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WSET D3 from Sam > Spain > Flashcards

Spain Flashcards

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1
Q

What region does Marqués de Murrieta produce wine?

What is their top bottling?

A

Rioja DOCa

Castilla Ygay Gran Reserva Especial

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2
Q

Jumilla DO grapegrowing

A

25,000ha – and only 2,000 growers (and only 40 wineries !)

80% is MONASTRELL – then Cencibel (Tempranillo), Garnacha Tintorera (Alicante Bouschet), Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Petit Verdot

DO since 1966

1980s arrival of Phylloxera > replantings with new varieties.

½ of vineyards in La Mancha & ½ in Murcía

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3
Q

Utiel Requena. Summarise what you know about this DO.

A

A large workmanlike region

Known for sturdy reds and roses

Directly EAST of La Mancha DO,

borders northern part of Valencia DO to the West

Average altitude is 750mRL

Mediterranean climate, continental with high diurnal range

Low rainfall 450mm/yr.

The coolest of the five regions of the Levante

34,000ha

Planted to 95% black grapes – >70% is BOBAL

Other black varieties :

  • Tempranillo
  • Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon

RED WINES :

BOBAL

  • Mid to late budding, avoids spring frost
  • Very drought tolerant, retains acidity
  • Can be vigorous and high yielding with uneven ripening
  • Gives high levels of colour with good fruit flvour - used in blends to give colour and concentration
  • Can be made in two different styles :

o Light bodied, medium tannin, semi carbonic maceration

o OR

o Concentrated, medium+ tannins, medium+ to full bodied, blackberry, black cherry flavours, often notes of chocolate – matured in oak

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4
Q

What are the two winemaking philosophies used in Priorat DOCa for making their red wines and how do the wines differ?

A
  • Traditional Priorat:
  • Low yielding Garnacha & Carinena
  • aged for long periods in oak,
  • developing rancio aromas of game & mushroom.
  • They are deep colour, intenese, concentrated, highly tannic and hi in alcohol
  • Modern wines
  • from both local & international varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot & Syrah)
  • aged in French oak, smaller formats
  • intense bramble fruit, powerful tannins & oak characters,
  • long ageing potential.
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5
Q

Ribeiro DO? details please

A

Ribeiro DO

o Just east of southern Rias Baixas on the river Mino

o Maritime climate with temperate conditions and high rainfall

o Mainly white wines

o Treixadura – most planted white variety

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6
Q

Bodega Torres - what are some details?

A

Bodegas Torres

  • 25m btls
  • Family company created in 1870
  • Most extensive vineyards in Penedes (1,500ha)
  • Largest winery in Spain
  • Made famous by Miguel Torres Carbó in the 40-50s when he toured the world to promote his wines extensively and started estate bottling before his son introduced new viticulture (e.g. trellis systems) winemaking techniques incl. stainless steel and temperature control in the 60s
  • Owns estates and joint ventures in Curico, Sonoma and China
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7
Q

What are the 4 recommended red grapes of Rias Baixas?

A

Caiño Tinto, Espadeiro, Loureira Tinta, Sousón

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8
Q

Give all the Rioja business details, such as % export, how many growers, vineyard sizes, importance of cooperatives, winery sizes, etc.

A

Grapegrowers :

  • 15,000 grapegrowers, 64,000 Ha.
  • Mostly small vineyard plots
  • 50% of the vineyards are less than 1 Ha. ! and 75% less than 2 Ha.
  • Almost 50% of all growers sell to a cooperative – who then sell to merchants or own brand

Wineries :

  • Handful of large wineries – top 13 wineries sell 50% of entire Rioja production
  • Bottom 80% of wineries sell just 11% of entire Rioja production

Rioja Consejo Regulador:

  • Based in Logrono. Vine-growers + wine producers + merchants set the rules.
  • Won a case to get bottling made mandatory within the region in 2000.
  • Supports modernisation of Rioja wine marketing

o Focuses on pushing the quality of Rioja wines

o And highlights the diversity of Rioja wines

Sales

  • A much average price per bottle than other Spanish DO wines
  • 40% of production is exported with strong growth of 25% since 2007
  • Primary markets are : UK, Germany and USA
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9
Q

What are the main varietals of Valencia DO?

A

REDS: Monastrell, Alicante Bouschet, Bobal and Internationals making rather coarse wines

WHITES: Merseguera, Moscatel, Macabeo, Airen

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10
Q

Why would you use some Graciano making Rioja?

A

Use a small % in the finest wines to add concentrated black fruit flavours, acidity and tannins.

deep red color, strong aroma and ageability.

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11
Q

What are the ageing requirements for Rioja red wines?

A

Generic (used to be Joven) - none

from 1st October of year of harvest

Crianza - total 24 months - 12 months in barrel

Reserva - total 36 months - 12 months in barrel plus 6 months bottle

Gran Reserva - total 60 months - 24 months barrel plus 24 mths bottle

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12
Q

Climate of Ribera del Duero?

A

Continental climate tempered by altitude > high diurnal range.

Relatively short growing season with hot summers (up to 40C) and harsh winters.

Low rainfall (400-600mm)

2,400h of annual sunlight.

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13
Q

Spain’s best known wine family, Torres, is based in which wine region?

A

Penedes

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14
Q

Valentino, sub zone of Valencia DO, give details?

A

Valentino

  • 200-650m – and closer to the sea than Alto Turia
  • Warmer than Alto Turia
  • Adequate quality and inexpensive
  • Alicante Bouschet, Tempranillo, Cabernet and Monastrell for reds
  • Merseguera and Macabeo for whites
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15
Q

Name some of the largest producers in Spain?

A

Freixenet

Cordorniu

Miguel Torres

Grupo Domecq Bodegas

Felix Solis Avantis

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16
Q

Climate of Penedes DO?

A

Mostly Mediterranean climate but a wide variety of micro-climates due to the proximity to the coast and the varied terrain rising up to 800m high

Coastal areas very hot & dry

some areas inland 900mm rainfall and prone to frost

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17
Q

Identify the correct autonomía for the following DOs:

A. Montilla-Moriles

B. Ribeira Sacra

C. Rueda

D. Arabako Txakolina

E. Costers del Segre

A

A. Montilla-Moriles

B. Galicia

C. Castilla y León

D. Pais Vasco

E. Catalunya

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18
Q

Name of cooling north wind in Aragon regions?

A

Cierzo

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19
Q

Wine production in Valencia DO - which type of producer dominates this DO?

What styles of wine are made?

A

5 producers dominate the production.

Vast majority of wines made by Cooperatives

  • Wines are made in a fruit style – ready to drink
  • Makes large amounts of inexpensive bulk wines
  • Adequate to good quality – inexpensive in price

A number of small individual wineries

  • Making good to very good quality wines, mid-priced
  • Some working with local varieties as a point of difference
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20
Q

The Consejo Regulador of Priorat DOCa has four classifications - name and explain them.

What is the definition of ‘old vine’ in Priorat DOCa?

A

Consejo Regulador has set up four classifications :

  • Vi de Vila – comes from a Priorat sub region and name of subzone is on the label
  • Vi de Paratge – the grapes come from a named site or Paratge – there are 459 of them
  • Vinya Classificada – wine from a single vineyard of merit within a Paratge – a Cru
  • Gran Vinya Classificada – wine from an exceptional single vineyard – equivalent to a Grand cru wine

To qualify :

  • Producer must own vineyard or have leased for a min of 7 years
  • Each classification has its own rules on min proportion of Carinena or Garnacha, blend, vine age, and maximum yields
  • For Vinya Classificada or Gran Vinya Classificada must have critical recognition min 5 years

The term ‘Old Vine’ – must be more than 75 years old or before 1945!

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21
Q

What were the 5 original Clos wines of Priorat?

How were they originally classified?

A

René Barbier’s Clos Mogador

Alvaro Palacios’ Clos Dofi,

Clos Erasmus,

Clos de l’Obac,

Clos Martinet,

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22
Q

Graciano?

A

Graciano

  • part of the last 10% of Rioja blend – only 2% of total plantings of black grapes
  • late ripening, drought resistant, with small yields, susceptible to fungal diseases
  • adds high acidity and tannin as well as fresh black fruit to the blend
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23
Q

Name the 5 subzones of Rias Baixas?

A

5 sub-zones, non-contiguous, each w their terroir & climate.

  • Ribeira do Ulla
    • Newest sub zone
    • Makes inexpensive mid-priced wines
  • Oldest Val do Salnés,
    • around Cambados
    • w low rolling hills w rocky & alluvial soils is best.
    • Highest concentration of plantings and wineries
    • On the coast so generally has the coolest environ, & highest acidity
  • Soutomaior
    • Smallest subzone
  • Condado do Tea
    • Inland from O Rosal
    • Warmer, with riper flavour profile – more peach, melon and lower acidity
  • O Rosal
    • On north bank of Minho river, against Portuguese border
    • Makes blends with Albarino plus Loureira, Treixadura, Caino Blanco
    • Warmer sites than Val do Salnes
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24
Q

Costers del Segre is defined as being …….

how many sub zones in Costers del Segre

A

Generally defined as being in the river Segre valley, with a dry continental climate, from 200m to 700m

there are 7 sub-zones

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25
Q

Sales from La Mancha DO ?

A
  • Sales
    • 40% exported (mainly China, Germany, Russia)
    • Sold as bulk and bottled
    • 2/3 reds and rosados produced (Aíren used for distillation)
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26
Q

Rueda business has been booming - details on scale and where is it sold?

A

DOUBLED sales – SINCE 2006

Huge increase in production

Most production is sold domestically

Increased competition – so looking to maintain or increase quality

60% of output comes from local producers

Balance is from producers outside of the region, i.e. Rioja or Ribera del Duero

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27
Q

What is the name of Spain’s largest wine region?

