Las Islas Flashcards
How history helped to shape the Balearic Islands’ modern wine industry
phylloxera created demand, and when it finally hit, ruined many vineyards, which were then replaced by almonds. Happened in 80s too. But later vineyards replanted.
Main topographical features (mountain ranges, rivers, etc.) of Baleares Islands
Ibiza y Formentera: the Pityusas. Smallest community. archepelago an extention of Sistema Betico. Mostly flat otherwise, except Mallorca. Almost no rivers except Santa Eulalia River on Ibiza.
The factors influencing the Baleares’ climate
Med. Coolest temps in Sierra de Tramuntana in nw Mallorca. Not much rainfall, except in Sierra de T. Menorca and Mallorca subject to Tramontana wind - cold, dry wind coming from between Pirineos and Massif Central in southern France. Menorca most affected; Mallorca protected by Serra de T range. Mallorca also affected by thermal wind called Embat, a soft, humid sea breeze which blows over land during sunniest part of day - the salt-laden breeze imparts saline notes on wines.
Dominant soil types in the Balearic Islands
generally nutrient poor topsoils and calcerous in nature with limestone subsoil. Capicity to hold water important here. Menorca has marl atop limestone and sandstone. Ibiza has clay-loam atop limeston, formentera: limestone and sand. DO Pa i Llevant in Mallorca has unique soil: call vermell - reddish clay often mixed w/limestone gravels and stones and is free draining.
The “need to know” (NTK) grape varieties and their regional synonyms - Baleares
Indigenous varieties often revived after phylloxera destroyed vineyards. Intl also common. Indigenous: prensal blanc (also called Moll), reds: Manto negro, callet and fogoneu. Intl: cab, merlot, chard. In Serra de T production zone of Mallorca: Malvasia y Chard most popular. Other islands favor red - menorca: merlot and cab, Ibiza y formentera: monastrell.
The role, if any, of international grape varieties in Baleares
cab, merlot, chard
The main vine training systems in the Balearic Islands
traditionally en vaso, but as vineyards replanted, more opting for espadlera, which works given flat landscape so mechanization very common - except near Tramuntana.
Dominant wine styles in Baleares
Most industry on Mallorca: vinos blancos, tintos, rosados, espumosos all produced. usually early consumption. some experimenting with lees and barrel aging, mostly with Prensal Blanc. Also high quality reds, usually with indigenous Manto Negro and Callet.
NTK DOs of Baleares
DO Binissalem and DO Pla i Llevant
The “need to know” (NTK) grape varieties and their regional synonyms of DO Binissalem
prensal blanc/moll, manta negro
Dominant wine styles of DO Binissalem
mostly red (64%), but produces all types.
The climate, topography, and soils of DO Binissalem
limestone, large limestone gravel. West central Mallorca near Serra foothills and shield from Tramuntana winds. Manto negro and cab most widely palnted.
The “need to know” (NTK) grape varieties and their regional synonyms in DO Pla i Llevant
Prensal blanc/moll, red: callet, cab, merlot
The most widely-planted grape varieties in DO Pla i LLevant
Intl varities are 77% of total production. cab and merlot are most planted, followed by callet. Chard and Prensa Blanca/Moll for white. Mostly blends
Dominant wine styles of DO Pla i Llevant
mostly tinto, but not by much (43%), but also white (39%), rosado and very litttle espumosos.
The climate, topography, and soils of DO Pla i Llevant
limestone, red clay topsoil (call vermell). Name means “plain and east coast” which describes it perfectly - stretches across eastern half of Mallorca, which is warmer, dryer side of the island. Climate tempered by the Embat sea breezes which bring moisture during warmer months, and saline notes.
How history helped to shape the Canaries
Competition with Brazil and Carribean over sugar trade meant that Islands focused more on wine. Mildew in mid 1800s devasted vinyeards, phylloxera didn’t even matter because vineyards were gone.
The factors influencing the Canaries’ climate
Subtropical. Lanzarote sees least rain. low diurnal and seasonal variations. Trade winds that blow from NE to SW, year round.
Dominant soil types in the Canaries
volcanic soils dominate, esp at lower and medium elevations. Clay and sand and volcanic up higher - these soils nutrient rich and water retentive.
