Spain Flashcards
Rioja DOCa traverses which four autonomous communities?
La Rioja, Basque Country, Navarra and Castilla y Léon
What are ‘lagares’?
Stone troughs used for crushing grapes
What is ‘Vino de Pago’?
A Vino de Pago is a designation awarded to a single estate that may exist within or outside of a DO. Few Vinos de Pago are found within prestigious appellations. Vinos de Pago must be estate bottled and the vineyard owned by the winery operating in its bounds.
When was ‘Vino de Pago’ established?
2003
Which autonomous regions are located in between Galicia and Basque Country?
- Asturias
- Cantabria
Name some of the most important Spanish rivers from north to south.
Miño, Ebro, Duero, Tagus, Guadiana, and Guadalquivir.
Which 2 autonomous regions are located off the mainland Spain?
The Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands off the coast of Northern Africa.
Name the two main mountain ranges in Spain.
- Meseta Central
- Sistema Central
Name other mountain ranges in Spain.
Pyrenees, Cantabrian Mountains (begin in Galicia and run parallel to northern coast), Sistema Ibérico (stretches from Castilla y Léon to Valencia), Sierra Morena, Sistema Penibético (has Sierra Nevada range in it).
Name 3 wind patterns that affect temperatures in Spain.
Poniente, Leveche and Levante.
Describe the 3 wind patterns in Spain.
The Poniente blows from the west, bringing cold air from the Atlantic, while the Leveche brings in hot, drying currents from the African desert. Another warm—but humid—wind, the Levante, comes in from the east, funnels through Gibraltar, and can be felt throughout southeast Spain.
When were the first Spanish Denominaciones de Origen (DOs) awarded?
1932
What is the lowest-quality tier of Spanish wine?
Vino de Mesa (VdM) - table wine. These wines can be blended from various areas of the country but by law will bear no region on the label, although they can list the address of the registered bottler or, if within an established DO, only the postal code. Since 2008, these wines have been allowed to state both vintage and variety.
What is the second lowest-quality tier of Spanish wine?
Vino de la Tierra (VdlT) will come from within a confined area of varying size, from a collection of villages to a whole autonomous community. The VdlT might also be used for quality wines made by experimental winemakers looking to operate outside the confines of higher-tier regulations. Both VdM and VdlT wines fall under the broader table wine umbrella within European Union law, while VdlT wines are also designated Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), which mandates that 85% of grapes derive from a given area.
What are the Spanish tiers that qualify for PDOs (Protected Denominations of Origin)?
Vino de Calidad con Indicación Geográfica (VC or VCIG), Denominación de Origen (DO), Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa), and Vino de Pago (VP).
When was Rioja awarded with DOCa status?
1991
When was Priorat awarded with DOCa status?
2009
It usually features the Catalan translation Denominació d’Origen Qualificada (DOQ) on its labels.
Which autonomous region has the highest concentration of Vinos de Pago?
Castilla- La Mancha
For how long does an estate need to be in production before applying for Vino de Pago?
The estate must be in production for a minimum of 10 years before applying for Vino de Pago status.
Name the Vinos de Pago of Navarra.
Arinzano (2007), Prado de Arache (2008), Otazu (2009) and Bolandin (2022)
Ageing requirements Gran Reserva White and Rosado in Rioja.
Minimum 4 years total; at least 6 months in oak (remainder must be in bottle or oak)
What’s the size of the barrel in Rioja?
The oak casks in Rioja must have an approximate capacity of 225 litres.
What is the fifth most widely planted variety and second most widely planted white varietal globally?
Airén (vigorous, drought-resistant. Giving indistinctive wines, like Ugni Blanc for Cognac)
Describe Albariño as a varietal in the vineyard.
In the vineyard, Albariño is susceptible to mildew, but its thicker skins make it less prone to botrytis, allowing it to succeed in the damp climate of Rías Baixas. It proves particularly well adapted to granite soils and ripens early to mid-season. In Rías Baixas, some Albariño vines as old as 300 years remain in production.
