Spain Flashcards
1
Q
Aging requirements for Red Crianza
A
2 yrs (6mos in cask)
2
Q
Aging requirements for Red Reserva
A
3 yrs (1 year in cask)
3
Q
Aging requirements for Red Gran Reserva
A
5 yrs (18mos in cask)
4
Q
Aging requirements for Crianza
A
18 mos (6 mos in cask)
5
Q
Aging requirements for Reserva
A
2 years (6 months in cask)
6
Q
Aging requirements for Gran Reserva
A
4 years (6 months in cask)
7
Q
Rioja was named-
A
not after the Ebro but for the Oja, a smaller tributary
8
Q
When was Rioja christened as Denominación de Origen Calificada?
A
the first region in Spain, in 1991
9
Q
What are Tempranillo’s blending partners in Rioja?
A
Mazuelo (Carignan), Graciano, and Garnacha
10
Q
Tempranillo and 4 blending grapes must make up how much of the Rioja blend?
A
min 85%, or 95% if destemmed
11
Q
When was Maturana Tinta authorized for Rioja production?
A
2007
12
Q
What “Experimental” grapes may make up the remainder of Rioja red blend?
A
Monastel or Cabernet Sauvignon
13
Q
What is the dominant white grape of Rioja bianco?
A
Viura—known elsewhere as Macabéo
14
Q
What other grapes make up the white Rioja blend?
A
Garnacha Blanca, Malvasía Riojano, and Maturana Blanca. Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Verdejo may be used but cannot account for a more than a combined 49% of the blend
15
Q
Where do regulations for aging red wines supersede the standard requirements?
A
Ribera del Duero and Rioja
16
Q
Rioja aging requirements for red?
A
Crianza- 2yrs, (1 in oak)
Reserva- 3yrs (1 in oak)
Gran Reserva- 2yrs cask, 2 in bottle
17
Q
Rioja Rosado wines require-
A
a min 25% of red grapes
18
Q
Rioja casks must be-
A
225 liters—the size of a barrique
19
Q
Rioja white wines and rosados are also eligible for what categories?
A
crianza, reserva, gran reserva
20
Q
Aging requirements for Rioja white/rosados?
A
crianza/reserva- 2yrs
gran reserva- 4yrs
ALL 6MOS in CASK
21
Q
Whereas producers may age white/rosado crianza wines in a non-oxidative environment like stainless steel, reserva wines must-
A
remain in oak or bottle for the the min period of aging
22
Q
From Haro in the northwest to Alfaro in the southeast, Rioja follows the path of the Ebro through what 3 climatically distinct subzones?
A
Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Baja
23
Q
What is the smallest, northernmost zone (it is located within Basque country) of Rioja?
A
Rioja Alavesa
24
Q
Style of wines from Rioja Alavesa?
A
Tempranillo here often produces vino joven wines for early consumption. Carbonic maceration may be employed
25
What is the southwestern zone of Rioja?
Rioja Alta
26
Climate of Rioja Alta?
slightly warmer
27
styles of wines from Rioja Alta?
capable of producing classic, ageworthy Tempranillo, Mazuelo and Graciano
28
Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa share a similar soil structure-
high proportion of calcareous clay
29
Rioja Baja soil/climate-
hottest subregion, contains more alluvial soils and ferrous clay
30
Garnacha performs best in what Rioja subzone?
Rioja Baja’s hot climate
31
Many producers will source blends from all 3 subregions to create a base style, what does each region bring?
freshness of Rioja Alavesa, extract and alcoholic warmth of Rioja Baja, acidity and structure of Rioja Alta
32
What producer prefers the typicity that results from single region and single vineyard bottlings?
the staunch traditionalist López de Heredia
33
Name some single vineyard wines from López de Heredia
Bosconia and Tondonia
34
What modern winery renowned for its avant-garde architectural design also believes in single vineyard bottlings?
Ysios, produces pure Tempranillo from its estate vineyards in the Rioja Alavesa
35
What estate now includes an impressive new structure designed by Frank Gehry, famed architect of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao?
Marqués de Riscal’s estate
36
Even de Heredia, the oldest winery in Haro, now features what in the wave of modern bodegas?
a sleek new visitors’ boutique designed by Zaha Hadid
37
What is adjacent to the northern and eastern borders of Rioja?
Navarra DO
38
Navarro DO has long been famous for-
rosado bottlings
39
Like Rioja, Navarra wines gained prominence in the Middle Ages due to-
clerical support, and the rosados of the region achieved recognition by the 15th century
40
Today, Red wine accounts for approximately __% of the Navarra’s production
60%
41
Today, Rosado wines represent only __ of Navarra's output
a quarter
42
What are the most prominent varietals in Navarra?
