Spain Flashcards
what is the range of Spanish wines
traditional barrel aged reds to modern fruity whites.
What are Spain’s three broad climate zones?
1 The north and northwest coast of Spain
2 The east coast from Catalunya in the north to the Levante further south
3 The Meseta Central , a large plateau in the center of Spain
Describe the north and northwest coast of Spain
moderate maritime climate dominated by Atlantic weather system. rainfall is high
Describe the east coast of Spain
warm Mediterranean climate. many vineyards are moderated by influence of sea or altitude. it becomes increasingly hot the further south
Describe the Meseta Central section of Spain
mostly cut off from the influence by the sea by encircling mountains. has hot continental climate. in winter temperatures fall below freezing and in the summers temperatures are very high with limited rainfall, although temps can be moderated by cool nights of high altitude sites.
What are the greatest challenges to grape growing in Spain
with the exception of north west Spain - heat and lack of water
what is the best way to manage a vine?
utilizing low density bush trained vineyards which maximizes the amount of water available to each vine and shading the fruit from excess heat. Although wire training is becoming introduced to facilitate machine harvesting where practical and affordable.
How are the best red wines from Spain matured?
almost always see oak maturation usually with at least a proportion of new oak
How are the inexpensive red wines matured in Spain?
may be made without oak and semi carbonic maceration to enhance the fruity flavors.
What is Spain’s premier black grape variety?
Tempranillo
Where is Tempranillo grown in Spain?
throughout the northern and central vineyards of Spain
Describe the Tempranillo grape
thick skinned with med levels of acidity, needs warmth to develop its flavors but too hot could cause the wine to lack acidity for ideal balance. therefore its best found where sea breezes and/or altitude moderate the temp
How is Tempranillo typically fermented
on its own often using semi -carbonic maceration it can produce strawberry scented Joven wine. also plays a role in other oak blends
What is Joven style wine?
early drinking style
What is Garnacha Tinta
Spanish name for Grenache. wine high in alcohol with tendency to mature early.
What is Garnacha Tinta widely used for?
rosados
What is Monastrell
also (Mourvedre) is a thick skinned grape that is tolerant of drought but needs hot sunny conditions to ripen
Where is Monastrell grown?
south eastern Do’s such as Jumilla and Yecla - where is can easily reach ripeness and produces deep colored full bodied wines with high levels of tannins and alcohol, low to med acidity and flavors of ripe blackberry fruit
What are wines outside of the Spanish wine laws labelled?
Vino
What is the Spanish for PDO wines?
Denominacion de Origen Protegida (DOP) - but traditional terms are used
What is Denominacion de Origen (DO)
should be wines of a certain minimum quality satisfying specifications covering grape varieties, viticulture and location
What is the more prestigious category from DO which DO’s can apply for after 10 years standing
DOCa - Denominacion de Origen Calificada - at present there are only 2 - Rioja and Priorat
What Catalan terminology does Priorat wines use?
Denominacio d’Origen Qualificada (DOQ)
What is Vinos de Pago (VP)
Spanish wine law category that applies to a small number of single estates with high reputations. Approved estates may only use their own grapes which must be vinified and matured on their estate.