Module 8: Chapters 11, 12 - Spain & Portugal Flashcards
1
Q
Spain was the largest wine producer by volume in 2013. Where does it usually rank?
A
3, behind France and Italy.
2
Q
True or false: Spain’s domestic consumption is high, keeping it’s exports low.
A
False. Spain is a top three wine exporter.
3
Q
Where does Spain rank in grape acreage?
A
By far the largest, at more than 2.5 million acres (1.01 million ha)
4
Q
Why is Spain closely associated with the Tempranillo grape?
A
It is the main grape of Rioja, and a foundational grape in many other standout Spanish reds.
5
Q
The majority of Spain’s interior is raised on a large plateau. What is it called?
A
The Meseta. Almost 60% of Spain lies above 2,000 feet.
6
Q
What lies off Spain’s northern border?
A
The Bay of Biscay, off of the Atlantic Ocean. To the northeast lie the Pyrenees and France.
7
Q
What is on the western boundary of Spain?
A
Portugal, and a small section of Atlantic coastline.
8
Q
What is on the southern and eastern border of Spain?
A
The Mediterranean.
9
Q
Describe Spain’s climate.
A
Mostly Continental, hot summers, cold winters, rainfall fairly evenly spread throughout the year.
10
Q
The mountains block much of the Iberian peninsula from winter storms and colder northern influences. What are the two main chains of mountains in Spain?
A
The Pyrenees in the northeast, and the Cantabrian Mountains (Cordillera Cantabria) along the northern central coast.
11
Q
Where is the only maritime climate in Spain? What does that mean?
A
The Northwest corner has a maritime climate: mild summers, mild winters, considerable rainfall year-round.
12
Q
What kind of climate does the southwest and southern coastal area have?
A
Mediterranean. Hot, dry, sunny summers. Mild, wetter winters.
13
Q
Which months are pretty dry everywhere in Spain?
A
June, July, August.
14
Q
2 of the 17 autonomous communities are in island chains. Name them, and where they are.
A
The Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, and the Canary Islands in the North Atlantic.
15
Q
There are two autonomous cities that are part of Spain. Name them, and where they are.
A
Ceuta and Melilla, on the northern coast of Africa.
16
Q
Name the three other languages that introduce variations in wine terminology and pronunciation in Spain. Where are they located?
A
Galician, or Galego, in Galicia (including Rias Baixas)
Basque, or Euskara, in Basque Country and Navarra
Catalan (Catala) in Catalunya, Valencia, and surrounding areas.
17
Q
Spain’s acreage heavily orients to native varieties. What is planted to 25% of the 2 million acres?
A
Airen. It is grown primarily for brandy and commercial bulk wine, widely planted throughout central Spain.
18
Q
At just over 20%, what is the second most planted grape in Spain?
A
Tempranillo, which is heavily grown in the northern parts of the Meseta. It is known by many different names.
19
Q
What are the qualities prized in Tempranillo?
A
It’s long life, moderate acidity, and aromas of spice, chalk, strawberries, tobacco, and the often heavy influence of oak.
20
Q
What are some of the synonyms for Tempranillo and regions where they are used?
A
Tempranillo - Rioja, New World Tinta de Toro - Toro Tinta del Pais - Ribera del Duero, Cigales Tinto Fino - Ribera del Duero Ull de Llebre - Catalonia Cencibel - La Mancha, Valdepenas Aragonez - Portugal Tinta Roriz - Douro Valley (Portugal)
21
Q
Garnacha and Monastrell are other well respected red grapes in Spain. What are they known as elsewhere?
A
Grenache and Mourvedre, respectively.
22
Q
What is the other name in Spain for Macabeo?
A
Viura
23
Q
There are five significant regional grapes in Spain. Name them, and where they’re from.
A
Palomino and Pedro Ximenez in Jerez
Parellada and Xarel-lo in Penedes
Albarino in Rias Baixas
24
Q
Following E laws, Spain divides its wines into table wines and quality wines. What are the two Spanish categories of table wines?
A
Vinos de mesa (literally, table wines) and vinos de la tierra (country wines), which are sourced from within a single geographical indication (GI), and must eet nominal alcohol and sensory standards.
25
What level of EU wine does the Vinos de la Tierra category meet?
This is equivalent to the PGI level in the EU. To date, there are 42 of these regions, identified on wine labels as "Vinos de la Tierra de" followed by regional name.
26
Quality wines make up what percentage of Spain's total wine production?
40%. There are currently 80 designated production areas that meet the more narrowly defined regions and higher standards of production and character.
27
There are four subcategories of quality wine recognized in Spain. Name them, in order of ascending quality.
Vino de calidad con indicacion geografica (VCIG)
Denominacion de origen (DO)
Denominacion de origen calificada (DOCa)
Vino de pago
28
What is intended by the VCIG status?
That those regions will qualify for DO status before too long. They become eligible for elevation after 5 years.
29
When was VCIG established?
2005. It has yet to see a large amount of growth. There were 8 regions as of December 2019: Cangas, Valles de Benavente, Valtiendas, Sierra Salamanca, Granada, Las Islas Canarias, Cebreros, and Legrija.
