Ebro River Valley Flashcards
DO Navarra - important to know
Only DO in Navarra. Varietal diversity commonplace (phylloxera and French winemakers, so now Intl varieties play just as an important role). Fueros important part of history. Was Basque
How history helped to shape the Ebro River Valley’s modern wine industry
vineyards planted in 9th and 10th due to monasteries. Wine also needed for pilgrims. increase in demand in wine due to phylloxera in 19th c but only until root louse arrived, causing devastation of almost 95% of vines. Not replanted until early 20th c, mostly Garnacha.
The main factors influencing the region’s climate
Only one provence - Navarra. Three zones: montaña, zona media, ribera (on ebro). Continental climate but some maritime influence due to Bay of Biscay. Vineyards in southern zones - zona media and ribera. Ribera largest temp swings and Cierzo wind. Ebro part of south border with La Rioja, and many tributaries.
The dominant soil type(s) in Navarra
Soils sedimentary loam, marls and sands throughout river basin - northern areas closer to basin more alluvial, southern more limestone (mountains), along river they are clay.
The most widely-planted grape varieties of Navarra?
Most ardent supporters of intl varieties due to French winemakers coming there. Largest plantings are Temp and Garnacha, but Cab and Merlot make up almost a third. 90% grapes red, but only 60% of wine, as rosado is a big deal (30% of production)
Traditional and modern winemaking practices in Navarra
Rosado must be made via sangrado (saignee)
Important to know about DO Navarra
Only DO in Navarra. Varietal diversity commonplace. Intl varieties play just as an important role.
The climate, topography, and soils in DO Navarra
mostly marl, loam, sand. Some limestone in south. clay along Ebro. Contintental with maritime influences.
The grape varieties and the principal wine styles of DO Navarra
Tempranillo and Garnacha Tinta.
Sub-zones of DO Navarra
Tierra Estrella: western-most, borders PV and Rioja. Hilly and highest. Valdizarbe: north central along Camino. Mts to north and west, Arga cuts through, most humid. Baja Montaña: foothills of Pirineos in northeastern part, border Aragon. Vinos rosados most famous. Ribera Alta: at center, continental. Ribera Baja: southernmost, warmest, borders Rioja Oriental
How history shaped Aragon
phylloxera had same benefit, also a train. Franco put an end to progress.
Main topographical features (mountain ranges, rivers, etc.) of Aragon
Ebro runs through Zaragoza. Flanked by two mt ranges. Ebro in central part.
The main factors influencing Aragon’s climate
Continental. Ebro runs through Zaragoza. Largest temp shifts in the basin. Threats are cold northwestern Cierzo wind, frost, drought and hail.
Dominant soil types in Aragon
limestone and clay dominant, with surface of pebbles stones and rocks.
The “need to know” (NTK) grape varieties mentioned in the text and their regional synonyms in Aragon
Garnacha - which is likely indigenous. Got a bad rap due to its oxidative nature, but with better hygiene now, it’s gained importance. Most grown grape in all regions except Somontano, where intl more important. Most vines are bush trained/ en vaso
Intl varieties in Aragon
cab sauv, merlot, chard
Traditional and modern winemaking practices in Aragon
white/rosados usually in stainless steel tanks, many reds same but many produce more complex.
What are Aragon’s NTK DOs?
Calatayud, Campo de Borja, Cariñena, Somontano
About Calatayud
foothills of sistema iberica, Slate, clay, sand
Primary grape of Aragon: garnacha
Mostly garnacha in calatayud
Calatyud superior: if min of 85% garnacha (at least 50yrs vines, and low yielding).
About Campo de Borja
Garnacha Between ebro and sistema iberico Limestone and clay Small area for cava Lots of en vaso plantings
About Cariñena
Garnacha (but lots of tempranillo)
has DO Cava. Considered birthplace of Garnacha tinta.
About Somontano
Northernmost Some mediterranean influences Foothills of pireneos Wettest and greenest DO in Aragon Limestone and clay The region that french flooded Most ardent supporter of intl grapes Cab and Merlot are 45% of grapes - most authorized grapes are intl Also gewurstraminer Mostly red, but a lot white and rose
What two Aragon DOs do Cava?
Cariñena and Campo de Borja
