freedom than other smaller DOs (where grapes can be sourced and the range of international and local grape varieties are permitted);

Catalunya is a more recognized name in export markets than, say, Penedès or Terra Alta.

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4
Q

What is the general climate of Penedès DO?

A

Warm Mediterranean.

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5
Q

Penedès DO can be broadly divided into three zones, each of which has different topography and climatic influences.

What are the three zones and where are they?

A
  1. Penedès Marítim - between the Mediterranean and the coastal hills;
  2. Penedès Central - between the coastal range and the inland mountains (a flat plain known as the Pre-Coastal Depression);
  3. Penedès Superior - inland mountains at 500 - 800m elevation.
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6
Q

Penedès Marítim:

  • What is its climate?
  • What style of wine is it known for?
  • What grapes grow there?
A
  • Warm climate without temperature extremes thanks to its low altitude and proximity to the sea;
  • Known for full-bodied red wines from late ripening varieties such as Monastrell;
  • Some Xarel-lo, Macabeo and Parellada grown here, usually for inexpensive still wines.
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7
Q

Which is higher in altitude: Penedès Marítim or Penedès Central?

A

Penedès Central - it’s ~500m asl which provides some cooling influence to grapes grown there.

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8
Q

What grapes are grown in Penedès Central?

A
  • Xarel-lo, Macabeo and Parellada;
  • Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo and Chardonnay.
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9
Q

What weather hazard exists in Penedès Superior?

A

Spring frost.

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10
Q

Because Penedès Superior is so cool (and has such a pronounced diurnal range from its elevation), what grapes can be grown there?

A

Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, even some Riesling and Gewürztraminer are grown here, becoming ripe while retaining acidity, and even Pinot Noir.

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11
Q
  • How much rainfall does Penedès get per year on average?
  • Is irrigation allowed?
A
  • 500mm;
  • Irrigation is allowed only if vines are suffering from lack of water AND authorization is gained from the Consejo Regulador.
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12
Q

What is the general soil composition in Penedès?

A

Loamy with some calcareous components.

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13
Q

Many large vineyards in Penedès are trellised which allows for _____.

A

Mechanization.

Some Bush do vines exist, which cannot be mechanized.

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14
Q

Select the correct answer.

Penedès was one of the first places in Spain to:

a. Modernize its wine production practices, introducing temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel
b. Use American oak on their expensive Chardonnay
c. Make rosado

A

a. Modernize its wine production practices, introducing temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel

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15
Q

What were the five original “Clos” wines of Priorat?

A
  1. Clos Mogador
  2. Clos Martinet
  3. Clos Dofí
  4. Clos de L’Obac
  5. Clos Erasmus
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16
Q
  • What is the climate of Priorat?
  • What are the region’s climate influencers?
A
  • Warm continental climate
  • Influencers include:
    • Serra de Montsant in the north, protecting the region from cold winds;
    • Serra de Llaberia in the south, protecting the region from Mediterranean influence.
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17
Q

Fill in the blanks.

In Priorat:

  • Summers are ______.
  • The diurnal range is ______.
  • The winters are _______.
A
  • Summers are hot.
  • The diurnal range is high.
  • The winters are cold – so cold that spring frosts are sometimes a problem.
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18
Q
  • Rainfall in Priorat averages about _____ per year.
  • When does it mostly fall?
A
  • 500-600mm/year
  • Falls mostly in winter and spring.
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19
Q

Is irrigation permitted in Priorat?

A

Yes, irrigation is allowed in Priorat but:

  • only with advanced authorization;
  • only to justify the survival of the vine or to improve the quality of the grapes.
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20
Q

What river runs through Priorat?

A

River Siurana.

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21
Q

Priorat’s topography is rugged and has a broad range of altitudes and aspects because of _______.

A

The many tributaries of the River Siurana carving out winding valleys in the terrain.

Altitudes in Priorat range from 100–750m asl.

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22
Q

What are slopes known as in Priorat?

A

Costers.

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23
Q

Why are narrow terraces common in Priorat?

A
  • They help to reduce soil erosion;
  • Allow rainwater to better infiltrate the soil (surface run-off is reduced).
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24
Q

Which type of harvesting is done in Priorat: hand or machine?

A

Hand harvesting – there is no way machines can harvest those narrow terraces!