30
What makes a DO region?
A specified region, whose production is prescribed with regard to grape varieties, crop yields, winemaking methods, and aging regimens.
31
How many DO's are in Spain, not including DOCa or pagos)
67, but the number is likely to rise. Each one has its own regulating council (consejo regulador) that controls local production areas and practices.
32
DOCa is reserved for standout DO's. What makes them so?
Ten years as a superior DO, higher standards in all categories. There are only two right now: Rioja and Priorat. (Priorat is a DOQ, that Catalan equivalent of the acronym)
33
Vino de pago means what?
Estate Wine. The category was established in 2003 to recognize single specific vineyards of distinction, often historical estates.
34
What sets pagos apart?
They set their own standards. However, if located within a DO or DOCa, those standards must meet or exceed the surrounding region.
35
How many pagos are there?
20, as of December 2019. The number is expected to rise.
None are within Rioja or Ribera del Duero, showing that many estates still prefer the prestige of the appellation to the new designation.
36
There are two sets of aging terminology on labels for Spanish wine. Why?
The terminology is strictly regulated. One applies for PGI and PDO wines under the EU, the other for PDO wines only.
37
What are the aging terms for PGI and PDO wines?
```
Vino noble: minimum 18 months in barricas OR in the bottle.
Vino anejo (aged wine): minimum 24 months in barricas OR in the bottle
Vino viejo (old wine): minimum 36 months aging in a strongly oxidative environment exposed to ay combination of light, oxygen, and heat.
```
38
What are the aging terms for PDO only wines?
The classic terms; crianza, Reserva, or Gran Reserva
Crianza: Minimum 6 months in barrel, minimum 24 months total aging
Reserva: Minimum 12 months in barrel, minimum 36 months total aging
Gran Reserva: minimum 18 months in barrel, minimum 60 months total aging.
Joven may be used for PDO wine released the year after it was made, and oak aged for less time than Crianza, if at all.
39
True or false: Some DOs and DOCa's have higher minimum aging times for their wines.
True
40
What is the cooler, wetter region of northwestern Spain?
Galicia, also known as Green Spain.
41
What is notable about the wines of Green Spain?
Their high acidity compared to other Spanish wines.
42
What is the best known of Galicia's wines?
Those from Rias Baixas, primarily known for the dry, fragrant, high acid wine made from Albarino.
43
What are the other two primary white grapes of Rias Baixas?
Loureiro and Treixadura.
44
How many non-contiguous subregions is Rias Baixas broken up into?
5
45
What other DOs are in Galicia?
Ribeiro (mostly whites, including Albarino) and Valdeorras (experimenting with int'l varieties, but revived Godello and Mencia)
46
The main river of Castilla y Leon
The Duero (Douro, when it ends in Portugal)
47
What is the climate of Castilla y Leon?
Lying on the high plains of northern Meseta, it has extremes; very cold winters and quite hot summers. The mountains to the north (Cantabrian Mts) keep the rainfall much lower than Galicia next door.
48
What are the four main wine regions of Castilla y Leon?
Toro, Rueda, Cigales, Ribera del Duero
49
What is the primary grape of Toro?
Tempranillo, which is locally known as Tinta de Toro.
| Whites and rosado are also produced, and the region has seen a resurgence of investment and modernization of practices.
50
Why are the white wines of Rueda prized?
Rueda has large diurnal shifts. The whites feature Verdejo, which has seen a significant amount of growth in the last decade, with some producers playing with oak aging for the light, aromatic white.
51
What international variety is being used as an alternative to (or blending partner with) Verdejo in Rueda?
Sauvignon Blanc. Viura is also permitted.
52
How much of production in Rueda is comprised of reds and rosados? What are they?
5%, Tempranillo, Merlot, Garnacha, and Cab Sauv are permitted.
53
What is produced in Cigales?
Primarily reds made from Tempranillo (locally Tinta del Pais), with rosados allowed to blend in Garnacha.
54
Ribera del Duero is star on par with Rioja. What percentage of Ribera del Duero reds must be Tempranillo?
75% must be Tempranillo (locally Tinta del Pais, or Tinto Fino). Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, and Garnacha are permitted to make up the rest.
55
What is the climate of Ribera del Duero.
Extremes of hot and cold, with only 16 weeks where growers are assured of there being no frost. Summer highs can reach 105F.
56
What causes the large diurnal shifts in Ribera del Duero? What effect does this have?
The elevation of Ribera del Duero causes the shifts (averaging 2500 feet, among the highest in Spain). The shifts permit full ripening while retaining acidity despite the high summer heat.
57
Where is Navarra?
Between La Rioja and the French border to the northeast. Small portions of the Rioja DOCa cross over into southwest Navarra.
58
True or false: Navarra was once a separate kingdom?
True, until being subsumed by the Castilian Empire in 1512.
59
Southern Navarra has a climate similar to Rioja. What is Navarra traditionally known for?
Historically, it is famous for its Rose. More recently, it has been planted to international varieties.
