Spain Flashcards
What are the four principal grape varieties of Rioja?
Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo (Carignan), Graciano
What is the primary grape of Ribera del Duero?
Tempranillo (locally called Tinto Fino or Tinta del País)
What is the climate of Rioja?
Mediterranean with Atlantic and continental influences
What is the climate of Ribera del Duero?
Continental with hot summers and cold winters, and high diurnal temperature variation
What are the three subregions of Rioja?
Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, Rioja Oriental (formerly Rioja Baja)
What is the minimum aging requirement for Crianza wines in Rioja and Ribera del Duero?
2 years total, with at least 1 year in oak
What is the aging requirement for Reserva wines in Rioja and Ribera del Duero?
3 years total, with at least 1 year in oak and 6 months in bottle
What is the aging requirement for Gran Reserva wines in Rioja and Ribera del Duero?
5 years total, with at least 2 years in oak and 2 years in bottle
What are the primary soil types in Rioja?
Clay-limestone, alluvial, and ferrous clay
What are the primary soil types in Ribera del Duero?
Chalky limestone, clay, and sandy soils
What is the significance of Rioja DOCa status?
It was the first region in Spain to receive DOCa (Denominación de Origen Calificada) status in 1991
What is the primary style of wines from Rioja Alta?
Structured and elegant, with balanced acidity
What distinguishes Rioja Alavesa wines?
Generally lighter and fresher due to higher altitudes and Atlantic influence
What is the primary style of wines from Rioja Oriental?
Riper and fuller-bodied due to the warmer, drier climate
What is the typical blending role of Graciano in Rioja wines?
Adds aromatic complexity and aging potential
What is the typical blending role of Mazuelo in Rioja wines?
Provides acidity, structure, and color stability
What are Viñedos Singulares in Rioja?
A single-vineyard classification introduced in 2017 for premium wines
What is the maximum yield for Viñedos Singulares?
5,000 kg/ha for red varieties
What is the minimum vine age for a vineyard to qualify as Viñedos Singulares?
35 years
What distinguishes white Rioja wines made with Viura?
Crisp, high-acid whites with potential for barrel aging
What is the minimum percentage of Garnacha required for Rosé wines in Rioja?
25%
What is the significance of Lopez de Heredia in Rioja?
A traditional producer known for long-aged, oxidative-style wines
What is the role of American oak in Rioja winemaking?
Provides coconut and dill notes, commonly used in traditional styles
What is the role of French oak in modern Rioja winemaking?
Adds subtle spice and elegance, favored by modernist producers
What is the maximum residual sugar allowed in Rioja wines labeled as ‘seco’ (dry)?
4 g/L
What distinguishes Gran Añada in Rioja sparkling wines?
A sparkling wine category with a minimum aging requirement of 36 months on lees
What is the primary difference between traditional and modern Rioja styles?
Traditional Rioja focuses on extended aging in American oak, while modern styles emphasize fruit purity and French oak
What is the significance of Contador in Rioja?
A benchmark producer for modern, high-end Rioja wines
What is the primary blending partner for Tempranillo in Rioja whites?
Garnacha Blanca
What is the aging requirement for white Reserva wines in Rioja?
2 years total, with at least 6 months in oak
What is the minimum alcohol requirement for Rioja DOCa red wines?
11.5%
What is the significance of Cosecha in Rioja labeling?
Indicates young wines with little or no oak aging
What is the role of alberiza soils in Rioja Alta?
Chalky soils that retain moisture, beneficial for high-quality viticulture
What is the typical elevation range for vineyards in Rioja?
300-700 meters
Who produces ‘Viña Tondonia’?
López de Heredia
When did Ribera del Duero receive DO status?
1982
What is the typical alcohol range for Ribera del Duero wines?
13-15%
What distinguishes Ribera del Duero wines from Rioja wines?
Ribera del Duero wines are often darker, fuller-bodied, and more tannic
What is the minimum percentage of Tempranillo required in Ribera del Duero DO wines?
75%
What are common blending partners for Tempranillo in Ribera del Duero?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec
What is the typical aging vessel for Ribera del Duero wines?
