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Spanish Wine Scholar > Green Spain: Pais Vasco > Flashcards

Green Spain: Pais Vasco Flashcards

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1
Q

What is Euskera?

A

The language of the Basques.

It is linguistically unrelated to any known living language.

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2
Q

How long have the Basque people inhabited Pais Vasco?

A

The Euskadi are believed to have inhabited the area since at least the dawn of the written record.

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3
Q

What is Vasconia?

A

The name of Pais Vasco and surrounding Basque country attributed by the Romans in the 2nd century.
They referred to the tribes as “Vascones.”

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4
Q

Who is Sabino Arana?

A

He was a Basque writer (1865-1903) considered to be the father of Basque nationalism. As an extreme nationalist, his ideology centered around the purity of the Basque race and their so-called supremacy over others. He created the Partido Nacionalista Vasco (PNV), the Basque Nationalist Part, in 1895. He gave all the Basque provinces the name of “Euzkadi”, an helped them build a regional identity. His movement eventually lead to the creation of the ETA (Euskadi Ta Askatasuna), the Basque terrorist group, in 1959.

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5
Q

What is the Association of Txaholineros of Bizkaia and why is it important?

A

A cooperative created in 1980 in an effort to resuscitate wine production. Farmers began replanting vineyards with the intention of preserving txakoli, a wine of local tradition.

Due to the significant increase in quality, the first of 3 DOs was awarded in 1989.

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6
Q

Name the 4 Basque provinces in spain.

A

Pais Vasco consists of 3 of the provinces:
1. Alava (Basque: Araba)
2. Vizcaya (Bizkaia)
3. Guipuzcoa (Gipuzkoa)

  1. Navarra counts as the 4th, but it remains independent of the other 3.
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7
Q

Where is Pais Vasco located?

A

This autonomous region is on the northern coast of Spain and flanks the Bay of Biscay. France & Navarra lie to the east, Cantabria & Castilla y Leon to the west, and La Rioja to the south. The southern border also runs along the Ebro River.

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8
Q

What is the capitol of Pais Vasco?

A

This autonomous region has no official capital, but Vitoria-Gasteiz in Alava assumes the role as the Basque government headcourters.

Bilbao is the largest city.

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9
Q

What is the climate in Pais Vasco?

A

Maritime

Northern areas (Vizcaya & Guipuzcoa):
* maritime
* cool & damp
* rainfall year round (47-59in/1,200-1,500mm annually)
* mild winters

Mountainous areas further inland (Alava):
* continental with maritime influences
* colder winters
* warmer summers
* significant diurnal temperature swings
* drier than northern provinces during growing season

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10
Q

Name the 3 distinct areas of Pais Vasco.

A
  1. Atlantic Basin
  2. Montes Vascos/Basque Mountains
  3. Ebro River Basin
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11
Q

Where in Pais Vasco is the Atlantic Basin located?

A

This district is situated along the northern coast and encompasses the majority of the provinces of Vizcaya & Guipuzcoa.
The coastline is made up of valleys with short rivers flowing from the mountains to the Bay of Biscay. There are high cliffs & small estuaries similar to the rias of Galicia.

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12
Q

Which district can the majority of txakoli vineyards be found in within Pais Vasco?

A

Atlantic Basin

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13
Q

Where in Pais Vasco is Montes Vasco/Basque Mountains located?

A

This district consists of a set of parallel mountain ranges which run west to east and comprise the eastern section of the Cordillera Cantabrica.
The mountains reach up to 5,089ft/1,551m and are separated by a high plateau called the Alava Plain.
Rivers here flow south and empty into the Ebro River.

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14
Q

Where in Pais Vasco is the Ebro River Basin located?

A

This district is in the southern part of the Alava province.
It is characteristically continental as are the other Ebro Valley zones.

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15
Q

What famous appellation shares the Ebro River Basin district in Pais Vasco?

A

DOCa Rioja

This area is aptly named Rioja Alavesa.

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16
Q

What soil types are found in Pais Vasco?

A
  • Guipuzcoa: sandy topsoil with alluvial clay subsoils
  • Vizacaya: shallow, slightly aciditic clay-loam textured topsoil with limestone subsoil
  • Alava: alluvial with gravelly clay

The areas within which the DO is located (northern part) is predominantly limestone and rich in organic matter.

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17
Q

What is the origin of the name, txakoli?

A

This name originated from the Basque word “etxakoa”, meaning “made at home.”

Traditionally, the majority of vineyards were small family plots and this wine was made for personal consumption.