Describe Albariño as a wine.
Wines vinified from Albariño are often identified by their elevated acidity and saline, peachy flavors. Also typical are gentle floral aromatics and bitterness on the palate. Depending on style, Albariño can be crafted into lighter, crisp white wines intended for immediate consumption, as well as more structured renditions, with extended lees contact and capacity to age. A few producers ferment and mature in oak.
What’s the Portuguese region south of Galicia called?
Minho
Describe wine made from Godello.
Godello is widely praised for its freshness and stony, savory character, which is matched with a medium-full body. The grape also has the potential for longevity.
What’s the grape synonym for Palomino Fino on the Canary Islands?
Listán Blanco
Describe Parellada as a grape variety.
Parellada is one of the three primary Cava varieties and is appreciated as a softening agent. Its more moderate acidity, as well as its apple flavors and delicate floral aromas, can add delicacy to the more muscular Xarel·lo and Macabeo.
Name 3 main varietals for Cava production.
Macabeo
Parellada
Xarel•lo
Verdejo is native to which Spanish appellation?
Rueda
Describe Xarel•lo.
It is employed to add structure and increase aging capacity, as well as for its persistent acidity. With richer fruit flavors, Xarel·lo can add body to Cava’s mid-palate. Such attributes are also enjoyed in Xarel·lo’s still wines; for these, it is generally considered one of the most distinguished white varieties of Catalonia.
What’s the native grape varietal of Utiel-Requena in Valencia?
Bobal
Name synonyms for Cariñena.
Mazuelo
Crujillón
Samsó
What’s another name for Garnacha Tintorera?
Alicante Bouschet - a teinturier variety with both skin and flesh being red. Inky and tannic wines are the result.
Alicante Bouschet is a cross between which varietals?
Garnacha x Petit Bouschet
Which region is Listan Negro native to?
Canary Islands
Where are Monastrell vines concentrated in Spain?
In Spain, Monastrell plantings are most concentrated to the southeast, in Valencia, Murcia, and Castilla-La Mancha. It finds particular success in the appellations Jumilla and Alicante, where many old vine plantings can be found.
Fondillón, the historic oxidative and off-dry late-harvest wine of Alicante, is made from which varietal?
Monastrell
Name synonyms for Tempranillo.
Cencibel (Valdepeñas)
Tinto del País (Ribera del Duero)
Tinta de Toro (Toro)
Tinto Fino (Ribera del Duero)
Tinto Roriz/Aragonez (Portugal)
Ull de Llebre (Catalonia)
Describe Tempranillo as a grape variety.
Depending on style, Tempranillo can produce a broad array of red to black fruit notes, though its more savory flavors, including leather, earth, and dried herbs, are most often identified. It is responsive to a variety of winemaking techniques, and top-flight examples might be aged in century-old or new American or European oak barrels, among other vessels.
Describe traditional Spanish rosado wines.
The most traditional rosados are aged for long periods in American oak and are higher in alcohol and deeper in pigment than more contemporary bottlings.
Which river separates Spain and Portugal?
Minho
How are local estates called in Rias Baixas?
‘Pazos’
What’s the predominant soil type in Rias Baixas?
Much of the region is planted on decomposed granite, called xabre, with low water retention that serves the rainy environment well.
What are the subregions of Rias Baixas?
Val do Salnés, Ribeira do Ulla, Soutomaior, O Rosal, and Condado do Tea
Which subregions of Rias Baixas border Portugal?
O Rosal and Condado do Tea
How are vines historically trained in Rias Baixas?
Trained to a ‘parral’ or pergola
Name varietals other than Albarino that are planted in Rias Baixas?
Whites - Loureiro, Treixadura, Caíno Blanco, Torrontés and Godello.
Reds - Caíno Tinto, Espadeiro, Loureira Tinta, Sousón, Mencía and Brancellao.
How many percent of Albarino must be in the wine to be varietally bottled in Rias Baixas?
100%
What is Vino Tostado?