60
What are the principal grapes of Navarra?
Tempranillo and Garnacha. Cab Sauv, Merlot, and Chardonnay are growing in importance.
61
Rioja was the first region elevated to two different statuses. What were they and when?
```
DO status (1925)
DOCa status (1991)
Rioja produces roughly 1/6 of all DO level wine in Spain.
```
62
Where is Rioja?
North Central Spain, inland from the Cantabrian Mountains.
63
What is the main river through Rioja?
The Ebro, which has seven major tributaries in the region.
64
What influence do the Cantabrian Mountains have n the climate of Rioja?
They block out the majority of the cold influences of the Bay of Biscay/Atlantic Ocean. Along with the Ebro and the Mediterranean to the southeast, the summers are warm and winters are mild.
65
The Rioja DOCa has three subappellations, called zones. What are they?
Rioja Alta - the high-altitude, hilly area covering the western half of the region.
Rioja Alavesa - The portion of Rioja Alta north of the Ebro
Rioja Oriental - the lower, flatter eastern portion of the Rioja DOCa.
66
True or false: Rioja Alta is the hottest of the zones.
False. Rioja Oriental is the hottest and driest. Rioja Alta and Alavesa are relatively mild and produce much of the finest grapes in the region.
67
Do DOCa wines of Rioja have to be from one zone?
No. They may, and be labeled as such, but are often a blend of two, or even all three zones.
68
How much of Rioja is planted to red varieties?
Well over 90%, and Tempranillo comprises most of that, Garnacha, Mazuelo (Carinena is other regions, Carignan outside of Spain) and Graciano are the other permitted grapes.
69
What are the white wines of Rioja?
Viura is by far the leading grape. Chardonnay, Sauv Blanc, Malvasia, Garnacha Blanca, Maturana Blanca, and Verdejo are also permitted.
70
Why did Rioja rise to prominence?
The influence of Bordeaux winemakers after phylloxera destroyed their vineyards in the late 19th century. They set out to make Bordeaux style wines from the native varieties.
They left when phylloxera reached Spain, but left behind radically improved winemaking technique, including the 225 liter oak barrel.
71
What kind of oak is used for the traditional oak-aged Tempranillo-based reds of Rioja?
American oak is used almost exclusively, although some makers have toyed with French oak in recent years.
72
What is the traditional flavor profile of Rioja Tempranillo
Less focus on fruit, and more on the heavy tannins, earthiness, minerality, and the distinctive leathery bouquet.
73
There is a recent change in emphasis in parts of Rioja. What is the new emphasis?
Single variety and single estate wines, as well as wines that are approachable at a younger age.
74
Rioja DOCa is stricter on aging standards. What are they?
Crianza: Minimum 24 months total, at least 12 in barrel.
Reserva: Minimum 36 months total, at least 12 in barrel, and at least 6 in bottle.
Gran Reserva: Minimum 60 months total, at least 2 years each in barrel and bottle.
75
What is the principal white of Rioja?
Viura. Usually cold fermented and released young, though some still use traditional oak-aging, barrel fermented style.
76
Does Rioja produce Rose?
Yes, primarily from Garnacha.
77
As of 2018, what else is produced under the Rioja designation?
Traditional method sparkling wine, known as Vino Espumoso de Calidad de Rioja DOCa.
78
True or false: Aragon was a formerly independent kingdom.
True. East of both Rioja and Navarra, it is now an autonomous region of the same name.
79
What is the climate of Aragon?
Very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter.
80
What DO produces the best modern wines in Aragon?
Somontano, in the Pyrenees foothills.
81
How many reds are allowed in Aragon?
8, including Cab Sauv, Merlot, Syrah, and Garnacha. The area specializes in brightly colored rosados from Garnacha.
82
How many whites are allowed in Aragon?
Seven, with Chardonnay and Macabeo providing the majority of plantings.
83
Catalunya makes up what part of Spain?
The northeastern corner.
84
What is the climate of Catalunya?
Mediterranean. warm summers, mild winters. Provides good growing conditions and fewer challenges than other parts of Spain.
85
Catalunya is unique is what way?
It is the only region of Spain whose DO covers the entire autonomous region.
86
How much of the DO level wine in Spain is produced in Catalunya?
20%, the largest share of any region in Spain.
87
There are 5 major DOs of distinction in Catalunya. Name them.
Priorat DOQ (DOCa in Spanish): Promoted to DOCa in 2009.
Tarragona: One of the largest DOs, nearly 75% of production is full-bodied, aromatic whites.
Montsant: Relatively new DO (2011), with many mature vineyards of Garnacha and Carinena, with smaller Ull de Llebre, Cab Sauv and Syrah.
Costers del Segre: Several non-contiguous subzones. Influx of capital and younger gen of winemakers has led to a major improvement in quality. Wines are typical indigenous grapes blended with int'l varieties.
Penedes: Region that started the modern wine revolution in the 1970's. Focused primarily on white wines, with the leading grape being Xarel-lo.
88
What do the mountains shield Priorat from?
Even though it is only 18 miles from the Med, the mountains shield it from the damp, as well as the Ebro winds.