Garnacha and Tempranillo are the major red varietals and Viura is the most prominent white varietal, (white grapes account for only about 6% of vineyard acreage)
43
What other grapes are allowed in Navarra?
A host of international grapes, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir
44
Navarra contains what 5 subzones?
1. higher altitude Valdizarbe
2. Baja Montaña
3. Tierra Estella in the north
4. Ribera Alta in the center of the zone
5. Ribera Baja in the hot southern sector
45
As a testament to the rising quality of Navarra’s red wines, what 3 estates recently received their own DO Pago appellations?
1. Señorio de Arínzano in Tierra Estella
2. Prado Irache in Tierra Estella
3. Bodegas Otazu in Valdizarbe
46
The autonomía of Aragon, to the east of Rioja and Navarra, contains what 4 DOs?
1. Campo de Borja
2. Calatayud
3. Cariñena
4. Somontano
47
The hot climate of Navarra’s Ribera Baja and Rioja’s Baja zones extends southward into-
the Campo de Borja DO, where Garnacha commands around 2/3s of the vineyard acreage
48
What is produced in Campo de Borga DO?
Red/rosado principally from Garnacha and Tempranillo, and whites based on Viura
49
Garnacha also dominates the vineyards of __ DO and __ DO to the south of Campo de Borga DO
Calatayud, Cariñena
50
Cariñena, one of Spain’s longstanding delimited zones (dating to 1932) is the ancestral home of-
the Carignan/Mazuelo grape, but today the grape is a secondary player in the region’s blends
51
Somontano DO produces wines from-
local grapes such as the white Alcañón and red Parraleta, as well as a larger compliment of Spanish and international varietals.
52
Where is the up-and-coming Somontano DO located?
(“beneath the mountain”) lies in the foothills of the Pyrenees near Catalonia
53
What does "Green Spain" include?
autonomías of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and País Vasco (Basque Country) along the northern Costa Verde,
54
Wht does Galicia border?
Portugal in the northwestern corner of the country
55
Describe Galicia climate
verdant region of lush vegetation and dense forests, riddled with rías (estuaries) and small rivers cutting through low mountain ranges, cooler maritime climate
56
What are the 5 DOs of Galicia?
1. Rías Baixas
2. Ribeiro
3. Valdeorras
4. Ribeira Sacra
5. Monterrei
57
Translation of Rías Baixas
the “low estuaries”
58
Rías Baixas DO borders-
Portugal on the coast
59
Rías Baixas DO 5 subzones
1. Val do Salnés
2. Ribeira do Ulla
3. Soutomaior
4. O Rosal
5. Condado do Tea
60
What comprises classic white wines from Rías Baixas?
Albariño
61
A wine labeled Rías Baixas Albariño will not contain-
any blending grapes
62
Northern Rías Baixas subzones require-
min 70% Albariño (Val do Salnés or Ribeira do Ulla)
63
Southern Rías Baixas subzones require-
a min 70% of Albariño and either Loureira or Treixadura in any combination (O Rosal and Condado do Te)
64
What is the favored white grapes in Portugal’s neighboring Vinho Verde?
Treixadura
65
Some Rías Baixas producers subject their Albariño wines to what?
malolactic fermentation and barrica aging, which is indicated on the bottle.
66
Red wines in Rías Baixas are produced from-
grapes such as Caiño, Espadeiro and Mencía
67
nearly _% of the vineyard acreage in Rías Baixas is devoted to Albariño
90
68
Where is Ribeiro DO located?
along the Miño River to the east of Rías Baixas
69
Ribeiro DO produces-
red and white wines based on Galician varietals
70
Varietals preferred in Ribeiro DO?
white- Treixadura, gradually replacing the neutral, heavier Palomino
red- Caiño
71
What is a local specialty of Ribeiro DO?
A dried grape wine, Viño Tostado
72
What is Ribeira Sacra DO named for?
The “sacred bank”, has large concentration of churches
73
5 subregions of Ribeira Sacra?
1. Amandi
2. Chantada
3. Quiroga-Bibei
4. Riberas do Sil
5. Riberas do Miño
74
Where is Ribeira Sacra located?
further inland and upriver from Ribeiro DO
75
aspect of Ribeira Sacra
Steeply terraced slopes like northern Rhone
76
Varietals of Ribeira Sacra?