French oak is more common than American oak
What is the elevation range for Ribera del Duero vineyards?
750-1,000 meters
What is the primary soil type in Ribera del Duero’s highest vineyards?
Chalky limestone
What is the significance of Vega Sicilia in Ribera del Duero?
Spain’s most iconic estate, known for producing the legendary ‘Único’
What is the aging requirement for Vega Sicilia ‘Único’?
Typically aged for 10+ years before release
What is the primary style of wines from Ribera del Duero?
Powerful, tannic reds with dark fruit and spice notes
What distinguishes ‘Pingus’ in Ribera del Duero?
A cult wine made from low-yielding Tempranillo vines
What is the role of diurnal variation in Ribera del Duero?
Enhances acidity and aromatic complexity
What is the maximum yield for Ribera del Duero DO red wines?
7,000 kg/ha
What is the aging requirement for Ribera del Duero Gran Reserva wines?
Minimum 5 years, with at least 2 years in oak
What is the primary white grape permitted in Ribera del Duero?
Albillo Mayor
What is the role of Albillo Mayor in Ribera del Duero blends?
Adds freshness and aromatics
What distinguishes ‘Flor de Pingus’ from ‘Pingus’?
Flor de Pingus is the second wine of Pingus, made from younger vines
What is the primary soil type near the Duero River?
Alluvial soils
What is the significance of Tinto Pesquera in Ribera del Duero?
One of the region’s most influential producers, founded by Alejandro Fernández
What distinguishes wines from the Valladolid area of Ribera del Duero?
Often more elegant and fruit-driven due to sandy soils
What is the alcohol minimum for Ribera del Duero DO red wines?
11.5%
What is the significance of Emilio Moro in Ribera del Duero?
Known for crafting modern, approachable Tempranillo wines
What is the role of Malbec in Ribera del Duero blends?
Adds color and richness to the wine
What is the typical elevation range for Vega Sicilia vineyards?
Around 700-900 meters
What is the primary grape variety of Rías Baixas?
Albariño.
What is the climate of Rías Baixas?
Atlantic, with high rainfall and mild temperatures.
What are the three primary grape varieties of Txakoli wines from the Basque Country?
- Hondarrabi Zuri
- Hondarrabi Beltza
- Petit Courbu
What is the typical style of Txakoli wines?
Light, high-acid, slightly sparkling whites.
What are the five subzones of Rías Baixas?
- Val do Salnés
- Condado do Tea
- O Rosal
- Ribeira do Ulla
- Soutomaior
What is the minimum percentage of Albariño required in Rías Baixas varietal wines?
100%.
What is the primary soil type in Rías Baixas?
Granite-based sandy soils, with some clay and alluvial deposits.
What is the primary soil type in Txakoli vineyards?
Limestone, clay, and sandy soils.
What is the primary training system used in Rías Baixas vineyards?
Pergola (parral) to prevent disease and maximize airflow.
What distinguishes Basque Txakoli wines from Rías Baixas wines?
Txakoli wines are lighter, often slightly effervescent, and lower in alcohol.
What is the primary style of wines from Val do Salnés?
Crisp, high-acid Albariño with pronounced minerality and citrus notes.
What distinguishes O Rosal wines from other Rías Baixas subzones?
Often blended with Treixadura and Loureiro, producing aromatic and floral wines.
What is the primary style of wines from Condado do Tea?
Fuller-bodied Albariño with riper fruit due to warmer inland conditions.
What is the smallest subzone in Rías Baixas?
Soutomaior.
What grape varieties are allowed in Rías Baixas blends?
- Albariño
- Loureiro
- Treixadura
- Caiño Blanco
- Godello
What is the aging potential of high-quality Albariño wines?
5-10 years, especially for barrel-fermented or lees-aged examples.
What winemaking technique enhances texture in Albariño wines?
Lees aging (sur lie).
What is the primary characteristic of Albariño wines aged on lees?
Enhanced creaminess, complexity, and yeasty notes.
What distinguishes Ribeira do Ulla wines?
A newer subzone producing fresher, lighter Albariño wines.