A

La Mancha

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28
Q

What is the minimum ageing for Red Reserva wines in Spain (general) total - In oak - in bottle

A

3 years total

min. 1 year in barrel

no requirement for bottle-aging

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29
Q

Mourvedre

A

Monastrell = Mourvèdre

  • Grown in South-east of Spain
  • Buds & ripens late (> warm, hot climate)
  • Wines typically
    • Deep ruby, full bodied,
    • high alcohol,
    • blackberry, blueberries, violets,
    • hi (firm) tannins
  • Great ageing potential
  • Seen as the bones of a blend generally
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30
Q

What are the main red and white grape varieties grown in Valdepeñas?

What does Valdepeñas translate to in English?

A

Red = Cencibel (Tempranillo)

White = Airen

-Valley of Rocks

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31
Q

The four subzones of Valencia DO are ?

clues - famous silent star and type of grape varietal

A

Alto Turia

Valentino

Moscatel

Clariano

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32
Q

What does Cariñena / Carignan add to a Spanish wine blend?

A
  • Acidity, tannin and colour.
  • Ideal blended with Tempranillo or with Garnacha in Priorat
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33
Q

Soils, topography and subzones of Navarra

A

Directly north of Rioja Oriental w vineyards on the lower slopes of the Pyrenees, descending towards the basin of the Ebro river

5 subzones:

Valdizarbe, Tierra Estella, Baja Montana :

  • All in the North of DO, hilly and runs east to west
  • Cooler and wetter with influence from Atlantic and Pyrennes

Ribera Alta :

• The middle region

Ribera Baja :

  • 30% of vineyards
  • The warmest, driest and flattest

Various soils. Brownish grey limestone and alluvium soils in Ribera Baja.

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34
Q

Basque Country, what is the climate like?

A

Moderate maritime in the north, up to 1600mm of rain
Rioja Alavesa, continental with much lower rainfall

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35
Q

Sierra de Gredos - where is it?

A

West of Madrid

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36
Q

Modern style (Vinos de Autor) in Rioja winemaking?

A

Modern style (VINOS DE AUTOR):

  • low yield, very ripe fruit, concentrated, structured and aged in new FRENCH oak
  • do not carry the age category of the DO, bottled as Generic Wine
  • the modern style in reaction to customers wanting more fruit driven styles with less age and apparent oak
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37
Q

Txakoli?

A
  • Txakoli
    • 85% is Hondarrabi Zuri
    • Make to be consumed young
    • Slightly sparkling
    • Reasonably thin – but improving in quality
    • High acidity, medium(-) body
    • Fresh apple, pear and lemon flavours
    • Made by cool temp ferment in SS tanks and released a few months later
    • Some producers giving more texture and complexity with lees and oak
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38
Q

What are the 3 types of the Listán grape, what are their synonyms and where are they found?

A

All 3 grapes are found on the Canary Islands of Spain.

Listán Bianco (Palomino): also used to make Sherry in Jerez.

Listán Negro / Listán Prieto (Mission) used for red wines.

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39
Q

What variety is 75% of Alicante DO plantings?

A

Monastrell

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40
Q

Red wines

Alicante DO - describe the rules and wine style

Fondillon? describe this wine and how it is made

A

ALICANTE DO :

  • Must contain 80% Monastrell
  • Normally has some Alicante Bouschet, Garnacha and Bobal
  • Full bodied, dry with high alcohol
  • High tannins and ripe black fruit
  • Maturation in American oak is common
  • Some producers aiming for fresher fruit characters

FONDILLON

  • A traditional style, protected by DO
  • Strong rancio wine made from Monastrell grapes
  • 40 g/l RS ! from late harvested fruit
  • Min alc. 16% - no fortification allowed
  • Maturation
    • 10 years maturation !
    • In old 1200 litre oak vessels
    • Typically matured like a Oloroso sherry in a solera system
    • Sometimes sold as the product of one vintage – ‘Anada’
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41
Q

Identify the sub-region that corresponds with the following towns of Rioja:

A. Haro

B. Labastida

C. Alfaro

D. Logroño

A

A. Rioja Alta

B. Rioja Alavesa

C. Rioja Oriental

D. Rioja Alta

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42
Q

What styles of wine are made in Toro DO and what are the grapes used?

A

Blanco = min. 85% Malvasia or min. 100% Verdejo

Rosado = min. 75% Tinta de Toro or 100% Grenache

Tinto = min. 75% Tinta de Toro

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43
Q

the history of Ribera del Duero?

A

12th: arrival of Benedictine monks from Cluny

birth of modern viticulture dates from 1970-80s

1864 Vega Sicilia was established

Bodegas like Pesquera changed styles for wines

Elegant as Rioja but fuller bodied, concentrated & fruit driven.

International renown followed

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44
Q

Winemaking practices for Rias Baixas?

A

Winemaking :

  • Protective to retain primary fruit
  • May be some maceration to obtain some more texture
  • Cool fermentation in stainless steel
  • MLF, at least partial, in cooler years to reduce acidity
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45
Q

Traditional winemaking in Rioja

A

Traditional style:

  • new American oak - soft vanilla flavour in youth, savoury, meaty characters for Reserva and Gran Reserva, with maturation far longer than minimums required
  • dried fruit, mushroom, cured meats, vanilla and coconut
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46
Q

Vineyard - average holding?

A
  • Small vineyard holdings :
    • 66% are
    • 22% are .5 to 3 Ha.
    • Level of mechanisation is therefore still limited
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47
Q

What is the most common white grape used for producing Txakoli DO white wines?

A

White: Hondarrabi Zuri (min. 85%)

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48
Q

What are the 5 sub-zones of Navarra?

3 to the north, 1 central, 1 to the south.

A

North: Tierra Estella, Valdizarbe, Baja Montaña.

Central: Ribera Alta

South: Ribera Baja

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49
Q

Rueda DO - the wine laws for the wines?

A

DO Rueda

  • min. 50% Verdejo
  • with the balance likely to be Viura or Sauvignon Blanc

DO Rueda Verdejo

  • min. 85% Verdejo – in line with EU requirements for varietal wine

DO Rueda Sauvignon

  • a minimum of 85% Sauvignon Blanc
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50
Q

Rioja Consejo Regulador - what does it do?

A

Rioja Consejo Regulador:

  • Based in Logrono. Vine-growers + wine producers + merchants set the rules.
  • Won a case to get bottling made mandatory within the region in 2000.
  • Supports modernisation of Rioja wine marketing
    • Focuses on pushing the quality of Rioja wines
    • And highlights the diversity of Rioja wines
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51
Q

Basque country’s wine regions divided into two - name name and what are the different growing environments?

A

North coast

  • High disease pressure due to rainfall and humidity
  • VSP trellising used, with canopy management to ensure good ventilation
  • Main white variety is Hondarrabi Zuri

South (Rioja Alavesa)

  • Some trellised and bush vines
  • Much lower disease pressure
  • Frost is a risk as well as hail
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52
Q

Graciano

A

Graciano

  • low yielding
  • Buds very late and ripens late
  • Drought resistant
  • Prone to downy mildew
  • Deep-coloured, full bodied, tannic wines with high acidity
  • Limited plantings, mainly in Rioja (less than 2% of plantings)
  • Great ageing potential due to acid and tannin
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53
Q

Viticulture of Montsant - how is it different and the same as Priorat?

A

1900 Ha. – similar to Priorat

700 grapegrowers

Most vineyards in south are flatter than Priorat DOCa

Mechanisation is more common than in Priorat DOCa

Some bush vines but modern trellis systems prevalent

94% are black grapes

Majority are Garnacha and Carinena – followed by Tempranillo

Also plantings (like Priorat) of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot

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54
Q

What is the soil in Priorat called, what is its make up and what does it do?

A

Llicorella

Black slate with small particles of Quartzite / Mica which reflects heat in to the vines, conserves heat over night and helps retain water

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55
Q

Vineyard area in spain?

A

976,000 Ha of vineyard

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56
Q

Spain is the largest wine producer in the world by volume? True or False

A

False - about third

but largest vineyard area in the world

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57
Q

Utiel-Requena DO

size of the vineyards?

planted to what?

A

34,000ha !

Planted to 95% black grapes – >70% is BOBAL

Other black varieties :

  • Tempranillo
  • Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon
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58
Q

Explain the two different categories of Rioja white wines - how they are made and what style is the result.

A

RIOJA WHITES

Categories are mainly dictated by price point :

Inexpensive white Rioja :

  • Simple unoaked with protective winemaking techniques, fermented to dryness
  • Stainless steel is used with cooling and the wine is bottled soon after
  • Viura (majority), but with Verdejo, Tempranillo Blanc or SBlanc to give complexity

Mid Tier and Premium Rioja :

  • Tend to be made in an oak style
  • Last 5-10 years a change to fresh fruit driven styles rather than oxidative styles
  • Oak maturation still used by more balanced and fresher
  • Virua (at low yields) plus Malvasia and Garnacha Blanc are blended in
  • Medium+ body & acidity, some citrus, smoky/nutty complexity from oak
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59
Q

In which Spanish region is Prieto Picudo one of the major grapes?

A

Terra de Leon DO / Castilla y Leon

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60
Q

Domestic consumption

A

~20 litres/head - considered low by European standards

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61
Q

Where is Jumilla and Yecla located, what is the climate like, and what is the dominant grape?

A

South of Valencia in the autonomia of Murcia.

Hot and arid

Monastrell (Mourvèdre)

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62
Q

What has been happening in Toro over the last 20 years?