A Spanish ‘toasted wine’. A dried grape wine similar to Tuscan vin santo. Red or white grapes are left to dry for a minimum of 3 months. Wines are then fermented and aged in oak or sherry casks for a minimum of 6 months, followed by a minimum of 3 months in bottle before release.
Which rivers converge in Ribeiro?
Mino and Avia. Arnoia joins just south of the town Ribadavia.
What are the 3 main white grape varietals of Galicia?
Albarino
Godello
Treixadura
Name the vineyards of Lopez de Heredia.
Tondonia
López de Heredia owns three more vineyards also set in the Rioja Alta region. These are the
“Viña Cubillo” from Vina Cubillas vineyard
“Viña Bosconia” - bigger and earthy wines.
“Viña Zaconia” - Vina Gravonia is made from this vineyard. Planted to Viura.
Which wines can be varietally labelled in Valdeorras?
White: Godello
Red: Mencia
River Sil flows through which regions in Galicia and Castilla y Leon?
Ribeira Sacra and Valdeorras
Bierzo
Subzones Navarra?
Baja Montana
Tierra Estella
Valdizarbe
Ribera Alta
Ribera Baja
Name the 5 subzones of Navarra.
Valdizarbe (high altitude)
Baja Montana
Tierra Estella (both in north)
Ribera Alta (center)
Ribera Baja (hot southern section)
Name the 4 DO’s of Aragon.
Campo de Borja, Calatayud, Carinena and Somontano.
Name 3 top producers in Toro.
Farina
Numanthia-Termes
Vega Sicilia’s Bodegas Pintia
Where is the Dehesa la Granje estate? Who founded it?
In Zamora DO, west of Toro.
Founded by Alejandro Fernandez of Pesquera.
Name the 5 original ‘Clos’ wines in Priorat.
Barbier’s Clos Mogador
Palacios’ Clos Dofi
Clos Erasmus
Clos de l’Obac
Clos Martinet
Name the sub valleys of Rioja Alta.
Oja, Najerilla, Iregua
Name mountain ranges around Rioja.
Obarees Mountains, Sierra de Cantabria in the North, Sierra de la Demanda and Iberico Mountains in the south
Name famous DO’s in Levante.
Alicante, Jumilla, Yecla, Valencia and Utiel-Requena.
Where could I find Ribera del Guadiana DO?
In Extremadura.
Under which DO are table wines released in Málaga?
Sierras de Málaga DO.
What’s the western most DO of Castilla Y León?
Arribes DO
What’s the specialty grape of Arribes?
Brunal - also known as Alfrocheiro in Portugal.
Name the first DO Pago in Spain? Where is it located?
Dominio de Valdepusa near Toledo, Méntrida, Castilla la Mancha.
Name the smallest Vino de Pago?
Vallegarcía, 1.5 hectares, Castilla La-Mancha
Name Bierzo’s greatest terroir.
Corullón. Alvaro Palacios and Ricardo Pérez make a top bottling here.
What did Alejandro Fernández establish?
Pesquera in Ribera del Duero
Spanish grape synonym for Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains?
Moscatel de Grano Menudo
Name the famous Vino de Pago in the Tierra Estella subzone of Navarra.
Arinzano.
Name of the Rioja joint venture between Vega Sicilia and Baron Benjamin de Rothschild of Château Clarke?
Macán
When was the first vintage of Pingus produced?
In 1995.
Where could I find the grape variety Callet?
Mallorca
What is Vino de Aguja in Utiel Requena?
Semi sparkling wine
Training system in Manzanilla Sanlucar de Barrameda DO?
Vara y pulgar (“stick and thumb”)
What are the white grapes of Rueda?
Verdejo
Sauvignon Blanc
Viura
Palomino Fino
What is Dorado wine?
Fortified wine from Rueda. Aged for a total of 4 years. Aged in wood for min 2 years. Solera style. Aged in demi-johns. Rancio style.
Name two large producers of Cava.
Freixenet and Codorníu.
Name red varieties of Galicia.