What is a notable producer in Rías Baixas?
Bodegas Fillaboa.
What distinguishes Granbazán as a producer?
Known for terroir-driven Albariño wines with mineral complexity.
What is the alcohol minimum for Rías Baixas wines?
11.3%.
What is the typical planting density in Rías Baixas vineyards?
High-density planting to manage yields and enhance quality.
What is the significance of the Atlantic Ocean for Rías Baixas wines?
Provides cooling breezes, which preserve acidity and aromatic freshness.
What is the traditional food pairing for Albariño wines?
Seafood, particularly shellfish.
What is the primary difference between Albariño and Godello in Rías Baixas?
Albariño is crisper and more aromatic; Godello is fuller-bodied and richer.
What is the maximum yield for Albariño in Rías Baixas DOCa?
12,000 kg/ha.
What is the significance of Gran Vino de Rías Baixas?
A new classification introduced in 2021 for wines from top vineyards.
What is the typical acidity level of Albariño wines?
High acidity (6-8 g/L).
What are the primary aromatics of Albariño?
- Citrus
- Stone fruit (peach, apricot)
- Floral notes
What distinguishes Albariño from Val do Salnés compared to Condado do Tea?
Val do Salnés produces fresher, more mineral-driven wines; Condado do Tea has riper, fuller-bodied wines.
What is the role of Treixadura in Rías Baixas blends?
Adds floral and tropical fruit notes.
What is bâtonnage, and how is it used in Albariño production?
Lees stirring to enhance texture and complexity.
What is the importance of Soutomaior as a subzone?
Known for small-scale production of concentrated Albariño wines.
What is the aging requirement for Rías Baixas sparkling wines?
Minimum 9 months on lees.
What are the three primary Txakoli-producing regions in the Basque Country?
- Getariako Txakolina
- Bizkaiko Txakolina
- Arabako Txakolina
What is the primary style of wines from Getariako Txakolina?
Light-bodied, high-acid whites with slight effervescence.
What distinguishes Bizkaiko Txakolina wines?
More complex and fuller-bodied than Getariako Txakolina wines.
What is the primary style of wines from Arabako Txakolina?
Fresh and fruity whites with slightly higher alcohol and less effervescence.
What is the primary white grape of Txakoli wines?
Hondarrabi Zuri.
What is the primary red grape of Txakoli wines?
Hondarrabi Beltza.
What is the typical alcohol level of Txakoli wines?
9.5-12%.
What is the primary soil type in Getariako Txakolina?
Limestone and sandy soils.
What distinguishes Txakoli wines from other Spanish whites?
High acidity, low alcohol, and slight spritz.
What is zarzuela, and how does it relate to Txakoli?
A Basque seafood dish often paired with Txakoli wines.
What is the aging potential of Txakoli wines?
Typically consumed young, but some can age up to 5 years.
What is the maximum yield for Txakoli wines?
8,000 kg/ha.
What winemaking technique is used to maintain freshness in Txakoli wines?
Cold fermentation in stainless steel tanks.
What is the significance of Gaintza in Txakoli production?
A renowned producer in Getariako Txakolina, known for traditional and modern styles.
What is the role of Petit Courbu in Txakoli blends?
Adds richness and texture to the wine.
What distinguishes sparkling Txakoli wines?
Fully sparkling versions with longer lees aging for complexity.
What is the traditional serving method for Txakoli wines?
Poured from a height into a glass to aerate and enhance effervescence.
What is the role of high diurnal variation in Txakoli vineyards?
Preserves acidity and enhances aromatics.
What is the typical sweetness level of Txakoli wines?
Predominantly dry, with some off-dry styles.
What is the traditional vine training system in Basque vineyards?
Trellising to maximize airflow and reduce disease pressure.
What distinguishes Arabako Txakolina wines from Getariako Txakolina?
Arabako wines are often less spritzy and more structured.
What is the alcohol minimum for Txakoli wines?
9.5%.
What is the primary export market for Txakoli wines?
- United States
- Germany
- United Kingdom
What is the primary food pairing for Txakoli wines?
Pintxos (Basque tapas) and seafood.