Grapes Flashcards
Airén
Most Planted White, Most maligned Best for Brandy Easy growing, resistant to drought, insects, diseases High Yield Neutral, M Acid
Alarije
White Native Extremadura X - Gibi & Planta Nova Related to PX Productive, thick skin, late ripen Prone to Fungal Disease High Acid, Prone to O2, Good in oak Dry, sweet, Fortified
Albariño
White indigenous to NW Iberia (Spain/Portugal)
Val do Salnés - oldest growing
Thick Skins, mildew problem
Bright Acid, mineral, floral, peach, apricot, grapefruit
Albillo Mayor
White Disease resistant Low Yield Thin skins prone to sunburn & frost Aromatic Low Acid, High ABV
Albillo Real
White
Thin skinned, buds early
Prefers hot, dry sandy soils
Neutral with weighty mouthfeel
Albillo in general
Several white Spanish grapes are referred to as “Albillo ….”
Generic term allowed in many regions
Cayetana Blanca
One of oldest (Iberia) Parented 16 grapes (Listán Prieto and Castelão-Portuguese) Drought resistant, productive Likes warmth and sandy soils Med ABV & Acid Neutral
Courbu Blanc
White French Grape Once thought to be Hondarribi Zuri Small berries Subtle wines Med Acid & ABV
Doradilla
Native white to Málaga Offspring of Albillo Mayor Medium clusters with small berries Prone to Mildew Full Body, Racy Acid. Highly aromatic Pear, Citrus, Almond, Saline
Garnacha Blanca
White color mutation of red Garnacha buds later/ripens earlier High ABV, Low Acid Prone to O2 Proper vinification = floral Oak is often used texture & complexity
Godello
Native white to Galicía Almost extinct 1970s Recovered by DO Valdeorras HQ, Aromatic Compared with Chardonnay High sugar, Full Body, M-H Acidity Good for barrel aging
Hondarribi Zuri
Many white grapes used this prior to DNA
Zuri = “White” in Basque
DNA ID 3 white grapes
Courbu Blanc (French), Crouchen & Noah (US)
Lairén
Once ID as Airén But separate Native to Andalucía, grown near Madrid Productive, drought resistant Likes clay soils High ABV & Acid
Macabeo / Viura
White Native to Catalunya Primary for Cava Late bud / Late ripen Prone to rot Prefers hot, dry conditions Semi-aromatic, L-M Acid Resistant to O2 Good for barrel age
Malvasía Aromática
Ancient white Unknown origin Ripens early Highly aromatic M-F Body, M Acid Vinos Dulces Exotic tropical fruits and aromas
Malvasía de Lanzarote
Native Canary Islands Recently appointed X - Malvasía Aromática & Marmajuelo Early ripening, resistant to pest, disease Full Body, Low Acid Citrus & Tropical Fruit
Moscatel de Alejandría
Ancient white offspring of Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains Less elegant Prefers warmth Large bunches of big berries Ripens late, High sugar Used for desert wines Orange blossom & rose
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
White Greece origins
Vibrant, Aromatic
Raisin, honey, peach, apricot, mango, orange blossom
High sugar, High Acid
Palomino Fino
White basis for Sherry Native to Andalucía Thrives in albariza soils Thin skin, Low Acid Not aromatic