Rioja & Navarra Flashcards
What river flows down from the Cantabrian mountains through Rioja?
Ebro
When did Rioja become Spain’s first DOCa? When was the DO established?
1991
1933
How long has wine been made in the Rioja area?
It believed since before Roman conquest, by Celtic tribes.
What is Carignan’s name in Spain?
What is it in Rioja?
Carinena
Mazuelo
Historically, was more white or red made in Rioja?
White
In what century would Rioja production shift to red wine?
What organization was established towards the end of that century?
18th
Real Sociedad Economica de Cosecheros de Rioja in 1787.
How did the French affect the wine industry in Rioja as phylloxera rampaged through France?
Not only bringing skilled labor, but they had capital for infrastructure, and built a railroad from Bilbao to Haro. Wineries built their operations right next to the train station, where today you will still find La Rioja Alta, Cvne, and Lopez di Heredia.
What are the wire cages around some bottles of Rioja called, and what were they for?
Mallas
To curb counterfeiting in the early 20th century.
What mountain range barricades Rioja from Atlantic winds?
Sierra de Cantabria range
Often, vintages in Rioja are described one of two ways, by these two climates, that intersect in the region.
Atlantic (cooler and wetter)
Mediterranean (warmer and drier)
What are the 3 Rioja sub-regions?
Which is largest?
Rioja Alta (largest, about 40%)
Rioja Oriental
Rioja Alavesa
In Rioja Alta, talk about climate and soil type, and the rivers that run in the area.
Furthest West, Rioja Alta gets the most Atlantic influence. The Oja river valley has chalky alluvial soils, the Najerilla river valley is iron rich clay.
In Rioja Alavesa, what distinguishes the Basque portion of the region in terms of style and terroir?
Its the highest elevation of the three areas, with more limestone soils and the highest proportion of Tempranillo. While very expensive wines come from here, traditionally, a carbonically macerated Tempranillo is widely produced, the style predating the French influence.
In Rioja Oriental, what is different from Alavesa and Alta?
Garnacha is much more prevalent, in the warmer Mediterranean portion of the region. Typically the first to pick.
As recently as 1973, what was the most widely planted grape in Rioja?
Garnacha
What red grapes are blended into Tempranillo and Garnacha in the Rioja region?
Mazuelo, Graciano, and Maturana Tinta
What percent white grapes can you blend into a Tinto Rioja?
5% if you destem
15% if you dont
You’ve enjoyed white, red, and rosado Rioja before…What other styles are made in the region?
Espumoso, blanc and rosado
What is Maturana Tinta known as in France?
Trousseau
What white grapes typically are used in making Rioja blanco?
Viura with a little Malvasia, sometimes Garnacha Blanca
What are the ageing requirements when a Rioja is labeled Crianza? (white/rosado & red)
Red: 2 years total, 1 in oak
White/Rosado: 18 months total, 6 in oak