Spain Flashcards
What are the three broad climatic zones of Spain?
1) The north and north-west have moderate maritime climates dominated by Atlantic Weather.
2) The east coast from Catalunya to Levante has a warm Mediterranean climate.
3) The Meseta Central has a hot continental climate.
What are the biggest climatic challenges in Spain?
Heat and the lack of water.
What is the best way of minimizing the heat and water stress on the vines?
Low density, bush-trained vineyards.
What are the characteristics of Tempranillo?
It is a thick-skinned grape with medium acidity. It does best in areas where temperature is moderated by the sea and/or altitude.
What are the characteristics of Monastrell?
It is a thick-skinned grape that is drought tolerant. It needs hot, sunny conditions to ripen. It produces a deeply colored, full-bodied wine with high levels of tannin and alcohol, and low to medium acidity. Flavors of ripe blackberry.
What are the Spanish aging requirements for red wines?
Designation Total Aging Barrel
Joven 0 0
Crianza 24 6
Reserva 36 12
Gran Reserva 60 18
What are the aging requirements for white and rose wine?
Designation Total aging Barrel
Joven 0 0
Crianza 18 6
Reserva 24 6
Gran Reserva 48 6
How long does a DO need to have DO status before it can apply for DOQ (Denomiacio d’Origen Qualificada)?
10 years
What is the most widely planted grape variety in Spain?
Airen
What is one primary characteristic of the Albariño grape and why is that important?
It is a thick-skinned grape which allows it to resist fungal disease in its damp environment.
Where in Rioja is Rioja Alavesa located and what style of wine is produced here?
It is situated west of Logrono on the north bank of the Ebro river in the foothills of the Cantabrian Mountains. The wines are some of the lightest and most finessed in Rioja.
How does the climate of Rioja Baja compare to the rest of Rioja?
It is less maritime, with hotter summers and more severe winters. Rainfall can be low and drought is an issue.
What is the climate of Carinena and Calatayud and what is the primary grape variety?
Warm continental climates with low rainfall. Garnacha is the main grape variety.
What is licorella?
It is the red slate soil with particles of mica found in Priorat.
Describe a red wine from Priorat.
Red Priorat is usually deeply colored with high tannins, medium to high alcohol and concentrated black fruit notes.