Spain Flashcards
Why did Cádiz become an important city for trading wine?
The port + wine making expertise of the sea faring Phoenicians that founded the city of Cadiz in around 1100BCE meant it quickly became important for trading of wine
Why was Spain somewhat shielded from export interruptions due to European wars?
Because of its trade with newly founded colonies in the Americas
Who brought back to Spain expertise in winemaking, cooperage and oak barriques from Bordeaux in late 18th Century?
Manuel Quintano y Quintano a canon in holy orders whose family produced wines
Why did so few Rioja producers in the late 18th Century follow the lead of Manuel Quintano y Quintano and age Rioja wines in oak barriques?
It was ruled at the time there should be no price differential between various wines produced in Rioja and better practices and oak barrels were expensive - so it made higher quality wines unprofitable
Why did Luciano de Murrieta, other the Marqués de Murrieta, and the Marqués de Riscal seek exile in Bordeaux?
The Spanish civil wars of the mid 19th Century and disputing the succession to the Spanish throne
Who eventually persuaded the local government and producers in Rioja to adopt oak barriques?
Marqués de Murrieta and Marqués de Riscal. On their return from exile in Bordeaux they brought back new wine making expertise including maturation in barriques. The quality of their wines eventually convinced the local government and other producers that these techniques were the way forward
Why did wines of Rioja flourish at the start of the phylloxera crisis?
French vineyards were among the first to be devastated by phylloxera louse. The wines of Rioja, both in their style and their closeness to the French border were a suitable replacement to satisfy this sudden demand, many new wineries were formed many around the railway station in Haro so wine could be easily shipped in bulk to France
Why did Spain’s exports drop around the early 20th Century?
Phylloxera had now reached Rioja and other parts of Spain. Demand had dropped as France’s vineyards had recovered as the cause and remedy for Phylloxera was now known. Spain had also lost its overseas colonies so those two important export markets had shrunk
When and why was Rioja’s Exporters Syndicate founded?
1907 to guarantee the authenticity of Rioja’s wines in export markets
What was the first Spanish wine region to establish a regulatory council?
Rioja. In 1925 it became the first Spanish wine region to establish a regulatory council (Consejo Regulador).
What hampered quality wine production in Spain for much of the 20th Century?
The Civil War of 1936-1939 which left the country in a dictatorship for nearly 40 years
Spanish economy devastated firstly through the immediate impact of the civil war and then the economic isolation of General Franck’s government
Wine production continued but mainly through cooperatives that were producing high volumes of inexpensive wines
Most Spanish winemakers had no experience of the wider wine world outside of Spain (Miguel Torres did study winemaking in France in 1960s and returned with new skills, techniques and varieties from France and Germany. French & German varieties, trellised vineyards, temperature controlled stainless steel tanks and wine lab
What learnings from Miguel Torres bring back from his winemaking studies in France?
Started planting French & German varieties,
Vineyards trellised
Temperature controlled stainless steel tanks
Wine laboratory installed
The resulting wines from Penedès, Catalunya, showed what different styles were achievable in Spain and showed many others the path to follow
What helped Spain’s modernisation of wine world?
From mid-1970s, Spain’s return to a constitutional monarchy and democratic rule led to greater economic freedom.
Spain’s accession to the EU in 1986 brought further investment in wine production
Modernisation swept the country with widespread investment in temperature control and stainless steel tanks so that the quality level of basic Spanish wine improved dramatically
1996 legalisation of irrigation means more regions could produce a viable crop - increasing production levels substantially
In the past 30 years greater research, investment, education and experience of international winemaking has benefited quality and diversity of Spanish wines at all price points.
What latitude is Spain located at?
36-43°N
What is Spain’s climate?
Spain is considered a warm country located at 36-43°N
However, with an extensive coastline, several significant mountain ranges and a large raised plateau (the Medway) covering its central regions, the climate can vary markedly over different wine regions
North West - influenced by the Atlantic, maritime climate with high levels of rainfall throughout the year. Many vineyard areas to the north and north east are sheltered somewhat from the Atlantic by mountains and have more of a continental climate though with some maritime or to the north east Mediterranean influences
South and Wast face directly onto the Mediterranean and vineyards in close proximity to the sea have a moderated climate with warm, dry summers and mild winters
The Meseta - at an altitude of 600-900m covers a vast area over central Spain. The climate here is continental with hot days and cool nights though altitude can help moderate the heat.
What is the topography of Spain?
