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Spain Flashcards

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1
Q

Spain

A

Spain

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2
Q

Brief history of wine in Spain

A

Evidence over 5 thousand years
- Phoenicians, Romans

Exports and colonies in America (fortified wines)

18th century Manuel Quinano y Quintano

  • experience from Bordeaux and barriques
  • no price difference between wines in Rioja

Luciano de Murrieta, Marques de Murrieta, Marques de Riscal

  • exile in Bordeaux during civil war 19th century
  • new techniques brought back

Phylloxera in France

  • Rioja exporting wines to France
  • Phylloxera hit Spain as well in late stage

Loss of colonies (export markets)

1926 Rioja - first regulations

Economy devastation

  • civil war 1936-1939
  • economic isolation of Franco’s government
  • cooperatives, bulk wine

Miguel Torres

  • French and German varieties, trellising
  • temperature control, laboratories established

1996 - legalization of irrigation
- raise of production levels

New styles and regions are being explored

  • also revitalizing indigenous varieties
  • return to abandoned vineyards
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3
Q

Irrigation in Spain

A

permitted in 1996

still regulated by regions (Consejo Regulador)

  • in some only to establish young vines
  • not permitted during ripening period
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4
Q

Historically important Spanish winemakers

A

18th century Manuel Quinano y Quintano

  • experience from Bordeaux and barriques
  • no price difference between wines in Rioja

Luciano de Murrieta, Marques de Murrieta, Marques de Riscal

  • exile in Bordeaux during civil war 19th century
  • new techniques brought back

Miguel Torres (20th century)

  • French and German varieties, trellising
  • temperature control, laboratories established
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5
Q

Phylloxera in Spain

A

came in very late stage when remedies were known
- Spain supplied wine to Phylloxera hit France beforehand

Many regions were unaffected thanks to sandy soils
- Toro, Rueda

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6
Q

Spain climate

A

Generally warm, can vary markedly
- extensive coastline, mountains, plateau

Low annual rainfall (as little as 300mm)

North west

  • influenced by Atlantic - maritime
  • high rainfall level

North, North-east

  • sheltered from Atlantic by mountains
  • continental with maritime or mediterranean influence

South and east
- moderated mediterranean climate

Meseta plateau (central Spain)

  • continental
  • 600-900m moderates the heat
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7
Q

Spain vineyard management

A

Many old bush vines planted at low density

  • low annual rainfall (as little as 300mm)
  • naturally low yields
  • irrigation is permitted (regulated by regions)

Heavy storms with temperatures raising quickly afterwards

  • risk of mildew
  • in some regions frost is problem (continental)

Phylloxera 20th century

  • resistant rootstocks
  • Toro, Rueda unaffected (sand)

Significant produers farming organic (few certified)
- not believing in raising cost by certification

Average very small vineyard holdings (66% 0.5ha)
- limited mechanization

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8
Q

Name of large raised plateau in central Spain

A

Meseta

- 600-900m moderates the heat

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9
Q

Size of vineyards plantings (world’s rating)

A

World’s largest vineyard plantings 967,000ha
- but only 3rd largest wine producer (Italy, France)

Many bush vines and low density

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10
Q

Grape varieties

A 
Airen
Tempranillo
Bobal
Garnacha
Macabeo
Monastrell

relatively evenly spread between white and red

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11
Q

Airén

A

Central Spain - Castilla-La Mancha

Inexpensive neutral white wines

Much used for destillation of Brandy de Jerez

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12
Q

Tempranillo

A

Various synonyms

Various quality levels
- best from Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Toro

Medium to high yields
- quality focused growers reduce yields

Early ripenig
- best in warm regions with some cooling influence

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13
Q

Bobal

A

Mainly east coast red and rose wines

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14
Q

Garnacha Tinta

A

Grenache

Red and rose (central and north-east mainly)

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15
Q

Macabeo

A

Mainly Catalunya
- both still and Cava

Main white variety in Rioja (called Viura)

Many inexpensive but also premium examples
- ferment and aged in oak

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16
Q

Monastrell

A

Mourvedre

Predominantly Valencia and Murcia

  • well suited to Mediterranean climate
  • needs heat late in season - late ripening
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17
Q

Synonym for Alicante Bouschet in Spain

A

Garnacha Tintorera

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18
Q

Synonym for Garnacha Tintorera

A

Alicante Bouschet

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19
Q

Synonym for Macabeo in Rioja

A

Viura

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20
Q

Synonym for Viura

A

Macabeo

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21
Q

Synonym for Monastrell

A

Mourvedre

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22
Q

What is Mourvedre called in Spain

A

Monastrell

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23
Q

Winemaking for youthful fruity red white and rose

A

Made protectively

Stainless steel with temp control

Inert gases

Cultured yeast

Fining and/or filtration

Many undergo carbonic or semi-carbonic maceration

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24
Q

Winemaking in Spain

A

Temperature control
- some use concrete, eggs, amphorae

Oak maturation very common for reds (mid price and above)
- American oak common (raising French oak)

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25
Q

White winemaking

A

Temperature control
- some use concrete, eggs, amphorae

Unoaked but also fermented and/or aged in wood
- unoaked whites may be aged on lees.