A

Large increase in wineries as producers from Ribera del Duero invest in the region - now 50 wineries

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63
Q

In Spain, what do the terms “Noble”, “Añejo” and “Viejo” indicate on a wine label?

A

Noble: 18 months aging in a cask of less than 600 L or bottle

Añejo: 24 months aging in a cask of less than 600 L or bottle

Viejo: 36 months aging, demonstrates marked oxidative character

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64
Q

The Valencia DO focuses on what kind of wine

A

Production of inexpensive fruity wines made by local cooperatives and for immediate consumption

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65
Q

Navarra climate and weather

A

Continental climate with Atlantic influences in the northern zones > moderate heat and slow ripening
Average rainfall: 400-600mm.
Southern parts of the Appellation, namely Ribera Baja is the warmest and driest

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66
Q

Where is Navarra located?

A

North and east of Rioja running into the foothills of the Pyrenees

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67
Q

What is Penedes known for in the history of Spanish winemaking?

A

First region in Spain to really modernise with technology thanks to Miguel Torres in the 60-70s

  • Temperature controlled fermentation
  • Stainless steel

Clean, fruity, aromatic white wines and fruity early drinking reds were the result

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68
Q

What are PGI wines called in Spain?

A

Vino de la Tierra (VdlT) /

Vino con Indicación Geográfica Protegida

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69
Q

When was Spain’s first DO Pago status granted and to whom?

What region is it located in?

A

Marqués de Griñon’s Dominio de Valdepusa in 2003

La Mancha DO

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70
Q

Verdejo

A

Verdejo 2% UP

  • Mainly in Rueda, (Castilla Y Leon)
  • Similar style to Sv blanc
  • Oxidises easily> picked at night
  • Crisp aromatic, herbaceous notes
  • Very popular, increased plantings
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71
Q

Why are vineyards in Priorat expensive and time consuming to manage?

A

Bush vines are managed on steep slopes meaning Mechanical harvesting is impossible.

Poor soils mean vines have to dig extra deep and yields are extremely low.

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72
Q

Yecla DO - what is 85% of its plantings?

what % of its wines are exported?

What dominates the production in Yecla?

A

Monastrell

95%

one very large Cooperative - 60% of production

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73
Q

What is the climate in Navarra and what style of wines come from there?

A

Similar climate to Rioja but cooler and wetter near the mountains.

Red wines made from Tempranillo and Garnacha, very similar to Rioja.

Additionally fresh rosados made from Garnacha which has been picked earlier to maintain some acidity. Fermented protectively to fruity rosado.

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74
Q

Whites are ___% of Penedes production

what are the varieties?

A

WHITES (80% of production):

· Xarel-lo, Parellada, Macabeo,

· Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Gewurztraminer

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75
Q

What are the four main white ‘Spanish’ grapes?

A

Verdejo

Albariño

Airén

Macabeo (Viura in Rioja)

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76
Q

Calatayud is in the Aragon province - what are the soil, topography and climate like?

A

SOILS & TOPOGRAPHY

Directly WEST of Carinena in the region of Aragon.

500-900m altitude, generally located on a high altitude plateau

Soils are rocky & friable, brown limestone & loam over slate and gypsum

Free draining soils

CLIMATE & WEATHER

Continental w hot dry summers and cold winters – i.e. high diurnal range helps to maintain acidity Avg rainfall: 450-500mm = dry environment

Little disease pressure but spring frost is an issue

Northerly wind which slows down ripening - CIERZO

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77
Q

Whilst others are used what are the 2 grapes commonly used in Priorat?

A

Old vine Garnacha, old vine Carineña.

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78
Q

Climate of Rioja?

A

Continental climate – in a wide open valley, with the ranges shielding from the extremes of Atlantic and inland

South of the Cantabrian mountains> protect the area vs. rain & winds from the Atlantic, and the Sierra de la Demanda lie to the south, protecting from inland heat

Slight Maritime influence in Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta

Low rainfall: 300mm (Rioja Baja)-500mm (Alta & Alavesa)

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79
Q

Where would you usually find Monastrell?

What is the grape called in France?

What are the characteristics, aromas and flavours of the grape?

A

In the autonomías of Valencia (Alicante - Vinalopo) and Murcia (Jumilla and Yecla)

In France the grape is called Mourvèdre

Deep colour, full body, high tannin and alcohol with flavours of ripe blackberry fruit

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80
Q

What are the 3 distinct climatic zones in Penedes, and what is grown on each?

A
  1. Penedès Maritim

Low-lying coastal area, From the sea up to 250m high

Hot Mediterranean climate; the warmest of the 3 zones; sandy soils Mostly planted with Garnacha, Carinena and Monastrell for sturdy reds

  1. Penedès Central

250-500m altitude w more temperate climate; chalk & clay soils

In a ‘pre-coastal depression’ a relatively flat plain

Centre of Cava production w Xarel-lo, Parellada & Macabeo.

Also Merlot, Cab Sv, Tempranillo and Chardonnay

3. Penedès Superior

500-800m with a cool continental climate similar to Northern France (cold nights & frost danger) but long, sunny growing season.

Predominance of Limestone

Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer, Riesling Lower yields and frost risk

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81
Q

What are the aging requirements for the different levels of BLANCO / ROSADO Rioja?

A

Crianza: min. 2 years, including at least 6 months in oak (remainder may be in bottle, oak or stainless steel)

Reserva: min. 2 years, including at least 6 months in oak (remainder must be in bottle or oak)

Gran Reserva: min. 4 years, including at least 6 months in oak (remainder must be in bottle or oak)

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82
Q

What are the 16 wine-making regions (autonomías) of Spain?

A

Ebro: La Rioja, Navarra, Aragón

Catalunya

The North West: Galicia, Asturias, Pais Vasco (Basque Country)

The Levante: Valencia, Murcia

Central: Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y Leon, Madrid, Extremadura

The Islands: Balaeric Islands (Mallorca), Canary Islands

The South: Andalucia

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83
Q

Tinta de Toro is a synonym of:

A

Tempranillo

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84
Q

Bodegas Borsao?

A

Bodegas BORSAO from Campo de Borja :

  • a cooperative that has revolutionised the region
  • focus on being a world class Garnacha producer
  • promoting Campo de Borja as the ‘Empire of Garnacha’
  • has 36% of total DO Vineyard area
  • key brand - TRES PICOS
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85
Q

What is the minimum ageing for Red Reserva wines in Ribera del Duero total - In oak - in bottle

A

3 years total

min. 1 year in barrel

no requirement for bottle-aging

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86
Q

Soils, topo, and climate of Penedes

A

SOILS & TOPOGRAPHY

Mostly well-drained, deep poor quality soils of Miocene sediments

Soils are generally loamy with calcareous components

Good water holding ability

CLIMATE & WEATHER

Mostly Mediterranean climate but a wide variety of micro-climates due to the proximity to the coast and the varied terrain rising up to 800m high

Coastal areas very hot & dry

Rainfall is around 500mm

some areas inland 900mm rainfall and prone to frost

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87
Q

Ribeira Sacra - what is known for? and where is it

A

Ribeira Sacra DO

  • Further inland
  • Climate mainly continental
  • upriver Along Mino river and Sil river from Candado de Tea
  • Vineyards on steep valley slopes
  • Red wines – Mencia – red cherry, raspberry, med body and tannins, med+ acid
  • Wines – fresh, early drinking style
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88
Q

Bodegas Pesquera produces wine in which appellation?

What is the name of the premier wine produced?

A

Ribera del Duero

Pesquera Janus Gran Reserva

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89
Q

What is significant about Rueda and what is the climate?

What type of wine predominates here?

A

Continental climate with cool Summer nights

Mainly white wines produced from Verdejo and Sauvignon Blanc

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90
Q

What percentage of Rias Baixas DO wines are exported?

A

25%

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91
Q

Albariño and Godello are planted in which parts of Galicia?

A

Albariño = closer to the coast.

Godello = more inland within Galicia

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92
Q

The grape varieties of Spain in descending order?

A
  • Grape varieties :
    • Airen 22% roughly – but falling
    • Tempranillo 20% - and rising
    • Bobal – 5%+
    • Garnacha – 5%+
    • Macabeo – 5%
    • Monastrell – 4%
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93
Q

Jumilla viticulture - dominated by what varietal?

what happened to Jumilla in the 1980s?

A

25,000ha – and only 2,000 growers (and only 40 wineries !)

80% is MONASTRELL – then Cencibel (Tempranillo), Garnacha Tintorera (Alicante Bouschet), Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Petit Verdot

DO since 1966

1980s arrival of Phylloxera > replantings with new varieties.

½ of vineyards in La Mancha & ½ in Murcía

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94
Q

Main two export markets for Spain?

What are the next three markets?

A

France and Germany - in bulk for in market bottling

UK, China and USA - and take more bottled product

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95
Q

Business of Bierzo - how many growers (%) sell to a cooperative?

How many wineries in Bierzo

A
  • 62% of growers sell to a Cooperative !
  • 2000 growers for 3000Ha of vineyard – so very fragmented
  • Introduced in 2017 new Village and vineyard classifications to highlight high quality areas
  • 75 wineries – large portion started in last 10-15 years
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96
Q

la Mancha’s climate?

A

Hot, dry and extremely continental climate (45C to -20C)

Rainfall 300-400mm

3,000h of sunlight/yr.

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97
Q

Sales of La Mancha DO

A
  • Sales
    • 40% exported (mainly China, Germany, Russia)
    • Sold as bulk and bottled
    • 2/3 reds and rosados produced (Aíren used for distillation)
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98
Q

Viticulture in Rioja?