The reds include Merenzao, Caíño Tinto, Sousón, Brancellao, Mouratón, and Espadeiro.
When Peter Sisseck arrived in Ribera del Duero, for which winery did he start working?
Hacienda Monasterio
What’s the second project of Vega Sicilia in Ribera del Duero called?
Alión
Name two prominent Rioja producers with a self sustaining approach to viticulture as opposed to buying in fruit.
Contino
Remelluri
Which other wineries are owned by CVNE?
Vina Real
Contino (Rioja Alavesa)
Most famous and traditional wine of CVNE?
Imperial
Name 3 famous producers in Rioja Alavesa.
Artadi
Remelluri
Contino
What’s the dividing line between Rioja Alta and Rioja Oriental?
Iregua River
True or false - grapes ripen roughly a week later in Rioja Alta than in Rioja Alavesa.
True
Name the local white grape variety of Somontano.
Alcanón
Local red grapes of Somontano?
Parraleta
Moristel
What does Cava de Paraje Calificado refers to?
Single-vineyard Cava
Name the DO Pagos of Valencia.
Los Balagueses
Chozas Carrascal
El Terrerazo
Vera de Estenas
Name the subzones of Valencia DO.
Alto Turia
Clariano
Valentino
Moscatel de Valencia
Name the two principal grapes in Valencia’s Alto Turia.
Merseguera
Macabeo
What are the DO’s of Murcia?
Yecla
Jumilla
Bullas
Describe Sobremadre wines in Vinos de Madrid DO.
Traditional style for both red and orange wines, where skin contact is permitted without racking for up to 180 days.
Name the DO’s of the Balearic Islands.
Pla i Llevant
Binissalem
What are the DO’s of Tenerife?
Tacoronte-Acentejo
Valle de la Orotava
Ycoden-Daute-Isora
Abona
Valle de Güímar
Which islands form the Canary Islands?
La Palma
El Hierro
La Gomera
Tenerife
Gran Canaria
Fuerteventura
Lanzarote
Through which region runs the Guadalquivir river?
Andalucia
Through which regions flows the Tajo?
Madrid, La Mancha and Extremadura (ends in Lisbon)
Ageing requirement for a Crianza Red and White?
Red - minimum 2 years total; at least 6 months in oak
White - Minimum 18 months total; at least 6 in oak
Oak must have max capacity of 330 litres
Ageing requirements Reserva Red and White?
Red - min 3 years total; 1 year oak
White - min 2 years total; 6m oak
Ageing requirements Gran Reserva Red and White?
Red - minimum 5 years total; at least 18 months in oak
White - minimum 4 years total; at least 6 months in oak
What does Joven refer to?
‘Young’ wine with minimal to no oak influence
What does Noble refer to?
Min 18 months total in oak or bottle
Oak must have a max capacity of 600 litres
What does Anejo refer to?
Min 2 years total in oak or in bottle
Max oak capacity 600 litres
What does Viejo refer to?
Minimum 3 years in oak and demonstrates marked oxidative character
What’s the most common Rioja white blend?
Macabeo/ Viura and Garnacha Blanca
What is Palomino Fino known as on Canary Islands?
Listan Blanco
What gives Parellada to Cava blend?
Soft acidity and floral finesse.
Macabeo and Xarel.lo are more muscular.
To which DO is Bobal native?
Utiel-Requena DO in Valencia.
Name grape synonyms for Carinena.
Mazuelo
Samso
Grape synonym for Alicante Bouschet?
Garnacha Tintorera. Garnacha x Petit Bouschet
Which grape is native to Canary Islands?
Listan Negro. Not related to Listan Blanco neither to Listan Prieto.
In which two DO’s is Mencia widely grown?
Bierzo
Ribeira Sacra
In which region is Jumilla DO located?
Murcia
What’s Valdepenas’ grape synonym for Tempranillo?
Cencibel
What’s the Catalan grape synonym for Tempranillo?
Ull de Llebre
What’s Tempranillo called in Portugal?
