Grapes of Spain and Portugal Flashcards
Describe the style, grapes, location and climate of a classic white Vinho Verde DOC
- Pale lemon
- Off-dry (wine lower in alcohol)
- High acid
- Low alcohol (8-11.5%) or up 14% if label mentions grape, sub-region or an authorised quality labeling term
- Slight sparkling sensation enhancing freshness
White wines are made from Loureiro and Arinto.
Vinho Verde is N/W Portugal and has moderate maritime climate with high rain fall (Atlantic Ocean influence).
Describe the difference in style, grapes and location of Vinho Verde Alvarinho DOC compared with a classic white Vinho Verde DOC
- Slightly higher alcohol than Vinho Verde DOC (11.5-14%)
- Riper, more tropical aromas
White wines are made from 100% Alvarinho grown in Moncao e Melgaco sub region.
Vinho Verde is N/W Portugal and has moderate maritime climate with high rain fall (Atlantic Ocean influence).
(Portugal)
Describe a Vinho Verde DOC red wine
- Deeply coloured
- Tannic
(Portugal)
Describe a Vinho Verde DOC rose wine
- Fresh
- Fruity
(Portugal)
Describe the characteristics of Touriga Nacional and where it is grown.
Touriga Nacional is the highest quality red variety in Duoro, and gives low yields of grapes producing red wines with:
- intense colour
- intense flavour
- high levels of tannin
(Portugal) Duoro, Dao, Bairrada, Alentejo
Describe the style, grapes, location and climate of an unfortified Duoro DOC
- Deeply coloured
- High levels of ripe tanins
- Full bodied
- Rich black fruit flavours
- Best examples: display subtle toasty aromas from new oak maturation
Unfortifieds rely on the same five principle varieties: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Touriga Roriz (temp), Tinta Barroca and Tinta Cao.
Duoro is N/E Portugal, 80km east of Porto from Marao Mountains to Spain and has a warm continental climate (warmer inland)
Describe a Duoro DOC white wine
Particularly those from high altitudes:
- Fresh varietal fruit
- Medium-High Acid
(Portugal)
Describe the style, grapes, location, topography and climate of a red Dao DOC
- High acidity
- Soft tannins
- Delicate red fruit aromas
Vineyard improvements have seen plantings of high quality grapes: Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Jaen and Alfrocheiro
Dao is more central Portugal, 80km south of Duoro region, from Marao Mountains to Spain and has a warm continental climate (warmer inland). Cool wet winters, warm dry summers and high diurnality (good for high quality grapes)
Describe the characteristics of Alfrocheiro and where it is grown.
- Deep in colour
- Intense blackberry and strawberry aromas
(Portugal) Dao, Bairrada
Describe a Dao DOC white wine and the grapes it is made from
Range from: Light & fresh to richer & barrel fermented
Made from Encruzada variety
Portugal
Describe the style, grapes, winemaking, location and climate of a red Bairrada DOC
Baga is dominant black variety:
- Deep colour
- High tannin levels
- Later picking: Softer and displays rich, black fruit flavours
Also Grown
- Portugal: Touriga Nacional and Alfrocheiro
- International: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah
To give softer wines winemakers often blend Baga, as well as gentler crushing and using maceration techniques.
Between Doa and Atlantic Ocean in Portugal. Maratime climate, with rainy winters and warm summers. Rain around harvest can be an issue for late ripening varieties (Baga)
Describe the characteristics of Baga grape and where it is grown.
Also, talk about under ripe & ripe grapes, and what wine makers do to reduce some characters of this variety.
- Red grape
- Late ripening
- Small thick skinned berries
- Deep colour
- High tannin levels
Under ripe: Astringent tannins and high acid
Later picking: Softer and displays rich, black fruit flavours
To give softer wines wienmakers often blend Baga, as well as gentler crushing and using maceration techniques.
Bairrada DOC
Describe the grapes used in white Bairrada DOC
Bical and Maria Gomes
Describe the style, grapes, winemaking, location and climate of a typical red Alentejo DOC
- Deep colour
- High yet soft tanins
- Full body
- expressive ripe fruit flavours
Typical blend: Aragones (temp) and Trincadeira
Also in blends: Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional and Syrah
Alentejo is at the southern end of Portugal over 8 regions. Warm growing season, with small climatic variations in its subregions resulting in a variety of wines (cool and wet north = more elegant, hotter, drier centre and south= richer)
Describe the characteristics of Trincadeira and where it is grown.
- drought tolerant
- high tanins
- spicy red berry flavours
(Portugal) Alentejo