A

Small vineyards esp. in Alavesa & Alta and many growers compared to wineries

Traditionally, bush vines but new vineyards on VSP trellis systems

EU funding has made it possible to restructure a lot of old vineyards

50% more vineyard in Rioja today than 1990!

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99
Q

Viticulture of Rueda

A
  • v. large increase in vineyard plantings in recent decades
  • Most new vineyards set up for mechanisation (VSP)
  • vines trained low to protect vs. winds.
  • Key hazards:
    • spring frost
    • hailstones in winter/spring
  • picking at night preferred to get fruit to the winery at low temperatures
  • some old bush vines remaining – about 10%
  • due to some bush vines being on sandy soils – they predate phylloxera
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100
Q

Soils and toporaphy of Toro

A

Located in the province of Zamora, upstream from Portugal

Most vineyards between 620-750m hi.

Mainly alluvial soils but some sandy soils w limestone subsoil in the north

SANDY soils have stopped phylloxera spreading – very old vines in region

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101
Q

What is the dominant black grape variety in Ribera del Duero?

What are the 2 local synonyms for it?

A

Tempranillo

-Tinto del País and Tinto Fino

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102
Q

Bodega Otazu, Prado de Irache, and Señorio de Arinzano all produce wines under what designation?

Where do they produce wines?

A

DO Pago

Navarra

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103
Q

The new rules for Rioja introduced in 2018 for Zones, Municipalitys and single vineyards?

A

In 2018 new laws regarding location :

Vino de Zona :

  • all grapes sourced from a single zone (Alavesa, Alta, Oriental)
  • except if vineyard lies adjacent to zone border and 10 years consecutive sourced then 15% allowed in the wine
  • all vinification and bottling must be within the zone

Vino de Municipio :

  • grapes sourced from a singular municipality except for 15% so long as adjacent municipality and 10 years of sourcing history
  • Wines can show municipality and zone on label

Vinedo Singular (single vineyard)

  • Owned by producer for min. 10 years and be min. 35 years old
  • Respect for maximum yield levels, hand harvested and managed sustainably
  • Audit of traceability and tasted by a panel before release

Rosés: Since 2018 lighter colour permitted

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104
Q

What is the correct order (youngest to oldest) for Gran Reserva, Reserva, Joven, Crianza

A

Joven, Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva

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105
Q

What do the different sub-zones of Rioja contribute to a blended Rioja Tinto wine?

A
  • Freshness from Rioja Alavesa
  • Extract and alcoholic warmth of Rioja Oriental
  • Acidity and structure of Rioja Alta.
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106
Q

What are the 3 sub-regions of Rioja?

A

Rioja Alta, Rioja Alvesa, Rioja Oriental (Baja)

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107
Q

What is the primary red grape of Manchuela DO?

In which autonomía is it located?

A

Bobal

Castilla - La Mancha

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108
Q

Mid tier and Premium white Rioja winemaking?

A

Mid Tier and Premium white Rioja :

  • Tend to be made in an oaky style
  • Last 5-10 years a change to fresh fruit driven styles rather than oxidative styles
  • Oak maturation still used by more balanced and fresher
  • Viura (at low yields) plus Malvasia and Garnacha Blanc are blended in
  • Medium+ body & acidity, some citrus, smoky/nutty complexity from oak
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109
Q

What 5 black grapes are permitted in Red Rioja DOCa wines

What percent is black grapes of Rioja’s vineyards?

What percent is Tempranillo of black grape plantings in Rioja?

A

Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano, Mazuelo, Maturana Tinta

91%

88% of black grape plantings!

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110
Q

Celler Scala Dei produces wine in which region?

In contrast to most wines produced in this region, how would you describe this wine stylistically?

A

Priorat DOQ

The wines from Scala Dei depart from the region’s traditional dark, intense, alcoholic wines to show a more approachable, balanced and elegant style of Priorat wine. Scala Dei wines have the structure and intensity expected of Priorat with a surprising balance and elegance that is rare for the region.

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111
Q

Name 5 villages in Priorat:

A
  1. Escaladei
  2. La Morera de Monstant
  3. La Viella Baixa
  4. La Viella Alta
  5. Torroja del Priorat
  6. Poboleda
  7. El Lloar
  8. Gratallops
  9. Porrera
  10. Solanes del Molar
  11. Bellmunt del Priorat
  12. Masos del Falset
112
Q

Tempranillo?

A

Tempranillo = Cencibel = Tinto Fino = Ull de Lebre = Tinta de Toro = Tinta del Pais = Tinta Madrid

– 21% UP a lot

  • Native black grape
  • Mostly in the North for premium wines
  • Thick skin
  • Early ripening (temprano means ‘early’)
  • Prefers chalky soils & moderate climate
  • Little resistance to pests and diseases
  • Wines with medium+ acidity and flavours of strawberry, spice, leather with good ageing potential.
  • Oak and ageing add flavours of herbs, mushrooms, leather & tobacco
113
Q

Winemaking used in the making of Rias Baixas Albarino DO white wines?

A

Albarino :

  • instensely fruity, aromatic,
  • dry white wine
  • with high refreshing acidity
  • and an alcohol normally above 12 degrees
  • primary flavours, lemon, apple, grapefruit, peach, with a floral note

Winemaking :

  • Protective to retain primary fruit
  • May be some maceration to obtain some more texture
  • Cool fermentation in stainless steel
  • MLF, at least partial, in cooler years to reduce acidity

Most wines released young and fresh

Some more expensive examples stored on lees – one to two years – give more body and texture

A few producers ferment in oak to introduce more complexity

114
Q

What is the capacity of traditional barrels used in aging red wines in Rioja?

A

225 L

115
Q

Which was the first bodega in Rioja to plant Cabernet Sauvignon and employ Bordelaise winemaking techniques?

A

Marques de Riscal

116
Q

Key facts on Somontano? where is it, what does it primarily grow and who are the producers?

A

close to the foothills of the Pyrenees - continental but moderated

International varieties - Cab Sav and Chard the main ones

3 main wineries control >90% of production

117
Q

For which white wine is the Rueda region well-known?

A

Verdejo

118
Q

Mostly half of Spain’s vineyard area is in Castilla la Mancha?

True or false

A

True

119
Q

What is Tempranillo called in La Mancha and Valdepeñas?

A

Cencibel

120
Q

What dominated plantings in Rioja Baja until the mid 1980s and is now back in resurgence?

A

Garnacha

121
Q

Valdeorras DO - a producer of renown of what variety?

What is this variety like as a wine?

A

Valdeorras DO

  • Further up river Sil
  • Most easterly and most continental
  • 700-1000mm of rainfall
  • Godello producer of renown
  • Godello
    • Citrus, stone fruit with herb/wet stone note
    • Med + acidity
    • Premium ones – fermented in oak
  • Mencia
    • Some grown – but little compared to Godello
122
Q

Where does Bodegas Lopez de Heredia produce wine?

What is the name of their most famous bottling?

A

Rioja DOCa

Viña Tondonia

123
Q

Where are the vineyards of Priorat located, what’s the climate like and what black grapes are predominate?

A

Inland hills.

Long hot, dry, summers with low annual rainfall.

Garnacha and Carineña. Cab Sauv is also grown and added to blends.

124
Q

The wines of Toro DO - explain the rules and styles made.

A

Reds:

  • predominantly Tinta de Toro (a local variant of Tempranillo) with some Garnacha Tinta.
  • Full bodied, hi alcohol (up to 15% abv), high but ripe,soft tannins.
  • High diurnal range means MEDIUM+ acidity in most cases
  • DO rules are :
    • 75% min. Tinta de Toro
    • balance Garnacha Tinta
  • Consejo Regulador – max. of 15% abv for reds
  • Inexpensive :
    • Made with some carbonic maceration
    • Soften the tannin extraction and increase the fruit flavours
  • Premium/Super-premium :
    • Matured in oak
    • Concentration of fruit balances the high proportions of new oak
    • Mixture of American and French oak

Whites:

  • Verdejo & Malvasia to blend into reds
125
Q

Listán is a French synonym for which Spanish grape?

A

Palomino

126
Q

What is the French grape Mourvèdre called in Spain?

A

Monastrell

127
Q

Who produces “Bosconia,” “Tondonia,” and “Gravonia?”

A

Bodegas López de Heredia

128
Q

Toro - the vineyard area ?

density of plantings?

what style of trellis?

A

6,000ha – DO since 1987

Irrigation allowed

Many of the vineyards planted at low densities

Max density of 2,700 vines per Ha.

Many of them are bush vines

Sandy soils have meant no phylloxera and very old vineyards over 100 years old

1/5th are over 50 years old

129
Q

Malvasia

A

Malvasia

  • Full bodied whites, prone to oxidation
  • Grown in Rioja and Catalunya
  • Used in traditional oak-aged white
  • Rioja :
    • with Viura for richness
    • typically in premium, oak matured white Rioja
  • Reduced in Ha.s due to lower yield
130
Q

What is the Meseta Central and what is the climate like?

A

A huge plateau, in the centre of Spain, cut off from maritime influence due to being encircled by mountains.

It has a hot continental climate with low rainfall.

Extreme highs and lows: Below freezing temps are common in Winter. In Summer temps can be moderated by the cool nights of altitude sites.

131
Q

The three sub regions of Penedes?

A
  1. Penedès Maritim

Low-lying coastal area, From the sea up to 250m high

Hot Mediterranean climate; the warmest of the 3 zones; sandy soils Mostly planted with Garnacha, Carinena and Monastrell for sturdy reds

  1. Penedès Central

250-500m altitude w more temperate climate; chalk & clay soils

In a ‘pre-coastal depression’ a relatively flat plain

Centre of Cava production w Xarel-lo, Parellada & Macabeo.

