Geography, Climate and Soils - Upper Ebro Flashcards
Rioja is named after what river?
The Rio Oja, a tributary of the Ebro.
How many hectares is Rioja?
63,000ha
What geographical formation is important to Rioja Alavesa and Alta and why?
The mountain range of the Sierra de Cantabria, protects from Atlantic winds to the north, without which it would be too windy for viticulture.
What are the climates of the three Rioja sub-regions?
Rioja Alavesa - Atlantic-Maritime
Rioja Alta - Mediterranean influenced Atlantic-maritime
Rioja Baja - Mediterranean
What are the generalised soil formations of the three sub-regions of Rioja?
Rioja Alavesa - Calcareous clay
Rioja Alta - Calcareous clay, ferruginous clay and alluvial soil.
Rioja Baja - Ferruginous clay and alluvial soil
What is the annual temperature range, annual rainfall and sunshine hours of Rioja?
- 40°C to -4°C
- 450mm
- 2800 hours
Rioja Alavesa is located where? At what altitude? What key points differentiate its climate from the other two zones?
- Basque country, closest to the Bay of Biscay
- North of the River Ebro in the north of the region
- 400-500m above sea level
- The coolest and wettest of the three regions
Where is Rioja Alta located? At what altitude? Describe its specific climate in relation to the other two sub-regions.
- Mainly south of the Ebro in the west of the region
- 400-500m
- Warmer and drier than Alavesa but still relatively cool due to Atlantic-maritime influence
The three different soil formations of Rioja Alta are best suited to which grape varieties?
- Calcareous clay - Viura
- Ferruginous clay - Tempranillo
- Alluvial - Malvasia
Name the two most important towns in Rioja Alta.
- Haro
- Logrono
Where is Rioja Baja located? At what altitude? How does its climate relate to the other two sub regions?
- South of the river Ebro to the east of the region
- 300m
- Much hotter and drier than the other regions - semi-arid in places
Where is the region of Navarra located? At what altitudes does itv vineyards range
Northeast of Rioja Baja over the River Ebro. Vineyards run from the river valley floor up to the Pyrenean foothills in the north. 250-650m
What is the climate of Navarra? What is the annual temperature range of Navarra and what problems can this cause?
- Broadly continental
- Summer 28°C to Winter -20°C
- Winter temperatures can cause vine death
What are the sunshine hours and annual rainfall of Navarra?
- Rainfall ranges from 400mm in the south to 600mm in the north
- Sunshine hours are 2200h to 2500h
What is the generalised soil type of Navarra?
Loam over gravel with limestone bedrock, although it does vary considerably in the sub-regions.
Describe the location of Somontano, what does the word mean?
In the northeast of the country close to the Pyrenees. The name means ‘under the mountains’
Explain the positioning of the vineyards of Somontano. At what altitudes are they?
- Vineyards are positioned on the rolling hills and terraces of the Pyrenean foothills down to the Ebro and in the valleys themselves. Altitudes range from 350m - 650m
What is the climate of Somontano (making it what?) and what are the two major factors that influence it?
Mild continental, making it one of Spains only relatively cool climate areas. The major influencing (cooling) characters are the Pyrenees and the River Vero.
What are the annual rainfall and sunshine hours of Somontano?
- 350-650mm
- 2700h
What are the soil types found in Somontano?
Chalk, sandstone and clay, all rich in calcium carbonate ideal for vine growing.
Where is Calatayud?
South of Navarra to the west of Carinena on either side of the Ebro tributary the River Jalon
What is the climate of Calatayud? The hottest upper Ebro region is vines escape the heat by being planted at what altitudes?
- Continental, semi-arid in places
- Vines are planted at 550-1040m
What is the temperature range, annual rainfall and sunshine hours of Calatayud?
- Annual temperature range 39°C to -8°C
- 340mm
- 1786h
What is the soil type of Calatayud?
Brown limestone over slate and gypsum