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18
Q

What is the prominent wine style and grape variety in Pais Vasco?

A

White wine (95%) mostly made with the Hondarribi Zuri variety.

90% of the DO’s vineyards are planted to this grape.

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19
Q

What does “Zuri” mean?

A

“White” in Basque

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20
Q

What are the characteristics of white wines made from Hondarribi Zuri in Pais Vasco?

A

Crisp, high-acid, pale-yellow with aromas of citrus and white flowers.

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21
Q

How is white wine made from Hondarribi Zuri served in Pais Vasco?

A

Traditionally, this wine is served in small quantities and poured from a height to aerate the wine as it hits the glass.
It is the perfect match for the region’s abundant seafood.

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22
Q

Besides Hondarribi Zuri, what other grape varieties can be found in the vineyards of Pais Vasco?

A

White:
* Hondarribi Zuri Zerratia (Petit Courbu)
* Izkiriota (Gros Manseng)
* Sauvignon Blanc
* Riesling
* Chardonnay

Red:
* Hondarribi Beltza

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23
Q

What does “Beltza” mean?

A

“Black” in Basque

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24
Q

Name the only 2 preferred grape variety for the production of txakoli in Pais Vasco.

A
  • Hondarribi Zuri
  • Hondarribi Beltza
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25
Q

Where do the grape varieties Hondarribi Zuri and Hondarribi Beltza get their names from?

A

These 2 unrelated grapes are named for Hondarribia, a town in the province of Guipuzcoa.

26
Q

What is the wettest area in Pais Vasco and all of Spain?

A

Getaria, in the Guipuzcoa province.

27
Q

Where are the majority of vineyards planted in Pais Vasco?

A
  • near the coast
  • on hillsides
28
Q

What vinetraining system is used in Pais Vasco?

A
  • parral: improves airflow in this humid & mildew-prone environment (although labor-intensive due to canopy manangement and hand-harvesting)
  • espaldera: some producers have switched to this modern system
29
Q

How is Txakoli made?

A

Normally, this wine is produced from destemmed grapes which first macerate on their skins then undergo a 2 to 3 week fermentation.
Traditionally, this fermentation took place in large wooden foudres (264ga./1,000l).
Modern methods have introduced stainless steel tanks to the fermentation process.
The wine is then bottled or left on the lees for a few more weeks.

30
Q

What new methods have producers of txakoli been experimenting with?

A
  • extended lees aging
  • concrete vessels
  • barrel-fermentation in oak and/or acacia
  • carbonic maceration
  • blending Handarribi Zuri/Beltza with international varieties
  • vino rosado
  • vino tinto
  • vino espumoso
  • vino dulce
31
Q

What is the minimum grape variety requirement for wines produced in Pais Vasco?

A
  • Varietal wine: min 85% of stated variety
  • Vinos rosados: min. 50% of Hondarribi Beltza
32
Q

Name the DOPs of Pais Vasco.

A
  1. DO Arabako Txakolina/Txakoli de Alava/Chacoli de Alava (2001)
  2. DO Bizkaiko Txakolina/ Txakoli de Bizkaia/Chacoli de Bizkaia (1994)
  3. DO Getariako Txakolina/Txakoli de Getaria/Chacoli de Getaria (1989)
33
Q

Which of the DOs in Pais Vasco is the smallest?

A

DO Arabako Txakolina

34
Q

Where is DO Arabako Txakolina located?

A

This DO is situated at the northwestern tip of the Alava province.
It encompasses 5 municipalities:
* Amurrio
* Llodio
* Artziniega
* Okondo
* Aiara

35
Q

What styles of wine are produced in DO Arabako Txakolina?

A
  • Blanco (94%)
  • Espumoso (6%)
  • Rosado (<1%)
  • Tinto (<1%)
36
Q

What soil types are found in DO Arabako Txakolina?

A

Limestone with stone & clay

37
Q

What is the climate in DO Arabako Txakolina?

A

Maritime
* 35in/900mm annual rainfall
* spring frosts are common
* it is the driest & most continental of all the Pais Vasco regions

38
Q

Name the white grape varieties of DO Arabako Txakolina.

A

Preferred:
* Hondarribi Zuri

Authorized:
* Izkiriota Ttippia (Petit Manseng)
* Hondarribi Zuri Zerratia (Petit Courbu)
* Izkiriota (Gros Manseng)
* Sauvignon Blanc
* Riesling
* Chardonnay

39
Q

Name the red grape varietites of DO Arabako Txakolina.