The most widely-planted grape varieties in the Canaries
Malvasia aromatica (likely from Greece/Cyprus) was used for Malmsey. Malvasia volcanica (also known as Malvasia volcanica (a cross between M. aromatica and marmajuelo), very well suited for volcanic soils of Lanzarote. Large number of vines over 100 yrs old. Listan Blanco (palomino fino) planted throughout (likely brought from Andalucia). Primary red grape: Listan Negro (also called Almuñeco) - can be used w/lots of methods, including carbonic mac, and is indigenous to islands. (not related to Listan Blanco or Listan Prieto). Listan Prieto here too, prob brought from Spanish settlers – touted as the original Mission grape. Only grown in small quantities.
The main vine training systems in the Canary Islands
Most on hillside terraces, en vaso. Some utilize the lapilli - create funnel-shaped hoyo, vine planted at bottom - collects rainwater, protects from wind. A semi-circular wall of volcanic rock, called an abrigo, built on windward side for more protection from tradewinds. Also: cordon trenzado, used nowhere else in the world. Born out of need to cultivate multiple crops (usually potatoes) with minimal space. Must be handworked.
What is Malmsey?
a sweet, white, unfortified wine produced from Malvasia - produced early on and popular in England, France, the Netherlands and Spanish colonies. The anglicized term of Malvasia. Shakespear even cheered it. Handful still make it today.
What is lapilli?
parts of lanzarote and la palma have lapilli (also known as picon), a layer of small, porour, volcanic pebbles which blankets the topsoil. Filters rain water and pulls moisture from passing windos Also helps prevent evaporation from soil beneath.
What is Vino de Tea?
crafted as vino blanco, rosado or tinto from DO La Palma’s primary varieties (Listan Blanco, Albillo, Negramoll, Listan Prieto, Alumeñeco) then aged for max of six months in barrels from Canary pines (locally called teas). Wines have resinous character with mineral and menthol notes.
DO Islas Canarias
All islands, to create a more internationally marketable brand. All wine stules are authorized.
Most widely planted grapes in DO Lanzarote
The most widely-planted grape varieties
Dominant wine styles in DO Lanzarote
Mostly white (80%) - blancos, espumosos and naturally sweet and semi-sweet vinos dulces. Vino rosado and tinto from listan negro/alumeneco. Many undergo carbonic mac.
The climate, topography, and soils of DO Lanzarote
lapilli/picon atop sand/clay - vital to success of viticulture because rainfall is scarce and ash is water retentive. Hoyos and abrigos. Sometimes trenches. Vines work through lapilli to fertile sand.
About DO Tacoronte-Acentejo
Mostly red. NE tip of Tenerife. largest and oldest DO in Canaries. Vineyards account for 40% of all cultivated land on Tenerife and 20% of total area under vine in the Canaries.
Main grape of DO Tacoronte-Acentejo
Listan Negro/Almuñeco
Vine training systems of DO Tacoronte-Acentejo
Espaldera, cordon trenzado
Dominant wine styles of DO Tacoronte-Acentejo
Red wine country, mostly from Listan Negro. some undergo carbonic, some have oil aging.
Soil type of DO Tacoronte-Acentejo
volcanic
To know about DO Valle de la Orotova
Slightly more red. Puerto de la Orotova was first port of trade, wine played an integral role in commerce - To England and Spanish colonies.
Main grapes of DO Valle de la Orotova
Listan Blanco de Canarias, Listan Negro (Alumeñeco)
The climate, topography, and soils of DO Valle de la Orotova
Volcanic, sandy clay. Vines planted south of port in north-central Tenerife on terraced northern slopes of El Teide. Cordon trenzado pioneered here - many still use this.
To know about DO Ycoden-Daute-Isora
Mostly wine (78%) - made a name for itself with this. Gets name from two of the indigenous kingdoms.
Main grapes of DO Ycoden-Daute-Isora
Listan Blanco de Canarias, Listan Negro/Almuñeco
The climate, topography, and soils DO Ycoden-Daute-Isora
Volcanic, sandy clay. Planted on steep trecherous slopes of Teide. No mechanization.
