Spain 2 Flashcards
1
Q
Spain Production?
A
0.95 million ha; 50 million hl; country with biggest acreage under the vine and in 2012 the biggest producer in the world.
2
Q
Spain Regulations?
A
Production and labeling are governed by the Instituto de Denominaciones de Origen (INDO) which is controlled by administrative growers committees or Consejos Regulados.
3
Q
Spain Quality Levels?
A
There are six quality levels: Vino de Mesa (VdM); Vino Comarcal (VC); Vino de la Tierra (VdlT); Vinos de Calidad con Indicacion Geografica (VCIG); Denominacion de Origen (DO); and Denominacion de Origen Calificada (DOCa).
4
Q
Vino Comarcal (VC)?
A
Vino Comarcal (VC) is a regional wine. It is a slightly higher-quality table wine which may be sold under a region and vintage. Some growers prefer to produce higher quality wine under this category.
5
Q
Vino de la Tierra (VdlT)?
A
Vino de la Tierra (VdlT) is country wine; similar classification to the VdP of France and IGT of Italy. These wines are from a local region with a specific local character and are expected to achieve DO status within five years of being registered.
6
Q
Vinos de Pagos?
A
Top quality wines from single estates but are not necessarily higher quality than DO or DOCa wines. These wines must be from single estates and produced on the estate; so producers who buy in grapes or whose winery is not on this estate cannot use this categorization; these rules out a large number of the top quality wines.
7
Q
Joven?
A
Joven means no cask aging; or less than the legal minimum for Crianza wines.
8
Q
Crianza?
A
Red wines must be matured for two calendar years following the harvest; including a minimum of six months in barricas (225 liter oak casks); which means a 2004 vintage may be sold from January 1 2007. White and rose must be matured for one calendar year; of which six months must be in barricas. Rioja; Ribera del Duero; and Navarra require one year in barrel for reds.
9
Q
Reserva?
A
Red wines must be matured for three calendar years following the harvest; including a minimum of one year in barricas. White and rose must be matured for two calendar years; of which six months must be in barricas.
10
Q
Gran Reserva?
A
Red wines must be matured for five calendar years following the harvest; including a minimum of 18 months in barricas. White and rose must be matured for four calendar years; of which six months must be in barricas. Rioja; Ribera del Duero; and Navarra require two years in barrel for reds.
11
Q
Noble?
A
Noble wine has been matured 18 months in cask (min size 60 liters). The term can be applied only to a Vino de la Tierra wine or better.
12
Q
Añejo?
A
Añejo wine has been aged 24 months in cask (min size 60 liters). The term can be applied only to a Vino de la Tierra wine or better.
13
Q
Viejo?
A
Viejo wine must undergo 36 months aging in cask (min size 60 liters) and the wines must show an oxidative character. The term can be applied only to a Vino de la Tierra wine or better.
14
Q
Cantabria?
A
Along with its neighbors Asturias (to the west) and the Basque Country (to the east); this lush and mountainous area is known fondly as Espana Verde; (‘Green Spain’). The climate is strongly influenced by Atlantic Ocean winds trapped by the mountains; the average precipitation is about 1;200 mm (47 inches). Viticulture has not traditionally been important here; as the local soils are too fertile and the climate too wet and windy for quality viniculture.
15
Q
Cantabria Regions?
A
There are now two Vino de la Tierra (VT) titles in Cantabria: Liebana VT and Costa de Cantabria VT.
16
Q
Cantabria Varieties?
A
A wide range of local and international varieties are cultivated in Cantabria; including Hondarrabi Zuri and its dark-skinned variant Hondarrabi Belza. Other varieties of note include Picapoll; Albarin Tinto (Alfrocheiro Preto); Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
17
Q
Liebana VT?
A
Only red and dry whites can be produced and bottled under the Liebana VT. Red wines are predominant here; and blends are more common than single-variety styles. But a handful of varietal Palomino and Mencia wines are also made.
18
Q
Liebana VT white varieties?
A
Chardonnay; Palomino; Godello; Verdejo; Albillo and Albarin Blanco.
19
Q
Liebana VT red varieties?
A
Mencia; Tempranillo; Garnacha; Graciano; Merlot; Syrah; Pinot Noir; Albarin Tinto (Alfrocheiro Preto) and Cabernet Sauvignon.