The country’s topography is a high plateau tilted from north east (Pyrenees) to South West (Andalucia) with lower ground formed by several major rivers along which many wine growing regions are found
Which country has the largest vineyard plantings in the world?
Spain with 969,000 ha under production.
However, it is only the world’s third largest producer of wine by volume behind Italy and France with a five year average of 39million hL per annum
How much wine does Spain produce annually?
39million hL per annum making it the world’s third largest producer of wine - behind Italy and France despite having the world’s largest plantings with 969,000 ha under production
Why does Spain have the largest vineyard plantings but is only the third largest producer of wine?
Low density vineyards
Many Spanish vineyards are made up of bush vines planted at low density. In La Mancha, the largest DO (Denominación de Origen) in Spain, vines can be planted at densities as low as 1,000 vines per hectare
What is the largest DO in Spain?
La Mancha
Why does Spain have low density planting?
Low density planting is favourable in many regions due to the climate. With a low rainfall of 300mm in some parts of the country it is helpful to reduce competition between vines for soil water.
Bush vines often planted at low density - esp in La Mancha Spain’s largest DO where densities can be as low as 1,000 vines per hectare
When was irrigation nationally legalised in Spain?
1996
Who controls the irrigation rules in Spain?
The Consejo Regulador for each wine region
Is irrigation allowed in Spain?
Yes irrigation is permitted in Spain and was legalised nationally in 1996.
It is it still controlled by the Consejo Regulador for each wine region.
For some regions is it only permitted in the establishment of young vines and in extreme cases of drought.
In others it may be permitted during the start of the growing season but not during the ripening period.
What are the main vineyard hazards/pests in Spain?
Mildew - when rain falls in heavy storms and temperatures rise quickly afterwards
Spring frosts - in areas with continental climates
European grapevine moths - one of the most common pests - generally managed through pheromone traps
Which regions in Spain were largely unaffected by phylloxera and why?
Toro and Rueda as they have Sandy soils and so we’re unaffected by phylloxera and as such have some plantings of incredible old ungrafted vines
Why do some Spanish producers employ organic practices but are not certified?
Many producers employ organic practices but far fewer are certified as such since they consider that few consumers in both domestic and export markets are willing to pay a premium for organic wine and hence contribute towards the cost of attaining and retaining certification
What is the size of average vineyard holding in Spain?
Small.
About 66% of vineyard plots are less than 0.5 ha in size
22% between 0.5-3ha
What is the impact of Spain’s smaller vineyard holdings?
The level of vineyard mechanism is still relatively limited - despite marked advances in understanding of vineyard management
66% of holdings under 0.5ha / 22% between 0.5ha - 3ha
What are the two grape varieties with by far the largest plantings in Spain?
Airén - white varietal, mainly planted in centre of Spain in Castilla-La Mancha, although it makes an inexpensive neutral white wine for early consumption, much of its production is distilled into Brandy de Jerez
Tempranillo
- the black grape variety is grown widely across several areas of Spain where it can be known by various synonyms
Can be used to make inexpensive, fruity red wines it is also a leading component in some of Spain’s most prestigious and expensive wines (Rioja, Ribera del Duero and Toro)
What are Spain’s top six planted grapes?
- Airén
- Tempranillo
- Garnacha
- Bobal
- Macabeo
- Monastrell
What are the key characteristics of Tempranillo?
Early ripening - produces finest wines in warm climates where there is some cooling influence such as altitude or cool winds
Provides raspberry and black plum fruit
Medium to medium + levels of tannin and acidity
Can produce medium-high yields of fruity inexpensive wines (although quality producers limit yields to produce concentrated structured wines)
Where is Bobal mostly grown?
This black grape variety is mostly grown near the east coast of Spain producing red and rosé wines - Utiel-Requena - Valencia & Murcia
Where is Garnacha Tinta mostly grown?
Same as Grenache in Rhône Valley
In Spain Garnacha produces red and rose wines in central north and Roth east communities of Rioja, Ana area, Catalunya and Aragon
Where is Macabeo mostly grown?
This white grape is mainly planted in Catalunya and used for both still wines and Cava.
It is also the main white variety in Rioja where it is called Viura and while it makes a number of inexpensive neutral wines it is also a leading component in many premium priced wines that have been fermented and matured in oak
Where is Monastrell mostly found?
Same variety as Mourvèdre in the Rhone Valley.
In Spain it produces red wines mostly around Valencia and Murcia.
Well suited to the warm Mediterranean climate in these regions as it is late ripening and needs heat in the late growing season to fully ripen
What is the maximum capacity of oak ageing vessels in Spain?
