Spain Flashcards by Michael Myers

Name the sub-zones of Rias Baixas

Ribeira do Ulla
Val do Salnes
Soutomaior
Condado do Tea
O Rosal

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Describe Toro DO production

Rich, intense red wines. Primary grape is Tinto de Toro (Tempranillo)

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Describe the difference between Rioja and Ribera del Duero wines

Ribera del Duero produces deeper color, more tannin, more intense black fruit, fuller body, and higher alcohol

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What is Tinto Fino?

What Tempranillo is called in the Ribera del Duero

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What mountain range protects Rioja?

The Pyrenees to the Northeast.

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Describe the Spanish quality system

DO -> equivalent to France’s AOC
DOCa (DOQ) -> Highest quality regions
DO Pago -> Single Estates

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Describe the Rioja quality levels

Crianza
Reserva
Gran Reserva

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What are the regions of Rioja?

Rioja Alta
Rioja Alavesa
Rioja Oriental

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Where is the primary production of cava?

Penedes -> near Barcelona

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What is the main grape of Rias Baixas?

Albariño

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What oak barrels are traditionally used in Rioja?

American Oak

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What kind of wine does Priorat produce?

Intense, concentrated, dry red wine

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What is the largest region of Rioja by vineyard area?

Rioja Oriental

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Which of the following grape varieties is not permitted in Rioja DOCa?
a) Tempranillo
b) Garnacha Blanca
c) Albariño
d) Mazuelo

c) Albariño

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Match the following producers with their flagship wines:

A) Marqués de Murrieta
B) López de Heredia
C) La Rioja Alta
D) Bodegas Muga

1) Viña Tondonia
2) Castillo Ygay
3) Gran Reserva 904
4) Prado Enea

A) Marqués de Murrieta → 2) Castillo Ygay
B) López de Heredia → 1) Viña Tondonia
C) La Rioja Alta → 3) Gran Reserva 904
D) Bodegas Muga → 4) Prado Enea

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Which river runs through the Rioja region, and how does it influence the vineyards?

Ebro River – Provides water for irrigation and moderates the climate, creating ideal conditions for viticulture.

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What is the minimum percentage of Tempranillo required in a Rioja red wine labeled as a single varietal?

85% (or 95% if destemmed).

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What is the Vino de Pago classification, and how does it differ from Rioja DOCa?

Vino de Pago is a single-estate designation outside the Rioja DOCa system, focusing on unique terroirs. It is not tied to Rioja DOCa regulations and represents a higher level of specificity.

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Which Rioja vintage from the last 20 years is considered exceptional, and why?

2010 – Known for its perfect balance of ripeness, structure, and acidity, with excellent aging potential.

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Rioja Crianza aging requirements for red wine

2 years total:
min 1 year in oak

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Rioja Reserva aging requirements for red wine

3 years total:
min 1 year in oak
min 6 months in bottle

Rioja Gran Reserva aging requirements for red wine

5 years total:
min 2 years in oak
min 2 years in bottle

Rioja Crianza aging requirements for white/rose wine

Aged for 6 months in barrel

Rioja Reserva aging requirements for white/rose wine

2 years total:
min 6 months in barrel

Rioja Gran Reserva aging requirements for white/rose wine

4 years total: min 6 months in oak

Rioja Espumoso Genérico aging requirements

15 months in bottle

Rioja Espumoso Reserva aging requirements

24 months in bottle

Rioja Espumoso Gran Añada aging requirements

36 months in bottle

Average yearly rainfall in Rias Baixas

63-79 inches

What was the first recognized Vinos de Pago in Spain

2003: Dominio de Valdepusa in Castilla-La Mancha

How many Vinos de Pago are there in Spain

Most recent Vinos de Pago

2020: Pago del Vicario in Castilla-La Mancha

What is the primary soil type in Priorat, and what is its local name?

Llicorella – A type of slate soil with quartzite, known for its excellent drainage and heat retention, which helps ripen grapes in Priorat’s dry climate.

Which of the following grape varieties is not permitted in Priorat DOCa? a) Garnacha b) Cariñena c) Albariño d) Syrah

c) Albariño

Match the following villages with their Vi de Vila (village wine) designations: A) Gratallops B) Porrera C) Torroja del Priorat D) La Morera de Montsant 1) Torroja 2) Gratallops 3) Porrera 4) La Morera

A) Gratallops → 2) Gratallops B) Porrera → 3) Porrera C) Torroja del Priorat → 1) Torroja D) La Morera de Montsant → 4) La Morera

What is the minimum aging requirement for a Gran Reserva red wine in Priorat?

5 years total: min 2 years in barrel

What mountain range surrounds Priorat, and how does it influence the region’s climate?

Montsant Mountain Range – Protects the region from excessive rainfall and cold winds, creating a warm, dry Mediterranean climate ideal for grape ripening.

What is the minimum alcohol level required for Priorat DOCa red wines?

13.5% ABV

What is the Vi de Finca classification in Priorat, and how does it differ from Vi de Vila?

Vi de Finca is a single-estate designation for wines from a specific vineyard with proven quality over 10 years. It is more site-specific than Vi de Vila, which represents village-level wines.

Which Priorat vintage from the last 20 years is considered exceptional, and why?

2016 – Known for its perfect balance of ripeness, structure, and freshness, with excellent aging potential due to ideal growing conditions.

What are the three primary grape varieties used in traditional Cava production?

Macabeo, Xarel·lo, and Parellada

Match the following Cava classifications with their minimum lees aging requirements: A) Cava B) Cava Reserva C) Cava Gran Reserva D) Cava de Paraje Calificado 1) 9 months 2) 15 months 3) 30 months 4) 36 months

A) Cava → 1) 9 months B) Cava Reserva → 2) 15 months C) Cava Gran Reserva → 3) 30 months D) Cava de Paraje Calificado → 4) 36 months

What is the maximum yield per hectare allowed for Cava production?

12,000 kg/ha

Order the following Cava sweetness levels from driest to sweetest: Brut Nature Seco Extra Brut Semi-Seco

Brut Nature Extra Brut Seco Semi-Seco

What is the minimum alcohol level required for Cava?

10.8% ABV

What is the Cava de Paraje Calificado classification, and how does it differ from standard Cava?

This is a single-vineyard designation for Cava, requiring stricter standards such as: 36 months minimum lees aging Grapes must come from a specific, high-quality site with proven excellence. It differs from standard Cava by focusing on terroir-driven wines.

Which recent vintage is considered exceptional for Cava, and why?

2017 – Known for its balanced ripeness and acidity, with favorable growing conditions for high-quality sparkling wines.

Primary soil type found in Rias Baixas

Granite

Coldest subzone of Rias Baixas

Val do Salnés (furthest north and close to coast)

Hottest subzone of Rias Baixas

Condado do Tea (furthest inland)