Spain Flashcards
What type of climate does Galicia and the Basque Country have?
Maritime influence, characterized by cool temperatures and high rainfall.
How does the Atlantic influence the wines in Galicia and the Basque Country?
It fosters the production of fresh, aromatic white wines.
What climate dominates central Spain, particularly Castilla y León?
A continental climate with hot summers and cold winters.
How does the continental climate in Castilla y León affect the wines?
It leads to the production of robust red wines due to limited rainfall and temperature extremes.
What climate is found in regions like Catalonia and Valencia?
A Mediterranean climate with warm temperatures and moderate rainfall.
How does the Mediterranean climate impact wine production in Catalonia and Valencia?
It produces ripe and full-bodied wines.
What does Vino de Mesa (Table Wine) represent in Spain’s classification system?
Basic wines without any geographical indication.
What is Vino de la Tierra (VdlT)?
Wines with a specific geographic indication, similar to ‘Vin de Pays’ in France.
What does Denominación de Origen (DO) indicate?
Wines from recognized quality regions adhering to specific regulations.
What is the difference between Denominación de Origen (DO) and Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa)?
DOCa is a higher-tier designation given to regions with consistent quality, like Rioja and Priorat.
What does Vino de Pago (VP) signify?
Single estate wines with exceptional quality and unique characteristics.
What is the main wine produced in Rías Baixas?
Albariño wines, known for their crispness and aromatic qualities.
Where is the Navarra wine region located?
In northeastern Spain, adjacent to Rioja.
What is Rioja famous for?
Tempranillo-based red wines.
What is Toro known for in wine production?
Powerful red wines from Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo).
What is Ribera del Duero famous for?
Structured, full-bodied red wines from Tempranillo, locally known as Tinto Fino.
What is Penedès known for?
Cava production and diverse still wines.
What is Rueda known for?
Fresh, crisp white wines made primarily from Verdejo.
What wines are produced in Priorat?
Intense red wines made from Garnacha and Cariñena.
What is Valdepeñas known for?
Value-driven red wines from Castilla-La Mancha.
What is Spain’s flagship red grape?
Tempranillo.
What is Tempranillo known as in Toro?
Tinta de Toro.
What is Tempranillo called in Ribera del Duero?
Tinto Fino.
What is Tempranillo known as in Catalonia?
Ull de Llebre.
Where is Garnacha (Grenache) most commonly planted in Spain?
Priorat and Navarra.
What is Mazuelo (Carignan) used for in Spain?
It is often blended in wines, especially in Rioja and Priorat, adding color and acidity.
What type of wines is Albariño known for?
Fresh, aromatic, and zesty white wines.
What is Verdejo known for in Spain?
Producing fresh, herbaceous, and crisp white wines, particularly in Rueda.
Where is Monastrell (Mourvèdre) grown in Spain?
Southeastern regions like Jumilla, producing rich and robust reds.
What is Palomino used for in Spain?
It is the main grape for Sherry production in Jerez.
What is Macabeo (Viura) used for?
It is used in white Rioja wines and as a component in Cava blends.
What does ‘Joven’ indicate on a Spanish wine label?
Young wines with little to no oak aging, meant for early consumption.
What is the aging requirement for Crianza red wines in Spain?
At least 24 months of aging, with a minimum of 6 months in oak.
How long must white Crianza wines be aged in Spain?
18 months of aging, with at least 6 months in oak.
What does ‘Reserva’ mean on a Spanish wine label?
Red wines aged for at least 36 months, with a minimum of 12 months in oak; whites aged for 24 months, with 6 months in oak.
What does ‘Gran Reserva’ indicate?
Red wines aged for at least 60 months, with a minimum of 18 months in oak; whites aged for 48 months, with 6 months in oak.
What type of wines is Rías Baixas known for?
Albariño wines—crisp, aromatic whites with citrus and stone fruit notes.
What kind of wines are produced in Navarra?
Diverse wines, including robust reds from Tempranillo and Garnacha, as well as vibrant rosés.
What is Rioja famous for producing?
Tempranillo-based red wines, including aged Gran Reservas.
What defines the wines from Toro?
Powerful reds from Tinta de Toro, characterized by deep color and intense flavors.
What is unique about the wines from Ribera del Duero?
Structured and full-bodied reds, mainly from Tempranillo (Tinto Fino).
What is the Penedès region known for besides Cava?
Diverse still wines made from both indigenous and international grape varieties.
What wines are most commonly produced in Rueda?
Fresh and aromatic white wines made primarily from Verdejo.
What is the aging requirement for Gran Reserva red wines in Spain?
At least 60 months of aging, with a minimum of 18 months in oak.
What is the minimum aging requirement for Gran Reserva white wines in Spain?
48 months of aging, with a minimum of 6 months in oak.
What climate does Rías Baixas have, and how does it affect wine production?