Tinta Roriz
Tinta Aragonez
Name the DO’s of Galicia.
Rias Baixas
Ribeiro
Ribeira Sacra
Valdeorras
Monterrei
Varietal breakdown when labelled as Condado do Tea?
Min 70% Albarino and Treixadura
Varietal breakdown when labelled Val do Salnes or Ribeira do Ulla?
At least 70% Albarino, Loureira, Treixadura and Caino Blanco.
Varietal breakdown when labelled O Rosal?
At least 70% Albarino and Loureira.
Name 3 red grapes of Rias Baixas.
Caíno Tinto, Espadeiro, Loureira Tinta, Sousón, Mencía and Brancellao.
What’s the principal grape variety of Ribeira Sacra?
Mencia.
Name main white grape of Basque Country.
Hondarrabi Zuri
Name main red grape of Basque Country.
Hondarrabi Beltza
Name the Basque Country/ Txakoli DO’s.
Txakoli de Bizkaia
Txakoli de Getaria
Txakoli de Álava
Name the DO’s of Castilla Y Leon.
Bierzo
Rueda
Toro
Ribera del Duero
Arlanza
Cigales
Leon
Tierro del Vino de Zamora
Arribes
Name of the river that flows through Bierzo?
Sil.
Name two subzones of Bierzo.
Bajo Bierzo (clay)
Alta Bierzo (quartz and slate)
Name the principal red grapes of Bierzo.
Mencia
Garnacha Tintorera
Estaldina
Merenzao
Name the principal white grapes of Bierzo.
Godello
Dona Blanca
Malvasia
Palomino
What are the main varieties for Rueda’s Dorado wine?
Verdejo and Palomino
Minimal 50% of which white grapes need to go into Rueda whites?
Min 50% Verdejo or Sauvignon Blanc
What does Gran Vino de Rueda refer to?
It must come from vines at least 30 years old.
What are the red grapes of Rueda?
Tempranillo
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Syrah
Garnacha
When were Pesquera and Pingus founded in Ribera del Duero?
Pesquera - 1972
Pingus - 1995
What’s the second wine of Pingus?
Flor de Pingus: 100% Tempranillo. Aged in a mix of old and new barrique for about 14 months. Inaugural vintage 1996.
Name climatic hazards in Ribera del Duero.
Frost
Hail
What’s the grape synonym for Tempranillo in Ribera del Duero?
Tinto Fino
Tinto del Pais
What’s the allowed white grape in Ribera del Duero?
Albillo Mayor
RdD - ageing requirements red crianza?
2 Years total
1 Year in wood
RdD - ageing requirements reserva red?
3 Years in total
1 Year in wood
RdD - ageing requirements red gran reserva?
5 Years total
2 Years in wood
Compare Ribera del Duero’s wines to Rioja’s wines.
RdD generally more dark fruited and more tannic than Rioja. Reasons: the land, the Bordeaux varieties and biotypes of Tinto Fino.
Describe altitude of Ribera del Duero and Rioja.
Ribera del Duero: 800-850 metres
Rioja: majority between 300-500 metres
Ageing requirements for Ribera del Duero whites?
Crianza 18 months
Reserva 2 years
Gran reserva 4 years
All of them 6 months in wood
What is the native grape of Tierra de Leon DO?
Prieto Picudo
Describe Toro’s climate and soils.
Very dry, less than 400mm of rain.
Cool continental climate at 620 to 840 metres.
Soils are very sandy with brown limestone as top layer.
Name and style of Toro’s Tempranillo?
Tinta do Toro.
Rustic, full-throttle wines also known as ‘Bull’s Blood’.
What percentage of which grape needs to go into Toro reds?
75% Tempranillo
Or
85% Garnacha
What are the white grapes of Toro?
Verdejo
Malvasia Castellana
Albillo Real
Muscat à Petits Grains
Which DO is located in between Arribes and Toro?
Tierra del Vino de Zamora DO
Name the regions of Ebro River Valley.