330L
What is the minimum ageing requirement for red Crianza in Spain?
24 months total ageing, minimum 6 months in barrel
What is the minimum ageing requirement for red Reserva in Spain?
36 months total ageing, 12 months in barrel
What is the minimum ageing requirement for red Gran Reserva in Spain?
60 months total, 18 months in barrel
What is the minimum ageing requirement for white and rosé Crianza in Spain?
18 months total, 6 months in barrel
For red wine it is 24 months total, 6 months in barrel
What is the minimum ageing requirement for white and rosé Reserva in Spain?
24 months total, 6 months in barrel
For red Reserva it is 36 months total, 12 months in barrel
What is the minimum ageing requirement for white and rosé Gran Reserva in Spain?
48 months total, 6 months in barrel
For red Gran Reserva it is 60 months total, 18 months in barrel
What are the main criticisms of the national ageing legislation in Spain?
Too prescriptive but also not prescriptive enough
It automatically suggests a hierarchy of excellence setting an expectation that Gran Reserva will be the highest quality of wine and hence the highest quality wines will be those aged for the longest periods in oak and bottle
This is not necessarily appropriate for all styles of wine
No quality requirement are specified beyond standard regulations of the denomination, the age or origin of oak is not specified and only a minimum given many producers age for far longer than the minimum
The ageing categories provide very little indication of the style, quality or value for the consumer
Why do some producers choose not to use Crianza, Reserva etc on labels in Spain?
Either because they choose not to meet the criteria for labelling terms (ageing their wines in larger vessels >330L
Or simply they do not believe the terms will benefit the selling potential or marketing of their wines
Rioja and Ribera del Duero terms are most commonly used others such as Bierzo and Priorat where they are not
What does the term ‘roble’ mean in Spanish wine?
Roble is Spanish for oak
It is increasingly used for wines typically red that have been matured in oak for an unspecified duration - usually less than the requirements for Crianza
What does the term Joven mean in Spanish wine?
Denotes wines that are released young often with no or minimal oak ageing
What oak is traditionally used in Spain?
American oak
Why is American oak traditionally used in Spain?
Originally due to strong trading relationship with American and the fact that is was relatively cheap compared to French oak
Where is French oak used most frequently in Spain?
It is particularly prevalent in Penedès, Priorat and Ribera del Duero
What has led to more very good quality rosés in Spain at mid and premium price points?
A better understanding of vineyard management and harvesting times
Improvements in winemaking
Focus on market trends
Have all led a move away from high alcohol wines with over ripe, jammy flavours
How are Spanish rosés most commonly made?
Fermented in stainless steel and bottled soon after
Although the most expensive wines may be fermented and matured in oak or stored on lees to enhance their texture and complexity.
What is known as a traditional style of Spanish rosé and who still makes them?
A small number of producers make rosé in a traditional style, most notably Bodegas López de Heredia.
These wines are typically made using a mixture of black and white grapes (mainly black) that are macerated (sometimes beyond the beginning of fermentation), pressed and then fermented together.
Often these wines are matured in oak vessels, sometimes for a long time, which leads to a reduction in fruit flavours but a greater texture and increased complexity from secondary and tertiary flavours.
What is a DO in Spain?
Denominación de Origen (DO) is the Spanish term for PDO wines. (Protected Designation of Origin)
There are 70 DOs in Spain and they make up the vast majority of plantings.
100% of the grapes used in the wine must come from the DO
What is DOCa/DOQ in Spain? And what must you do to qualify?
A higher level of DO (Denominación de Origen) part of the EU PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) system.
DOCa - Denominación de Origen Calificada
DOQ - same thing but in Catalan - Denominació d’Origen Qualificada
To apply to be a DOCa/DOQ
- the DO must have been established for a minimum of 10 years.
- all wines must be bottled at the producer’s own property
- the Denominación must have various quality regulations in place including a tasting assessment by an external panel and a process to audit these extra restrictions and regulations
What is a VP in Spain?
VP - Vino de Pago
It is a category that applies to a small number of single estates with high reputations.
The majority are in Castilla-La Mancha, with others in Navarra, Valencia and Aragon
Approved estates may only use their own grapes, which must be vinified and matured in their estate.
These wines are also within the PDO category.
This should not be confused with Grandes Pagos de España, an association of prestigious universities estates of which only some are qualified to label their wines as Vino de Pago
What is VT in Spain?