Also Merlot, Cab Sv, Tempranillo and Chardonnay

3. Penedès Superior

500-800m with a cool continental climate similar to Northern France (cold nights & frost danger) but long, sunny growing season.

Predominance of Limestone

Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer, Riesling Lower yields and frost risk

132
Q

Climate of Rueda?

A
  • Continental w cool evenings that give the wine elegance
  • Avg rainfall 400mm. 2,700h of sunlight/yr
  • Strong winds
133
Q

who are the main producers in Calatayud and Carinena?

What are both DOs known for?

A

Cooperatives

production of inexpensive high volume bulk wine, rich ripe, hi in alcohol, full bodied, red wines from Garnacha and Tempranillo

134
Q

The growing environment of Rioja?

A

Name from Rio Oja, with the River Ebro being the main river
South of the Cantabrian mountains> protect the area vs. rain & winds from the Atlantic, and the Sierra de la Demanda lie to the south, protecting from inland heat
Most vineyards in the wide open valley are from 300m to 800m altitude.
Soils are varied but mostly iron-rich or chalk-rich clay.
More fertile alluvial soils in the east
100km long !
Ebro river runs through the wide open valley

135
Q

La Mancha is the world’s biggest _____?

What are the two main vineyard densities and trellis types?

What % of vineyards are irrigated?

A

158,000ha – world’s largest wine region

Two methods of trellising/training

  • Low density 1000/Ha. - Bush trained vines, without irrigation
  • Medium density 3000/Ha. – trellised, with irrigation

Recent move to pick earlier to keep acidity and fruit characters.

Key hazards: drought (-> irrigation permitted since 1996).

Irrigation used for ~40% of vineyards

136
Q

Mazuelo?

A

Mazuelo (Carignan and Carinena)

  • used to contribute high acidity in Rioja
  • less than 2% of the total black grape plantings
  • mats-sway-lo is the pronounciation
137
Q

Which international black grapes are grown in Spain alongside native varietals?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot, some Pinot Noir.

138
Q

Verdejo is mainly found in which DO of Spain?

What is one of its cons?

What kind of wines were tradtionally / are currently made with it?

A

Verdejo

  • Highly susceptible to oxidation
  • Traditionally made into oxidized, Sherry-like wines. With protective winemaking can make light bodied, high acidity, wine with flavours of peach and melon.
139
Q

Is a wine labelled Tinto red or white?

A

Red

140
Q

The Alto Turia sub zone of Valencia DO is fairly unusual for what reason?

What varietals is it known for?

A

Alto Turia

  • An inland zone on foothills of mountains
  • 700m-1100m
  • Cooler area
  • Produces almost exclusively white wines ;
    • Moscatel de Alejandria
    • Merseguera
      • Can make low intensity wines with high yields
      • Dry farmed vines at high altitudes (like El Terrerazo) can make wines with more concenteration
  • Vinos de Pago El Terrerazo
    • Is high altitude
    • Dry farmed
    • Making wines of higher concentration and texture
    • the only DO Pagos in the Levante
141
Q

Viura in Rioja?

A

Viura (Macabeo)

  • most planted white in Rioja, ~70% of total white plantings
  • late budding, late ripening,
  • susceptible to botrytis, prefers warm dry sites
  • makes neutral or complex wines depending on yield and winemaking
  • high yields and SS tanks – fairly neutral wines
  • lower yields plus oak – more complex ageworthy wines
142
Q

Where is The Levante wine region?

What autonomias / DOs make it up?

A

On the Mediterranean coast of Spain.

Valencia: Valencia DO, Utiel Requena DO, Alicante DO.

Murcia: Jumilla DO, Yecla DO

143
Q

In which appellation does Emilio Moro produce wine?

A

Ribera del Duero

144
Q

Describe a ‘typical’ Ribera del Duero red wine

A

Dark in colour, concentrated fruit flavours with high tannin

145
Q

Describe a typical red wine from Priorat:

A

Based on Garnacha and Cariñena (though French varietals are sometimes included), produces Spain’s richest, most densely concentrated red wines. Deeply coloured with high tannins, med to high alc with concentrated black fruit and toasty French oak.

146
Q

What are the main DOs for export?

A

Cava DO - no 1.

Rioja - no 2.

la Mancha - no 3.

147
Q

What does C.V.N.E stand for?

Where do they produce wine (winery location/sub-region/region)?

Two significant facts about this winery:

A

Compañias Vinicola de Norte de España

  • Haro / Rioja Alta / Rioja DOCa
  • The estate was the first in Rioja to use concrete tanks.
  • Their Monopole wine is the oldest registered white wine in Spain, with its inaugural vintage in 1915.
148
Q

Compare the traditional white Rioja style and winemaking to the Modern style.

A

Traditional style:

  • deliberately oxidised and aged in American oak to create savoury, nutty character
  • examples : Vina Tondonia Gran Reserva from Lopez de Heredia

Modern style:

  • low temperature fermentation in stainless steel
  • experimentation with French oak & barrel fermentation
  • made using ‘protective techniques’ to preserve fruit and freshness
149
Q

Rioja Alta?

A
  1. Rioja Alta – 29,000ha

West of Logrono, south of the Ebro river

Maritime influence but but generally warmer & drier climate vs. Alavesa

North west has the most maritime influence

Central section is lower and warmer

Southern section is higher, up to 700mRL, relatively cool and wet

Range of soils

  • Alluvial soils around the Ebro
  • clay/red iron rich soils in south
  • calcareous clay soils in North West

Viura best on Clay; Tempranillo on iron & Malvasia on alluvial soils

150
Q

What are the 5 DOs of Galicia?

A

Monterrei DO

Rías Baixas DO

Ribeira Sacra DO

Ribeiro DO

Valdeorras DO

151
Q

Sales of Rioja?

A

Sales

  • A much average price per bottle than other Spanish DO wines
  • 40% of production is exported with strong growth of 25% since 2007
  • Primary markets are : UK, Germany and USA
152
Q

Broadly, what are the three climate zones in Spain and where are they?

A
  • North and North West including Rioja Alta and Alavesa - Moderate Maritime with rain
  • North East from Catalunya, down Mediterranean coast, to Valencia - Warm Mediterranean moderated by sea breezes or altitude cooling in places.
  • On The Meseta Central - Cut off from Maritime influence by a ring of mountains giving a hot Continental climate
153
Q

What is the grape Cariñena called in Rioja?

In France?

In Italy?

A

Mazuelo in Rioja

Carignan in France

Carignano

154
Q

The grape variety Grenache is known by a different name in Spain. What is it?

A

Garnacha

155
Q

Terra de León is found in which autonomía?

What are the 2 recommended grapes?

A

Castilla y Leon

Prieto Picudo / Mencia

156
Q

What sub-region of Rías Baixas has the highest production of total wine and is known as the historical birthplace of the albariño grape?

A

Val do Sanés

157
Q

What is the climate of Costers del Segre?

A

Severe semi-arid climate w extreme diurnal range all year

and low rainfall of 400mm.

Northern areas more altitude and Pyrenees influence

158
Q

Garnacha Tinto?

A

Garnacha Tinto = Grenache = Tentillo= Tinto Aragones = Granaccia

  • Mostly likely to originate from Northern Spain (or possibly Sardinia)
  • Vigorous vines > High yields
  • Strong wood canopy & resistance to wind and dry conditions
  • Suited to dry rocky soils and requires heat to fully ripen fruit
  • Buds early > needs long growing season to ripen
  • Thin skins with light pigments > pale colour and tend to oxidise easily
  • Wines high in alcohol, low in tannins with relatively light flavours of
  • raspberries and strawberries
  • Older vines/lower yields produce darker, more tannic wines
  • i.e. in Priorat, with darker fruit & more complex aromas
  • Often blended to add fruit or used for Rosado
  • Often bush trained (gobelet) in Spain (not easy to machine harvest)
  • Not planted in Rioja until after Phylloxera struck (1901)
159
Q

Where is Bodegas Numanthia located?

A

Toro DO

160
Q

The River Ebro runs through which Spanish wine region?

A

Rioja

161
Q

The four classifications of Priorat?

A

Consejo Regulador has set up four classifications :

· Vi de Vila – comes from a Priorat sub region and name of subzone is on the label

· Vi de Paratge – the grapes come from a named site or Paratge – there are 459 of them

· Vinya Classificada – wine from a single vineyard of merit within a Paratge – a Cru

· Gran Vinya Classificada – wine from an exceptional single vineyard – equivalent to a Grand cru wine

To qualify :

· Producer must own vineyard or have leased for a min of 7 years

· Each classification has its own rules on min proportion of Carinena or Garnacha, blend, vine age, and maximum yields

· For Vinya Classificada or Gran Vinya Classificada must have critical recognition min 5 years

162
Q

Where is Bierzo?

What are the soils and topography like?

A

Bordering with Galicia towards the west (is acutally part of Castilla y Leon – but more like Galicia)

Vineyards on gentle slopes at low altitude, protected from the Atlantic influence by mountains.

Mostly rich & fertile soils. Some quartz & slate soils in the mountains

The slate in the soils is what attracted Alvaro Palacios to Bierzo, i.e. because Priorat has slate soils

Flat plain in middle of DO

  • has silty loam and fertile soils
  • produces inexpensive/mid-priced wines at high yields

Hillsides at 500-850mRL

  • free draining with poor soils from slate
  • altitude is a cooling influence
  • large diurnal range
163
Q

Traditional Priorat wine style versus the modern one - what are the differences?