Mencía, Treixadura, and Godello
77
__ DO is Galicia’s easternmost zone
Valdeorras
78
While some pleasant red and rosé wines are produced, Valdeorras’s best wines are-
clean, fruit-driven, high-acid Godello whites
79
__, the southernmost DO in Galicia, is a small region with only a handful of wineries
Monterrei
80
Asturias and Cantabria do not produce any-
DO wine
81
the País Vasco contains 3 principal DO zones-
1. Getariako Txakolina
2. Bizkaiko Txakolina
3. Arabako Txakolina
82
Wines from all 3 País Vasco DO zones may be-
white, red, or rosado
83
What is predominant in the País Vasco?
white, produced from the native Ondarrabi Zuri grape
84
In Getariako alone, Ondarrabi Zuri (Hondarribi Zuri) accounts for 95% of vineyard acreage, with the remaining acreage planted to-
Ondarrabi Beltza, the preferred local red variety
85
What are the rare rosado wines of Getariako?
traditionally known as Ojo de Gallo, are often blends of Ondarrabi Zuri & Ondarrabi Beltza
86
Castilla y León, or Old Castile, is Spain’s largest-
autonomía
87
Castilla y León is known as-
“The land of castles”
88
Describe the climate of Castilla y León
generally characterized by a continental climate, slightly moderated by its proximity to the Atlantic and Mediterranean but still subject to extreme highs/lows
89
The terrain of Castilla y León consists of-
the northern part of the Meseta Central—the arid central plateau of Spain—and the mountains that encircle it.
90
The Duero River flows westward through the center of Castilla y León and passes the DOs of-
Ribera del Duero, Rueda, Toro, Tierra del Vino de Zamora, and finally Arribes on its path toward Portugal
91
__ DO is located directly north of Ribera del Duero
Arlanza
92
Cigales DO to the west of-
Ribera del Duero and Arlanza
93
Tierra de León DO and Bierzo DO are located-
in the mountainous northwestern corner of Castilla y León
94
Bierzo borders __in Galicia
Valdeorras
95
The Mencía grape is at home in the valleys of the __ River and its tributaries in the Bierzo DO
Sil
96
In Bierzo, Mencía comprises-
- min 70% of red wines (many serious reds are 100%)
| - 50% of rosé wines
97
The young Alvaro Palacios, already a marquee name in Priorat, founded ___ with his nephew Ricardo Palacios in 1999 in Bierzo
Descendientes de José Palacios
98
Descendientes de José Palacios achieved instant recognition for Bierzo with what bottlings?
biodynamic “Corullón” bottlings: extracted, old-vine Mencía-based wines sourced from mountainside schist soils.
99
What other modern trailblaizers in Bierzo are commanding top dollars for their wines?
Dominio de Tares and Pittacum
100
What whites are produced in Bierzo?
whites from Godello and Doña Blanca show more promise, but Palomino still dominates vineyards
101
The ___ DO recently upgraded from Vino de la Tierra in 2007
Tierra de León DO
102
Tierra de León DO produces-
reds, whites, and rosados. Recommended red grapes include Mencía and the local Prieto Picudo
103
Ribera del Duero DO, which surrounds the towns of ___ and__ in the Duero River Valley, is considered one of Spain’s top red wine-producing regions
Aranda de Duero, Peñafiel
104
Ribera del Duero’s flagship estate has long been Vega Sicilia, founded by ___, who in 1864 planted a number of Bordeaux varietals and—curiously—a little Pinot Noir alongside Tinto del País (Tempranillo) in order to make brandy
Don Eloy Lecanda y Chaves
105
In 1929, following an ownership change and a transition to estate-bottled table wines, new winemaker Domingo Txomin achieved international acclaim at the Barcelona World’s Fair with Vega Sicilia's-
1917 and 1918 vintages of Único, Vega Sicilia’s benchmark wine
106
Describe Vega Sicilia's Único
blended from Tinto del País, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot and aged, often for a decade or more in American and French oak barrels
107
What is Único classified as?
vino de mesa—Ribera del Duero did not achieve DO status until 1982
108
Despite its mammoth influence, Vega Sicilia remained the only serious producer in the region until the 1980s, when the wines of __ began achieving critical acclaim
Pesquera
109
Since the mid-1980s,what cult wine estates have grown in Ribera del Duero?
Dominio de Pingus and Aalto
110
When Ribera del Duero received DO status, there were only 9 wineries in the region; today the number of producers is nearer to __
300
111
What is not allowed in Ribera del Duero?
White wine production!! only reds and a small amount of rosados are permitted
112
What is Ribera del Duero's premier grape and enjoys a near monopoly on its vineyards?
Tempranillo, aka Tinto del País/Tinto Fino
113
What other grapes are cultivated in Ribera del Duero?
Small amounts of Garnacha and international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
114
What early-ripening white grape is permitted to grow in Ribera del Duero?
Albillo, for rosado wines
115
Ribera del Duero red wines may be labeled-
crianza, reserva, or gran reserva
116
Ribera del Duero Crianza aging?
2 years prior to release (including one year in cask)
117
Ribera del Duero reserva aging?
3 years prior to release (including one year in cask)
118
Ribera del Duero gran reserva aging?