VT - Vino de la Tierra
A term commonly used for PGI (Protected Geographic Indication).
There are around 40 VTs in Spain, the largest being Castillo
85% of grapes must come from the VT
What does Vino mean as a wine classification in Spain?
Vino - a term for wines without a geographic indication
What are the 5 geographic wine classifications in Spain?
3 x PDOs (Protected Designation of Origin)
DO
Denominación de Origen
70 DOs in Spain
DOCa
Denominación de Origen Calificada
Denoninació d’Origen Qualificada (Catalan)
Rioja & Priorat
VP
Vino de Pago
1 x PGI Protected Geographical Indication
VT - Vino de la Tierra
40 x VTs the largest being Castillo
And just plain Vino - for wines without a geographical indication.
Which Spanish DO allows wine to be shipped in bulk?
La Mancha
What regulations are generally set and controlled by the local Consejo Regulador?
Maximum yields
Permitted grape varieties
Vineyard practices such as irrigation
Wine making regulations - including minimum ageing
Packing regulations (Rioja & Priorat require bottling within the region as for many DOs exception being the likes of La Mancha
What are some of the largest wine businesses for still wines?
J García Carrión Félix Solís Avantis Pernod Ricard Groupe Miguel Torres SA Martín Códax SA
Many if then have wineries in several regions in Spain
What is the domestic consumption of wine in Spain?
Relatively low compared fo other wine producing countries. 10.2m hL per annum
In recent years there’s been a trend towards drinking higher priced wines of DO status with falling wine sales without a designation of origin
How much wine does Spain export?
Spain exports a significant proportion of its wines
It is the world’s largest exporter of wine in terms of volume 21million hL in 2018
What major wine exporting country has the lowest price per litre?
Spain.
The average price per litre is under half that of Italy and one fifth of that of France
What country is the largest exporter of bulk wine?
Spain
56% of total wine exports in 2018 was bulk wine
What are Spain’s major export markets?
By volume: France and Germany
France (24% by vol)
Germany (17% by volume)
Both of these markets are important sources for selling inexpensive wine
UK, USA and China are next largest markets for volume yet import a fraction of the volume of France and Germany but are important for higher priced wines.
USA in particular having a high value to volume ratio
Where is Galicia?
Galicia is an autonomous community in the north west of Spain. It’s proximity to the Atlantic mean many if it’s wine regions experience cool and wet weather to a greater or lesser extent
What are the five major wine DOs in Galicia and what wines are they best known for?
Ríax Baixas DO - Albariño
Ribeiro DO - Mainly whites Treixadura is the most planted variety
Ribeira Sacra DO - Mencía (red)
Valdeorras DO - Godello (good/very good white)
Monterrei DO - mostly bulk but some good quality Mencía and fruity Godello
What is the largest DO in Galicia?
Rías Baixas DO
With a production of around 250,000 hL per annum a considerable increase since 1991 when only around 3,500 hL were produced
How much wine is produced in Rías Baixas?
Approx 250,000 hL per year, making it the largest DO in Galicia
A remarkable increase since 1991 when production was only 3,500 hL
What is the largest producer in Rías Baixas DO?
Bodegas Martín Códax works with over 300 growers
The DO has just over 4,000 ha of vines farmed by 5,500 grape growers.
170 wineries - cooperatives dominate
How many hectares of vines are there in Rías Baixas?
4,000 ha farmed by 5,500 grape growers
170 wineries from very small to very large producers (largest is Bodegas Martín Códax)
Cooperatives dominate
What happened in Rías Baixas post phylloxera?
Much of the vineyard land was replaced with hybrid varieties and high yielding Palomino vines
It was only in 1970/80s that incentives to grow indigenous varieties and modernise winery equipment led to significant improvements in the quality of wines
Able to provide quality wines in a desirable fresh and fruity style at an affordable price point wines of Rías Baixas quickly became popular in Spain and then within export markets
What happened in 1970/80s in Rías Baixas to make the wines more popular?
It was only in 1970/80s that incentives to grow indigenous varieties (in place of hybrids and Palomino planted post Phylloxera) and modernise winery equipment led to significant improvements in the quality of wines
Able to provide quality wines in a desirable fresh and fruity style at an affordable price point wines of Rías Baixas quickly became popular in Spain and then within export markets
What is the climate in Rías Baixas?
Rías Baixas has a distinct maritime climate.
Borders on the Atlantic Ocean.
The Atlantic moderates annual temperature giving warm summers and mild winters.
Annual rainfall is high at an average of 1,700mm which falls throughout the year.