20
Q
Costa de Cantabria VT?
A
Most grapes used in Costa de Cantabria wines are light-skinned varieties that produce crisp; refreshing white wines with crisp acidity. These include northern Spanish favorites such as Albarino; Godello; Hondarrabi Zuri and Treixadura and also a handful of varieties from further north in Europe; notably Riesling and Gewurztraminer.
21
Q
Costa de Cantabria VT red wines?
A
The only red-wine variety of note here is Hondarrabi Beltza; which is almost always used in single-variety wines.
22
Q
Castilla-La Mancha?
A
Castilla-La Mancha is a large region which lies south and east of the Spanish capital Madrid. Its capital city is Toledo; and its most populous city is Albacete. Despite very harsh climate; Castilla-La Mancha produces half of all the wine made in Spain but significant proportion goes into the inexpensive mass-produced sector and distillation into brandy.
23
Q
Castilla-La Mancha Climate?
A
At altitudes between 500 and 700 m above sea level; this is Spain at her most extreme. Winters are long and cold; in summer the heat is grueling; and little if any rain falls between May and September.
24
Q
Castilla-La Mancha Varieties?
A
Airen tops the list and is still the most commonly planted but many producers have broadened their portfolios by planting Tempranillo; Cabernet Sauvignon; Garnacha; Alicante Bouschet (known here as Garnacha Tintorera); Monastrell; Syrah and Bobal.
25
Castilla-La Mancha DO Zones?
Castilla-La Mancha is home to nine DOs; including Europe's largest officially delimited wine zone; La Mancha. Others are: Almansa DO; Manchuela DO; Mentrida DO; Mondejar DO; Ribera del Jucar DO; Ucles DO; Valdepenas DO;
26
La Mancha DO?
La Mancha is the largest delimited wine region not only in Spain; but in the whole of Europe; with more than 500;000 acres (202;350ha) of vineyard here. The finest vineyards are those with high limestone and chalk content in the sub-soil. These semi-porous stones retain precious moisture and help to even out the vines' water supply.
27
La Mancha DO white varieties?
Airen is a local favorite; accounting for the bulk of production; ideal for distillation into brandy. The most popular white-wine grapes are Chardonnay; Viognier; Macabeo; Torrontes and Verdejo.
28
La Mancha DO red varieties?
Tempranillo (known locally as Cencibel) is by far the most popular red-wine variety; often accompanied by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Spanish varieties such as Graciano; Bobal and Monastrell and international varieties Grenache; Syrah and Petit Verdot.
29
Almansa DO?
The dominant grape variety is the regional specialty Monastrell (Mourvedre). Garnacha Tintorera (Alicante Bouschet) is also widely grown; and produces deep-colored wines with plenty of dark-fruit characters. Other important varieties include Cencibel (Tempranillo); Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.
30
Almansa DO white varieties?
The authorized white varieties are Chardonnay; Sauvignon Blanc; Verdejo and Moscatel de Grano Menudo (Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains).
31
Manchuela DO?
Red wines dominate; native Bobal grape variety goes into unoaked reds and rosés. Cencibel (Tempranillo) produces some of the best barrel-matured wines; while Monastrell; Garnacha and Cabernet Sauvignon are used in blends. Syrah has done extremely well here in recent years and the future for varietal wines based on this grape looks promising.
32
Manchuela DO white?
Some fragrant and fresh whites are produced mostly from Macabeo). Sparkling wines may also be produced together with "doble pasta" local speciality from Bobal variety.
33
Mentrida DO?
Garnacha is the most favored grape variety here; accounting for almost 80% of total production. Other red varieties include Cencibel (Tempranillo); Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
34
Mondejar DO?
Climatically; Mondejar is different from the other wine regions of Castilla-La Mancha in that; despite being inland; it is strongly influenced by the Mediterranean Sea. Red wines are certainly the most promising and prevalent here; particularly those made from Tempranillo and oak-aged reds based on Cabernet Sauvignon.
35
Mondejar DO white wines?
Viura; Malvar and Airen.
36
Ribera del Jucar DO?
Slightly cooler climate; reds dominate the region. Tempranillo; Bobal plus French imports Cabernet Sauvignon; Merlot and Syrah; while Moscatel and Sauvignon Blanc are the main white-wine varieties.