2 years in cask and 3years in bottle, for a total of 5 years
119
Ribera del Duero Rosados/red wines that do not fulfill the min aging requirement for crianza are considered-
vino joven, or young wines. Most commercial rosados today are vino joven
120
Rueda received its DO shortly before Ribera del Duero, in __
1980
121
In Rueda, the white Verdejo grape, easily prone to oxidation, was rejuvenated by-
Marqués de Riscal in the 1970s as a fresh, crisp counterpart to their red Rioja
122
How can Verdejo provide delicate, aromatic wines, rather than the oxidative, sherry-style wines?
through careful handling, controlled temperatures and an anaerobic environment
123
White wines simply labeled as Rueda now require-
a min 50% Verdejo, often blended with Viura
124
Rueda wines may also be varietally labeled as-
either Verdejo or Sauvignon Blanc (85% of stated variety in line with EU standards)
125
Rueda red wines are dominated by-
Tempranillo
126
Rueda Rosados contain-
a min 50% of red grapes
127
Rueda Espumoso, or sparkling wines, are produced in both __ and __ styles
Rosado, white
128
Brut Rueda Espumoso wines require a minimum 85% __
Verdejo
129
In Rueda, the occasional dry fortified, oxidized __ wine is still encountered, although these wines are a dying style in a region energized by freshness, and are not often encountered outside Spain
Dorado
130
To the west of Rueda, __ DO produces red, white and rosado wines, although it is the region’s red wines that have attracted the most international interest
TORO
131
Toro reds require a min 75% __
Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo), usually 100%
132
Why does Tempranillo succeed in Toro?
ripens easily in the extremely hot, dry continental summers of Toro
133
Toro whites may be made with-
Verdejo or Malvasia
134
Toro rosados are-
saignée blends of Tinto de Toro and Garnacha
135
What are top names in Toro?
Fariña and Numanthia-Termes, and the launching of Vega Sicilia’s Bodegas Pintia seems to cement Toro’s newfound success.
136
__ DO lies to the west of Toro, and produces red, white, rosado, and the lighter clarete (rosé) wines from similar grapes
Tierra del Vino de Zamora
137
Tierra del Vino de Zamora DO reds require-
minimum 75% Tempranillo
138
Vega Sicilia’s Ribera del Duero rival Alejándro Fernández of Pesquera staked his claim in Zamora, with the founding of-
the Dehesa la Granja estate
139
Toro and Zamora can only continue to benefit from their proximity to-
Ribera del Duero river
140
From Toro and Zamora, the Ribera del Duero river continues its westward path, flowing through __ DO at the border
Arribes
141
What red grapes are present in Arribes DO?
Rufete (reflecting the region’s proximity to Portugal), Tempranillo and several other red grapes
142
What white grapes are present in Arribes DO?
Malvasia, Verdejo, and Albilla
143
__ DO is located to the north of old capital city of Valladolid, and to the northwest of Ribera del Duero
Cigales
144
Cigales produces red wines from-
Garnacha Tinta and Tinto del País, at a combined min 85%
145
Cigales is particularly noted for its __ and __ production.
rosado, nuevo (primeur) rosado production
146
__ DO, to the east of Cigales and directly north of Ribera del Duero, is one of Spain’s newest DOs, dating to 2007
Arlanza
147
Describe the wines of Arlanza DO
A small core of wineries produces reds and whites from a complement of Duero Valley and Bordeaux varieties
148
Catalonia and Roussillon split in the __ century, when the king of Spain ceded Roussillon to France
17th
149
What has ceded ground in the Catalonia?
shared interest in heavier, fortified and sweet red wines
150
Catalonia was on the forefront for modernization in what ways?
1st to make traditional method sparkling wine, Miguel Torres introduced stainless steel fermentation here in the 1960s, René Barbier sought to create a bold new Spanish red wine in 1979 buy planting his grapes here
151
__ DOCa (DOQ in Catalan) in the southwest of Catalonia is the site of René Barbier’s project and home to some of Spain’s richest, most concentrated red wines
Priorat
152
The 2nsregion in Spain to be promoted to DOCa, Priorat derives its name from-
Priorato de Scala Dei, a Carthusian monastery (priory) founded on the site of a boy’s vision of angels ascending to heaven
153
Priorat is overwhelmingly devoted to-
red wine production, although some white and rosado wine is produced
154
What are the traditional varietals of Priorat?
Garnacha and Cariñena
155
How do grapes perform in Priorat soils?
struggle to achieve even small yields in the rock-strewn schist soils of the region
156
What characterizes the best vineyards of Priorat?
Llicorella, a mix of black slate and quartzite, requiring vines to dig deeply for water
157
In 1979 Barbier, a winemaker for Alvaro Palacios, planted a mix of local and French vines where?
in the llicorella soils of Gratallops, and convinced Palacios and several others to join him
158
In 1989 Barbier and others produced what as a 1st effort?
a single red wine bottled under 5 different labels—and turned the eyes of the wine world towards Priorat
159
What are the 5 original “Clos” wines of Priorat?