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25
Q

What is the name of the slate-based soils in Priorat?

How are they beneficial to the vines?

A

Llicorella, which fragments and splits vertically allowing vines’ roots to grow deeply into the soil to look for water.

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26
Q

The maximum permitted yield in Priorat is ___hL/ha.

Why so low?

A

39 hL/ha

  • Low nutrient and water levels lead to low yields per vine;
  • Old vineyards are generally planted to low density with bush vines;
  • High density plantings are rare.
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27
Q

What are the two local, traditional red grape varieties planted and used in Priorat?

Which one is most planted?

Why are they grown here?

A
  • Garnacha and Cariñena;
  • Both are suited to hot days and dry conditions.
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28
Q

What are the white grape varieties planted and used in Priorat?

A

Garnacha Blanca and Macabeo.

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29
Q

Why are cultured yeasts commonly used in Priorat?

A

Cultured yeasts are more reliable as high levels of potential alcohol in the grapes means fermentation with ambient yeasts can be slow and last many weeks.

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30
Q

What are the four classifications of Priorat set by the Consejo Regulador?

A
  1. Vi de Vila
  2. Vi de Paratge
  3. Vinya Classificada
  4. Gran Vinya Classificada
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31
Q

What are the parameters a producer must meet in order to qualify for any of the four classifications in Priorat?

A

Producers must own the vineyard from which the grapes came OR have rented the vineyard for a minimum of seven years.

Vinya Classificada or Gran Vinya Classificada involve critical ‘recognition’ from these single vineyards.

Vinya Classificada is the equivalent of a cru, and Gran Vinya Classificada is the equivalent of a grand cru.

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32
Q

Vi de Vila:

  • Where must the grapes come from?
  • How does this category appear on the label?
A
  • Grapes must come from one of Priorat’s 12 subzones;
  • Appears as Name of Subzone + ‘Vi de Vila’.
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33
Q

Vi de Paratge:

  • Where must the grapes come from?
  • How many paratges are there in Priorat?
A
  • Grapes must come from within a single paratge or named site (it’s equivalent to a lieu dit in France);
  • 459 paratges, all of which are noted for their terrain, geology and microclimate.
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34
Q

Vinya Classificada:

Where must the wines come from?

A

A single vineyard of particular merit within a Paratje – it’s equivalent to a cru.

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35
Q

Gran Vinya Classificada:

Where must the grapes come from?

A

A single vineyard of exceptional merit within a Paratje – it’s equivalent to a grand cru.

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36
Q

What are the rules surrounding the use of the term ‘old vines’ in Priorat?

A

The vineyard must be a minimum of 75 years old OR the vines must have been planted before 1945.

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37
Q

Where are most of the vineyards in Montsant DO?

A

In the south of the region where the land flattens out to the lower valley of the River Ebro.

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38
Q

Why is the climate in Montsant DO more Mediterranean than in Priorat DOQ?

A

Its proximity to the coast – temperatures in Montsant DO in the summer and winter are not so extreme as they are in Priorat DOQ.

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39
Q

Are there vineyards planted in the north of Montsant DO, where it’s more mountainous?

A

Yes, and the vineyards here are cooler due to higher elevation (300-700m asl).

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40
Q

Describe how the soils in
Montsant DO differ from those in Priorat DOQ.

A

Montsant:

  • Slightly more fertile than Priorat (and so yields are higher);
  • More of a range of soils, from clay-based to sandy;
  • In north and east higher limestone;
  • Some llicorella in the south.
41
Q

Select the correct answer.

Compared to Priorat DOQ, the topography in Montsant DO is:

a. More extreme
b. Less extreme
c. The same

What effect does that have on the vineyards in Montsant?

A

b. Less extreme

  • Vineyards on slopes are terraced (like Priorat), which reduces erosion and helps better retain water;
  • Trellised vineyards are relatively common allowing for mechanization, though there are also vineyards planted to bush vines.
42
Q

In Montsant, after Garnacha and Cariñena, what is the third most planted grape?

A

Tempranillo.

43
Q

What are the aging processes for Priorat and Montsant?

A

Montsant: matured for 1 to 2 years in French or American oak barrels

Priorat: typically matured in French oak for 1 to 2 years

44
Q

Name a producer in Montsant and a producer in Priorat.