89
What soil is Priorat known for, and what does it do?
Llicorella, soils of flat, easily breakable stones of decomposed slate with mica and other minerals. Add a distinct herbal and mineral character to the wines.
90
What is the primary grape of Priorat?
Garnacha, but Carinena is nearly as prominent. Cab Sauv, Merlot, and Syrah are also allowed.
91
What are the primary white grapes of Priorat?
Not much white is produced, but the primary grapes are Garnacha Blanca, Macabeo (Viura), and Pedro Ximenez. Others are allowed but not prominent.
92
Penedes was the first region in Spain to use what?
In the 1970's became the first to use stainless steel equipment and temperature controlled fermentation techniques.
93
Penedes is the main region for what? And what makes up most of the production of Penedes?
Penedes encompasses the main production areas for Cava, but the majority of the DO wines are still whites from Xarel-lo, Macabeo, and Parellada.
94
Are international varieties common in Penedes?
Yes. Chardonnay is the second most common grae behind Xarel-lo.
95
Red wines are not common in Penedes. What are they made up of?
Usually both indigenous and international varieties.
96
What is Castilla la Mancha known for, and where is it?
In the central Meseta, the largest region by area, it is flat, hot, dry, and known for both producing Airen for brandy, and for the windmills of Don Quixote fame.
97
What else is grown in Castilla La Mancha?
Airen and Cencibel (Tempranillo) are the primary red and white, with international varieties widely grown as well.
98
Why does Valdepenas DO carry a better reputation than the rest of Castilla La Mancha?
Variations in soil allowing for better water retention, very important in an arid environment.
99
How many vinos de pago are in Castilla la Mancha?
8, all planted to international varieties of unique, expressive style.
100
Where is Murcia?
Southern portion of the east coast of Spain. The vineyards are located inland, and only slightly moderated by the Mediterranean.
101
There are three DOs in Murcia, name them.
Jumilla, Yecla, and Bullas. All three produce predominantly deep, concentrated reds and flavorful rose based Monastrell (Mourvedre). All three are allowed to produce red, white, rose, and fortified.
102
Sherry is still exported widely, primarily to what two countries?
UK and the Netherlands.
103
What are the three cities of the Sherry Triangle?
Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlucar de Barrameda, and El Puerto de Santa Maria.
104
What makes Jerez cooler than the rest of Andalusia?
Proximity to the Atlantic. Sanlucar de Barrameda and El Puerto de Santa Maria are both seaports, with vineyards closer to the water markedly cooler than those slightly inland.
105
What is unique about the summer in Jerez?
Continually cloudless days with no rain at all.
106
There are three grape types in Jerez, name them.
Palomino - the sole or majority grape variety in most Sherries.
Pedro Ximenez - PX for short, the principal sweetening agent in sweeter style sherry, and its own intensely sweet dessert style Sherry.
Moscatel - Muscat of Alexandria. May be used as a sweetening agent, or added for a fruity character to younger Sherries.
107
Each grape has an affinity for one of the three soil types in Jerez. Describe.
Palomino is found on albariza soil, made up of 30% limestone and brilliantly white, with some clay and sand.
PX - Grows well on barro, clay soil with iron oxide and a little chalk and sand.
Moscatel - Arena soil, predominantly sandy.
108
There are four main styles of Sherry. Describe.
Fino - Fortified to low level of alcohol to allow flor to thrive.
Hybrid-style - Begin as fino, but allow flor to die before switching to oxidative aging in the solera.
Oloroso - Initially fortified to higher alcohol, preventing later flor development. Ages oxidatively, producing a rancio (light to deep brown) color.
Dried grape - Sweet Sherry, from Don PX or Moscatel. Grapes dried on mats known as soleo, before being pressed and partially fermented before fortification and oxidative aging. No flor.
109
In the early 2000's, the Sherry Consejo Regulador introduced two new designations for exceptionally old and rare wines. Describe.
They may only be applied after review of individual soleras, and only to amontillado, palo cortado, olorose, and PX. Finos are excluded.
- Vinos con indicacion de edad (Sherries with an age indication) - the lower of the two classifications, for Sherries aged 12-15 years.
- Vinos de vejez calificada (Sherries of certified old age): Consists of two levels:
- Vinum optimum signatum (VOS/Very old Sherry) Minimum 20 years solera aging
- Vinum optimum rare signatum - (VORS/Very old rare Sherry) Minimum of 30 years Solera aging.
110
What is En Rama Sherry?
Unfiltered or unfined sherry, or minimally of either. It is cloudy.
111
What is Anada Sherry?
Single-vintage Sherry. Tradition of this all but died out by the late 1800's as soleras tok over everything, but are becoming fashionable again. Rare and expensive, due to enhanced oxidation and evaporation.
112
Where is Montilla-Moriles?
To the east if Jerez, and known for rich dessert wines.
113
How does the climate of Montilla-Moriles compare to Jerez?
Because of its position inland, it is overall warmer and drier. More Continental overall.
114
PX is the primary grape of Montilla-Moriles, accounting for how much of production?