1. Barbier’s Clos Mogador
2. Palacios' Clos Dofi
3. Clos Erasmus
4. Clos de l’Obac
5. Clos Martinet
160
The original clos wines of Priorat were originally released as what?
vino de mesa, yet they represented a new pinnacle of quality for the region
161
After the __ vintage, the "Clos" wines of Priorat project split and the wines moved forward in separate production
1991
162
Who are the top producers today in Priorat?
Clos Mogador, Alvaro Palacios, Clos Erasmus, Costers del Siurana (whose founder Carles Pastrana produced Clos de l’Obac), and Mas Martinet continue to build on their original legacy, alongside others like Vall Llach and Scala Dei
163
Priorat’s best red wines are usually dominated by what?
Garnacha or blended from Spanish and French varietals, and subject to varying shades of French barrique treatment
164
What is a key factor in Priorat winemaking?
Managing alcohol in a warm, Mediterranean region where grapes can ripen unchecked to a potential alcohol of 18%
165
In 2009, Priorat established what?
a village category (Vino de Pueblo) for estate-grown wines from 12 villages, including Gratallops
166
Priorat DOQ is almost entirely surrounded by-
the Montsant DO, a ring-shaped region that was until 2002 a subzone of Tarragona
167
What is dominant in Monstant DO?
Like Priorat, Garnacha and Cariñena are dominant, and the region seems poised to offer a value alternative as Priorat’s prices continue to rise
168
__ DO is much larger, encompassing a swath of the Catalan coast to the west of Penedès DO
Tarragona
169
Historically, Tarragona wines were generally-
fortified rancio or mistela, (Spanish version of VDL)
170
Today, much of the Tarragona vineyard area has been converted to-
white varieties for Cava, but these old styles are still made in small quantities
171
What now represents the most substantial market for Tarragona’s wines?
Communion wines for Christian churches
172
The ___ DO is to the southwest of Tarragona and the __ DO is adjacent to northern Tarragona
Terra Alta, Conca de Barberá
173
Costers del Segre DO spans what several noncontiguous subzones between Tarragona and Somontano?
Pallars Jussà, Artesa de Segre, Valls du Riucorb, Segrià, Garrigues, Urgell and Raïmat
174
Raïmat, the smallest subzone of Costers del Segre DO, houses what?
an estate of the same name that was integral to the formation of the zone
175
How did Manuel Raventós change Raïmat?
With far-reaching foresight, he purchased arid, infertile land in 1914; over 60yrs later, after a transformation of the parched land through canal construction & agricultural restoration, his estate produced its 1st commercial vintage
176
Northeast of Tarragona, along the Catalan coast, is the __ DO
Penedès
177
The land rises steadily from the coast toward the inland Meseta, and Penedès is divided between what 3 distinct altitude zones?
1. Baix-Penedès
2. Medio-Penedès
3. Alt-Penedès
178
The Alt-Penedès, one of Europe’s highest altitude winegrowing regions, is perfectly suited to-
cultivation of the white Parellada grape, one of the principal grapes in the Cava sparkling blend
179
Although Cava has its own DO, 95% of Cava is produced-
in the region of Penedès
180
What comprise a large majority of the Penedès vineyards?
4 of Cava’s authorized white grapes—Parellada, Xarel-lo, Macabéo (Macabeu), and Chardonnay
181
What thrives in the Medio-Penedès?
Ull de Llebre (Tempranillo)
182
What are planted in the lower vineyards of the Baix-Penedès?
Sturdier Mediterranean red grapes like Garnacha (Garnatxa) and Monastrell, producing high-alcohol red/rosados
183
What used to be popular in the past in Baix-Penedès?
sweet fortified—as across the border in Roussillon
184
Although red grapes dominate in the Baix-Penedès, what 2 producers are perpetuating the Malvasia de Sitges variety?
Vega de Ribes and the charity Hospital de Sant Joan Baptista
185
What is Malvasia de Sitges
a historical specialty of Baix-Penedès nearly consigned to the dustbin of history
186
As a sweet fortified wine, Malvasia de Sitges recently received-
the coveted Slow Food “presidia” status, helping to insure its future survival as a unique product of the region
187
__, the birthplace of Cava, lies in the Alt-Penedès
San Sadurní d’Anoia
188
Who introduced método tradicional sparkling winemaking to Spain, in 1872?
Jose Raventós of Codorníu
189
Today, Codorníu is 2nd in size only to the competing house of __, the world’s largest producer of sparkling wines
Freixenet
190
Cava debuted as __, a clear Spanish copy of Champagne
champaña
191
What did Cava contribute to Champagne?
the gyropalette, and Champagne has refined its dosage levels to those already in place in the Cava DO
192
Cava DO wines may be produced from what grapes?