A

Montsant: Celler de Capçanes

Priorat: Clos Mogador

45
Q
  • Which accounts for the majority of production in Montsant DO today: co-ops or individual producers?
  • What is happening to change that?
A
  • Co-ops produce the majority of wine in Montsant DO;
  • Montsant was awarded DO status in 2001; since then there has been an increase individual producers.
46
Q

Costers del Segre DO:

  • What is the climate?
  • What is the average annual rainfall?
  • Who’s the producer that put this DO on the map and what is the name of the winery?
A
  • Warm continental;
  • 400mm;
  • Raventós/Raimat.
47
Q

What style of wine is typical for Costers del Segre DO?

A

A fresh, fruity style for early drinking, and some producers age their wines in French or American oak.

48
Q

In Valencia and Murcia, what is the predominant style of wine made?

A

Inexpensive wine that’s sold in bulk.

49
Q

What is the climate like in Valencia and Murcia?

A

Climate ranges from continental to Mediterranean depending on the vineyard’s proximity to the coast.

50
Q

What two features provide cooling influences in Valencia?

A
  • Altitude;
  • Proximity to coast.
51
Q

What is the general style of wine made in Valencia?

Who makes the vast majority of these wines: co-ops or individual estates?

A

Most of the wines are made by local co-ops in a fruity style for immediate consumption.

52
Q
  • What is the average annual rainfall in Valencia?
  • Is irrigation allowed?
A
  • ~450mm/year
  • Irrigation is allowed – in fact, it’s widely used.
53
Q

What are the names of the two non-contiguous areas of Valencia?

A
  1. Alto Turia;
  2. Valentino.
54
Q

Valencia’s Alto Turia subzone:

  1. Where is it?
  2. What is its altitude?
  3. What style of wine is made there/what grapes are used?
A
  1. Located in the southern foothills of the Sistema Ibérico mountains;
  2. 700-1100m elevation (coolest area in Valencia);
  3. Produces white wines from Moscatel de Alejandría and Merseguera.
55
Q

Valencia’s Valentino subzone:

  1. What is the altitude?
  2. What grapes are grown there?
A
  1. 200-650m altitude (so warmer than Alto Turia);
  2. Local and international varieties of both colors.
56
Q

For extra credit, what are two other subzones of Valencia?

A
  • Clariano subzone in the south of Valencia;
  • Moscatel subzone (just inland from Valentino).

Clariano makes wines similar to Valentino, while Moscatel subzone makes mostly sweet wines.

57
Q
  • What is the climate of Utiel-Requena DO?
  • Where is this DO?
A
  • Continental;
  • Wedged between northern part of Valencia and La Mancha.
58
Q
  • What is the average altitude of Utiel-Requena DO?
  • What is the average annual rainfall of this DO?
A
  • ~750m asl – so somewhat high;
  • ~450mm – so somewhat low.
59
Q

What is the main red grape planted in Utiel-Requena DO?

Why is it so well suited to the area?

A

Bobal

  • Mid- to late budding (so avoids spring frosts);
  • Drought tolerant;
  • Retains acidity despite the hot climate.
60
Q

Select the correct answer.

Bobal ripens:

a. Evenly
b. Unevenly

A

b. Unevenly

So it can have grippy tannins.

61
Q

Select the correct answer.

Bobal gives:

a. High levels of color so it’s commonly used as a blending grape
b. Low levels of color and is commonly used to add floral components to blends

A

a. High levels of color so it’s commonly used as a blending grape

62
Q

Alicante DO is:

  1. Larger or smaller than Valencia DO?
  2. What is its climate?
  3. What is its average annual rainfall?
A
  • Smaller – it’s the smallest DO in the Valencia region;
  • Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters;
  • Only ~250mm of rain per year (very low!).
63
Q

What are the two main production zones of Alicante DO and what are the main grapes found in each?

A
  1. Vinalopó – Monastrell;
  2. Marina Alta – Moscatel de Alejandría (makes dry and sweet wines).
64
Q

What is the general style of wine made in Alicante DO?

A

Full-bodied, dry red wines with high alcohol, high tannins and ripe black fruits.

Made mainly with Monastrell.