La Rioja
Navarra
Aragon
Name centennial wineries in Rioja.
Lopez de Heredia
CVNE
La Rioja Alta
Bodegas Marques de Murrieta
Bodegas Riojanas
Bodegas Faustino
Bodegas Marques de Riscal
Between which two mountain ranges is Rioja sandwiched?
Cantabrian Mountains and Pyrenees in the north
Iberico Mountains in the south
How can vintages be described?
Atlantic - cool and wet
Mediterranean - warm and dry
What’s the major mountain range in Rioja Oriental called?
Yerga Mountains
In which province is Rioja Alavesa located?
In Alava province in Basque Country
Describe soils of Oja Valley?
Chalk
Describe soils of Najerilla Valley.
Iron-rich clay
What are blending partners for Tempranillo in Rioja?
Garnacha
Graciano
Mazuelo/ Carinena
Maturana Tinta/ Trousseau
Ageing requirement for Rioja’s Espumoso?
Min 15 months on lees
Allowed white grapes in Rioja?
Viura
Malvasia
Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
Verdejo
Garnacha Blanca
Maturana Blanca
Tempranillo Blanca
Turruntes
Ageing requirements Rioja crianza?
White - 18 months, 6 in oak
Red - 2 years, 1 in oak
Ageing requirements Rioja Reserva?
White - 2 years, 6 in oak
Red - 3 years, 1 in oak and 6 months in bottle
Ageing requirements Rioja Gran Reserva?
White - 4 years, 6 months in oak
Red - 5 years, 2 in oak and 2 in bottle
What are the requirements for Rioja’s Vinedo Singular regulation?
Sites with vines need to be at least 35 years old
Hand harvesting mandated
Lower yields required
Vinification must happen at the estate
Main city in Navarra?
Pamplona
What wine style is dominant in Navarra’s Baja Montana?
Rosado
Allowed white and red grapes in Navarra?
W - Garnacha Blanca, Macabeo, Malvasia, Moscatel de Grano Menudo, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc
R - Tempranillo, Garnacha Tinta, Graciano, Mazuelo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Pinot Noir
Main city Aragon?
Zaragoza
Main grape Calatayud DO?
Garnacha
Main grapes of Carinena DO?
DO established in 1932.
Garnacha and Tempranillo are main grapes.
Which DO in Aragon borders France?
Somontano
Wine styles in Somontano DO?
Blanco, Rosado, Tinto, Vino de Licor, Vino Espumoso and Vino Naturalmente Dulce
What does the term ‘Roble’ refers to in Somontano?
Wines that have been aged for a min 45 days in oak for whites and a min 90 days in oak for reds
White grapes of Somontano?
Gewürztraminer
Riesling
Chardonnay
Garnacha Blanca
Sauvignon Blanc
Alcanon
Name local white grape of Somontano.
Alcanon
Red grapes of Somontano?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, plus Tempranillo, Syrah, Garnacha Tinta, Moristel, Pinot Noir and Parraleta
Name the DO’s of Catalonia.
Penedes
Conca de Barbera
Tarragona
Priorat
Monsant
Terra Alta
Costers del Segre
Alella
Pla de Bages
Emporda
Capital of Cava production?
Sant Sadurní d’Anoia
What are the 3 zones of Penedes?
Penedes Superior - 500-850m near inland mountain range
Penedes Maritim - between sea and coastal hills
Penedes Central - in between 2 other zones
What’s the main grape in Terra Alta DO?
Garnacha Blanca for whites
Carinena for reds
Where could I find Falset?
High-altitude town in Monsant DO, just outside of Priorat DOCa.
Name a historic producer that helped shaping Priorat’s wine industry.
Casa Scala Dei.
Which winemakers were involved in Rene Barbier’s project from 1989?
Jose Luis Perez - Mas Martinet
Daphe Glorian - Clos Erasmus
Alvaro Palacios - Finca Dofi and L’Ermita
Carles Pastrana - Clos de l’Obac
Describe Priorat’s main soil type.