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26
Q

General ageing rules of wines in Spain

A

National ageing legislation specifies the minimum times of ageing in oak for Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva

  • individual DOs may be stricter
  • criticised for being too prescriptive but also not enough
  • no quality requirements set for these categories
  • age and origin of oak not specified
  • very little indication of style or value

The oak vessel MUST be of a maximum 330 litres

Many producers don’t use these labelling terms

  • larger barrels
  • not meeting minimum time
  • no believe in the system

Mostly used in Rioja or RIbera del Duero

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27
Q

Criticism of ageing requirements in Spain

A
  • too prescriptive but also not enough
  • no quality requirements set for these categories
  • age and origin of oak not specified
  • very little indication of style or value

Many producers don’t use these labelling terms

  • larger barrels
  • not meeting minimum time
  • no believe in the system
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28
Q

Maximum size of barrel for ageing of Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva

A

330 litres

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29
Q

Where are Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva labelling terms mostly used?

A

Rioja

Ribera del Duero

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30
Q

Roble

A

Labelling term for oak

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31
Q

Joven

A

Term for wines released young

- often minimum oak

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32
Q

Labelling term for oak

A

Roble

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33
Q

Term for wines which are released young

A

Joven

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34
Q

Oak of choice

A

American

  • strong trading relationship with America
  • relatively cheap compared to French oak

Use of French oak has grown
- Penedes, Priorat, Ribera del Duero

Also blending both

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35
Q

Rose winemaking

A

much is inexpensive and sold in bulk

Better understanding of viti and harvesting times, improvements in vini and focus on market trends

Leading away from over-ripe jammy wines

Classically deep colour (pale colours increased in recent years)

  • longer skin contact
  • mainly steel
  • bottled soon after ferment
  • may be matured and stored in oak on lees
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36
Q

Minimum ageing for Crianza

A

Red

  • total 24 months
  • 6 months in barrel

White and rose

  • total 18 months
  • 6 months in barrel
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37
Q

Minimum ageing for Reserva

A

Red

  • total 36 months
  • 12 months in barrel

White and rose

  • total 24 months
  • 6 months in barrel
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38
Q

Minimum ageing for Gran Reserva

A

Red

  • total 60 months
  • 18 months in barrel

White and rose

  • total 48 months
  • 6 months in barrel
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39
Q

Wine law and regulations

Labelling terms

A

PDO and PGI system as part of EU

DO and DOCa/DOQ (denominación de origen)
- 70 DO
- Rioja and Priorat are the only DOCa/DOQ
(denominación de origen calificada)

VP (Vino de Pago)

  • small numbers of single estates with high reputations
  • estates may use only their grapes, vinified and matured on their estate
  • within PDO

VT (Vino de la Tierra)
- PGI wines (around 40 VTs)

Vino
- without geographical indication

Set and controlled by Consejo Regulador

  • max yields
  • permitted varieties
  • vineyard practises (irrigation)
  • winemaking practises (ageing)
  • bottling requirements
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40
Q

Requirements to apply for DOQ/DOCa status

A

DO must have been established for a min of 10 years

All wines must be bottled at producer’s property

Various quality regulations
- including tasting assessment by external panel

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41
Q

Difference between Vino de Pago and Grandes Pagos de Espana

A

VP (Vino de Pago)

  • small numbers of single estates with high reputations
  • estates may use only their grapes, vinified and matured on their estate
  • within PDO

Grandes Pagos de Espana

  • association of prestigious estates
  • only some are qualified to label as ‘Vino de Pago’
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42
Q

Who regulates wine law in each denomination?

what can be regulated?

A

Consejo Regulador

  • max yields
  • permitted varieties
  • vineyard practises (irrigation)
  • winemaking practises (ageing)
  • bottling requirements
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43
Q

Wine business in Spain general

A

Many producers with tiny landholdings

  • dominated by cooperatives
  • negociants also common
  • Wine estates produce small volumes

Large businesses

  • J Garcia Carrion
  • Felix Solis Avantis
  • Perdon Ricard Groupe
  • Miguel Torres SA
  • Bodegas Martin Codas SA

Low domestic consumption - 20l per capita
- trend toward higher quality with DO status

World’s largest exporter in terms of volume

  • average price per litre is the lowest of large exporters (half of Italy, fifth of France)
  • world’s largest producer of bulk wine (55% of export)

Handful of super premium wines
- not a large investment market

Main export
- France, Germany, UK, China, USA

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44
Q

Proportion of bulk wine

A

55% of export

World’s largest bulk wine producer

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45
Q

Promotional body of Spanish wine

A

Foods and Wines from Spain

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46
Q

Export of Spanish wine

A

World’s largest exporter in terms of volume

  • average price per litre is the lowest of large exporters (half of Italy, fifth of France)
  • world’s largest producer of bulk wine (55% of export)

Main export
- France, Germany, UK, China, USA

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47
Q

Wine DOs in Galicia

A 
Rías Baixas DO
Ribeiro DO
Ribeira Sacra DO
Valdeorras DO
Monterrei DO
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48
Q