70% of overall plantings, with a small amount of dry, still wines and dessert wines from very ripe Moscatel.
115
Intense summer heat in Montilla-Moriles leads to very high sugar levels. What does this translate into in still wines of the region?
Even the unfortified wines of the region can reach alcohol levels of 14-16%, and even higher in some years.
116
What makes the Cava designation unique as a DO?
It is scattered across Spain. 95% is in Catalonia, but a total of 8 regions are allowed to produce Cava.
117
How much of Spanish quality wine production is Cava?
Roughly 10%, more than half of which is exported.
118
West of Barcelona, what is the heart of the Cava designation?
The town of San Sadurni de Noya.
| Barcelona, Tarragona, Lleida, and Girona are all major Cava producing towns, and all in Catalunya.
119
What is the terroir of Cava in Catalunya?
Low-lying area near the Mediterranean, with chalky soils, higher humidity, and temperatures moderated by the sea.
120
What are the three classic grape varieties of Cava?
Xarel-lo, Macabeo (Viura) and Parellada.
121
What do each of the three classic grapes add to Cava?
Xarel-lo - Makes full-bodied, pleasant wines with good acidity. Aroma and freshness provides the base for Cava.
Macabeo (Viura in Rioja) - Adds dryness and subtle aromatics with balanced acidity.
Parellada - Moderate alcohol, delicate florals. Adds backbone and acidity to the wine.
122
What other grapes are approved for Cava?
Chardonnay, Malvasia (Subirat Parent), Pinot Noir, Garnacha, Monastrell.
123
What is Trepat?
Red grape believed to be native to Catalunya, allowed only in Cava Rosado.
124
True or false: Cava refers to the process by which the wines are made.
True! They are Metodo Tradicional, aged in a cellar or a cave. They must be cellared for a minimum of nine months, on lees, before qualifying for a Cava designation.
125
Cava is most often produced as a brut sparkling wine, with rose popular. What are other designations for Cava?
Cava Reserva- Minimum 15 months lees aging in bottle may be white or rose; must be brut or drier.
Cava Gran Reserva - Minimum 30 months lees aging in bottle, may be white or rose; must be brut or drier.
Cava de Paraje Calificado (Qualified Single Estate Cava) - Minimum 36 months lees aging in bottle, may be white or rose; must be produced from single-estate vines; must be brut or drier.
126
Portugal has been well-known in international wine for centuries. Why?
It's fortified wines, Port and Madeira. More recently, Vinho Verde has had considerable success, particularly in the US.
127
What borders Portugal?
The Atlantic to the West and South, Spain to the north and east.
128
Is the terrain of Portugal flat or rugged?
Rugged, with vineyards in the Douro often clinging to steep valley walls.
129
How many distinct climates are in Portugal?
3.
- The coastal portion of northern Portugal is similar to Green Spain, lush and green with abundant rainfall. Temperatures are moderate and humidity is high.
- Going south along the coast, climate becomes more Mediterranean with warmer summer, mild winters, and very little precipitation during the growing season.
- The interior has very little humidity and a much more Continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The valleys near the SPanish border have blisteringly hot summers and very cold winters with very little precipitation.
130
How many major grape varieties are in Portugal?
A daunting and unfamiliar list of more than 350, according to the Instituto da Vinha e do Vinho. Apart from some crossover with Spanish stock, most are virtually unknown anywhere else.
131
Are international varieties prevalent in Portugal?
No, they have not been widely planted. This is changing slowly.
132
Several of the leading red varieties in Portugal are among the most important in the production of Port, but also make their own excellent unfortified wines. Give examples.
- Touriga Nacional: Capable of complex wines with firm structure and black fruit flavors.
- Touriga Franca: Typically used in blends, offering floral, blackberry, and plum notes.
- Tinta Roriz: Known elsewhere in Portugal as Aragonez (and Tempranillo to the rest of the world), gives red fruit, olive, and herbal characteristics.
133
What is Castelao?
Another important red variety, primarily planted in the south, where it makes complex, herbaceous, age-worthy wines. Also known as Periquita, it is very adaptable and in other locations makes fruit-forward, easy-drinking reds and roses.
134
Describe Baga and Trincadeira.
Two other important red varietals.
Baga - Extremely tannic, rarely put in new oak, as it does not need extra tannin. Makes age-worthy, robust wines with plum and tobacco.
Trincadeira (aka Tinta Amarela) - Difficult to grow, does best in hot, dry areas (Alentejo and Tejo). Makes wines with vibrant acidity, blackberry, herbs, and pepper notes.
135
How much of Portugal's wine production is white?
```
Less than 1/3. White grapes are only regionally important.
North and islands - Vinho Verde, Loureiro, Alvarinho (distinctly tart and mineral, with peach and citrus aromas. Same as Albarino)
Fernao Pires (Maria Gomes) is the most planted white, primarily in the south and on the central coast. Very aromatic, and produced in a variety of styles, including both still and sparkling.
```
136
What are the four primary white grapes of Madeira?