This means that fungal diseases and rain just prior to harvest are key hazards that can lead to significant vintage variation
What is the average rainfall in Rías Baixas?
Annual rainfall is high at an average of 1,700mm which falls throughout the year.
This means that fungal diseases and rain just prior to harvest are key hazards that can lead to significant vintage variation
What are key hazards that can lead to significant vintage variation in Rías Baixas?
Annual rainfall is high at an average of 1,700mm which falls throughout the year.
This means that fungal diseases and rain just prior to harvest are key hazards that can lead to significant vintage variation
High winds
What is the soil like in Rías Baixas?
Mostly sand over granite bedrock that is free draining which ensures with so much rain (1,700mm /annum) the roots are not sitting in water
What makes up 95% of production in Rías Baixas?
Albariño
How important to Rías Baixas is Albariño?
Very it makes up 95% of production
What are key attributes of Albariño?
Well suited to damp climate having thick skins and less prone to damage from rot
Early to mid ripening - with a warming climate and improved viticultural practices it can fully ripen in most years
Produces wines that are high in acidity with medium (-) or medium body, medium levels of alcohol and aromas and flavours of apple, lemon, grapefruit and peach, sometimes with a floral note
What are the three grapes is Albariño sometimes blended with in Rías Baixas?
It is usually made a a single variety wine in Rías Baixas but other grape varieties are permitted.
Loureira (early ripening, medium+ acidity, aromatic citrus, pear, floral and herbal notes)
Treixadura (mid-ripening, low acidity, apple and peach flavours)
Caiño Blanco (late ripening, high acidity, citrus flavours)
What are the black grapes permitted in Rías Baixas?
Small volumes of local black grapes such as Sousón (same variety as Vinhäo in Vinho Verde) and Caiño Tinto are planted for red wines in Rías Baixas but form only 1% of production
What are the five sub zones of Rías Baixas? And what are they known for?
Val do Salnés - oldest, greatest number of plantings. Directly on the coast, coolest and wettest area producing wines with the greatest acidity
O Rosal - along the river Miño on border of Portugal. Wines often blends of Albariño, Loureira, Treixadura and Caiño Blanco. With south facing slopes on the north bank of the river it is usually warmer than Val do Salnés and so wines have slightly lower acidity
Condado do Tea - inland from O Rosal and hence even warmer. Wines that are riper in style with more peach fruity and slightly lower acidity and so easier to drink when young
Ribeira do Ulla - newest subzone - inexpensive mid-priced wines
Soutomaior - smallest subzone
Where is O Rosal and what it is known for?
A sub zone of Rías Baixas DO
O Rosal - along the river Miño on border of Portugal. Wines often blends of Albariño, Loureira, Treixadura and Caiño Blanco. With south facing slopes on the north bank of the river it is usually warmer than Val do Salnés and so wines have slightly lower acidity
Where is Val do Salnés and what is the climate /wines like?
A sub zone of Rías Baixas DO Galicia Spain.
Val do Salnés - oldest, greatest number of plantings. Directly on the coast, coolest and wettest area producing Albariño wines with the greatest acidity
What is the style of wines in Condado do Tea?
A sub zone of Rías Baixas, Galicia Spain specialising in Albariño.
Condado do Tea - inland from O Rosal and hence even warmer. Wines that are riper in style with more peach fruity and slightly lower acidity and so easier to drink when young
What is the style of Albariño wines from Rías Baixas?
Tend to be high in acidity with medium(-) or medium body, medium alcohol and aromas and flavours of peach, melon and lemon
They range from good to very good with some outstanding examples and mid-priced to premium
Producers known for their quality include Pazo de Senorans and Palacios de Fefiñanes
Name two producers in Rías Baixas known for their quality?
Pazo de Senorans
Palacio de Fefiñanes
What is a popular trellising system in Rías Baixas?
The pergola - here called Parral
Often using granite stone supports in the humid atmosphere
Many of the bigger growers now use VSP trellising which allows for mechanisation
Why was pergola or parral trellising traditionally used in Rías Baixas? (It remains popular)
Originally used to allow the growth of other agricultural crops underneath as holdings were small.
Additional benefit is that when trained relatively high this system also promotes air circulation under the canopy reducing the likelihood of fungal diseases
What are the main winemaking techniques used in Rías Baixas?
Winemaking is generally protective to retain fresh fruit flavours.