Rías Baixas DO climate

A

Strong maritime climate

  • high annual rainfall (1,700mm)
  • problem of fungal diseases and rain before harvest
  • significant vintage variation

Soil:
- sand over granite (free-draining)

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49
Q

Rías Baixas DO grape varieties

A 
Albarino (95%)
Loureira
Treixadura
Caino Blanco
Souson (black)
Caino Tinto (black)
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50
Q

Rías Baixas DO topography

A

Soil:
- sand over granite (free-draining)

Close to the Atlantic

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51
Q

Rías Baixas DO subzones

A

5 sub-zones
Val do Salnes
- coolest and wettest - high acidity

O Rosal

  • along river Mino on border with Portugal (Vinho Verde)
  • often blends Albarino, Loureira and Treixadura

Condado do Tea
- warmer, riper style, more peach, lower acidity

Ribeira do Ulla
- inexpensive wines

Soutomaior
- smallest

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52
Q

Rías Baixas DO producers

A

Cooperative Bodegas Martin Codax

Pazo de Senorans
Palacio de Fefinanes

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53
Q

Rías Baixas DO general

A

In Galicia
Replanted with Palomino after Phylloxera

Significant improvements in quality - quick raise of popularity

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54
Q

Albarino

A

mostly in Rias Baixas

Well suited to damp climate (thick skins - less prone to rot)

Early to mid-ripening

High in acidity, medium- (medium) body, medium alcohol, aroma of apple, lemon, grapefruit, peach sometimes floral

Usuallly made as single varietal
Sometimes blended with Loureira, Treixadura, Caino Blanco

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55
Q

Loureira

A

occasional blending partner for Albarino

early ripening, medium+ acidity, citrus, pear, floral, herbal notes

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56
Q

Trellising in Rias Baixas

A

Pergola (parral) remains popular
- trained high to promote circulations under canopy

Now common VSP for mechanization

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57
Q

Winemaking in Rias Baixas

A

Generally protective

  • few hours of skin maceration
  • cool ferment in steel
  • may have malo in cool years
  • often stored on lees
  • few premium producers store in oak
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58
Q

Spanish term for sur lie

A

sobre lias

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59
Q

Ribeiro DO

A 
In Galicia
Maritime climate (more sheltered than Rias Biaxas)

High rainfall

Mainly white wines
- most planted - Treixadura (often oak aged)

60
Q

Ribeira Sacra DO

A

In Galicia
Mainly continental climate with maritime influence

Vineyads on stony slopes with good drainage and reflecting heat
- extremely labour intensive

Mencia most planted variety (only red donimated region in Galicia)

61
Q

Valdeorras DO

A

In Galicia

Continental climate with plenty of rainfall (700-1000mm)
- vineyards in altitude 300m

Quality focused production of Godello
(citrus, stone fruit, herbal, wet stone, med+ acidity)
- often fermented and/or aged in oak

62
Q

Monterrei DO

A

Wine region in Galicia

Continental climate

  • sheltered from ocean by Sierra de Larouca mountains
  • south of Ribeira Sacra
  • relatively low rainfall
  • Mencia and Godello

Mostly inexpensive bulk wine

63
Q

Castilla y Leon climate

A

Continental with maritime influence in in west

Made up of high altitude plateau - meseta and mountains to the north and south

64
Q

Castilla y Leon wine regions

A 
Bierzo DO
Toro DO
Ribera del Duero DO
Rueda DO
Castilla y Leon VT
65
Q

Bierzo DO climate and varieties

+ requirements for red wines

A

Recent lift of quality by Ricardo Perez and Alvaro Palacios in 1990s

Continental climate with occasional maritime influence

  • adequate rainfall
  • marked vintage variation (wet x dry years)

Dominated by Mencia (75%) and some Godello

Min 70% of Mencia in any red wine blend

  • can be blended with Alicante Bouschet
  • only 2% of Alicante planted in Bierzo, so mostly 100% Mencia wines
  • sometimes carbonic
66
Q

Mencia

A

Early to mid-ripening

Can loose acidity fast as sugar accumulates (high alcohol if picked late)

Ranges from light bodied to concentrated wines with higher tannin
Med to med+ body and tannins, Ripe red cherry and plum, sometimes floral or herbal note
Often matured in oak
Med+ to high acidity

67
Q

Bierzo DO soils, topography and classification of vineyards

A

flat plains
- fertile silty loam soils

Best vineyards on hillsides

  • 500-850m
  • good drainage
  • poor slate soils limiting vigour
  • cooling influence - high diurnal range
68
Q

Toro DO

Climate
Viticulture
Requirements for wines
Typical expression

A

part of Castilla y Leon region
- Duero River

Continental climate

  • altitude 620-750m
  • large diurnal range
  • frost can be problem
  • low rainfall (irrigation not allowed from June)

Viticulture

  • low density (max 2700 vines per ha allowed)
  • low number of bunces
  • mainly bush vines
  • ungrafted vines (sandy soils)
Red wines must be min 75% Tinta de Toro
 - remaining Garnacha
 - max 15% alcohol
 - Often aged in oak with proportion of new
Rose (Tinta de Toro or Garnacha)
White
 - Malvasia or Verdejo
69
Q