37
Ucles DO?
The overall climate is continental; although the extreme summer temperatures of the central Iberian plateau are moderated by the high altitudes; which also contribute to greater quality and elegance in the wines. Red wine produced from vines less than six years old are not permitted to have 'DO Ucles' on their labels.
38
Ucles DO red varieties?
Cencibel thrives in these conditions and produces both young; fruit-forward wines and more complex oak-aged examples; Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are also increasingly popular.
39
Ucles DO white varieties?
Prominent white varieties include Verdejo; Moscatel; Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
40
Valdepenas DO?
Reds dominate production; from Tempranillo; and international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon; Merlot and Syrah. The light-red wines upon which the reputation of Valdepenas was founded are slowly giving way to more-serious reds; both aged and unaged. Oak-aged Crianzas; Reservas and Gran Reservas can all be found.
41
Valdepenas DO white wine?
Some white wines are made using Airén; Chardonnay; Macabeo; Moscastel de Gran Menudo; Sauvignon Blanc and Verdejo. The production of sparkling and sweet wines is also permitted by the local Consejo Regulador.
42
Castilla VT?
Castilla is the region-wide Vino de la Tierra title for Castilla-La Mancha in central Spain.
43
Castilla VT red varieties?
The long list of permitted red-wine varieties includes Cabernet Sauvignon; Merlot; Syrah; Petit Verdot; Tempranillo; Garnacha; Graciano; Monastrell; Mencia and the lesser-known Moravia; Prieto Picudo and Forcallat Tinta.
44
Castilla VT white varieties?
Macabeo; Verdejo; Pedro Ximenez; Torrontes; Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc as well as more obscure grapes such as Verdoncho; Albillo and Malvar.
45
Castilla-La Mancha Rivers?
Tagus; Guadiana; Guadalquivir; Júcar and Segura.
46
Castilla y Leon?
The largest of Spain's 17 administrative regions; capital is Valladolid. Hot; dry summers here are followed by sharp; cold winters; when temperatures regularly drop well below freezing. Diurnal temperature shifts are equally pronounced; and play a vital part in the local wine styles. The region is deprived of any maritime influence by the Cordillera Cantábrica; the mountain range that separates it from the Bay of Biscay.
47
Castilla y Leon Rivers?
Douro; Pisuerga; Tormes; Carrión; Adaja.
48
Castilla y Leon Varities?
Tempranillo is the king; Mencia in Bierzo; white varieties are Verdejo and Viura.
49
Castilla y Leon DO Zones?
Castilla y Leon's has nine DO wine zones: Ribera del Duero DO; Rueda DO; Toro DO; Bierzo DO; Arlanza DO; Arribes DO; Cigales DO; Tierra de Leon DO; and Tierra del Vino de Zamora DO.
50
Ribera del Duero DO?
The region's inland location; coupled with the sheltering effects of the nearby Sierra de la Demanda and Sierra de Guadarrama mountain ranges; creates an extreme climate in which hot and dry summers are followed by harsh winters. Layers of limestone; marl and chalk under silt and clay topsoil.
51
Aranda de Duero?
The capital of Ribera del Duero is the historic town of Aranda de Duero.
52
Ribera del Duero DO Varieties?
According to DO regulations; Tempranillo must make up a minimum of 75% while the balance is made up of Cabernet Sauvignon; Merlot and Malbec (varieties that were introduced by Vega Sicilia well over a century ago) or up to 5% of Albillo or Garnacha (used for rose). Only red and rosé wines are covered by the DO.
53
Albillo?
Albillo is the only white grape grown in Ribera del Duero; producing wines for local consumption that don't qualify for the Ribera del Duero DO title. Only red and rosé wines are covered by the DO.
54
Ribera del Duero Producers?
The leading local producer is Bodegas Vega Sicilia; which took the wine world by storm with its 'Unico' wine. Tinto Pesquera is another renowned brand; created by the region's best-known winemaker; Alejandro Fernández. Other prominent producers include Dominio de Pingus and Emilio Moro.
55
Rueda DO?
The climate here is clearly continental; which means hot; harsh summers; and cold winters when temperatures often drop below freezing; high diurnal variations. The region is deprived of any maritime influence by the Cordillera Cantábrica; the mountain range that separates it from the Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic Ocean beyond; on the other side of them lie Asturias and Cantabria - regions with relatively cool; fresh climates and fertile green landscapes. Same effect as Vosges in Alsace.
