Spain Flashcards
Spanish Regions
Rias Biaxas, Toro, Rueda, Ribera del Duero, Rioja, La Mancha, Priorat, Penedes, Jerez-Xeres-Sherry
Spanish Wine Law
Vino - no geographic designation
IGP Wines (46) - or Vino de la Tierra (VdlT), by varietal and year
DOP Wines:
* Vinos de Calidad con Indicación Geográfica, VCIG
* Denominación de Origen, DO - 68 total, many laws
* Denominación de Origen Calificada, DOCa - 2 total - Rioja, Priorat
Vinos de Pagos (20) - single estate appellations, non-traditional but higher quality, primarily in the south
Spain Overview
Location: Old World, European, Iberian peninsula
Geography: High elevation, lots of mountain ranges (Sierra Cantabria and Central), inland Central Meseta plain (2,000+ft)
Climate: Continental, some maritime and Mediterranean
History: Fascism, volume over quality, isolated geography
Rías Baixas
Location: NW Spain, Galicia, Green Spain
Geography: Atlantic Ocean and rivers, boarders Portugal
Climate: Maritime, humid and high precipitation, susceptible to rot
Soil: Granite, alluvial, slate
Grape: Albarino, 100% if labeled
Albarino
Tell: Ripe fruit and floral, saline
Style: Crisp, dry white wine
Color: Medium-Straw
Tasting notes: Green apple, nectarine, peach, tangerine, white blossoms, gardenia, fennel, saline, oyster shells, lees
Viticulture: Raised vineyard for increase air circulation to combat rot
Acid: M+, Alcohol: M+, Body: M+, Complex: High
Winemaking: Stainless steel fermentation, lees contact, some barrel aging
Pairing: Oysters, fish & chips, Thai curry
Rioja DOCa
Location: North Spain, foothills of Pyrenees and Cantabrian Mountains
Climate: Continental, higher elevation with rain shadow (dry), sub-regions with diverse climates
Grapes: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Viura (white)
Sub-regions: Rioja Alta, Rioja Oriental/ Baja, Rioja Alavesa
Rioja Tempranillo
Tell: Pale concentration, complex and savory
Style: Light to medium-body red wine
Color: Medium-ruby, medium-garnet with bright red rim
Tasting notes: Red fruits, red cherry, black plum, cranberry, dried fig, dried red flowers, stewed tomato, olive, salami, forest floor, cedar, tobacco, dill, vanilla, maple syrup
Tannin: M+, Acid: M+, Alcohol: M+, Body: M, Complex: High
Viticulture: Moderately drought-resistant, grows easily, loves sun, thin-skinned, avoid wind, stronger flavors in clay soil
Vinification: Bordeaux style, American oak and some French, bottle aging - 2yr Crianza, 3yr Reserva, 5yr Gran Reserva
Pairing: steak, gourmet burgers, rack of lamb, paella, Indian curry, spice
Muga
Ribera del Duero DO (Tinta del Pais), Rueda DO, Toro DO
Location: North Central Spain, Castilla and Leon
Geography: Douro River valley W-E, high altitude
Climate: Extremely hot and short growing season (2-3mo), high diurnal shift (ripe grapes with acidity)
Soil: Sandy clay with chalk-limestone marls
Grape: Tempranillo, Verdejo and Sauvignon Blanc (Rueda DO)
Tempranillo (RdD and Toro DOs)
Style: Rich, intense red wines, darker with grippy tannins
Color: Deep ruby to inky
Tasting notes: Black fruit with scorched earthiness, black cherry, blackberry bramble, bay leaf, brown sugar, dried fig, graphite, exotic spices
Verdejo (Reuedo DO)
Style: Crisp, dry white wine
Tasting notes: zesty citrus aromatics, lime, honeydew melon, grapefruit pith, fennel, white peach, highly mineral, saline
Vinification: blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Verdejo
Pairing: perfect taco wine
Penedès or Cava DO
Location: NE Spain, Catalonia
City: Barcelona
Geography: Hills near Med. Sea
Climate: Mediterranean, cooler from high elevation
Grape: Macabeo (aka Viura), Xarello, Paralleda
Cava
Style: Sparkling wine
Viniculture: traditional Champagne method with mechanization
Tasting notes: quince, lime, yellow apple, chamomile, almond cream
More affordable $
Priorat DOCa
Location: NE Spain, Catalonia
City: Barcelona
Geography: rugged mountains
Climate: Continental, hot and dry
Soil: Stony schist “llicorella”
Grape: Grenache, Cariñena (Carignan)
Priorat Red Blend
Tell:
Style: Concentrated, rich dry red wine
Tasting notes: black cherry, plum, leather, sage, crushed gravel, licorice, chocolate, high tannin
Viticulture: low yields, vines dig deep
Viniculture: French technique, can blend with Cab, Merlot, and others
Pairing: Grilled meats or vegetables, avoid chili heat
Age: 5-10yr