Synonym for Tempranillo in Toro

A

Tinta de Toro

but with thicker skins
- greater colour and tannin

70
Q

Toro DO climate

A

Continental climate

  • altitude 620-750m
  • large diurnal range
  • frost can be problem
  • low rainfall (irrigation not allowed from June)
71
Q

Toro DO viticulture

A

Viticulture

  • low density (max 2700 vines per ha allowed)
  • low number of bunces
  • mainly bush vines
  • ungrafted vines (sandy soils)
72
Q

Toro DO red wine typical expression

A

deep colour, full body, often high alcohol with high tannins
Ripe blackberry and blueberry
medium+ to high acidity

Often aged in oak with proportion of new

73
Q

Producers in Toro

A

Teso La Monja

Numanthia

74
Q

First winery established in Ribera del Duero

A

Vega Sicilia in late 19th century

75
Q

Raise and history of Ribera del Duero

A

First established winery - Vega Sicilia in late 19th century

Aleandro Fernandez - Pesquera winery
- with international acclaim

Close proximity to Madrid

Investment from other regions (Catalunya and Rioja)

Rapid expansion of vineyad area

76
Q

Ribera del Duero DO

climate

A

Part of Castilla y Leon
on upper valley of River Duero

Continental climate

  • low rainfall (400-600mm)
  • irrigation can be used before ripening period
  • high altitudes (700-1000m)
  • frost problem
77
Q

What is Tempranillo called in Ribera del Duero?

A

Tinta Fino or Tinta del Pais

78
Q

Ribera del Duero DO grape varieties

A

Predominantly Tempranillo

  • here Tinta Fino or Tinta del Pais
  • many bush vines (new vines trellised)

Small vineyad holdings

79
Q

Ribera del Duero DO requirements

and style

producers

A

Red and rose only

Min 75% Tempranillo
- with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Garnacha and Albillo (white)

French oak is popular
- new oak is common
Ageing categories (Crianza, Reserva) commonly used

Full body, high alcohol, ripe flavours, blackberry, plum vanilla, chocolate

tend to be good to outstanding
- Vega Sicilia, Aalto, Dominio de Pingus

80
Q

Rueda

climate
grapes
winemaking
producers

A

Part of Castilla y Leon
Dominated by white wines
- used to produce oxidative styles
- Marques de Riscal - protective styles

Continental climate

  • low rainfall
  • high altitudes (700-800m)
  • frost problem
  • sandy stony free draining, low nutrient soils

Verdejo mainly
some Sauvignon Blanc
- min 85% of named variety
- old bush vines

Quality wine winemaking

  • lees ageing with regular stirring
  • fermented and/or matured in oak
  • malo generally avoided

Ossian, Bodega Belondrade y Lurton
Significant proportion of wineries are owned by companies based in Rioja or Ribera del Duero (as a white wine in their portfolio)

81
Q

Verdejo

A

Relatively drought tolerant

Med to med+ acidity, med alcohol, apple, pear and peach, often herbal note (fennel) and slight bitterness on finish

Typically grown in Rueda

82
Q

Castilla y Leon VT

A

northern part of meseta

  • protected from any Atlantic influence by mountains
  • continental climate

Large number of local and international varieties permitted

PGI permits producers outside DO boundaries to produce wine with a geographical indication

83
Q

Rioja DOCa

topography and climate and soils

A

along river Ebro

  • eastern side gets Mediterranean influence throught the river
  • tribunaries provide several aspects and soils

Sierra de Cantabria to the north (protection from Atlantic)
Sierra de la Demanda to the south (protection from warmer centre of Spain)

3 zones (can appear on labels)
Rioja Alta
 - continental with maritime influence
 - relatively low altitude, warm, alluvial soils
 - north west cooler and wetter - calcareous clay
 - south 700m cool and wet, ferrous clay
Rioja Alavesa
  - relatively cool and wet
 - up to 700m calcareous clay
Rioja Oriental 
 - Northern part - low altitude, warmest, driest
 - south 500-1000, cool
 - calcareous and ferrous clay

Vintage variation (various influence of mediterranean and maritime)
old bush vines but also trellised vineyads
drought problems

84
Q

3 zones in Rioja and their differences

A

Rioja Alta

  • continental with maritime influence
  • relatively low altitude, warm, alluvial soils
  • north west cooler and wetter - calcareous clay
  • south 700m cool and wet, ferrous clay

Rioja Alavesa

  • relatively cool and wet
  • up to 700m calcareous clay

Rioja Oriental

  • Northern part - low altitude, warmest, driest
  • south 500-1000, cool
  • calcareous and ferrous clay
85
Q

Varieties in Rioja

A 
Black varieties (91%)
Tempranillo (88% of black varieties)
Garnacha
Graciano
Mazuelo
Maturana Tinta
Cabernet Sauvignon
Viura
Tempranillo Blanco
Malvasia
Garnacha Blanca
Verdejo
Sauvignon Blanc
86
Q

