S P A I N Flashcards
Biggest challenge to growing grapes in Spain?
Drought
Best way to grow grapes in Spain?
Bush-trained vines with low density, which maximize the water to each vine and shading fruit from excessive heat
Best wines in Spain use:
Oak maturation
What is carbonic maceration used to do in wines?
Enhance fruity nature of wines
Premier black grape variety in Spain
Tempranillo
Describe Tempranillo
Thick skinned
Medium acid
What is the term for Tempranillo that is fermented using semi-carbonic maceration?
Joven
What kinds of climates can prove challenging for Tempranillo?
Hot climates without a high diurnal temperature, because the wine will lack the acidity it needs to be balanced
What is the Spanish term for Grenache?
Garnacha Tinta
What is the Spanish term for Mourvedre
Monastrell
Describe Monastrell
Drought tolerant Full-bodied High tannin Low to medium acid Ripe blackcurrant fruit notes High ABV
What kinds of conditions do thick-skinned grapes need to ripen?
Hot
What does Graciano add to wines?
Acid, black fruit aromas, and tannins
What is the Spanish name for Carignan?
Cariñena
What kinds of wines does Cariñena produce?
High ABV, high tannin, high acid
What kinds of wine does Mencia produce?
Medium to high acid
Herbaceousness
Fresh fruit
What climates does Mencia grow in?
Moderate climate
What time are most of the white wine grapes in Spain harvested?
At night or in early morning, to preserve delicate floral aromas
What climactic factor is Verdejo highly susceptible to?
Oxidation
What kinds of wines does Verdejo produce, now?
Similar to Sauvignon Blanc
Light body
High acid
Melon and Peach notes
Where is Albariño grown?
Northwest Spain
Describe Albariño
High in acid
Citrus and stone fruit notes
Can be made full-bodied
Spanish PDOs
DO and DOCa
What are the only two DOCas?
Rioja and Priorat
What are the aging categories for Spanish wines, youngest to oldest required?
Joven
Crianza
Reserva
Gran Reserva