Atlantic climate with high rainfall and cooler temperatures, ideal for fresh, aromatic white wines like Albariño.
What impact does Spain’s Mediterranean climate have on wine styles in regions like Catalonia and Valencia?
Warm temperatures and moderate rainfall lead to ripe, full-bodied wines.
How does the continental climate of Castilla y León influence wine character?
Hot summers and cold winters create robust red wines with concentrated flavors.
What does the Atlantic influence on the Basque Country’s climate encourage?
The fresh, cooler temperatures and rainfall promote the production of aromatic, crisp white wines.
Which grape variety is the backbone of wine production in Rioja?
Tempranillo.
What is the primary grape variety used in Rías Baixas wines?
Albariño.
What wine is most commonly produced in Penedès, aside from still wines?
Cava (sparkling wine).
What is a typical feature of wines from Toro?
Powerful and intense red wines from Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo).
What wines are Ribera del Duero most famous for?
Full-bodied and structured red wines from Tinto Fino (Tempranillo).
What grape variety is predominant in Ribera del Duero wines?
Tempranillo, known locally as Tinto Fino.
Which region in Spain is renowned for producing sparkling wines?
Penedès, primarily known for Cava.
Which wine region is famous for its fresh Verdejo wines?
Rueda.
What red wine is most famous in Rioja?
Tempranillo-based wines, often blended with Garnacha, Mazuelo, and Graciano.
What is the most important grape variety in Toro wines?
Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo).
Which Spanish region is known for Albariño production?
Rías Baixas in Galicia.
What does the term ‘Crianza’ mean on a Spanish wine label?
Wines aged for a minimum of 24 months, with at least 6 months in oak for reds and 18 months for whites.
What does the term ‘Reserva’ indicate for red and white wines in Spain?
Red wines aged for 36 months with 12 months in oak; white wines aged for 24 months with 6 months in oak.
What does ‘Gran Reserva’ mean for Spanish red wines?
Wines aged for 60 months with at least 18 months in oak.
Which region is known for producing Rioja wines?
Rioja, particularly known for its Tempranillo-based reds.
What wine is Priorat best known for?
Intense red wines made from Garnacha and Cariñena.
What wine is typically associated with the Rías Baixas region?
Albariño, a fresh, citrusy white wine.
What wine is characteristic of the Ribera del Duero region?
Full-bodied red wines from Tempranillo, locally known as Tinto Fino.
Which grape variety is key in the production of Sherry?
Palomino.
Which red grape is predominant in Navarra?
Tempranillo and Garnacha.
What grape is used for making powerful reds in Jumilla?
Monastrell (Mourvèdre).
What is the most popular grape used in Cava production?
Macabeo.
What does the term ‘Joven’ indicate on a Spanish wine label?
Young wines with minimal or no oak aging, intended for early drinking.
What does ‘Crianza’ mean in terms of wine aging?
Wines aged for a minimum of 24 months, with 6 months in oak for reds and 18 months for whites.
What is the main aging process for wines labeled as ‘Reserva’?
Red wines must be aged for 36 months, including 12 months in oak; white wines aged for 24 months, including 6 months in oak.
What is the key feature of ‘Gran Reserva’ wines?
Red wines aged for at least 60 months, with 18 months in oak.
What wine is produced in the Toro region of Spain?
Full-bodied red wines from Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo).
Which region is known for Albariño white wines?
Rías Baixas in Galicia.
What is the ‘DOCa’ classification for Spanish wines?
Denominación de Origen Calificada, a higher-tier designation for regions with consistent quality, such as Rioja and Priorat.
What classification is used for wines from single estates in Spain?
Vino de Pago (VP).
Which grape varieties are used in Cava production?
Macabeo, Xarel·lo, and Parellada.
What grape variety is used in the production of Sherry?
Palomino.
Which grape is used for producing rich red wines in Jumilla?
Monastrell (Mourvèdre).
What type of wine does the ‘Vino de la Tierra’ (VdlT) classification indicate?
Wines with a specific geographical indication but fewer regulations than DO wines.
What does ‘Vino de Mesa’ indicate on a Spanish wine label?
Basic table wine without geographical indication.
What is the main red grape used in Rioja wines?
Tempranillo.
What is the main white grape used in Rías Baixas wines?
Albariño.
What does ‘Gran Reserva’ indicate for white wines in Spain?
Wines aged for at least 48 months, with 6 months in oak.
What are the requirements for ‘Reserva’ red wines in Spain?
Wines aged for at least 36 months, with 12 months in oak.
What is the minimum aging period for Gran Reserva red wines in Spain?
60 months, with at least 18 months in oak.
What is Penedès known for producing besides still wines?
Cava (sparkling wine).
What wines are made in Rueda?
Fresh and aromatic white wines from Verdejo, known for herbal and tropical fruit notes.