Sercial, Verdelho, Boal (Bual), Malvasia (Malmsey)
137
Is the Portuguese classification system in line with the EU?
Yes, though simplified to a 3-tiered pyramid in recent years.
- Vinho (Vinho de Portugal) - basic wine, formerly vinho de mesa (table wine), about 1/4 of Portugal's production.
- Vinho regional (VR) - Country wine from a VR region, another quarter of production. There are 14 VR designations, covering 12 regions in Portugal, plus the Azores and Madeira. These are the EU's PGI wines (referred to as IGP in Portugal).
- Denominacion de origen controlada (DOC) - The PDO level of Portugal, for quality wine. There are 31 DOCs at present, including Porto and Madeira. DOP in Portuguese.
138
Where is the Minho?
Northwest Portugal, just south of Rias Baixas in Green Spain (Galicia).
139
Describe the climate of Minho?
The coolest and wettest part of Portugal.
140
There is a Minho VR, but what is most of the region's white wine produced for?
The Vinho Verde DOC, which is the largest in vineyard area after the Porto DOC.
141
True or false: While the name mens "green wine," Vinho Verde can only be white.
False. It can be red, white, or pink. Green means that it is meant to be consumed young.
142
Vinho Verde is generally slightly effervescent. What is the term for fully sparkling Vinho Verde?
Espumante.
143
What grapes primarily make up Vinho Verde, and what do they add?
Loureiro and Alvarinho, occasionally blended with Arinto, Trajadura, and others
Loureiro - provides richness
Alvarinho - Leaner, higher in acidity. When compared to Rias Baixas, Alvarinho-led Vinho Verde is more petillant, mineral, and tart.
144
What is Red Vinho Verde primarily made up of, and how does its production differ from the white?
Mostly Vinhao, which produces deeply colored, full-bodied red wines. MLF is encouraged, although the end product is still considered high-acid. Most red and rose Vinho Verde remains for domestic consumption.
145
How many grapes are recommended for use in Vinho Verde?
7 white, 8 red.
146
The Douro was among the first demarcated wine regions in the world. When was it first defined?
The boundaries were first defined in 1756.
147
What is Douro primarily known for?
Port. Though it does make excellent still reds that ar unfortified.
148
How much of Douro's production is released under Porto DOC?
2/3. The rest is made up of high-quality unfortified wine, and a tiny percentage of Moscatel do Douro, that is all labeled as Douro DOC.
149
Wines produced under the Douro DOC are all made from what?
The same grape varieties used for Port production.
150
Do international varieties qualify for Douro DOC?
No, they are bottled under the regional appellation VR Duriense.
151
Where are the vineyards of the Douro?
They begin 40 miles east of Oporto and extend 60 miles east to the Spanish border. The prime areas for Port production are along the banks of the Douro River.
152
The Douro is divided into three subregions. Name them.
Baixo Corgo: Westernmost section, relatively fertile, with ample rainfall. Makes lighter style Port.
Cima Corgo: Central core of the Port region. Steep, rocky slopes of schist and granite. Hotter summers, colder winters, less rain than Baixo Corgo, and produces the finest Port, The majority of Port producing vineyards are here.
Douro Superior: The upriver, eastern part of the valley, very little rainfall and even more extreme temperatures than Cima Corgo. This is the largest subregion by area, but produces the least Port. It does source the majority of the unfortified wines.
153
True or false: There are only five authorized red grapes for Port, and two for white Port.
False. There are dozens that are technically allowed, but those 7 are the predominant varieties.
154
New plantings in the Douro are usually single variety vineyards of one of the 7 predominant Port varieties. Name them
```
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Franca
Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo)
Tinto Cao
Tinta Barroca
Gouveio (white Port)
Malvasia Fina (white Port)
```
155
What is the cadastro?
A unique and complex vineyard ranking system that assesses 12 factors (including things like altitude, locality, and yield) to arrive at a total score, and awarding a grade classification based on the score. That grade, A to F, along with annual factors like harvest conditions, determines each grower's beneficio authorization, the amount of wine allowed to be fortified and used to produce Port in that year.
156
What are lagares?
After full or partial destemming, the grapes were traditionally foot-crushed in lagares, low, open concrete or granite troughs. Some producers still use this practice, but many have moved to mechanical means.
157
Is Port fermentation short or long?
Short and rather fast, before fortification by neutral grape spirit to between 19 and 22%. The wine is then moved to containers of various styles to rest for the winter.
158
After the winter, what happens to the young Port?
Traditionally, the wine was transferred to barrels called pipes, and sent downriver on flat-bottomed boats called barcos rabelos, to Oporto.
159
In the late 1800's, the center of Port trade shifted where? And why?
It shifted across the river to Vila Nova de Gaia, as the high humidity and cooler temperatures created much better conditions for aging Port with minimal evaporation or madeirization.
160
How is the structure of the port trade changing now?
Trucks have replaced the boat trip, and Vila Nova de Gaia is still home to many of the great Port lodges. However, an increasing number of quintas are doing their own blending and aging in temp-controlled facilities of their own on the Douro.
161
Describe the general Port flavor profile.