Llicorella
Composed of schist, mica and quartz. Layers are filled with clay. Soil has a black-red surface and allows roots to stretch deep for water. Heat reflects on vines. Low yielding soils (good concentration in wines).
Name of the river that cuts through Priorat?
Siurana
Which mountain protects Priorat from northwest?
Sierra de Monsant
Name the 12 villages of Priorat.
Bellmunt del Priorat
Solanes del Molar
El Lloar
La Vilella Baixa
La Vilella Alta
Escaladei
La Morera de Montsant
Poboleda
Porrera
Masos de Falset
Gratallops
Torroja del Priorat
What does Vi de Finca refer to in Priorat?
Single zone or single vineyard.
E.g. Clos Mogador, Vall Llach’s Mas de la Rosa
What does Vi de Paratge mean in Priorat?
Delimited zones, similar to Burgundy’s lieu-dit concept.
What does Vi de Guarda mean in Priorat?
Min 12 months in oak (negre only)
Age of Velles Vinyes in Priorat?
Vines planted before 1945 or vines at least 75 years of age.
Minimum age of Vi de Vinya Classificada and Vi de Gran Vinya Classificada?
20 years
35 years
White grapes of Priorat?
Garnacha Blanca
Macabeo
Pedro Ximenez
Chenin Blanc
Moscatell d’Alexandria/ Gra Petit
Xarel.lo
Picapoll
Viognier
Red grapes of Priorat?
Garnacha
Carinyena
Plus:
Garnacha Peluda, CS, CF, Ull de Llebre, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Merlot, Picapoll Negre
Name a famous producer based in Logrono.
Marquis de Murrieta
White grapes of Valencia DO?
Macabeo
Malvasia
Merseguera
Moscatel de Alejandria
Pedro Ximénez
Planta Fina de Pedralba
Chardonnay
Red grapes of Valencia DO?
Garnacha
Tempranillo
Monastrell
Tintorera
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Alicante DO is most associated with which wine style and grape?
Full-bodied Monastrell wines.
How is Alicante’s Fondillon made?
Monastrell grapes harvested in early to mid-November. Fermentation naturally halts off-dry, 20-50 grams rs. No fortification. Wines will eventually enter a modified solera system in large oak barrels.
What variety is used for Jumilla’s vinos de licor?
Monastrell only
2 Main white varietals used in Murcia?
Macabeo
Merseguera
What’s the DO called in Madrid region?
Vinos de Madrid DO
What refers Madrid’s Sobremadre wine style to?
Traditional wines produced by long maceration - skin contact for up to 180 days.
Authorized white grapes in Vinos de Madrid DO?
Malvar
Albillo
Airén
Viura
Torrontés
Parellada
Moscatel de Grano Menudo
Authorized red grapes in Vinos de Madrid DO?
Tinto Fino
Garnacha Tinta
Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon
Syrah
Name DO’s of Castilla - La Mancha.
Almansa
La Mancha
Manchuela
Méntrida
Mondéjar
Ribera del Júcar
Uclés
Valdepenas
Grape synonym for Tempranillo in La Mancha DO?
Cencibel
Most widely planted white grape in La Mancha DO?
Airen
Main grapes of Valdepenas DO?
White - Airen
Red - Tempranillo
In which region could I find Ucles DO and Mondejar DO?
Castilla La-Mancha
What is the DO of Extremadura?
Ribera del Guadiana
Name the DO’s of Andalucia.
Condado de Huelva
Granada
Jerez-Xeres-Sherry
Manzanilla Sanlucar de Barrameda
Montilla Moriles
Malaga
Sierras de Malaga
Two major styles of Condado?
Pálido - ‘pale’ and aged biologically under flor like a Fino Sherry
Viejo - ‘old’ and is fortified between 17 and 22% alochol, the wines are aged oxidatively and resemble Sherry Oloroso
Describe wine styles in both Málaga DO and Sierras de Málaga DO?