Parellada, Xarel-lo, Macabeu, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Garnacha Tinta, Monastrell, Trepat, and Malvasia (Subirat)
193
What are the recommended grapes for Cava?
Macabeu, Xarel-lo and Parellada
194
Cava wines require less time on the lees than Champagne, what are the aging rules?
9mos for basic bottlings
15mos for reserva
30mos for gran reserva
195
Cava DO is the only Spanish Denominación de Origen that covers a __, rather than a __
style, region
196
Technically, Spain did what in order to comply with EU regulations for Cava DO?
mapped and delimited the regions of Cava production—the region just happened to coincide with the vineyards of many producers throughout Spain who were already making the wine
197
Today, the better Cava sparklers made from the traditional grapes are slightly earthy and citrus-tinged, whereas __ and__ are better suited to lengthier lees aging and the flavors of autolysis
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
198
Bottles of Cava can always be spotted by what mark?
a four-pointed star imprinted on the cork
199
In Alella DO, to the northeast of Penedès, what is Xarel-lo known locally as?
Pansà Blanca, contributes to the DO’s own still dry whites or the blends of Cava
200
__ DO is located in the northeastern corner of Spain, bordering Banyuls in Roussillon
Empordà
201
What is the focus in Empordà DO?
on Cariñena rosados, although Garnacha and international varietals are enjoying success
202
___—a derivative of Bacchus, the Roman god of wine—is a newer DO to the northwest of Penedès, with similar grapes to Empordà
Pla de Bages
203
The Catalunya DO encompasses the entire autonomía, covering wineries not included in more specific DO zones and allowing what?
more freedom of blending and expression from a range of sites and authorized grapes
204
The __ Islands, a chain off the coast of Catalonia, is an autonomía closely associated with Catalan culture
Balearic
205
What 2 DO zones exist on The Balearic islands?
Pla i Llevant and Binissalem Mallorca
206
What is produced on The Balearic Islands?
wines from a range of international and indigenous grapes, including Manto Negro and Moll (Prensal Blanc)
207
Where is wine produced in Southern Spain?
In EVERY autonomía
208
Valencia, a region steeped in both Catalan and Moorish tradition, is simultaneously the name of the autonomía, its capital (and Spain’s 3rd largest city) and a DO zone focusing on-
whites produced from the local Merseguera grape and other varieties
209
What is Valencia famous for?
not its neutral whites but rather paella, it is the birthplace of this dish
210
The other DO zones within the autonomía of Valencia are:
Alicante and Utiel-Requena
211
Alicante DO is known for-
dessert wines
212
What is a local specialty of Alicante DO?
Fondillón, a solera-style, oxidative dessert wine produced from overripe Monastrell (Mourvèdre) grapes aged for a min of 10yrs
213
How does Fondillón differ from Sherry?
is not fortified and it does carry the flavor of wood
214
Utiel-Requena DO red wines are primarily produced from the __ grape and __ is a traditional style
Bobal, doble pasta
215
What is the process for Doble Pasta reds?
macerated and fermented with twice the normal amount of grape skins and pulp, resulting in a wine of intense concentration, tannin and color
216
Often, doble pasta wines are used to what?
strengthen weaker blends, but this traditional role is ebbing away with the rising production of grape concentrate in Utiel-Requena
217
Murcia, the southern autonomía in the Levant, comprises what 3 DO zones?
1. Jumilla
2. Yecla
3. Bullas
218
The sandy soils of Jumilla resisted phylloxera until-
the 1980s, nearly 100yrs after the bug entered Spain
219
Jumilla’s reds and rosados—white grapes perform less worthily in the desert-like climate of Jumilla—now represent-
some of Spain’s best values and make up over 95% of the DO’s output
220
How did Phylloxera change Jumilla?
allowed the region’s producers to refocus, pivoting away from generic bulk wine production to the cultivation of the drought-resistant, thick-skinned Monastrell
221
What grapes are used in Jumilla?
Garnacha, Petit Verdot, and other grapes may be used for blending, but Monastrell alone occupies over 80% of the region’s vineyards
222
To the west of the coastal Levant appellations, __ DO lies within the Castilla-La Mancha autonomía and is Europe’s largest single demarcated wine region
La Mancha
223
Principal grapes of La Mancha?
Cencibel (Tempranillo) and Airén
224
La Mancha climate?
hot, dry— inhospitable region for fungus and mold
225
Despite being found only in southern Spain, __claims more acreage than any other white grape in the world, due to vast tracts of low-density plantings in La Mancha.
Airén
226
A significant amount of the vast annual La Mancha harvest is destined for what?
distillation
227
What performs well in La Mancha and is highly recommended by the Consejo for replanting?