A
  • Traditional Priorat:
    • Low yielding Garnacha & Carinena
    • aged for long periods in oak,
    • developing rancio aromas of game & mushroom.
    • They are deep colour, intenese, concentrated, highly tannic and hi in alcohol
  • Modern wines
    • Aiming for more freshness and fruit character in the wine
    • from both local & international varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot & Syrah)
    • aged in French oak, smaller formats
    • intense bramble fruit, powerful tannins & oak characters,
    • long ageing potential.
164
Q

Val Llach is located in which region?

What are the 3 wines produced?

A

Priorat DOQ

Val Llach Priorat (flagship wine)

“Idus”

“Embruix”

165
Q

Utiel-Requena DO

where is it?

A

Directly EAST of La Mancha DO,

borders northern part of Valencia DO to the West

166
Q

Penedes DO viticulture?

A

27,000ha but spread across three distinct terroirs as shown above

Irrigation is permitted – Consejo Regulador permission must be sought

Mixture of bush vines and trellised vines

Soils are generally loamy with calcareous components – good water holding capacity

White varieties dominate production – 80% !

167
Q

Tempranillo Blanco

A

Tempranillo Blanco

  • White mutation of tempranillo
  • Permitted from 2004 in Rioja
  • Now 12% of white plantings – 2nd most planted white (after Viura) in Rioja
  • Wines :
    • High acidity
    • Flavours of lemon, grapefruit & pineapple
168
Q

What is the minimum ageing for Red Crianza wines in Rioja and Ribera del Duero total - In oak - in bottle

What is the 1 difference for Spain (general)

A

24 months total

min. 1 year in barrel

no bottle-aging requirements.

Spain (general): 6 months in barrel.

169
Q

What is the climate of Rioja Oriental (Baja) compared to the other 2 sub-zones of Rioja, and what is one potential risk?

A

Warmer and more continental with potential risk of drought.

170
Q

The climate of Bierzo?

A

More balanced climate vs. rest of Castilla y Leon:

cooler, less extreme continental climate :

  • Warm summers
  • Cool winters
  • Adequate rainfall
  • Marked variation year to year

Surrounded by mountains on three sides but allows maritime influence from west

171
Q

What is the main white grape of Rias Baixas?

What are the 3 other recommended grapes?

A

Albariño

-Loureiro, Treixadura, Caiña Blanca

172
Q

What is happening in Priorat today in terms of the winemaking and varieties used?

A

Winemaking ranges from traditional to modern

Notes for RED wines – in Priorat TODAY :

  • High potential alcohol means cultured yeasts used and can be a long fermentation
  • Matured typically in French oak, 1 to 2 years
  • Quality focussed winemakers look for freshness in fruit and acidity
  • Alcohol normally 14.5% or higher
  • Balance for quality wines comes from fresh fruit and acidity – not jammy fruit
  • Typically medium + acidity
  • A turn back to the traditional varietals of Carinena and Garnacha
173
Q

What style of wine is Jumilla known for?

What must Red and Rosados be made from as a % ?

style of red wines?

What has happened to wine quality in Jumilla since the 80s?

A

Mainly strong red wines

  • w mainly joven wines
  • but some Crianza and Reserva production too.

Reds & Rosados must contain min 50% Monastrell.

Some sweet reds made from Monastrell.

Red wines

  • are full bodied, hi in alcohol
  • w black fruit (blackberry), red fruits (cherry) and spice, hints of meat and liquorice.

Steady increase in wine quality due to :

  • phylloxera arrival in 80s forcing replanting with new clones, virus free
  • move to picking earlier to preserve acidity and less jammy notes
  • lower fermentation temperatures giving less extraction and preserving more delicate flavours
174
Q

the Rueda DO has a number of different classifications - name the important ones

A 
DO Rueda (min. 50% Verdejo) – with the balance likely to be Viura or Sauvignon Blanc
DO Rueda Verdejo (min. 85% Verdejo – in line with EU requirements for varietal wine)

DO Rueda Sauvignon (again, a minimum of 85% Sauvignon Blanc)

175
Q

In which appellation does Aalto produce wine?

Are they considered traditional or modern?

What are the 2 wines made, and what are the differences between them?

A

Ribera del Duero

Modern

Aalto: Standard bottling, 100% Tinto Fino from v. old vines (40-80 yrs.) made every year, aged 17 months in 50/50 American and French Oak

Aalto “PS” (Pagos Seleccionados): Prestige bottling, 100% Tinto Fino from oldest vines (60-90 yrs.), only made in great vintages, ages 20 months entirely in new French oak.

176
Q

Which region is best known for producing Albarino?

A

Galicia (Rias Baixas)

177
Q

What is the Vinos de Pago denomination?

A

A theoretically superior appellation to the basic DO. An estate within an existing DO must surpass the basic DO requirements in DO Pago legislation, typically through lowered yields and other measures suggestive of quality winemaking.

Single estates of high reputation who grow the grapes, vinify and mature the wines on the estate

178
Q

Identify the autonomía and river to the following appellations:

A. Rioja

B. Extramadura

C. Toro

D. Valdeorras

E. Jerez-Xérès-Sherry

A

A. La Rioja / Ebro

B. n/a / Tagus

C. Castilla y León / Duero

D. Galicia / Sil

E. Andalucía / Guadalquivir

179
Q

The Bobal varietal - indigenous to southern Spain - describe the varietal and the wines made from it

A

BOBAL

  • Mid to late budding, avoids spring frost
  • Very drought tolerant, retains acidity
  • Can be vigorous and high yielding with uneven ripening
  • Gives high levels of colour with good fruit flvour - used in blends to give colour and concentration
  • Compared to Monastrell
    • Holds onto its acidity better
    • Has lower alcohol than Monastrell
  • Can be made in two different styles :
    • Light bodied, medium tannin, often semi carbonic maceration
    • OR
    • Concentrated wines
      • medium+ tannins, medium+ to full bodied
      • high acidity
      • blackberry, black cherry flavours, often notes of chocolate
      • oftern matured in oak
      • made from old vines
  • Wines are generally acceptable to very good – inexpensive to mid-priced
180
Q

Where are the vineyards of the Ribera del Duero located?

A

On the highest part of the Meseta Central with vineyards btw/ 850 and 900m.

181
Q

What is the climate of Carineña and Calatayud, what styles of wine are commonly made and from which grapes?

A

Warm Continental with low rainfall

  • Fruity inexpensive wines from Garnacha and Cariñena (Mazuelo)
  • Higher quality wines from old vine Garnacha and Cariñena giving greater flavour intensity and structure
182
Q

Fondillon - describe this wine and how it is made

A

FONDILLON

  • A traditional style, protected by DO
  • Strong rancio wine made from Monastrell grapes
  • 40 g/l RS ! from late harvested fruit
  • Min alc. 16% - no fortification allowed
  • Maturation
    • 10 years maturation !
    • In old 1200 litre oak vessels
    • Typically matured like a Oloroso sherry in a solera system

Sometimes sold as the product of one vintage - ‘Anada’

183
Q

Bobal?

A

Bobal

  • Produces deep coloured red wines, South East Spain
  • Substantially for bulk wines
  • Second largest plantings Red grapes after Tempranillo
  • Wines have fresh berry flavours, deep colour
184
Q

The 5 Sub zones of Rias Baixas? Name them and explain them

A

Northern Atlantic coast in the north-west of Spain and directly north of Portugal.

5 sub-zones, non-contiguous, each w their terroir & climate.

• Oldest Val do Salnés,

o around Cambados

o w low rolling hills w rocky & alluvial soils is best.

o Highest concentraiton of plantings and wineries

o On the coast so generally has the coolest environ, & highest acidity

• O Rosal

o On north bank of Minho river, against Portuguese border

o Makes blends with Albarino plus Loureira, Treixadura, Caino Blanco

o Warmer sites than Val do Salnes

• Condado do Tea

o Inland from O Rosal

o Warmer, with riper flavour profile – more peach, melon and lower acidity

• Ribeira do Ulla

o Newest sub zone

o Makes inexpensive mid-priced wines

• Soutomaior

o Smallest subzone

185
Q

the varietals of Toro

what is its ‘unique’ varietal?

A

Reds: Tinta de Toro, Garnacha

Whites: Malvasia, Verdejo

Tinto de Toro

  • Tempranillo but felt to be especially adapted to Toro
  • Thicker skins ? better colour and more flavour ?
186
Q

How come there’s no Maritime influence in Ribera del Duero?

A

It’s cut off from direct Maritime influence by a ring of mountains

187
Q

What is considered the “traditional” style of Rioja Tinto?

What changes are taking place more recently?

A
  • Soft, with muted red fruit, firm acidity and the unmistakable oak aromas of dill, vanilla and cedar from American oak.
  • Many contemporary producers are emphasizing French oak, more extraction, and riper, darker fruit.
188
Q

A tasting note for Rias Baixas Albarino?

A

Albarino :

  • instensely fruity, aromatic,
  • dry white wine
  • with high refreshing acidity
  • and an alcohol normally above 12 degrees
  • primary flavours, lemon, apple, grapefruit, peach, with a floral note
189
Q

The red wines of Bierzo must contain ?

What are the two different terroirs of Bierzo?

Describe the terroirs and the different wine styles they make

A

RED Wines – MUST CONTAIN 75% MENCIA

Style dictated by place/soil/topography

  • Flat plain in middle of DO
    • Produces mainly inexpensive/mid-priced wines at high yields
    • Med(-) body and tannins with red fruits – raspberry and cherry
    • Early consumption wines
    • Sometimes made using carbonic or semi-carbonic maceration
    • Usually not aged in oak
    • Good quality
  • Hill side slopes at 500-850mRL
    • Have good drainage
    • Shallow, poor slate soils, limit vigour
    • The high diurnal range helps slow sugar accumulation and acid retention
    • Yields are lower and production costs higher
    • More concentration
    • Wines
      • Medium-medium+ body and tannins
      • Higher alcohol
      • Ripe red cherry and plum fruit
      • Herbal and floral note
      • Often matured in oak, spicy note but handled well or else obscures Mencia’s delicate fruit
190
Q

In which Autonomía is Toro DOC located, what is it west and northwest of?