White grapes may be macerated for a few hours to enhance the intensively of flavours and provide greater texture
Cool fermentation in stainless steel is typical and producers may encourage at least partial malolactic conversion in cool years to reduce malic acidity rather than to introduce overly buttery notes
Inexpensive wines may be released early from the winery.
More expensive examples are often stored on lees (sobre lias): one to two years being typical, but some wines may be stored longer.
Usually the lees are not stirred (or only occasionally) which could introduce some oxygen and the effect is mainly to the body and texture of the wine although some light creaminess may be evident
A few producers ferment their most expensive wines in oak. The use of oak may very from entirely large, old oak vessels purely giving texture to a proportion of new oak giving toasty, vanilla notes.
What is the biggest export market for Rías Baixas?
USA followed by UK
How important are exports to Rías Baixas?
Growing. Over a quarter of sales come from exports, this has increased significantly over the last couple of decades in 2000 only 1/10 of sales came from exports
Biggest export market is USA followed by UK
What are the two main grapes grown in other Galician wine regions aside from Rías Baixas?
Godello & Mencía
Where is Ribeiro DO?
Ribeiro DO is located to the east of Southern Rías Baixas and is the most westerly DO in Galicia
What is the climate in Ribeiro DO?
It is has a maritime climate with temperate conditions and high rainfall although is slightly more sheltered than Rías Baixas
What wines is Ribeiro DO known for?
White wines
Treixadura is the most planted variety and is made either as a single variety of as the lead component in a white blend with other Galician varieties
How are the most expensive wines in Ribiera DO fermented?
It is not unusual for producers to ferment or mature their most expensive wines in oak
Where is Ribeira Sacra DO?
Galicia, Spain
Further inland than Rías Baixas or Ribeiro DO it follows the valley of the River Miño northwards and of the River Sol eastwards from their confluence
What is the climate in Ribeira Sacra DO?
The climate is mostly continental but depending on the exposure of the site their can be maritime influences
What is the topography of Ribeira Sacra DO?
Most of the vineyards are situated on very precipitous and deep valley sides at various altitudes and aspects.
The stony slopes provide good drainage and conduct the heat during the day but make viticulture extremely labour intensive
Why is viticulture extremely labour intensive in Ribeira Sacra DO?
Vineyards are situated on very precipitous and deep valley sides at various altitudes and aspects. The stoney slopes provide good drainage and conduct heat during the day but make viticulture extremely labour intensive
Where is Valdeorras DO?
Galicia, Spain
Located further up the River Sol than Ribeira Sacra DO it is the most easterly of the Galician DOs
What is the climate in Valdeorras DO?
It has a continental climate being the most easterly of the Galician DOs furthest away from the coast
Although it still has plentiful rain approx 700-1000mm per annum
What is the altitude of vineyards in Valdeorras DO?
Vineyards are planted at altitudes of approx 300m
What wines is Valdeorras DO best known for?
Valdeorras DO has gained a reputation as a producer of good and very good quality Godello
The wines show citrus and stone fruit sometimes with a herbal or wet stone character and generally medium (+) acidity.
Premium versions are often fermented and or matured in oak to lend texture and a little toasty spicy complexity.
Mencía is the most important black variety but relatively little is planted compared to Godello
What is the style of Godello wines produced in Valdeorras DO?
Valdeorras DO has gained a reputation as a producer of good and very good quality Godello
The wines show citrus and stone fruit sometimes with a herbal or wet stone character and generally medium (+) acidity.
Premium versions are often fermented and or matured in oak to lend texture and a little toasty spicy complexity.
Where is Monterrei DO?
Galicia, Spain
Monterrei DO is located some way south of Ribeira Sacra, on the border of Portugal
What is the climate in Monterrei DO?
Continental
Being inland it is sheltered from the ocean influence by the Sierra de Larouca Mountains.
It has a continental climate with hot summers and relatively low rainfall
What mountain range shelters Monterrei DO from ocean influence?
The Sierra de Larouca mountains
What wines is Monterrei DO known for?
Much of the production is inexpensive wine sold in bulk but the region is starting to make some good quality Mencía usually in a riper style than those of Ribeira Sacra and some fruity Godello
What is the topography and climate of Castilla y León?
The autonomous community of Castilla y León covers a vast area in the north of Spain.
It is made up of a high altitude plateau (the northern part of the meseta) with mountains to the north and south.
As a result many of its wine regions have continental climates, though with some maritime influence towards the west.
What are the main DOs /VT in Castilla y León?
Bierzo DO
Toro DO
Ribera del Duero DO
Rueda DO
Castilla y León VT