Cencibel, yet some producers, as in every corner of Spain, are experimenting with international varieties
228
Within the Méntrida DO, the __ estate planted Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Syrah, and Merlot and adopted the illegal practice of drip irrigation, releasing modern, concentrated wines as vino de mesa.
Marqués de Griñon, founded in 1973
229
Officials rewarded the estate’s controversial methodology and encépagement in 2003, granting Marques de Griñon what estate appellation?
DO Pago Dominio de Valdepusa
230
Also in 2003, La Mancha estate of filmmaker Manuel Manzaneque received its own appellation-
DO Pago Finca Élez
231
What other DO Pago estates follwed Finca Élez & Dominio de Valdepusa?
```
Guijoso in 2005
Dehesa del Carrizal in 2006
Campo de la Guardia & Pago Florentino in 2009
Casa del Blanco 2010
Calzadilla 2011
```
232
What do all of the Castilla-La Mancha pagos implement?
an international blend, in the pursuit of wines of “expression”
233
Who enjoys the longest history of any of the La Mancha DO Pagos?
The Marqués de Griñon estate
234
The Marqués de Griñon estate enlisted who's help in its quest to quickly position itself at the top of Spain’s quality ladder?
both the Pomerol guru Michel Rolland and his mentor, the esteemed Émile Peynaud
235
What new world approach possesses the imaginations of the DO Pago proprietors, perhaps quixotically?
incorporating $ and modern methodology in the quick pursuit of concentration, greatness, and expression; rather than the timeworn, terroir-driven methods of the old world
236
Like Méntrida, __DO was once administered by La Mancha's Consejo Regulador
Almansa
237
The red wines of Almansa rely principally on what grape?
Monastrell, demonstrating Levantine influence
238
__DO is to the north of Almansa, bridging the Levant and La Mancha.
Manchuela
239
What is the chief grape of Manchuela?
As in Utiel-Requena, Bobal
240
__DO is located between Manchuela and La Mancha, and was a subzone of the latter until it received its own DO status in 2003
Ribera del Júcar
241
__ DO—the “valley of rocks”—is surrounded by La Mancha, yet the region received formal recognition in 1932, over 40yrs earlier than its much larger neighbor
Valdepeñas
242
What is the most planted grape in Valdepeñas DO?
Airén, followed by Cencibel
243
Although the climate of the La Mancha is quite similar, the vines in Valdepeñas benefit from what?
a higher concentration of chalk bedrock, which provides better retention of water in the arid environment
244
What can be of excellent quality in Valdepeñas?
Reserva/gran reserva wines, often exclusively from Cencibel
245
What sectors of Valdepeñas particularly pump out higher quality Cencibel wines?
western sector of Los Llanos and northern sector of Las Aberturas
246
To the northwest of La Mancha, the newer __ DO is off to a promising start, focusing on the red varietals of Cencibel, Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah
Uclés
247
Aside from reds, what else is produced in Uclés DO?
White wines, sparkling wines, and sweet, dulce wines
248
Uclés DO requires vines bearing red grapes to be in their 6th yr of age before the fruit may be harvested, and mature vines are divided into-
3 age categories; max yields decrease with the vine’s age
249
North of La Mancha, __DO permits wines of all 3 colors from Cencibel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Macabéo, and the white Malvar grape
Mondéjar
250
To the west of Mondéjar is Vinos de Madrid DO, an appellation for the wines produced in what 3 areas, comprising 2 noncontiguous zones to the southwest and southeast of the capital city?
1. San Martín de Valdeiglesias
2. Navalcarnero
3. Arganda
251
What are the most widely planted grapes of Vinos de Madrid DO?
Airén, Malvar, Tinto Fino, and Negra de Madrid (Garnacha)
252
Most of Vinos de Madrid DO wines are consumed-
within the city itself
253
To the southwest of Madrid and Méntrida, in the Extremadura autonomía, is the sole DO of __
Ribera del Guadiana
254
The large Ribera del Guadiana DO contains what 6 subregions?
1. Ribera Alta de Guadiana
2. Ribera Baja de Guadiana
3. Matanegra
4. Cañamero
5. Montánchez
6. and the superior Tierra de Barros
255
Although some good value wine is produced, much of Ribera del Guadiana DO’s large harvest ends up-
in the copper stills of Jerez, and the region is overall better known for its contributions to gastronomy: jamón sérrano and the prohibitively expensive jamón ibérico
256
Tierra do Barros, which encompasses nearly 80% of Ribera del Guadiana DO, is the home of-
Bodegas Inviosa, a longstanding and key proponent of the region’s wines—and the only producer of Cava in southwestern Spain
257
Spanning Spain’s southern coastline, Andalucía includes the DO zones of:
```
Málaga
Sierras de Málaga
Montilla-Moriles
Condado du Huelva
Jerez-Xérès-Sherry
Manzanilla Sanlúcar de Barrameda
```
258
Culturally, Andalucía is the Spain of-
bullfighting, flamenco, authentic gazpacho—the stereotypes that often serve to characterize all of Spain
259
The city of Jerez de la Frontera was known as “__” in Arabic
Sherish
260
The Moorish culture persisted in Andalucía , until-
the fall of Granada in 1492 ended Moorish rule on the Iberian Peninsula
261
8mos after the end of Moorish rule in Andalucía-
Columbus set sail from Andalucía to find his ocean route to the East Indies
262
What saved Sherry in 1933?
establishment of a Jerez Consejo Regulador and the attainment of DO status
263
What are the 2 DO zones today, sharing the same vineyards and Consejo Regulador in Sherry?
