Spain Flashcards
Explain why the quality of Spanish wines has increased dramatically over the last few decades.
Quality wine production was hampered throughout much of the 20th century, firstly by civil war and then the economic isolation enforced by the government. Production mainly came from co-operatives that focused on quantity over quality, and many winemakers had no experience of winemaking practices in other countries. The return of democratic rule in the mid-1970s brought greater freedom, and accession into the EU brought investment. Investment in new equipment (e.g. temperature controlled stainless-steel tanks) and research and experience has led to a rapid increase in the quality of wines at all price points.
What is the name of the plateau that sits at 600-900m altitude, and covers a vast area of central Spain?
Meseta
Briefly explain how Spain is not the biggest producer of wine by volume, even though it has the highest area under vine globally.
There are a few factors that influence the volume of wine. Planting density in some areas is very low, as low as 1000 vines per hectare, compare this with 10,000 vines per hectare in northerly latitudes i.e Mosel, Germany. Planting density is in part influenced by climatic factors and in Spain this is most notably the availability of water.
In some areas of Spain annual rainfall can be as low 300 mm and irrigation is not permitted in all circumstances. Even with irrigation, there needs to be a source of water and this is a challenge with drought becoming an annual feature in some vineyard regions located in central Spain.
What is the most planted black and white grapes in Spain
Airén
Tempranillo
Many Spanish grape varieties have alternative names either in different countries or in different areas of Spain itself. What are the Spanish names for:
* Viura
* Grenache
* Mourvèdre
Viura: Macabeo
Grenache: Garnacha Tinta
Mourvèdre: Monastrell
What are the aging requirements for Reserva wines
- 36 months minimum total ageing for red wines.
- 24 months minimum total ageing white and rosé wines.
- 12 months ageing in barrel for red wines.
- 6 months in barrel for white and rosé wines.
Spain’s legislation for minimum ageing requirements has come under criticism over the years. Briefly describe the arguments for the legislation being too prescriptive as well as not prescriptive enough.
The arguments for the legislation being too prescriptive:
It automatically suggests a hierarchy of excellence which sets an expectation that Gran Reserva is the highest quality wine. This also suggests that the wines aged for the longest period in oak and bottle are higher quality.
Not prescriptive enough:
There are no quality requirements for the wines in each category beyond the regulations set out by the DO.
There are no specifications on the type or age of oak vessel that can be used for ageing.
What does “vino” indicate in Spanish wines?
This term is used for wines without a geographical indication.
What does “VP” indicate on Spanish wines
This term applies to a small number of single estates with high reputations and within the PDO category.
What does VT indicate in Spanish wines?
This term is commonly used for PGI wines.
What is the principal grape variety grown in the Rías Baixas region?
Albariño
Which subzones in the Rías Baixas do each of these descriptions refer to:
* The oldest subzone and has the greatest plantings and concentration of wineries.
* Lies along the River Miño. The wines are often blends of Albariño, Loureira, Treixadura and Caiño Blanco.
* Inland, warm and tends to produce wines that are riper in style with more peach fruit and slightly lower acidity.
* The newest subzone and, as yet, tends to produce inexpensive and mid-priced.
* The smallest subzone.
- Val do Salnés
- O Rosal
- Condado do Tea
- Ribeira do Ulla
- Soutomaior
Give a description of a typical Bierzo DO wine
- Wines are often made from Mencía, a black grape that accounts for 75% of plantings.
- early to mid-ripening grape variety
- can lose its characteristic medium (+) or high acidity and quickly accumulate sugar, resulting in high alcohol wines if picked too late.
Give a description of a typical Toro DO wine
Wines are often made from Tinta de Toro. Red wines must be a minimum of 75 per cent Tinta de Toro, with the remainder being Garnacha.
Give a description of a typical Ribera del Duero DO
Wines are often made from Tempranillo, locally called Tinto Fino or Tinta del País. The reds must be a minimum of 75 per cent Tempranillo, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Garnacha and Albillo permitted.