A

Preferred:
* Hondarribi Beltza

40
Q

What vinetraining method is used in DO Arabako Txakolina?

A

Espaldera

41
Q

What are the characteristics of wines from DO Arabako Txakolina?

A

Generally riper, richer and fuller-bodied than the 2 northern growing regions in Pais Vasco.

42
Q

Where is DO Bizkaiko Txakolina located?

A

This DO is located along the coast situated in the Vizcaya province, west of the Guipuzcoa province and north of the Alava province.

43
Q

What styles of wine are produced in DO Bizkaiko Txakolina?

A
  • Blanco (99%)
  • Rosado (<1%)
  • Tinto (<1%)
  • Espumoso (<1%)
44
Q

What soil types are found in DO Bizkaiko Txakolina?

A
  • Coastal: clay-loam
  • Inland: limestone & marl
45
Q

What is the climate in DO Bizkaiko Txakolina?

A

Maritime
* 47in/1200mm annual rainfall

46
Q

Name the white grape varieties of DO Bizkaiko Txakolina.

A

Preferred:
* Hondarribi Zuri

Authorized:
* Mune Mahatsa (Folle Blanche)
* Hondarribi Zuri Zerratia (Petit Courbu)
* Izkiriota (Gros Manseng)
* Izkiriota Ttippia (Petit Manseng)
* Sauvignon Blanc
* Riesling
* Chardonnay

47
Q

Name the red grape varieties of DO Bizkaiko Txakolina.

A

Preferred:
* Hondarribi Beltza

48
Q

Where in DO Bizkaiko Txakolina are vineyards planted?

A

Near the coast on low foothills.
Plots tend to be small.

49
Q

What vinetraining system is used in DO Bizkaiko Txakolina?

A

Along the Coast:
Parral: rainfall is significant and this system allows for good air circulation in and around the vine canopy and lowers the threat of disease.

Inland:
* Espaldera

50
Q

Which vineyards in Pais Vasco are subject to foehn winds from the Montes Vascos?

A

The inland vineyards of DO Bizkaiko Txakolina.

51
Q

Name the 6 municipalities of DO Bizkaiko Txakolina.

A
  1. Encartaciones
  2. Uribe
  3. Urdaibai
  4. Lea-Artibai
  5. Nervion
  6. Duranguesado

The first 4 are situated along the coast.
The last 2 are inland.

52
Q

What are the characteristics of wines from DO Bizkaiko Txakolina?

A

Light & easy-drinking with floral notes and tangy citrus & green apple fruit. The palate is usually slightly prickly with a mouthwatering acidity.

53
Q

Which DO in Pais Vasco experiences the highest rainfall?

A

DO Getariako Txakolina

63in/1,600mm annually

54
Q

Where is DO Getariako Txakolina located?

A

This DO lies within Guipuzcoa, Spain’s smallest province.
It is the easternmost of the 3 DOs.
The majority of the wine industry is centered around the coastal municipalities of Getaria & Zauratz.
This DO initially encompassed only the area near the coast (1989), but the boundary was expanded to include the entire province (2007).

55
Q

What wine styles are produced in DO Getariako Txakolina?

A
  • Blanco (93%)
  • Rosado (6%)
  • Tinto (<1%)
  • Espumoso (>1%)
56
Q

What soil types are found in DO Getariako Txakolina?

A

Sandy topsoil with alluvial clay subsoil

57
Q

What is the climate in DO Getariako Txakolina?

A

Maritime
* 63in/1600mm annual rainfall

58
Q

Name the white grape varieties of DO Getariako Txakolina.

A

Preferred:
* Hondarribi Zuri

Authorized:
* Izkiriota (Gros Manseng)
* Riesling
* Chardonnay
* Hondarribi Zuri Zerratia (Petit Courbu)

59
Q

Name the red grape varieties of DO Getariako Txakolina.

A

Preferred:
* Hondarribi Beltza

60
Q

What vinetraining system is used in DO Getariako Txakolina?

A

Parral: to mitigate humidity

Most vineyards are within 0.6mi/1km of the sea.

61
Q

Name the prominent grape varieties planted in DO Getariako Txakolina.

A
  • Hondarribi Zuri (95%)
  • Hondarribi Beltza
62
Q

What are the characteristics of wines from DO Getariako Txakolina?

A

Similar in style to those of DO Bizkaiko Txakolina.
(Light & easy-drinking with floral notes and tangy citrus & green apple fruit. The palate is usually slightly prickly with a mouthwatering acidity.)

Spanish Wine Scholar (31 decks)

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