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.
What are the climatic and geographical factors of Ribera del Duero?
- Short, hot and dry summers
- very cold winters
- It is located on the highest part of the Meseta Central (some vineyards over 850 m). This allows for cool nighttime temperatures year round.
What style and type of wine would be produced in Toro?
Primarily Tempranillo that is full-bodied, high alcohol and intense fruit flavor.
What is the the traditional grape of Rueda?
Verdejo
What are the grapes in a Rueda white blend?
Verdejo (must be at least 50%) and Sauvignon blanc
What is the climate of Rias Baixas?
Moderate damp climate
What is one method to address the climatic challenges in Rias Baixas?
Train the vines on pergolas to encourage air circulation in the humid and damp climate.
What is the main grape of Bierzo and what style of wine does it make?
Mencia - elegant red wine with naturally high acidity and red fruit aromas.
What is the largest DO of Spain?
La Mancha
What is the most widely planted grape of La Mancha?
Airen
