N-Central Spain - Duero Valley - Ruedea

Answer 1

11th century: first evidence of winemaking in Rueda. Verdejo cultivated since 18th
• 1890s: Phylloxera destroyed 2/3 of the vineyards
• 1972: arrival of Marques de Riscal from La Rioja that sparked a revolution; DO created in 1980 as a result.

Answer 2

Around Rueda, 170km northwest of Madrid. Flat plains 600-780m hi w Duero river flowing westwards.

• Iron-rich soils w good drainage. Chalky soils beside the Douro in the north.
• Continental w cool evenings that give the wine elegance. Avg rainfall 400mm. 2,700h of sunlight/yr. Strong winds

Answer 3

Reds

1. Tinta del País
2. Clone of Tempranillo; native to the area
3. Premier native black grape w thick skin; ripens early i.e. several weeks earlier vs. most Spanish
4. red grapes (temprano: ‘early’)
5. Thrives in chalky soils & moderate climates for better acidity & elegance
6. Wines are med->full bodied, low to med+
7. acidity, w med tannins and flavours of strawberry, cherry, raspberry & plum. Oak and ageing add flavours of herbs, mushrooms, leather & tobacco

Others: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Garnacha

Answer 4

Whites

1. Verdejo
2. Originates from North Africa; arrived in Spain in 11th to make oxidised wines
3. Wines are dry, light to medium-bodied w hi acidity and delicate flavours of tropical & stone fruit flavours e.g. melon, apricot & peach
4. Oxidises easily, generally harvested at night
5. Sauvignon blanc
6. Vigorous vine (-> use of low vigour rootstock + canopy management)
7. Green fruits, gooseberries w fresh acidity & mineral undertones

Others: Viura

Answer 5

7,600ha – w most new vineyards set up for mechanisation and vines trained low to protect vs. winds.

Key hazards: spring frost, hailstones in winter/spring

Winemaking

Whites: night harvest, selection tables, cold maceration, temperature-controlled fermentation are now common

Verdejo must be minimum 50% Verdejo. Aromatic wines w peach & melon flavours.

Most of the production is white wines are winemakers are battling in court to keep the DO 100% white.

Vinos blancos de Castilla: undisputed pioneer in modern-winemaking in Rueda when developed a new white wine w the help of Émile Peynaud in the 70s. Now produces 1.5m btls incl Marqués de Riscal Rueda Superior.