Tempranillo in Rioja

A

reliably produces higher yields

  • legalization of irrigation
  • replanted after Garnacha

Better suited to Rioja Alta and Alavesa to ripen in cool high altitude sites with clay

87
Q

Where is Garnacha grown in Rioja

A

mostly Rioja Oriental

- warm, dry conditions

88
Q

Graciano

A

late ripening, drought resistant
small yields
susceptible to fungal diseases

high acidity and tannin
fresh black fruit flavours to Rioja blends

89
Q

Mazuelo

A

Spanish name for Carignan (also Carinena)

used for its high acidity in blends

90
Q

Maturana Tinta

A

Spanish name for Trousseau

deep purple colour, high acidity, fresh cranberry, blackberry

91
Q

Viura

A

also Macabeo

late budding late ripening

susceptible to botrytis, best suited to dry, warm sites

Relatively neutral

92
Q

Tempranillo Blanco

A

mutation of Tempranillo used in Rioja blends

high acidity, lemon, grapefruit, pineapple

second most planted white variety in Rioja

93
Q

Rioja red winemaking

A

Blend of varieties

Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva labelling used with min requirements for ageing
- only 225l barriques can be used

2 contrasting styles:

  • low yields, concentrated, French oak
    • vinos de autor
  • American oak, long ageing
    • coconut, cured meat

both still do exist but now there is a compromise somewhere in the middle:

Highlighting characteristics and quality of grapes

selection of harvest dates often earlier

  • more gentle extraction
  • older and/or larger oak (or concrete, amphorae)
  • shorter maturation
  • french oak now more common than american
  • blending parcels from different parts of Rioja

Single vineyard wines can be also made

94
Q

vinos de autor

A

oldfashioned style of Rioja from very low yields of concentrated wines aged in French oak without falling into Reserva labelling

95
Q

Contrasting styles of Rioja from the past

A

low yields, concentrated, French oak
vinos de autor

American oak, long ageing
coconut, cured meat

both still do exist but now there is a compromise somewhere in the middle

96
Q

Rioja white winemaking

A

Inexpensive unoaked style

Premium
- tend to be oaked
- sometimes oxidative (traditional)
med+ body, med+ acidity, citrus, smoky, nutty aroma

Traditional oxidative style producers

  • Castillo Ygay
  • Vina Tondonia Gran Reserva
  • dried fruits, honey, nuts, high acidity
97
Q

Rioja wine regulations

A

New regulations approved in 2017

Vino de Zona
 - All grapes from named zone 
(15% can be from outside the zone, if vineyard borders the zone and grapes have been sourced for 10 consecutive years)
 - vinified, aged, bottled within zone
 -  label can indicate the zone

Vino de Municipio
- all grapes from named municipality
(15% can be from outside the municipality, if vineyard borders the municipality and grapes have been sourced for 10 consecutive years)
- vinified, aged, bottled within municipality
- label can indicate the municipality (and also zone)

Vinedo Singular (single vineyad)

  • all grapes from named vineyard
  • Vinification, ageing, storage and bottling within same winery
  • producer must own vineyard for 10 consecutive years
  • min 35 years old
  • max yield must be respected
  • must be hand harvested and treated in sustainable way
  • restrictions on pruning during growing season
  • checks on traceability
  • must be authorised by tasting panel
  • may indicate municipality and zone as well

Ageing must be done in 225l barriques

Crianza / Reserva / Gran Reserva categories

98
Q

Spanish name for single vineyad and its regulations

A

Vinedo Singular

  • all grapes from named vineyard
  • Vinification, ageing, storage and bottling within same winery
  • producer must own vineyard for 10 consecutive years
  • min 35 years old
  • max yield must be respected
  • must be hand harvested and treated in sustainable way
  • restrictions on pruning during growing season
  • checks on traceability
  • must be authorised by tasting panel
  • may indicate municipality and zone as well
99
Q

Rioja wine business

A

Consists of small vineyards (most below 1ha)

  • cooperatives have strong position
  • many producers are also merchants

Sales are slowly increasing
40% export - UK, Germany, USA

Crianza is popular in Spain

Average price of Rioja is higher than other Spanish DOs
- but still below prices of France and Italy

Relatively small investment market

Marketed as value for money and diverse wine

Producers initiative to promote

  • Bodegas Familiares de Rioja (40 producers)
  • Rioja ‘n’ Roll
100
Q

Navarra DO climate

A

many climatic influences

  • Atlantic
  • Mediterranean
  • Pyrenees

5 sub-zones
Baja Montaña (hilly north)
- cooler, wetter (Atlantic + Pyrenees influence)

Valdizarbe and Tierra Estella (east to west)
- cooler, wetter (Atlantic + Pyrenees influence)

Ribera Alta (middle) and Ribera Baja (south)
 - warmer, drier, flatter
101
Q

Grape varieties in Navarra DO

A 
wide range 
Garnacha
Tempranillo
Cabernet Sauvignon 
Merlot
Chardonnay
\+Moscatel de Grano Menudo, Sauvignon Blanc, Viura and Malvasia
102
Q

Navarra wine styles

A

Tempranillo often single varietal

Cabernet and Merlot usually blended with Tempranillo and sometimes Garnacha

Light to concentrated wines (aged for one year +)