56
Rueda Varieties?
Verdejo vines occupy an impressive 90% of this land; Viura and Sauvignon Blanc together constitute just 5%. Tempranillo and Garnacha with a little help from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are responsible for red and rose which are now permitted for Rueda DO.
57
Rueda white wines?
Standard Rueda Blanco must be made from at least 50% Verdejo; Rueda Superior must contain at least 85 per cent Verdejo. Relatively recent additions to the region's wine portfolio are the varietal wines 'Rueda Verdejo' and 'Rueda Sauvignon'; which must be made from at least 85% of the stated variety.
58
Rueda Espumoso?
Rueda Espumoso is the area's sparkling wine; made in the traditional method with nine months on the bottle-ageing on lees. Dry or semi-dry (at least 50% of Verdejo) and Brut or Brut Nature (at least 85% of Verdejo). Minimum alcohol content of 11.5°
59
Rueda Fortified Wines?
Rueda Pálido; with a minimum alcoholic strength of 14 per cent developed under a film of flor like a coarser fino sherry; and the stronger Rueda Dorado are declining in popularity.
60
Rueda Dorado?
Liquor wine; dry; achieved by means of an oxidizing aging process; must stays in oak barrels for at least two years prior to its being marketed. Golden colour; with slightly toasted aroma and flavour due to the long oxidation in oak barrels. Alcohol content of no less than 15°.
61
Toro DO?
Toro's climate is decidedly continental; just like the other wine regions of the Castilian plateau (neighboring Rueda; Cigales and Ribera del Duero). Toro's vineyards are deprived of any significant maritime influence by the Cordillera Cantábrica; the Duero River provides a much-needed source of water.
62
Toro Varieties?
Tinta de Toro (locally adapted strain of the Tempranillo grape) is by far the dominant grape variety; a tiny amount of Garnacha is also grown; mostly for use in Toro Rosado alongside small quantities of Malvasia Blanca and Verdejo for use in white Toro Blanco. Merlot and Cabernet-Sauvignon are being grown experimentally.
63
Toro Producers?
Vega Sicilia's Pintia; Mauro's San Román; Sierra Cantabria's Numanthia-Termes; Michel Rolland's Campo Elíseo; Telmo Rodríguez's Pago La Jara; Jacques Lurton's El Albar; in addition to the home-grown Bienvenida Sitio del Palo; Dos Victorias; and Quinta Quietud.
64
Bierzo Climate?
Bierzo's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean has a profound effect on its overall climate; with average temperatures during the growing season much cooler than in Castilla y Leon's more inland areas; making it rather mild. Average rainfall is around 28 inches (720mm) comparing to 320mm in Toro.
65
Bierzo Soil?
Bierzo's soil is different from that found in other parts of Castilla y Leon in that it contains a predominance of slate and granite.
66
Bierzo red varieties?
Mencía occupies 70% of the vineyards; Garnacha is another important red grape primarily used in blends while Merlot; Cabernet-Sauvignon and Tempranillo are experimental red grapes. Rose wine need at lest 50% Mencía in blend.
67
Bierzo white varieties?
White grapes are Dona Blanca; Godello (Verdelho) and Palomino. There are two kinds of white wine: still blends of these three variety or white sparkling wines made from Doña Blanca.
68
Bierzo Red Wine?
Red wines; which make up most of production; may be one of four types: young wines; made with at least 70% of the Mencía grape; Vinos Viejos Sin Crianza (Old Wines without Crianza); which have not aged on oak but have spent time in the tank or on the bottle; and Crianzas and Reservas; made following national ageing regulations.
69
Arlanza DO?
Arlanza derives its name from the Arlanza River; which flows through the region. Overall growing conditions are similar to the rest of Castilla y Leon; with a continental climate of hot; dry summers and cold winters.
70
Arlanza DO white varieties?
Albillo and Viura.
71
Arlanza DO red varieties?
Tinta del Pais; Garnacha and Mencia are the principal reds; Cabernet Sauvignon; Merlot and Petit Verdot are also permitted.
72
Arribes DO?
