Mi. Fine Vintage Written Practice Questions / Lesson 9 / Spain and Portugal

Question 1

What are the four ageing terms used for the wines of Spain?

Answer 1

Joven.
Crianza.
Reserva.
Gran Reserva

Question 2

List the min. ageing requirement for reds from each category.

Answer 2

Joven / bottled in year following the vintage / for immediate release.
Crianza / reds 24 months
Reserva / reds 36 months
Gran Reserva / reds 60 months

Question 3

List the 3 sub-regions of Rioja and the style of wine they produce.

Answer 3

Rioja Alavesa /lightest of Rioja / finesse
Rioja Alta / similar to Rioja Alavesa with a bit more body
Rioja Baja / Garnacha is the principal grape here and the wines have less ageing potential

Question 4

What are the 3 distinct climate zones of Penedes?

Answer 4

Coastal Plain / Hot Mediterranean / full bodied reds from Garnacha and Monastrell.
Inland Valleys / More temperate climate and whiter grapes for Cava production are planted here.
In the Hills / 800 metres ASL / climate is cooler, international varieties such as Riesling, GW and Pinot Noir are grown here.

Question 5

How does a wine from Toro differ from a Rioja?

Answer 5

Toro grows a thicker skinned clone of Tempranillo.
Due to the heat and sunny conditions of Toro, the wines are full bodied, powerful, deeply coloured and are high in alcohol.

Question 6

Describe the climate of the Douro Valley in Portugal.

Answer 6

Coastal warm Mediterranean
to
Inland Hot Continental