Malaga is designated for sweet wines
Sierras de Malaga refers to dry table white, rosado and red wines from the same area. Less than 12gr. RS per litre. Aged for a minimum of 2 years (6 months in oak).
Main varieties in Malaga?
Pedro Ximénez
Moscatel de Alejandria
Moscatel Morisco (Moscatel de Grano Menudo)
True or false - Dry white wines can also be produced under the Malaga DO, so long as they are comprised of 70% Pedro Ximenez, Moscatel de Alejandria, or Moscatel de Grano Menudo.
True
What is Vino de uvas sobremaduradas in Malaga?
Late harvest wine made from overripe grapes left to dehydrate on the vine.
What is arrope in Malaga?
A syrupy boiled-down must to sweeten the wines.
What are the Balearic Islands?
Ibiza
Formentera
Mallorca
Menorca
Name two DO’s of Mallorca.
Binissalem DO
Pla i Llevant DO
Two synonyms for Moscatel in Spanish?
Moscatel de Grano Menudo
Moscatel de Alejandría
Native grapes of Mallorca?
White - Moll (Prensal Blanc)
Red - Manto Negro, Gorgollosa, Fogoneu and Callet.
Name the islands of Canary Islands.
La Palma
El Hierro
La Gomera
Tenerife
Gran Canaria
Fuerteventura
Lanzarote
Grape synonym for Trousseau on Canary Islands?
Bastardo
Mountain range on the island of Tenerife?
Mount Teide
Training technique in Valle de la Orotava DO on Tenerife?
Trenzado
Describe 2002 vintage in Rioja and Ribera del Duero.
Wet vintage. Cold Winter and Spring followed by nasty wet weather during Summer. Rain persisted even during harvest. Truly a severe test for both regions.
Good vintages in Rioja and RdD in 00’s?
2000 - some very good wines in RdD. Hot year though.
2001 - very fine wines.
2004 and 2005 - good years.
2008 and 2009 - very good years.
Which producer is located in Logroño and produces from Ygay estate?
Bodegas Marques de Murrieta
Who produces Prado Enea?
Muga
Who produces Capellanía Reserva?
Bodegas Marques de Murrieta
100% Viura from Cappellania vineyard planted in 1945. Aged in new French barrique.
What oak is used at Lopez de Heredia?
American oak.
No new oak is used.
Who makes Gran Reserva 890?
La Rioja Alta
Commemorates the estate’s original winemaker, Monsieur Vigier, and his first wine, the Reserva 1890.
Aged in new and 3 y/o American oak barrels.
Who produces Gran Reserva 904?
La Rioja Alta
Commemorates 1904 acquisition of the Ardanza winery.
Who produces Millenium Gran Reserva?
Tinto Pesquera
100% Tempranillo from Vina Alta. Aged 30 months in French oak barrels, then 10 months in bottle. Inaugural vintage 2008.
Name a modern estate based in Rioja Alavesa.
Bodegas Marqués de Riscal.
Founded in 1858.
Famous for use of Cabernet Sauvignon and ageing in French barriques.
Who produces Mas la Plana?
Torres
Cabernet Sauvignon from Penedes.
Who produces L’Ermita?
Alvaro Palacios
Where could I find the Alto Turia subzone?
In Valencia DO
Where could I find the Vinalopo subzone?
In the Alicante DO
Grape synonym for Tinta Negra?
Negramoll
Who produces Baron de Chirel?
Bodegas Marques de Riscal
Inaugural vintage 1986.
Top vintages in 1990’s?
1994
1995
1998
Top/ Excellent vintages in 2010’s?
2010 - exceptional for Ribera del Duero
2016
2019
Vinos de Pago Aragon?
Aylés
Vinos de Pago Castilla Y Leon?
Dehesa Penalba
Abadía Retuerta
Top vintages in 2000’s in Rioja?
2001
2004 - very good year
2005
2008 - very good quality for Rioja
2009 - very hot but very good quality wines
2017 vintage?
Approach with caution.
One of the toughest years in living memory, with frost and drought reducing yields by 25% at least.