65
Q

Alicante DO:

  1. What is the main red grape, and what is its minimum percent in blends?
  2. What are the other varieties allowed in blends?
  3. Is oak maturation common or uncommon here?
A
  1. Main grape is Monastrell – 80% minimum in the blend;
  2. Alicante Bouschet, Garnacha and Bobal;
  3. Maturation in oak is common (usually American).
66
Q

What is the historic wine style in Alicante DO?

Describe it.

A

Fondillón;

  • Medium-sweet, unfortified red wine made from late harvest Monastrell;
  • Maximum of 40 g/L RS;
  • Minimum 16% abv;
  • Matured for a minimum of 10 years in 1200L-sized oak;
  • Can be vintaged (añada) or solera blends;
  • Oxidized with dried fruit and nutty notes.
67
Q

Select the correct answer.

Jumilla DO is located between Alicante and La Mancha:

a. In area of flat plains and wide valleys
b. In a very hilly area at extremely high altitudes

A

a. In area of flat plains and wide valleys

68
Q

Jumilla DO:

  1. What is the climate?
  2. What is the altitude?
  3. What is the average annual rainfall?
  4. What is the general soil type?
A
  1. Warm continental climate;
  2. 400-800m asl;
  3. ~250-300mm rain per year;
  4. Mostly sand over a layer of limestone.
69
Q

When was Jumilla’s last bout of phylloxera?

What were the consequences?

A
  • 1989
  • A major proportion of vines were uprooted and replanted, giving winegrowers the chance to use virus-free vines and higher-quality clones of Monastrell;
  • This together with improved vineyard management and winemaking techniques (including earlier harvesting and cooler fermentation temperatures) has led to a steady improvement in quality.

Note: there are old vines that were unaffected by the last phylloxera outbreak which produce low yields of high-quality fruit.

70
Q

What is the dominant grape in Jumilla?

A

Monastrell.

71
Q

What other grapes besides Monastrell are permitted in Jumilla DO?

A
  • Cencibel (Tempranillo);
  • Garnacha Tintorera (Alicante Bouschet);
  • Garnacha;
  • Cabernet Sauvignon;
  • Merlot;
  • Syrah;
  • Petit Verdot.
72
Q

Name a winery from Jumilla DO.

A
  • Bodegas El Nido;
  • Casa Castillo.
73
Q

How are wines from Yecla DO similar to those from Jumilla DO?

A
  • Monastrell is dominant variety;
  • Styles are similar (full-bodied with high alcohol and flavours of ripe blackberry and cherry fruit and spice from maturation in oak);
  • Low rainfall (~300mm/year);
  • Altitude provides cooling influence (Yecla is 500-900m asl);
  • Similar soils (sand with limestone).
74
Q

Castilla-La Mancha is is located on the southern part of Spain’s ______.

What kind of climate does it have?

A
  • Meseta (plateau)
  • Extreme continental climate.
75
Q

What are the 2 DOs of Castilla-La Mancha to know?

A
  1. La Mancha DO
  2. Valdepeñas DO
76
Q

The largest DO in Spain, which is also the largest PDO in Europe, is _____ DO.

A

La Mancha DO

77
Q

La Mancha DO:

  1. What is the altitude and climate?
  2. What is the average annual rainfall?
A
  1. 500-700m asl, extreme continental climate;
  2. ~300-400mm rainfall per year.
78
Q
  • In La Mancha DO, is irrigation common or uncommon?
  • What are they types of training found here?
A
  • Irrigation is common for trellised (newer) vineyards;
  • Irrigation is uncommon for low-density planted, bush trained vineyards.
79
Q

What are the two most planted grape varieties in La Mancha DO?

What styles of wine are they used to make?

A
  1. Airén – mostly used for distillation (Brandy de Jerez);
  2. Cencibel (Tempranillo) – mostly makes fruity-style red that sees short contact with oak.
80
Q

The largest co-op in La Mancha, which is also the largest co-op in Spain, is _______.

A

Virgen de las Viñas in Tomelloso – they make mostly bulk and inexpensive bottled wine, ~38% of which is exported.

81
Q

Valdepeñas DO is known to make what style of wine?

A

Cencibel-based wines showing ripe red fruit, soft tannins, medium acidity, and oak spice.

82
Q

Castilla-La Mancha is home to 9 of Spain’s 18 Vinos de Pago.