The topography of Arribes differs from Castilla y Leon's other wine-producing areas because of two very distinct features: higher; flatter ground and steep terraces facing the Duero and Tormes rivers. It is not dissimilar to the famous Douro Valley across the border in Portugal. The sandy soil mainly consists of granite and quartz pebbles.
73
Arribes DO red wines?
Juan García produces the region's signature red wine; which has a distinctively fruity flavor profile. Other prominent red grape varieties include Rufete; Tempranillo; Garnacha and Mencia. Bordeaux varieties are also used as blending partners.
74
Arribes DO rose wines?
At least 60% Juan García; Rufete and Tempranillo.
75
Arribes DO white wines?
Malvasia (min.60%); Verdejo and Albillo.
76
Cigales DO climate?
Located on the banks of the River Pisuerga and like other areas of Castilla y Leon; Cigales experiences a continental climate; with marked variations in seasonal and diurnal temperatures.
77
Cigales DO?
Region is best known for production of rose wines from Tinta Pais and Garnacha. Interesting red wines are also increasingly being produced; employing the same grape varieties; and also usual international suspects have been planted for experimental purposes.
78
Cigales DO white wines?
Small quantity of white wine is made from Verdejo; Viura (Macabeo) and Albillo grapes.
79
Tierra de Leon DO?
Same continental climate; red wines are best; produced from an indigenous variety Prieto Pricudo together with Mencía. Tierra de Leon's red and rosé wines must contain at least 60% of either grape. Tempranillo and Garnacha are also grown.
80
Tierra de Leon DO white wines?
Verdejo; Albarino and Godello grapes.
81
Tierra del Vino de Zamora DO?
It lies on the banks of the River Duero; to the west of Toro. Soils are alluvial and deep; with good drainage; climate is same as surrounding areas.
82
Tierra del Vino de Zamora DO varieties?
Malvasia; Moscatel de Grano Menudo (Muscat Blanc); Verdejo; Albillo; Godello and Palomino for white wines; and Tempranillo; Garnacha and Cabernet Sauvignon for reds.
83
Other Wine Appellation of Castilla y Leon?
Valles de Benavente VC; Sierra de Salamanca VC; Castilla y Leon VT; Valtiendas VC.
84
Sardon de Duero?
It is part of the prestigious 'The Golden Mile' (La Milla de Oro) of wineries located along the Duero river in the autonomous community of Castilla y Leon. La Milla de Oro is said to have a special microclimate and is home to some of Spain's most renowned wineries; Vega Sicilia; Dominio de Pingus and Bodegas Mauro.
85
Sardon de Duero Cont.?
Sardon de Duero is home to the award-winning Abadia Retuerta winery; one of Spain's most high-tech producers. They have been critical in raising the profile of the area and have encouraged other growers to establish themselves here. Its highly regarded red wines are classified as Vino de la Tierra Castilla y Leon.
86
Catalonia?
Catalunya in Catalan and Cataluña in Spanish.
87
Catalonia climate?
Catalonia's climate is strongly Mediterranean; although there are plenty of cooler zones among the foothills and on elevated sites.
88
Catalonia red varieties?
Tempranillo (known in Catalan as Ull de Llebre); Garnacha and Monastrell (France's Mourvedre). Red Bordeaux varieties also play an important role in some of the top-quality blends; as well as in varietal wines.
89
Catalunya DO?
The Catalunya DO appellation was Spain's first region-wide; cover-all DO title. Created in 1999; it covers all of the scattered vineyards that were not covered by any of the region's other 11 DO`s.
90
Catalunya DO`s?
Alella DO; Conca de Barbera DO; Costers del Segre DO; Emporda DO; Montsant DO; Penedes DO; Pla de Bages DO; Tarragona DO; Terra Alta DO; Cava DO.
91
Priorat DOC or DOQ?
The Catalan authorities approved of Priorat's elevation from DO to DOQ status in 2000; but national level confirmation from the Spanish Government in Madrid only came on July 6; 2009. The demarcated zone has a total size of 19;783 hectares (48;880 acres).
92
Priorat climate?
The climate here is remarkably continental; given its relative proximity to the Mediterranean; summers are long; hot and dry; and annual rainfall averages 500mm.
93
Priorat soil?