What is the climate like?

What is the typical flavor profile of wines produced here?

A

Castilla y Leòn. West of Ribera del Duero, NW of Rueda.

Continental, High daytime temps.

Reds are full flavoured with intense fruit flavours, high tannin and high alcohol

191
Q

Where is almost half of Spain’s wine produced, what is the dominant red and white grape?

A

La Mancha, vast area of the Meseta Central south of Madrid

Red: Tempranillo known locally as Cencibel

White = Airen

Cab Sav, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc also

192
Q

What does DOCa stand for?

A

Denominación de Origen Calificada

193
Q

Mencia isn’t used widely but which DO does focus on it?

What climate does it prefer?

What aromas and flavors does it bring?

A

Used extensively in Bierzo

Likes a moderate climate

Brings fresh fruit, medium~high acidity and sometimes slight herbaceous

194
Q

What % is Mencia of Bierzo plantings?

what other varietals are planted?

A

Reds:

  • Mencia – 75% of all planting
  • Alicante Bouschet – 2% of all plantings

Whites:

  • Godello

With 3,000 Ha. planted and 2,000 growers, very small plots

195
Q

What is the minimum ageing for Red Reserva wines in Rioja total - In oak - in bottle

A

36 months total

min. 12 months in barrel
min. 6 months in bottle

196
Q

What is the climate in Ribera del Duero?

What is Tempranillo known as?

A

Short, hot, dry Summers with very cold Winters

Tinto del País

197
Q

The Spanish classification system for regions?

A

Table Wine

Vino or Vino de Espana (replaces vino de Mesa) – no regional designation

PGI

Vino de la Tierra (VdlT) - IGP x 40 (main two are ‘de Castilla’ and ‘de Castilla y Leon)

PDO (QWPSR)

  1. Vinos de Calidad con Indicación Geographica (VCIG)
    * Similar to old French old VDQS
  2. Denominación de Origen (DO) x 70
  • VCIG + 5 years wait and review
  • Equivalent to AOP i.e. must satisfy a minimum quality & grape varieties, viticultural method, location and style are specified and regulated by the Consejo Regulador (one per DO).
  1. Vino de Pago - Denominación de Origen – Pago (DO Pago) x 17
  • New. Outstanding single estate from DO and which produce from own grapes.
  • E.g: Pago Aylés (Aragon), Casa Del Blanco (Castille- La Mancha), Los Balagueses (Valencia)
  • Majority are in Castilla-La-Mancha, and Navarra, Valencia and Aragon
  • Only use their own grapes and must be vinified and matured at their estate

6. Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOC, DOCa, DOQ) x 2

  • DO + 10 years wait and review with strict qualifying conditions
  • Rioja (91), Priorat (03) only
198
Q

How many hectares of vineyard planted in Priorat DOCa?

A

~2,000 Ha

199
Q

Rioja has 3 sub regions - name them and give some details on each

A
  1. Rioja Alavesa- 16,000ha

West of Logrono on & north of Ebro river

Cool maritime influence from the Atlantic with relatively higher rainfall (500mm)

Chalk-rich soils on south facing slopes > lighter bodied wines with finesse

94% plantings = Tempranillo.

  1. Rioja Alta – 29,000ha

West of Logrono, south of the Ebro river

Maritime influence but warmer & drier climate vs. Alavesa

Higher elevation (-> shorter growing season) w clay/red iron rich soils

Viura best on Clay; Tempranillo on iron & Malvasia on alluvial soils

  1. Rioja Oriental (previously Baja) – 25,000ha – only slightly smaller than Alta East of Logrono, south of Ebro river

Continental to Mediterranean climate >

Drought (temp. up to 35C) Heavy clay favours Garnacha

Baja wines tend to be deeply coloured, hi in alcohol but low in acidity and flavour intensity

200
Q

Rueda - soils and topography

A
  • Around Rueda, 170km northwest of Madrid
  • Flat plains with vineyards at 700 to 800 mRL high w Duero river flowing westwards.
  • Generally very stony soils and free draining, low in nutrients
201
Q

plantings of La Mancha?

A

REDS (25% of plantings)

Cencibel aka Tempranillo = 17% of all plantings WHITES (75% of plantings)

Aíren = 2/3 of all plantings, 90,000Ha !

202
Q

What are the ideal growing conditions for Tempranillo?

A

Tempranillo is an early ripening variety that tends to thrive in chalky vineyard soils such as those of the Ribera del Duero.

Needs heat to develop flavour but moderating sea breezes and/or altitude to provide a diurnal range to maintain acidity.

203
Q

In Sierra Gredos there are two main wines - from two varietals

A

Garnacha

  • Mainly old vine Garnacha
  • Due to altitude cooling influence and large diurnal range – very different to those from the Aragon province
    • Retains good acidity and fresh fruit flavours
    • Lighter in tannin, with med+ acidity, fresh strawberry and cherry fruit
    • Alcohol can be high
  • Typically good to very good in quality

Albillo Real

  • Full bodied white wines
  • Citrus, floral notes
  • Medium to medium+ acidity
  • Sometimes fermented in tank, oak or even on skins
204
Q

DOs are located on which 6 of the Canary Islands?

A

Tenerife.

Lanzarote.

Gran Canaria.

La Gomera.

El Hierro

La Palma

205
Q

Airen?

A

Aíren – 25% DOWN a lot

  • Resistance to drought
  • Neutral wines prone to oxidation
  • Most widely planted white in the world
  • >200,000 Ha. in Spain low density
  • Mainly in La Mancha/Valdepenas
  • for spirits or basic whites – like Brandy Jerez
206
Q

Viura

A

Viura = Macabeo 4% UP

  • Widely planted across Spain
  • Late budding and late ripening
  • Suited to warm, dry site – due to susceptibility to botrytis
  • Generally a fairly neutral varietal, especially at higher yields
  • Key component in White Rioja (90%)
  • Mostly planted in Rioja & Catalunya
  • Key component in Cava
  • Medium acidity with honeydew melon, lime peel, of medium intensity and lemon in colour
207
Q

What is the minimum ageing for Gran Reserva wines in Spain (general) - In oak / in bottle / in total.

A

60 months (5 years) total

min. 18 months in barrel

no bottle aging requirement

208
Q

What is the traditional white grape of Rioja?

What 2 styles are mainly produced?

A

Viura.

Can be unoaked, clean, fruity, modern, or Traditionally heavily oaked, oxidised.

209
Q

Toro climate?

A

Extreme continental climate

with wide temperature range

w low rainfall 350mm

& 2,600 hours of sunlight

210
Q

In which autonomia is Rias Baixas located and what is the climate like?

What is the dominant grape and what styles of wine are produced?

A

Galicia in NW Spain on the Atlantic coast. Maritime climate, bloody wet!

Mainly Albariño producing high acidity wines with ripe stone fruit flavours. Occasionally richer from oak or lees aging.

211
Q

Txakoli - describe this wine

A
  • Txakoli
    • 85% is Hondarrabi Zuri
    • Make to be consumed young
    • Slightly sparkling
    • Reasonably thin – but improving in quality
    • High acidity, medium(-) body
    • Fresh apple, pear and lemon flavours
    • Made by cool temp ferment in SS tanks and released a few months later
    • Some producers giving more texture and complexity with lees and oak
212
Q

The Rueda varietals most planted?

A

Reds:

  • Tinta del País (Tempranillo clone; native to the area)

Whites:

  • Verdejo is number one & drough tolerant with good acidity,
  • Sauvignon Blanc is second
213
Q

Airen and Tempranillo are the two big wines made La Mancha - what are the techniques and styles?

A

Airen :

  • Fermented in SS
  • Low intensity, medium acidity, for early consumption
  • Majority is used for distillation into Brandy de Jerez

Tempranillo :

  • Fruity style
  • Short contact with oak normally
  • Can find examples of Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva
214
Q

The wine laws of Priorat? This will test you….

A

Consejo Regulador has set up four classifications :

  • Vi de Vila – comes from a Priorat sub region and name of subzone is on the label
  • Vi de Paratge – the grapes come from a named site or Paratge – there are 459 of them
  • Vinya Classificada – wine from a single vineyard of merit within a Paratge – a Cru
  • Gran Vinya Classificada – wine from an exceptional single vineyard – equivalent to a Grand cru wine

To qualify :

  • Producer must own vineyard or have leased for a min of 7 years
  • Each classification has its own rules on min proportion of Carinena or Garnacha, blend, vine age, and maximum yields
  • For Vinya Classificada or Gran Vinya Classificada must have critical recognition min 5 years

The term ‘Old Vine’ – must be more than 75 years old or before 1945!

215
Q

Navarra produces red wines - which varieties and styles?

A
  • Good to very good quality reds
    • Garnacha
      • Felt this has the highest quality potential in Navarra
      • Old bush vine plantings
      • Light body, red berry fruit, med+ acid in north sub zones
      • Full bodied, and more tannic from southly sub zones
    • Tempranillo
      • Made as a single varietal often
      • Usually paired to American oak in maturation
    • Cabernet S and Merlot
      • Usually blended with Tempranillo or Garnacha
      • Matured in mainly French Oak
    • Overall – red wines made in a variety of styles – light bodied through to full bodied with varying oak regimes
216
Q

Mas Martinet produces wine in which region?

