Spain Flashcards
The 3 climates of Spanish wine regions
-north of Spain = moderate maritime
-east coast from Catalunya to Levante= warm Mediterranean
-centre of Spain (meseta central) = hot continental as it is cut of from influence of the sea
Biggest challenges of growing grapes in Spain?
Heat and lack of water.
Places heavy stress on vines.
Low density , bush trained vines remain the best way of managing the situation by maximising water availability to each vine and shading the fruit from excess heat.
How are inexpensive wines from Spain usually made?
Without oak and semi carbonic maceration is often used to enhance the fruity nature of these wines.
Name the 3 most popular grape varieties of Spain
Tempranillo
Garnacha Tinta
Monastrell
Other black grapes in Spain:
Graciano
Mazuelo
Mencia
Key white varieties and styles in Spain:
Fresh and fruity white wines.
Usually picked during the night or early morning and fermenting in temperature controlled stainless steel vats to help retain delicate fruit aromas.
Verdejo
Albariño
Describe a Verdejo
White grape variety, highly susceptible to oxidation (was used to make sherry like wines)
With protective wine making practises can be made into light bodied, medium to high acid wine with melon and peach flavours
Albariño
Thick skin therefore resistant to fungal disease which is useful in the damp climate it is grown in.
Albariño is naturally high in acidity with citrus and stone fruit flavours. Can be made in a richer, full bodied style
Other white grape variety’s in Spain
Airen -can cope with extreme heat and drought of the meseta central
Viura- unoaked style with subtle herb and spice aromas
International varieties in Spain:
Cabernet Savignon
Merlot
Savignon Blanc
Chardonnay
The 6 Principal DO regions of Spain
Upper Ebro
Catalunya
The Duero Valley
The North West
The Levante
Castilla La Mancha
Most important region for Vino de la Tierra?
Castilla y Leon
The Upper Ebro..what are its 3 distinct sub regions?
Rioja Alavesa- lightest, often with the most finesse
Rioja Alta- 500 -800 m above sea level with climates moderated by the Atlantic Ocean.
Rioja Oriental- hot summers and severe winters. Drought is an issue due to low rainfall.
Which mountain range shields Rioja from the worst of the Atlantic Weather?
The Cantabrian Mountains
Most widely planted grape variety of the upper Ebro (Rioja) ?
Tempranillo
-red fruit flavour medium tannin
Benefits from being blending with Garnacha for body and alcohol