Generally, Ports are sweet, high in alcohol, and rich in complex flavors and aromas. There are many other styles within Port, differentiated by aging and container in which they are aged.
162
Describe Ruby Port.
Simplest and youngest of Ports. Vibrant red color, youthful aromas, but lacks longevity and complexity of flavors in other ports.
Aged in large oak casks for two years before being bottled and ready to drink.
163
What is Reserve Port?
A blend of premium Ruby Ports, bottled after 4 to 6 years in oak vats. More similar to tawny Port in style.
164
What is LBV?
Late-Bottled Vintage. Wine from a single year, aged in oak vats for 4-6 years after harvest. Most are filtered before bottling and intended to be consumed upon release.
165
Describe tawny Port.
Essentially a version of ruby Port that has aged on oak long enough for the color to oxidize from red to a golden brown shade, developing richer, more oxidized flavor along the way.
Basic tawny is sometimes just aged for a few years, while Reserve must see a minimum of seven years aging.
Those with a specific age (10, 20, 30, etc) have spent a long time in cask. The labeled number is an average, with some of the wine being considerably older. The wines are highly complex and rich, and are the pinnacle of wood-aged Ports.
166
What is Vintage Port?
The rarest and most expensive style of Port produced.. It is produced from a single, unblended vintage, and only produced in the best years, as determined by the producer and approved by the Instituto dos Vinhos do Douro e Porto (IVDP), sometimes as few as 3 years out of 10.
167
Describe the aging process of Vintage Port.
After approval, the wine must be aged in cask and bottled no later than July 30 of the third year after harvest. After bottling, the wine is usually cellared for many years after release. Consequently, they may age decades in the bottle. Each one is unique and reflective of the conditions of that year.
168
What is single Quinta Vintage Port?
A variation of Vintage Port, produced from a single estate or vineyard. There is some controversy, and single quintas can be produced in years where the producer could not declare a vintage year for their entire estate. Single Quinta Vintage Ports must go through the same approval as Vintage Port, which allows for specific vineyards to have exceptional harvests bottled under this designation.
Examples include Dow's Quinta do Bomfim and Taylor's Quinta de Terra Feita.
169
What is a colheita?
A single-vintage tawny Port. Wine must remain in cask for a minimum of 7 years, but in practice usually spends much longer in wood. Very few produce this style.
170
Describe White Port.
Much less common than red styles, it is produced from Malvasia Fina, Gouveio, Rabigato, and other whites of the region. Made in both off-dry and sweet styles, it is often an aperitif.
171
What was introduced by Croft in 2008?
Croft Pink, a rose Port. Pink port proved quite popular, and several other shippers have joined Croft.
172
Where is Madeira, and why was it historically important?
Madeira is an Atlantic island 400 miles off the coast of Morocco. It was an important naval stop for sailing ships resupplying to go to the Americas or Far East. They would buy local wines, which were fortified so they wouldn't spoil during the voyage. During long, hot months in the cargo holds, the wines were dramatically improved, turning amber colored and gaining nutty, caramel flavors. The "cooking" process was dubbed "maderization."
173
True or false: Fortified wines under the Madeira DOC are only produced on the island of Madeira.
False. They can also be produced on the island Porto Santo, 27 miles to the northeast.
Unfortified wines are also made on both islands, under either the Madeirense DOC or Terras Madeirenses VR.
174
What is the climate of Madeira?
A small volcannic island whose high point is 6,000 ft above sea level, vines grow on its steep, terraced slopes. The climate (33N) is mildly subtropical, with little annual temperature variation. Rain is rare in summer, though moderate annually with 75% coming in autumn and winter.
175
What are levadas?
Irrigation canals, a practice dating to the fifteenth century.
176
What are the "noble" varieties of grapes on Madeira?
Sercial, Verdelho, Boal, Malvasia (aka Malmsey). They are planted at different elevations, with Sercial halfway up the mountain, Verdelho a little below that, and Boal and Malvasia closer to sea level.
177
What is the most planted grape on Madeira?
Tinta Negra (fmrly Tinta Negra Mole), which takes on some of the characteristics of noble grapes grown at the same elevations.
178
How is dry Madeira made?
Sercial, Verdelho, or Tinta Negra, fortified after the wine ferments to dryness.
179
How is sweet Madeira made?
Boal, Malvasia, or Tinta Negra, fortified during fermentation, which halts the process while wine is still sweet.
180
There are two main methods for of maderization that aim to recreate the conditions of the sailing voyages. What are they?
The Canteiro Method and the Estufagem Method
181
What is the Canteiro method?
The wine is casked and placed in the rafters of an uncooled warehouse, where it is subjected to high temps under a subtropical sun for a minimum of two years.
As evaporation occurs, the wine concentrates and develops more complex flavors and aromas. These wines are considered to be of the highest quality, and Vinho de Canteiro may be bottled after a minimum of three years, but the best examples remain casked for 20 or more.
182
What is the Estufagem method?
