Spain Flashcards
Important dates in Spain wine history:
Early 1960s - Miguel Torres returned from studying wine in France; implemented methods
1986 - Spain’s accession to EU
1996 - Irrigation legalized - production significantly increased
General Spain climate:
Warm
NW - maritime, high rainfall
SE - Mediterranean
Meseta (Central) - continental
Global contribution:
Largest vineyard plantings globally - almost 1mil ha under production
3rd largest producing country by volume
Largest exporter by volume
39mil hL/year
Vineyard management in Spain:
Low density plantings
Bush vines + old bush vines common
Low rainfall - reduce competition
Irrigation controlled by Consejo Regulador
Mildew, spring frost, European grapevine moth issues
Organic practices common, certifications uncommon
Mostly hand harvesting
Primary grapes in Spain:
Airen
Tempranillo
Bobal
Garnacha Tinta
Macabeo
Monastrell
Describe Airen:
Inexpensive, neutral whites from Castilla-La Mancha
Most of production goes to Brandy de Jerez
Describe Tempranillo:
Medium/high yields
Early ripening
National legislation for aging whites and reds?
Oak must be 330L or less
Reds:
Generic - none
Crianza - 24 total, 6 oak
Reserva - 36 total, 12 oak
Gran Reserva - 60 total, 18 oak
White/rose:
Generic - none
Crianza - 18 total, 6 oak
Reserva - 24 total, 6 oak
Gran Reserva - 48 total, 6 oak
What is roble?
“Oak”
Red wines aged in oak for an unspecified time - unclassified
DO’s?
70 total
Make up vast majority of vineyards
DOCa/DOQ’s?
Rioja and Priorat are the only ones
Must be an established DO for min. 10 years
Bottled on estate
Pass tasting assessment
VP’s?
VIno de Pago
A small number of single estates with high reputations
Mostly in Castilla-La Mancha
May use only their own grapes, vinified/matured on estate
An association of prestigious estates in Spain?
Grandes Pagos de Espana
VT’s?
Vino de la Tierra
PGI wines
40 VT’s
Largest is Castilla
What does the Consejo Regulador:
Max yields
Grape varieties
Irrigation/vineyard practices
Aging requirements
Packaging regulations
Wine business in Spain:
Co-ops dominate
Low domestic consumption
Bulk wine 56% of exports
France, Germany, UK, USA, China
Foods and Wines from Spain - promotional body
DO’s of Galicia and their key varietal:
Rias Biaxes (Albarino)
Valdeorras (Godello)
Ribeiro (Treixadura)
Ribeira Sacra (Mencia)
Monterrei (Mencia + Godello)
Describe Rias Biaxas:
High rainfall, maritime climate
Sand/granite free-draining soils
95%+ Albarino
5 subzones: O Rosal, Val do Saines, etc.
Pergola trellising (Parral)
25% Export (US biggest)
Describe Albarino:
Early/mid ripening
Thick skins
High acid
Med-/Med body
Med alcohol
Lemon, grapefruit, peach, floral