Green Spain: Galicia Flashcards
Where is Green Spain located?
Espana Verde stretches from the Atlantic coastline in northwestern Spain to the western end of the Pyrenees.
Name the autonomous regions located within Green Spain.
- Galicia
- Asturias
- Cantabria
- Pais Vasco
What is the climate in Green Spain?
Cool, wet, maritime climate
Where does Galicia get its name from?
The native name for the land is “Galiza”, a word believed to reference the ancient Celtic mother goddess, Cailleach (“Calaicia” in Latin).
The Romans named the area Gallaecia after conquering the local Gallaecians in the 2nd century.
What is vino tostado?
A sweet, fortified wine produced from sun-dried grapes.
This wine was popular during the 17th & 18th centuries.
Where is Galicia located?
This region is in the northwestern corner of the Iberian Peninsula and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, Portugal to the south, and Castilla y Leon & Asturias to the east.
Describe the land of Galicia.
The coastal areas of this region are characterized by cliffs & rias (submerged river valleys open to the sea) while the interior is characterized by a hilly & mountainous landscape.
How many provinces are there in Galicia?
4
- A Coruna
- Lugo
- Pontevedra
- Ourense
Name the capitol city of Galicia.
Santiago de Compostela
Which is the largest city in Galicia?
Vigo
What is the climate in Galicia?
Maritime, temperate
- Winters are especially mild with heavy rainfall
- Summers are moderate
- the northwest coast is slightly cooler than the southwest coastal areas
- inland areas can experience warmer temperatures
- southern portions are subject to summer drought with mild temperatures and moderate rainfall
- northern areas experience milder summers & more uniform rainfall year-round
What is a Rias?
A submerged river valley. A branch-like, indented coastline with islands and a convoluted series of inlets that remain open to the sea.
It is the result of partial flooding of an unglaciated river valley due to rising sea levels, or a sinking landmass.
Which region is known as the “country of the thousand rivers”?
Galicia, due to its numerous rias.
Name the 2 most important rivers in Galicia.
- Mino River
- Sil River
Which vinetraining methods are used in Galicia?
- Vineyards on the steep hillsides overlooking the rivers are planted en espaldera on terraces
- Those planted on flatter sites are regularly planted on parrals
Why is the parral vinetraining method preferred in Galicia?
This method allows for higher yields.
Land is scarce and vineyards are highly fragmented into many small sites with different owners.
Name the 3 primary mountain ranges of the Macizo Galaico/Galician Massif.
- Serra do Eixe
- Serra de Encina da Lastra
- Serra do Courel
They reach average heights of 1,640ft/500m with some rising to more than 6,562ft/2,000m.
What soil types are found in Galicia?
- Along the coast: granite-based, sandy, shallow, slightly acidic
- Moving inland along the terraced river valleys: granite, coupled with clay
- Moving even further inland along the river valleys: shallow slate, shale, & granitic sand
What soil is ideally suited for the damp maritime climate of Galicia? Why?
Granite
It is porous & provides excellent drainage.
Which grape variety is the star of Rias Baixas?
Albarino
Approx. 90% of all plantings.
Why is harvesting labor-intensive & expensive in Galicia?
Many of the vineyards are located on slopes & steep terraces along river valleys and require hand-harvest.
Name the DOPs of Galicia.
- DO Monterrei (1996)
- DO Rias Baixas (1988)
- DO Ribeira Sacra (1996)
- DO Ribeira (1932)
- DO Valdeorras (1945)
What styles of wine are produced in DO Rias Baixas?
- Blanco (99%)
- Tinto (1%)
- Espumoso (<1%)
What soils are found in DO Rias Baixas?
Shallow, sandy soils, some granite; some alluvial soils exist along the Mino River.
What is the climate in DO Rias Baixas?
Maritime
Annual rainfall of 67in/1,691mm
Name the white grape varieties of DO Rias Baixas.
Prefered:
* Albarino
* Loureira/Loureiro Blanco/Marques
* Treixadura
* Caino Blanco
Authorized:
* Torrentes
* Godello