Wine that is left in a concrete or stainless steel vat called an estufa. It undergoes a process called cuba de calor, where hot water is circulated through a coil submerged in the vat, heating the wine to 113F-120F. The wine then rests in the estufa for a minimum of 90 days, before being casked for aging. This is the least expensive method in terms of time and cost.
183
What is armazem de calor?
A different estufagem method where the wine is left in estufa, and the room heated with steam to over 120F, heating the wine to between 86F and 100F. It is used primarily by the Madeira Wine Company, an is considered gentler (lower temps, longer time) on the wine and an intermediate method in both cost and time.
184
Wines produced by either estufagem method may be released how long after harvest?
A minimum of two years.
185
What are the 'classic' styles of Madeira?
Named for the grapes of that style:
Sercial: Extra dry or dry, highly acidic, excellent aperitif
Verdelho: off-dry or medium-dry; honeyed, somewhat smoky character.
Boal: sweet, raisiny, medium rich, highly aromatic.
Malmsey: very sweet, somewhat soft, very rich
186
The classic styles of Madeira are not seen s often anymore. Why?
After joining the EU, the varietal names were only allowed if the wine contained 85% of the grape, which is not common in Madeira.
187
What are the modern stylistic names for Madeira?
Rainwater: traditional name for an off-dry blend with golden or semi-golden color; must be at least 3 years old.
Reserve (Reserva): A wine the is at least five, but no more than ten, years old.
Special Reserve (Reserva Especial): A wine that is at least 10, but no more than 15, years old.
Extra Reserve: A wine that is at least 15, but no more than 20 years old.
Age indications: Allowed for wines that are 20, 30, or over 40 years old, indicating the youngest wine in the blend.
Colheita: Single vintage (85% minimum, and aged at least 5 years before bottling.
Frasqueira: Vintage Madeira, cask aged a minimum of 20 years; a minimum of 85% must be from the stated vintage, allowing for some 'topping up' throughout the aging process.
188
Where is Bairrada?
Just inland from the coast; it has a cool, maritime climate.
189
What does Bairrada produce?
All still types and sparkling. Primarily reds are made up of Baga, high acid and highly tannic, with increasing international varieties being grown as well.
Bairrada sparkling wines are Traditional Method, and aged 9 months before being sold, being made up primarily of Maria Gomes (Fernao Pires).
190
Where is Dao DOC?
Located between the sea and the mountains, just south of Minho. It is surrounded by mountains and has a more continental climate than Bairrada.
191
What is primarily made in Dao DOC?
Complex, full-bodied reds. Primary red varieties are Alfrocheiro, Tinta Roriz, Jaen (Mencia), and Touriga Nacional.
The region also produces sparkling, whites, and rose. Key white varieties include Encruzado and Bical.
192
What is west and south of Lisbon?
Lisboa VR, which produces much of the regional wine of Portugal. Whites are typically fresh and crisp, based on Arinto. Reds are fruit-forward with good value to quality.
193
What are the main red and white varieties of Lisboa VR?
Red: Trincadeira, Ramisco, Bastardo with int'l varieties now permitted. Reds in Colares DOC are Ramisco.
Whites: Primarily made in the small DOC of Colares (famous for being planted in the sand along the famous surfing beach of Guincho) based on Malvasia.
194
What does Lourinha DOC produce?
Aguardente (brandy)
195
What is produced in Tejo?
To the east of Lisboa, Tejo produces a significant amount of VR Tejo regional wine, and an even bigger amount of Vinho de Portugal. Castelao and Trincadeira are the leading varieties, Fernao Pires the white.
196
Is there a DOC in Tejo?
Yes. Do Tejo DOC, which produces red, white, rose, sparkling, and licoroso (fortified wines). It is very small.
197
Where is the Peninsula de Setubal?
South of Tejo. It contains two DOCs and is protected from the sea by the Arrabida Mountains.
198
What is produced in the two DOCs of Peninsula de Setubal?
Setubal: Vins doux Naturels, from Muscat of Alexandria, labeled as Moscatel de Setubal if the wine is a least 85% Muscat.
Palmela DOC: Mainly red and based on Castelao, which thrives in sandy soils.
199
Where is Alentejano region?
Southeastern Portugal. A major source of quality wine Alentejo DOC or the huge Alentejano VR.
200
What is the climate in Alentejano, and what grows there?
Continental climate, with fruit-forward reds, rich and full-bodied, featuring Aragonez and Trincadeira, along with Alicante Bouschet in the DOC. The VR is seeing new plantings of int'l varieties like Cab Sauv and Syrah.
201
Where is Algrave?
The southernmost region on the mainland. It has four DOCs and and mountains shelter it from the heat of Alentejo to the north. Grape varieties are similar to Alentejo.
The four DOCs are Lagos, Portimao, Lagoa, and Tavira.
202
Where are the Azores, and what is produced there?
An island chain approximately 1000 miles off the west coast of Portugal. The entire chain is covered by the Azores VR, but three islands (Biscoitos, Graciosa, and Pico) have their own DOCs. Madeira lies 700 miles southeast of Pico.
The majority produced there is white (dry or fortified) and mainly based on Verdelho, Arinto, or Terrantez.