The region's flagship soil type is llicorella; a free-draining; nutrient-poor soil made up of partially-decomposed slate and quartz ('llicorella' is the Catalan name for slate).
94
Priorat red varieties?
The classic Priorat wine is made from old-vine Garnacha and Cariñena but a number of winemakers are using the 'international' grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon; Merlot and Syrah alongside.
95
Priorat white varieties?
The region's white wines are made from the four authorized white varieties; Garnacha Blanca; Macabeo; Pedro Ximénez and Chenin Blanc.
96
Priorat Ageing Requirements?
Crianza spends one year in oak; followed by a year in bottle before release; Reserva spends one year in oak then two years in bottle; Gran Reserva spends two years in oak and three years in bottle. The wines must reach a minimum alcoholic strength of 13.5 per cent to qualify as Priorat.
97
Priorat vino de guarda?
Majority of the aged wines spend some eighteen months in new; preferably French oak barrels; 4-6 months in bottles and then are released for sale. They are known as 'vino de guarda' (wine to keep); as they will reach their perfection some two years later.
98
Priorat Producers?
The wines of René Barbier (Clos Mogador); Costers del Siurana (Clos de l'Obac); Álvaro Palacios (Finca Dofí; L'Ermita); Mas Martinet (Clos Martinet); and Clos & Terrasses (Clos Erasmus) had won worldwide acclaim by the late 1990s. Scala Dei.
99
Priorat rivers?
Siurana and Montsant.
100
Alella DO?
A small; little-known wine district on the Mediterranean coast just a few miles from the eastern edge of Barcelona.
101
Alella DO white wines?
The majority of Alella wines are crisp; dry; floral-scented whites made from local varieties Xarel-lo (known here as Pansa Blanca); Garnacha Blanca and Viura; and the French "international" varieties; particularly Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
102
Alella DO red wines?
The red and rosé wines are based on Monastrell; Syrah; Garnacha; Cabernet Sauvignon; Merlot and Tempranillo.
103
Conca de Barbera DO?
Most of Conca de Barberá's grapes are used to produce Cava; soils are limestone. Usual suspects of grape varieties; plus Trepat - a red variety grown only in this part of Spain; mostly used for rose wines.
104
Costers del Segre DO?
Catalonia's most inland wine region and generally speaking; this region is harsh; with an overall continental climate. It's semi-arid; with a climate of extremes. Costers del Segre was in fact the first designation within Catalonia to authorize the international varieties.
105
Costers del Segre DO sub-regions?
The sub-regions from north to south are Pallars Jussa; Artesa de Segre; Segria; Raimat; Valls del Riucorb; Les Garrigues and Urgell.
106
Costers del Segre Varieties?
The principal ones include white Macabeo; Parellada; Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc; and Garnacha Roja; Ull de Llebre; Trepat; Cabernet Sauvignon; Monastrell and Merlot; Pinot Noir and Syrah.
107
Emporda DO?
Traditionally known for Garnatxa; a heavy; sweet red wine made from sun-dried Garnacha grapes. Rosé wines based on Carinena and Garnacha are very good. White wines are made mostly from Viura and Garnacha Blanca; Syrah; Cabernet Sauvignon; Merlot join the two for production of red wines.
108
Montsant DO?
Montsant has earned a reputation for its high-quality red wines; particularly those based on old Garnatxa (Garnacha) and Carinena vines. Ull de Llebre and international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon; Merlot and Syrah also perform very well here.
109
Montsant DO white wines?
A small quantity of white wine (based on Chardonnay; Macabeo and Garnacha Blanca) is produced.
110
Penedes DO?
Red Penedes wines have traditionally been made from classic Spanish grape varieties as Garnacha; Carinena; Monastrell and Tempranillo but the local winemakers are increasingly turning to Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
111
Penedes DO white wines?
The white wines are made from the varieties otherwise used for Cava: Macabeo; Parellada; Xarel-lo; and more recently Chardonnay.
112
Penedes DO zones?
Three zones: Bajo Penedès; Medio Penedès and Penedès Superior.
113
Penedes Espumoso?
From the 2017 vintage onwards; they will be made exclusively from organically grown grapes. Also; unlike Cava; sparkling Penedes Espumoso wine can be made in the "ancestral" method; lees-aged for four years and undisgorged ('No Degorjat' or No 'Degollat'). For this style; the addition of sugars for tirage or dosage is prohibited.