  • French oak for Cabernet
  • American for Tempranillo

Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva often used

Chardonnay both oaked and unoaked

Significant amount of rose from Garnacha

  • sometimes blended with Cabernet, Tempranillo
  • must be made by short maceration
  • direct pressing NOT PERMITTED
  • some ferment/age in barrels
103
Q

Spanish synonym for Muscat a Petits Grains

A

Moscatel de Grano Menudo

104
Q

Producers in Navarra

A

Domaines Lupier

Bodegas J. Chivite

Small vineyad holdings in general

105
Q

Wine regions in Aragon

A

Carinena DO
Campo de Borja DO
Calatayud DO
Somontano DO

106
Q

Carinena DO
Campo de Borja DO
Calatayud DO

climate and wine styles

A

warm continental climate

  • annual rainfall 450-500mm
  • high diurnal range from altitude (400-900m)
  • cold winds (cierzo) from north - slower ripening
  • rocky free draining soils

Mainly red

  • a lot of old vine Garnacha
  • mainly cooperatives
  • a lot of high volume inexpensive wines
107
Q

Name of cold wind in Aragon

A

Cierzo

108
Q

Somontano DO

A

region in Aragon

At foot of the Pyrenees - warm continental climate

  • 350-650m - large diurnal range
  • cold breezes from Pyrenees

Wide range of varieties

  • Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay most planted
  • Gewurztraminer

mid priced wines, competition from other better known regions

109
Q

Wine regions in Catalunya

A 
Catalunya DO
Penedes DO
Priorat DOQ
Montsant DO
Costers del Segre DO
110
Q

Catalunya DO

A

applies to grapes grown anywhere in Catalunya

mainly for inexpensive wines

allows more freedom of varieties and where grapes can be grown.

111
Q

Penedes DO

climate

A

Various styles including Cava

Warm mediterranean climate
- split into 3 climatic sub-zones

Penedes Maritim

  • between sea and coastal ranges
  • low altitude
  • warm climate without temperature extremes
  • full bodied red wines from late ripening varieties
  • grapes for Cava

Penedes Central

  • relatively flat plains (Pre-Coastal Depression)
  • between coastal range and inland mountains
  • moderately high altitude (up to 500m)
  • cooling influence
  • Large plantings of cava grapes and Merlot, Cabernet, Tempranillo and Chardonnay

Penedes Superior

  • inland mountains 500-800m
  • cooling influence - spring frost
  • cool conditions - Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Noir
  • rainfalll around 500mm - irrigation used
  • loam with calcareous deposit - water holding capacity
  • bush vines and trellising with mechanization
112
Q

Grape varieties in Penedes DO

A

80% white
- Xerel-lo, Macabeo, Parellada
- Chardonnay
(Moscatel, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Riesling)
- Merlot
(Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Pinot Noir, Syrah)

113
Q

Penedes Maritim

A
  • between sea and coastal ranges
  • low altitude
  • warm climate without temperature extremes
  • full bodied red wines from late ripening varieties
  • grapes for Cava
114
Q

Penedes Central

A
  • relatively flat plains (Pre-Coastal Depression)
  • between coastal range and inland mountains
  • moderately high altitude (up to 500m)
  • cooling influence
  • Large plantings of cava grapes and Merlot, Cabernet, Tempranillo and Chardonnay
115
Q

Penedes Superior

A
  • inland mountains 500-800m
  • cooling influence - spring frost
  • cool conditions - Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Noir
  • rainfalll around 500mm - irrigation used
  • loam with calcareous deposit - water holding capacity
  • bush vines and trellising with mechanization
116
Q

Development of Penedes

A

One of first Spanish regions to modernize

  • Miquel Torres
  • temperature control
117
Q

Styles of wine in Penedes

A

wide range of varieties and styles including Cava

Inexpensive fruit driven wines

More expensive red wines and some Chardonnay are often matured in oak, usually French

118
Q

Penedes wine sales

A

30% exported - Germany, Canada, Switzerland, China, USA

Domestic sales 90% sold in Catalunya
- nearby Barcelona

119
Q

Priorat DOQ winemaking history

A

Carthusian monks planting vineyads in 12th century

Lack of easy access and challenging topography, extremes of weather made viticulture difficult
- most vineyads very abandoned after Phylloxera

1989 Rene Barbier

  • formed small group of viticulturist
  • using French inspired techniques
  • blending Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah with Garnacha and Carinena
  • critical acclaim - wines sold for super premium prices
  • Clos Mogador, Clos Dofi, Clos de L’Obac, Clos Martinet, Clos Erasmus

Followed by fast increase in plantings

Promotion to DOQ in 2009

120
Q

5 prestige ‘clos’ of Priorat

A 
Clos Mogador
Clos Dofi
Clos de L'Obac
Clos Martinet
Clos Erasmus
121
Q

Priorat

climate
viticulture
challenges and hazards

A

Warm continental climate

  • protected from cold winds by Serra de Montsant in north and from Mediterranean by Serra de Llaberia to the south
  • high diurnal range
  • spring frost can be problem
  • rainfall 500-600mm typically falling in heavy storms in the winter and spring
  • summers are very dry - irrigation permitted in driest years and to establish new vineyard