1. Jerez-Xérès-Sherry
| 2. Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda
264
What 3 towns form a “golden triangle” of production that all sherry wines must be shipped from 1 of the 3?
1. Jerez de la Frontera
2. Sanlúcar de Barrameda
3. El Puerto de Santa Maria
265
What are the 3 authorized grapes in Sherry, in descending order of importance?
1. Palomino/Listán
2. Pedro Ximénez
3. Moscatel
266
How does Palomino thrive in Sherry?
in the white albariza soils of the region, which characterize the best pagos, or vineyards
267
The lower-lying vineyards in Sherry usually contain more-
barros (clay), whereas coastal vineyards are characterized by sandy soils called arenas, and are principally suitable for Moscatel
268
__ DO, to the northeast of Jerez, lent its name to the style of amontillado, although it is legally barred from using the term on its labels in other EU countries
Montilla-Moriles
269
What is Montilla-Moriles DO's principal grape?
Pedro Ximénez (PX), and Jerez has received dispensation to import PX must from Montilla-Moriles to compensate for its own declining acreage of the grape
270
What are produced in both fortified and unfortified versions in Montilla-Moriles DO?
Wines in the style of sherry—fino, oloroso, and amontillado
271
As the PX grape ripens extremely well in Montilla-Moriles’ hot climate, the wines can naturally ferment to-
15.5% alcohol—the ideal strength for flor to survive and the post-fortification strength of fino sherry (Thus, typically only olorosos and dessert styles are fortified)
272
The coastal __ DO is directly south of Montilla-Moriles
Málaga
273
Once a prosperous wine region, both in its own right and as a supplier to the Jerez soleras, Málaga suffers from-
lowered international interest in both fortified and sweet wines—the specialties of the zone
274
What are Málaga ’s principal grapes?
Moscatel and PX
275
What is the process Málaga grapes undergo?
dried for a period of up to 20 days on esparto grass mats (a process known as the soleo) prior to fermentation
276
Today the wines of Málaga are-
either naturally sweet wines—produced either from soleo or simply overripe grapes—or fortified sweet wines
277
The fortified wines of Málaga either retain natural sweetness, or the winemaker restores it through the addition of __
arrope
278
The fortified wines of Málaga undergo solera aging in-
American oak
279
What 5 age categories exist for Málaga?
1. Málaga Pálido (max 6mos of aging in oak)
2. Málaga (6-24 mos)
3. Málaga Noble (2-3yrs)
4. Málaga Añejo (3-5yrs)
5. Málaga Transañejo (min 5yrs)
280
Table wines from Málaga are released under the __ DO
Sierras de Málaga
281
Off the coast of Africa, the Canary Islands lie nearly __ miles from the Iberian Peninsula
700
282
The Canary Islands are of volcanic origin and has a __ climate
sub-tropical
283
Which DO's cover a WHOLE island of the Canary Island archipelago?
La Palma, El Hierro, Gran Canaria, La Gomera and Lanzarote
284
Wine is produced on most of the inhabited Canary islands, what are the 10 DO zones?
```
Abona DO
El Hierro DO
Gran Canaria DO
La Gomera DO
La Palma DO
Lanzarote DO
Tacoronte-Acentejo DO
Valle de Güímar DO
Valle de la Orotava DO
Ycoden-Daute-Isora DO
```
285
Which 5 DO's are located on the island of Tenerife of the Canary Islands?
```
Abona DO
Tacoronte-Acentejo DO
Valle de Güímar DO
Valle de la Orotava DO
Ycoden-Daute-Isora DO
```
286
What never reached the Canaries?
Phylloxera, and century-old vines are not an uncommon sight
287
Red wines are usually produced from what grapes in the Canaries?
Listán Negro, Negramoll (Tinta Negra), Malvasía Rosada, and Listán Prieto (Mission)
288
Whites are made from what grapes in the Canaries?
Malvasía, Gual, Forastera Blanca, Moscatel, and Listán Blanco (Palomino)
289
The fortified wines of the past have ceded ground to what style in the Canaries?
the fresh vino joven styles popular with the islands’ tourists
