Spain

Question 1

Climate of Spain

Answer 1

1. Maritime climate: north and north-west coast of Spain. Dominated by Atlantic
2. Mediterranean climate: east coast from Catalunya in the north to the Levante further south
3. Hot continental climate: Meseta Central

Question 2

Grape Growing of Spain

Answer 2

1. Biggest challenge: heat and lack of water

2. Low density and bush trained vineyards is common

Question 3

Tempranillo

Answer 3

1. Thick skinned
2. Medium acidity and need large diurnal range to develop its flavor in order to keep good balance
3. Best in areas summer temperature moderated by sea or altitude
4. Semi-carbonic maceration can produce strawberry scented Joven wine
5. Can blend with Garnacha, Graciano, Carinena or CS

Question 4

Garnacha Tinta

Answer 4

1. Gives wine high in alcohol
2. Thin skinned. Late ripening and low in acidity but full-bodied with soft tannins and red fruit flavors
3. In Priorat blended with Carignan. In Rioja blended with Tempranillo contributing perfume, body and alcohol

Question 5

Monastrell

Answer 5

Thick skinned. Drought tolerant and need sunny conditions to ripen. Grown in Yecla and Jumilla. Deeply colored, full-bodied, high tannin, alcohol and low to medium acidity and flavors of ripe blackberry fruit

Question 6

Graciano

Answer 6

Cultivated mainly in Rioja as part of the blend to add black fruit aromas, acidity and tannins

Question 7

Carinena

Answer 7

Also called Mazuelo in Rioja which gives high level of color, acidity and tannin. An ideal blend with Tempranillo. In Priorat blended with Garnacha to enhance the tannin

Question 8

Mencia

Answer 8

Suits moderate climates with medium to high acidity, a hint of herbaceousness

Question 9

Verdejo

Answer 9

Susceptible to oxidation and was used to make sherry-like wines. Light in body, high acid with flavors of melon and peach. When undergone skin contact and barrel fermentation it is fuller bodied

Question 10

Albarino

Answer 10

Thick skinned and able to resist fungal disease. Naturally high in acidity can produce wines with citrus and stone fruit flavors in a fuller-bodied style

Question 11

Airen

Answer 11

Can cope with heat and drought of Meseta Central and the majority of them planted in La Mancha. Much of it were used in the production of Brandy de Jerez

Question 12

Parellada, Xarel-lo and Macabeo

Answer 12

Widely planted in Catalunya and main varieties used in Cava production. Macabeo known as Viura can be made in an unoaked style with subtle herb and spice aromas. It is the mainstay of heavily oaked white Riojas