114
Pla de Bages DO?
Grapes here are a mix of traditional local red and white varieties - Garnacha blended with Ull de Llebre (red) and Picapoll (white) - plus Macabeo; Parellada; Chardonnay; Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Apart from this; Syrah and other varieties are being tried experimentally.
115
Tarragona DO?
Two sections: Tarragona Campo; which sits by the sea; and Ribera d'Ebre; sheltered from the sea; has a greater temperature variations. A major proportion of the region's grapes go into Cava production.
116
Tarragona DO varieties?
A major proportion of the region's grapes go into Cava production; Garnacha is also used for the region's refreshing and fruity rosé wines and as a blending partner for Carinena. Other significant red grape varieties include Ull de Llebre; Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
117
Tarragona Clasico Licoroso?
Made from 100% Garnacha; is a dark sweet wine reminiscent of port although it lacks its depth and body. 12 years in oak vats to have Clasico designation.
118
Terra Alta DO?
The climate is a mix of Mediterranean and continental because of higher altitudes of vineyards; El Cierzo; a local dry wind. The soils are clay and coastal limestone; with good drainage.
119
Terra Alta DO varieties?
The region produces a wide range of wines from grape varieties such as Garnacha Blanca; Parellada; Macabeo; Moscatel; Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc for whites; and Garnacha; Carinena; Syrah; Ull de Llebre (Tempranillo); Merlot and Cabernet Franc for reds.
120
Cava DO?
The style was first produced in the 1870s; by a Josep Raventós. In 1970 the official Cava DO (Denominación de Origen) title was introduced; to cover exclusively sparkling white and rosé wines. The heart of Cava production very much remains in the village of Sant Sadurní d'Anoia.
121
Cava Varieties?
The traditional grape varieties used in Cava were Macabeo; Parellada and Xarel-lo; but the Champagne grapes Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are also now being used. Monastrell; Grenache; Malvasia and Trepat are also authorized for use in Cava.
122
Cava method of production?
All Cava wines must be produced by traditional method; lees aged for a minimum of nine months; and reach a final alcohol level of no less than 10% and no more than 13%.
123
Cava Sweetness?
Brut Nature: Contains 0-3 grams per liter of residual sugar where no sugar has been added to the bottle. Extra Brut: Contains 0-6 grams per liter of residual sugar. Brut: Contains 0-12 grams per liter of residual sugar.
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Cava Sweetness Cont.?
Extra Seco (also counter intuitively referred to as Extra Dry): Contains 12-17 grams per liter of residual sugar. Seco (also referred to as Dry): Contains 17-32 grams per liter of residual sugar. Semi-Seco (Semi-Dry): Contains 32-50 grams per liter of residual sugar. Dulce (Sweet): Contains more than 50 grams per liter of residual sugar.
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Cava DO regions?
Cava DO can come from various parts of Spain: Aragon; Navarra; Rioja; Pais Vasco; Valencia and Extremadura but in reality 90% comes from Catalonia.
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Cava DO producers?
The two major producers are Codorníu and Freixenet.
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Extremadura?
Most of the wine is sold in bulk for distillation and ends up as brandy de Jerez. Apart from the wines made under the Ribera del Guadiana DO designation; all others produced in Extremadura are permitted to use only the term Vino de la Tierra Extremadura.
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Extremadura varieties?
Cencibel; Garnacha; Graciano; and; increasingly; Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah dominate amongst red grape varieties and Pardina amongst white ones.
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Ribera del Guadiana DO?
Continental in the north; with Mediterranean influences increasing in the south. However; the differences in altitude make it possible to produce a wide range of wines based on more than 25 grape varieties.
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Sub-zones of Ribera del Guadiana?
Tierra de Barros (reds); Montánchez (whites; Borba); Cañamero; Ribera Baja; Ribera Alta; and Matanegra.
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Ribera del Guadiana DO red varieties?
Tempranillo tops the reds; followed by a mix of international and Spanish varieties including Cabernet Sauvignon; Merlot; Syrah; Garnacha and Bobal.
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Ribera del Guadiana DO white varieties?
The local white specialties; such as Cayetana; are grown alongside Viura (Macabeo); Verdejo; and Chardonnay.
