La Rioja Flashcards
Traditional and modern winemaking practices of La Rioja
Always evolving with methods and grape varieties. Vara y pulgar - “stick and thumb” - alternating trunk arms. primarily american oak. Cosecheros - old tradition, grape growers produce young reds using method similar to semicarbonic mac. Still often used in Alava.
The aging classifications in DOCa Rioja
Genérico, Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva.
Requirements for Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva
oak barrels must be 225l, no oak chips/staves, time in oak must be uninterrupted, aging of vino blanco/rosado requires prior approval by Consejo. Limited quantity of white in red wine.
The principal wine styles of DOCa Rioja
90% red - 1/2 see oak. whites in stainless and maybe later in oak or lees.
How history helped to shape Rioja’s modern wine industry
phoenicians introduced winemaking and had a lasting impact on culture. Viticulture expanded in middle ages with monks. Region of firsts (first seal. antifraud). First quality control in 1560. Later a society of winegrowers in 1787. birthplace of modern spanish. People from Rioja took exile in Bordeaux during Carlist wars in 19th century - this included Marques de Murrieta and Marques de Riscal. Brought knowledge back. In 1850s, powdery mildew hit Galicia, in 1860s, phylloxera hit France - Rioja was called upon to fill the gap. DO 1925, DOCa in 1991.
Main topographical features (mountain ranges, rivers, etc.) of La Rioja
western end of Ebro River Valley. Rioja DOCa 69% in Rioja, 20% in Alava, and 11% in Navarra. Rioja Alavesa, Rioja Alta, Rioja Oriental (formerly Rioja Baja)
The main factors influencing the rioja’s climate
Continental. Spring frost common. Surrounded by mountains and bisected by the Ebro. Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta receive some maritime influence. Rioja Oriental slightly more arid. Sierra de Cantabria separates Rioja Alavesa from rest of Alava, and also protects from cold and rain and wind. Ebro starts in Cantabria and forms natural border between PV and La Rioja. La Rioja sometimes call the “zone of seven valleys” due to seven tributaries and their valleys. Powerful wind called the Cierzo - winter, rioja oriental. Benefits vineyards - chasing humidity, and moderate temps.
Dominant soil types of la rioja
chalky clay, ferrous clay and alluviums (on river banks, and 1 m down limestone - not great for grapes)
The most widely-planted grape varieties of la rioja
Tempranillo, which thrives at higher elevation (so Rioja Alavesa and Alava). But lower alcohol at lower, so commonly blended with Garnacha Tinta, Mazuelo (Cariñena) and Graciano – they all boost alcohol levels. Garnacha tinta preferred (late ripening, and typically in Rioja Oriental). Primary white is Viura (macabeo). Rosados usually Garnacha Tinta.
The role, if any, of international grape varieties in la rioja
Some whites allowed, including chard, sauv blanc
Generico reqs
Guarantees origin and vintage only. No min aging reqs. Usually released first or second year after harvest.
Crianza reqs
tinto: barrel: 12 mos. bottle: no min. time before releast: 2 years. White/rosado: barrel: 6 mons. bottle: no min. Time before release: 2 years.
Reserva reqs
TINTO: barrel: 12 mos. bottle: 6 months. time before release: 36 mos. WHITE/ROSE: barrel: 6 mos. barrel: no min. time before release: 24 mos.
Gran Reserva reqs
TINTO: barrel: 24 mos. bottle: 24 Time before release: 60mos. WHITE/ROSE: barrel: 6 mos. bottle: no min. time before release: 48 mos.
Viñedos Singulares
since 2017. highlights diversity in terroir in Rioja. class: 1998 - production traceability, all in single zone - 85% of grapes from that zone (the three zones) Vineyards must be registered as a brand. Labels list name of vineyard and “viñedo singular” beneath. Must meet these reqs: if grapes purchased, requires 10 year contract. Vines at least 35 yrs old, and must be well balanced w/limted vigor. Yields must be 20% lower than those requireds by consejo. hand harvested. transparent production figures. quality assessments.
