Geography, Climate and Soils - North West (Rias Baixas and Bierzo) Flashcards
Describe the generalised geography of Spain’s northwest wine regions.
Known as Galicia, the region runs along the northern coast from the Bay of Biscay around to the western coast and the northern coast of Portugal. It is separated form Castilla y Leon by mountain ranges.
What is the generalised climate of Galicia? What is this part of Spain known as?
It is known as ‘Green Spain’ due to the high levels of rainfall.
The climate is Atlantic - Maritime, with annual rainfall of 1300mm and sunshine hours of 2000.
Describe the geography of Rias Baixas?
An area lying just above the Portuguese border with the river Mino separating the two countries. The town of Santiago de Compostela lies in its north, with the town of Pontevedra on the regions mid coast. Rias Baixas means ‘Low Estuaries’.
What is the most northerly subregion of Rias Baixas? Describe its placement.
- Ribeira de Ulla
- In the far north of the region, inland lying either side of the River Ulla to the south of Santiago de Compostela.
What two subregions of Rias Baixas lay south of Ribeira de Ulla in the regions mid section? Describe their placement.
- Val do Salnes - On the coast southwest of Ribeira de Ulla north of the town of Pontevedra.
- Soutomaior - In the centre of the region on the Vigo estuary.
What are the two most southerly subregions of Rias Baixas? Describe their placement.
- O Rosal - Northern bank of the River Mino starting on the eastern coast.
- Condado de Tea - Also northern bank of River Mino but further inland to the east of O Rosal. Tributary of the Mino flows through its western side, the River Tea.
How many hectares does Rias Baixas have under vine and what is the altitude range of the region?
- 4000ha
- Sea level to 1000m
Describe the summer temperature range in the subregions of Rias Baixas.
The coastal regions are cooler and rarely rise above 30°C, however the further inland Condado de Tea is warmer and can reach temperatures of up to 40°C
What is annual rainfall of the greater Galician area and specifically Rias Baixas?
- 1300mm / 2000mm
What is the soil of Rias Baixas?
Granite bedrock
Describe the climate of Bierzo.
A special micro climate, Bierzo is protected from Atlantic influence by mountains that surround it so shows more continental aspects.
Bierzo can be broadly separated into what two subregions?
The valleys of the mountainous Alto Bierzo and the plains of Baja Bierzo.
Which river bisects Bierzo and what is its principal town?
- The River Sil - A tributary of the Mino.
- Ponferrada
What are the soils of Bierzo?
Slate at altitude and and fertile alluvial lower down.
What is the altitude range of the vineyards of Bierzo?
450m-1000m