River Siurana

  • range of altitudes 100-750m
  • range of aspects
  • extremely rugged topography

Vineyards on slopes (known as costers)

  • ranging between 5 and 60% gradient
  • narrow terraces (water run-off reduced)
  • erosion
  • everything done by hand
  • number of old bush vines
122
Q

Priorat soils

A

Poor and stony with outcrops of clay

Slate based soils - Llicorella

  • thin, rocky
  • lacking nutrients
  • particles of mica reflecting light and heat back
  • vines can grow deep roots to search for limited water
  • low yields per vine (as low as 5-6 hl/ha)
123
Q

maximum yield in Priorat

A

39 hl/ha

rarely achieved

  • low densities
  • old vines
  • low nutrients
  • low water

sometimes as low as 5-6 hl/ha

124
Q

Priorat grape varieties

A

Traditional Garnacha and Carinena
- Carinena grown on warmest sites

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah

White (only 6%) - Garnacha Blanca, Macabeo

125
Q

Winemaking in Priorat

and typical expression of red Priorat

A

very traditional (basket press, large oak) to modern (stainless, optical sorting)

Cultured yeast often used (due to high potential alcohol)

Typically fermented in oak (often French)
- usually 1 - 2 years

Quality focused winemakers usually aim for freshness and acidity

High alcohol (14.5%) is balanced by concentrated ripe but not jammy fruit, medium + acidity

126
Q

Classifications (4) in Priorat

A

Vi de Vila

  • grapes from one of 12 sub-zones
  • name of sub-zone + Vi de Vila

Vi de Paratge

  • grapes from single paratge (named site - lieu dit)
  • 459 paratges noted for their geology and microclimate
  • covers whole Priorat

Vinya Classificada
- single vineyard within Paratje (equivalent to Cru)

Gran Vinya Classificada

  • single vineyard of exceptional merit within Paratje
  • equivalent to Grand Cru

To qualify for any classification producer must:

  • own the vineyard or rent it for min 7 years
  • each classification has own rules about % of blend, vine age and max yield.
  • ‘old vines’ classified term min 75 years
127
Q

General rules for classification of wine in Priorat

A

To qualify for any classification producer must:

  • own the vineyard or rent it for min 7 years
  • each classification has own rules about % of blend, vine age and max yield.
  • ‘old vines’ classified term min 75 years
128
Q

Montsant DO

climate
soils
viticulture
grape varieties and styles
producers
A

Wine region in Catalunya

forms a complete ring around Priorat

  • flat land around river Ebro
  • more mediterranean influence than Priorat
  • temperatures are not so exptreme
  • few more mountainous places with cooler temp

Mostly clay based sandy soils, patches of llicorella
- slightly more fertile than Priorat (higher yields)

Overall less extreme topography

  • some terraced vineyards
  • trellised vineyards relatively common
  • some bush vines

Dominated by Garnacha and Carinena + Tempranillo (unlike Priorat)
+ Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
- more single varietal Carinena and Garnacha
- usually 1-2 years of maturation in American or French oak

Producers: Espectacle and Celler de Capcanes
Majority produced by cooperatives

Number of Priorat producers own vineyards here as land is cheaper and less expensive to work

129
Q

Costers del Segre DO

A

wine region in Catalunya

Relatively far from sea - continental climate
- low average rainfall (400mm)

Saline soils were improved by irrigation

200-700m, cooler sites are used for Cava

  • free draining, sandy soils
  • irrigation needed in most vineyards

Wide range of international and local varieties

  • Macabeo, Parellada, Xerel-lo
  • Chardonnay, Garnacha Blanca, Sauvignon Blanc
  • Garnacha, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

Generally fresh and fruity style

Raimat owns 1/3 of land (who helped to establish the region)

Other: Castel d’Encus

130
Q

Wine regions in Valencia and Murcia

A

Valencia

  • Valencia DO
  • Utiel-Requena DO
  • Alicante DO

Murcia

  • Jumilla DO
  • Yecla DO
131
Q

Valencia DO

A

Warm mediterranean climate

  • cooling influences from the coast and altitude
  • low rainfall - 450mm (irrigation used)

includes small sub-zones

  • Alto Turia - foothills of Sistema Iberico (700-1100m)
    • coolest area, exclusively white wine
    • Moscatel de Alejandria and Merseguera
    • VP El Terrerazo (Bodega Mustiguillo)
  • Valentino - warmer, but cooled by sea breezes
    • diverse range of varieties
  • Clariano
  • Moscatel
    • produces Moscatel de Valencia (vino de licor)

mostly adequate quality, cooperatives

132
Q

what is vino de licor and Moscatel de Valencia

A

unfermented grape must that has been fortified with grape spirit

133
Q

Utiel-Requena DO

A

Wine region in Valencia

Continental climate

  • 750m
  • risk of frost
  • rainfall around 450mm

95% red varieties

  • mostly Bobal (mid to late budding, very drought tolerant, tannins can be grippy, able to retain acidity ripen unevenly, vigorous and high yielding)
  • mostly blending to support concentration
134
Q