Name the first Vino de Pago that is also the best known in the region.

A

Dominio de Valdepusa - made with Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Petit Verdot.

83
Q

How is the Basque Country generally split?

A

In two, by the Cantabrian cordillera:

  • North: Txakoli and its 3 DOs
  • South: Rioja Alavesa
84
Q

Txakoli:

  1. What is the general climate?
  2. What is the average annual rainfall?
  3. What is the main white grape variety here?
A
  1. Moderate maritime;
  2. 1600mm per year;
  3. Hondarribi Zuri.
85
Q

Why do producers in Txakoli have to keep their canopies well maintained?

A

To reduce the risk of fungal disease as the pressure is high in this area (1600mm rainfall per year).

86
Q

The majority of wines made in Txakoli are what style?

A

Dry whites - made in stainless steel, meant to be drunk in their youth.

87
Q

Wines from Sierra de Gredos can be labeled as:

A
  1. Vinos de Madrid DO;
  2. Mentrida DO (within Castilla-La Mancha);
  3. Cebreros DO;
  4. Castilla y León VT.
88
Q

Most wines from Sierra de Gredos are made using which grape variety grown at what altitude?

A

Garnacha at 600-1200m asl.

89
Q
  • What is the climate of Sierra de Gredos?
  • Does it have a cooling influence?
A
  • Continental climate;
  • Its elevation provides a cooling influence and the diurnal range is high.
90
Q

How is Garnacha made in Sierra de Gredos different from Garnacha made in Aragon?

A

Garnacha from Gredos is typically made with lower intervention and is lighter in tannin, with medium (+) acidity and fresh strawberry and cherry fruit.

Garnacha from Aragon is typically medium to full-bodied with high alcohol, medium tannins and ripe red and black fruits; higher quality Aragon producers make Garnacha that’s concentrated raspberry and plum fruit with subtle spicy notes from oak, medium (+) acidity, medium to medium (+) tannins and high alcohol.

91
Q

What are the two sets of islands off of Spain whose wines are increasing in popularity?

A
  1. Balearic Islands;
  2. Canary Islands.
92
Q

What are the 4 islands that make up the Balearic Island?

A
  1. Mallorca;
  2. Menorca;
  3. Ibiza;
  4. Formentera.
93
Q
  • The best known Balearic Island making wine right now is _______.
  • What are the local grapes that grow there?
  • What other grapes grow there?
A
  • Mallorca;
  • Local grapes: Manto Negro and Callet;
  • Other grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay.
94
Q

Which of the following is correct?

The Canary Islands are:

a. Flat with little rainfall and dry conditions, with irrigation widespread and vineyards mechanized in a cool continental climate.
b. Mountainous and rugged terrain with vineyards planted at high elevation; high rainfall, wide diurnal ranges, tropical influence, and is always hand harvested.

A

b. Mountainous and rugged terrain with vineyards planted at high elevation; high rainfall, wide diurnal ranges, tropical influence, and is always hand harvested.

95
Q

Select the correct answer.

In the Canary Islands, there is:

a. Only 1 DO covering all of the islands
b. Each island has its own DO

A

b. Each island has its own DO

96
Q

What are the most common grapes grown in the Canary Islands?

A
  • Listan Negro;
  • Malvasía;
  • Listan Blanco (Palomino).
97
Q

How is the viticulture in Valle de Orotava DO (Tenerife) so unique?

A

Several vines twisted together to form long ‘ropes’, trained on low wires and growing up and down the hillsides.

98
Q

The island of Lanzarote:

  1. What is the topography, and what is it covered in?
  2. How are vines planted here?
  3. What is the dominant grape variety, and what styles of wine is it made into?
A
  1. Topography: pretty flat, and the terrain is covered in a layer of dark volcanic ash;
  2. Vines are planted in craters dug into the ash and partially surrounded by stone walls to protect the vines from winds and to capture any moisture available (low-density plantings, low yields);
  3. Malvasía is the dominant grape variety and is made in both dry and sweet styles.
99
Q
  • What color is the Pardina grape variety?
  • In which industry is it mainly used?
A
  • Pardina is a white variety;
  • Brandy industry.

WSET® Level 4 D3 Wines of the World (47 decks)

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