Bobal

A

Grape variety widely used in Utiel-Requena (Valencia)

mid to late budding

very drought tolerant

tannins can be grippy

able to retain acidity

ripens unevenly, vigorous and high yielding

  • mostly blending to support concentration in inexpensive wines
  • often carbonic maceration

Blackberry, black cherry, chocolate

135
Q

Alicante DO

A

region in Valencia

Mediterranean climate
- extremely dry (average 250mm)

Monastrell (Vinalopo zone)
Moscatel de Alejandria (Marina Alta zone)
- humid breezes - sweet wines

Mostly low density bush vines

Red Alicante DO must be min 80% Monastrell
+ Alicante Bouschet, Garnacha, Bobal
- full bodied, high tannins, ripe black fruit, barrel ageing (American common)

Fondillón

  • historic wine style
  • medium-sweet red wine
  • max 40 g/l RS
  • late harvested Monastrell
  • min alcohol 16%
  • no fortification allowed
  • min 10 years of maturation in oak (usually 1200L)
  • can be Anada or made by solera system
  • tend to be oxidative (dried fruits and nuts)
136
Q

Fondillón

A
  • historic wine style in Alicante DO
  • medium-sweet red wine
  • max 40 g/l RS
  • late harvested Monastrell
  • min alcohol 16%
  • no fortification allowed
  • min 10 years of maturation in oak (usually 1200L)
  • can be Anada or made by solera system
  • tend to be oxidative (dried fruits and nuts)
137
Q

Jumilla DO

A

Wine region in Muncia

Flat plains, warm continental climate

  • 400-800m
  • cooling influence from altitude - diurnal range
  • low annual rainfall 250-300mm
  • sand over limestone (water retention)
  • many vineyards do not irrigate

Mainly Monastrell (80%)
- full bodied with high alcohol, blackberry, cherry, spice
Other grapes:
- Cencibel (tempranillo) Garnacha Tintorera (Alicante Bouchet), Garnacha, Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot
- often blended with Monastrell to soften tannins

Mainly inexpensive wines with few premium (Casa Castillo, Bodegas El Nido)

Almost whole production sold on export market

138
Q

Yecla DO

A

Flat plains, warm continental climate

  • some moderation from Mediterranean
  • 500-900m
  • cooling influence from altitude - diurnal range
  • low annual rainfall 300mm
  • mixture of sand and limestone

Monastrel dominant

Bulk and bottled. One cooperative produces 60%
95% exported

139
Q

Wine regions in Castilla-La Mancha

A 
La Mancha DO
Valdepeñas DO
Vino de Pago (9 out of 18 in Spain)
 - Dominio de Valdepusa
Castilla VT
140
Q

La Mancha DO

A

Largest DO in Spain, larges PDO in Europe (158,000ha)

Large relatively flat meseta at 500-700m

Extreme continental climate

  • +45 degrees to -20 degrees
  • rainfall 300-400mm
  • limestone and chalk (retention of water)
  • irrigation common
  • low densities of bush vines 1000 per hectare
  • trellised, irrigated vineyards 3000 per hectare

Airen - neutral wine for early consumption
- for destillation

Cencibel (Tempranillo)
- fruity style with short contact with oak

Cooperatives - majority of production
- Virgen de las Vinas (largest in Spain)

sold in bulk or bottled
40% exported

141
Q

Valdepeñas DO

A

Extreme continental climate
South of meseta

Cencibel (tempranillo)

inexpensive wines

142
Q

Castilla VT

A

large range of international and local varieties

inexpensive wines

143
Q

Txakoli DO

A

moderate maritime climate

  • rainfall as high as 1600mm
  • fungal diseases

Mainly Hondarrabi Zuri (white)

  • high acidity, medium- body, low alcohol, fresh apple, pear, lemon
  • sometimes light spritz
144
Q

Sierra de Gredos

A

Mountain range, does not have its own denomination
- may be abelled s Vinos de Madrid DO, Mentrida DO, Cebreros DO, Castilla y Leon VT

Old vine Garnacha in very light style

  • 600-1200m
  • ligher in tannins, medium+ acidity, strawberry, cherry

Low intervention wines, low levels of sulphur

Albillo Real

  • full bodied wines with citrus, floral notes, medum to medium plus acidity
  • fermented or/and matured in oak sometimes on skins
145
Q

The Islands

A 
Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera)
 - Manto Negro, Callet, Monastrell, Tempranillo, Malvasia, Cabernet, Chardonnay

Canary Islands

  • tropical influence, hot humid conditions
  • up to 1500m
  • mechanization impossible
  • Phylloxera not present

Tenerife

  • 5 DOs
  • Listan Negro, Malvasia, Listan Blanco (Palomino)
  • often carbonic maceration

Valle de Orotava DO (Tenerife)
- several vines twisted together to form long rope, trained on low wires, growing up and down the hillsides

Lanzarote

  • dark volcanic ash
  • growers dug int ash and protect vines from winds and capture any moisture possible.
  • Malvasia, dry and sweet.

WSET 4 (32 decks)

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