What is significant about this producer’s wines?

A

Priorat DOQ

They represent real value for money in a region that normally commands extremely high prices.

217
Q

What is the minimum ageing for Gran Reserva wines in Rioja - In oak / in bottle / in total.

A

60 months (5 years) total

min. 2 years in barrel
min. 2 years in bottle

218
Q

What is Tempranillo known as in Catalunya?

What does it translate to in English?

A

Ull de Llebre / Eye of the Rabbit

219
Q

Albarino

A

Albarino

  • Native grape from Galicia
  • Rias Baixas DO
  • Mainly grown on the Atlantic coast in North West spain
  • Thick-skinned = OK in damp climates
  • Aromatic, high acid, high alcohol
  • Almost extinct post-phylloxera
220
Q

Sierra Gredos has no DO but can use other classifications - can you guess at least one of them?

A

No DO of its own but can use, depending on location :

  • Vinos de Madrid
  • Mentrida DO (within Castilla-la Mancha)
  • Cebreros DO
  • Castilla Y Leon VT
221
Q

Where does Bodegas AGE produce wine?

Which sub-region are they located in?

What is the name of their bottling?

A

Rioja DOCa

Rioja Alta

Siglo

222
Q

Toro wine is produced in the autonomía of:

A

Castilla y Leon

223
Q

What geographical feature separates La Rioja from País Vasco?

A

The Cantabrian Mountains

224
Q

Bobal in Utiel Requena.

A

BOBAL

  • Mid to late budding, avoids spring frost
  • Very drought tolerant, retains acidity
  • Can be vigorous and high yielding with uneven ripening
  • Gives high levels of colour with good fruit flvour - used in blends to give colour and concentration
  • Compared to Monastrell
    • Holds onto its acidity better
    • Has lower alcohol than Monastrell
  • Can be made in two different styles :
    • Light bodied, medium tannin, often semi carbonic maceration
    • OR
    • Concentrated, medium+ tannins, medium+ to full bodied, blackberry, black cherry flavours, often notes of chocolate – matured in oak
  • Wines are generally acceptable to very good – inexpensive to mid-priced
225
Q

With the exception of NW Spain, heat and lack of water are the biggest challenges to growing grapes in Spain. If you were managing a vineyard how and why would you manage density and pruning? What is one potential major drawback?

A

Low density bush trained vines = maximise the water available to each vine and shading the fruit from excessive heat.

The drawback is bush vines cannot be mechanically harvested. I might consider ‘modified’ VSP so the shoots are allowed to flop over the grapes giving them shade and allowing mechanical harvesting.

226
Q

Bierzo DO red wines - everything about the style,

A

RED Wines – MUST CONTAIN 75% MENCIA

Style dictated by place/soil/topography

  • Flat plain with fertile silty loam in middle of DO
    • Produces mainly inexpensive/mid-priced wines at high yields
    • Med(-) body and tannins with red fruits – raspberry and cherry
    • Early consumption wines
    • Sometimes made using carbonic or semi-carbonic maceration
    • Usually not aged in oak
    • Good quality
  • Hill side slopes at 500-850mRL
    • Have good drainage
    • Shallow, poor slate soils, limit vigour
    • The high diurnal range helps slow sugar accumulation and acid retention
    • Yields are lower and production costs higher
    • More concentration
    • Wines
      • Medium-medium+ body and tannins
      • Higher alcohol
      • Ripe red cherry and plum fruit
      • Herbal and floral note
      • Often matured in oak, spicy note but handled well or else obscures Mencia’s delicate fruit
227
Q

What is Spain’s smallest wine region called?

A

Priorat

228
Q

What is the climate and soil of Rioja Alta and Alavesa? At what altitude are most vineyards?

A
  • Maritime, Alavesa is coolest, and Rioja Alta is slightly warmer.
  • High proportion of calcareous clay
  • 500~800m
229
Q

Who produces “L’Ermita?”

What DO does it come from?

What is significant about this wine / producer?

A

Alvaro Palacios

Priorat DO

  • One of the original producers to rekindle the Priorat DOQ in the 90’s.
  • Biodynamic leader in Spain.
  • The wines showcase the concentration possible from old vines in the Priorat with expressive aromatics and beautiful elegance.
  • Alvaro has been instrumental in delinating the differences between the villages in the Priorat and helped to make Gratallops the first sub-DO
230
Q

Which body of water most influences Rioja?

A

The Ebro River

231
Q

What specific body of water is directly to the north of País Vasco?

A

Bay of Biscay

232
Q

In which 2 autonomiás is Airen widely planted?

What style of wine does it make?

A

La Mancha and Valdepeñas

Makes hugely bland wine!

Used in the production of Brandy de Jerez

233
Q

What are the 5 sub-zones of Rias Baixas?

Which 2 are located along a river and what is the name of that river?

A

Val do Salnés

Ribeira do Ulla

Soutomaior

O Rosal (Miño River)

Condado do Tea (Miño River)

234
Q

the red wine of Toro - made in two different styles

A

Reds:

o predominantly Tinta de Toro (a local variant of Tempranillo) with some Garnacha Tinta.

o Full bodied, hi alcohol (up to 15% abv), high but ripe, soft tannins.

o High diurnal range means MEDIUM+ acidity in most cases

o DO rules are :

o 75% min. Tinta de Toro

o balance Garnacha Tinta

o Consejo Regulador – max. of 15% abv for reds

o Inexpensive :

§ Made with some carbonic maceration

§ Soften the tannin extraction and increase the fruit flavours

o Premium/Super-premium :

§ Matured in oak

§ Concentration of fruit balances the high proportions of new oak

§ Mixture of American and French oak

235
Q

The Ribera del Duero wine region is in the automonía of:

A

Castilla y Leon

236
Q

What is significant about the Cava DO?

What regions are allowed to produce it?

A
  • It is the only Spanish appellation that covers a style rather than a geographic area.
  • Aragón, Euskadi (Basque Country), Catalunya, Extremadura, La Rioja, Navarra, València
237
Q

Alvaro Palacios - what is the winery he set up in Priorat known for?

A

Alvaro Palacios (Gratallops) – has set up in Bierzo now

  • Became world famous with L’Ermita in 1993
  • Made from 100-yr old Garnacha vines and a little Cab Sauv
  • One of the most sought after and most expensive wines in Spain
  • 25ha (& bought-in grapes) for 150,000btls/yr
238
Q

Where is most (95%) Cava produced?

Centered on the city of:

A

Catalunya, around Penedes. Centered on Sant Sadurni d’Anoia

239
Q

In Spanish wine law, what does VCIG stand for, and where does it fall in the hierarchy?

A

Vinos de Calidad con Indicación Geografica

This falls within the PDO status, a step above VdlT but below DO. A basic quality wine with geographic indication.

240
Q

In the Aragon regions of Calatayud, Carinena and Campo le Borja describe the wines styles?

A

MAJORITY is :

  • high volume, inexpensive red wines for early drinking,
  • fermented at moderate temp. In SS tanks and then bottled soon after
  • full bodied, high alcohol, medium tannins, ripe red and black fruits

SMALL QUALITY PRODUCERS :

  • making very good wines from old vine Garnacha
  • a limited amount of time in oak
  • larger oak formats (500 litres or bigger) used
  • concentrated raspberry, plum fruit, with subtle spicy notes from oak, medium+ acidity, medium to medium+ tannins and high alcohol
241
Q

Largest exporter of wine in the world? true or false

A

true

242
Q

What style of Rose is Navarra known for?

A
  • Medium to deep coloured rosados in significant volume
    • Must have maceration on skins before pressing (3-4hrs pale, 6-12hrs deeper)
    • Not allowed to direct press !
    • Mostly fermented through in SS tanks
    • Bottled shortly after to retain primary berry notes

Fruit mainly from northern sub zones

243
Q

In which autonomia is Cariñena and Calatayud located?

Directly south of which DO?

A

Aragón.

South of Campo de Borja

244
Q

Which are the only 2 regions holding DOCa status?

A

Rioja and Priorat

245
Q

Grape varieties grown in Priorat - what % red vs. white and name the key varieties

A

Reds (94% of plantings):

  • 2/3rds of red plantings are Garnacha and Carinena
  • Garnacha - traditional, the majority of plantings
  • Carinena - traditional, copes well in the harshest, hottest areas
  • Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot – falling in popularity

Whites (6% of plantings):

  • Garnacha Blanca and Macabeo
246
Q

If you were writing a tasting note for Rias Baixas - what variety would you relate it to?

A

riesling - except with more alcohol - above 12% abv normally

247
Q

Empire of Garnacha? Which DO is this?

A

Campo de Borja

248
Q

What is the climate and soil of Rioja Oriental (Baja)?

A
  • Warmest of the 3 sub-zones
  • Soils composed of alluvial soil and ferrous clay.
249
Q

Wine labelling laws for Rias Baixas?

A

White Rias Baixas DO min 70% Albariño, varietal

“Rías Baixas Albariño” must be 100% Albarino

250
Q

max. yield in Priorat DOCa?

on average what is the yield in Priorat DOCa?

A

39 hL/Ha.

5-6 hL/Ha. - extremely low

251
Q

Viticulture in southern area of Basque country?

A

South (Rioja Alavesa)

o Some trellised and bush vines

o Much lower disease pressure

o Frost is a risk as well as hail

252
Q

The viticultural practics of Rias Biaxas?

A
  • >4,000ha, planted originally on PERGOLAs (Tendone)
  • Granite based subsoil, from 5500 growers !
  • More modern trellis systems, Geneva double curtain, to maximise sunlight and minimise disease
  • Traditionally on Pergola - Vines trained along granite posts (parrales) and wires > protect them from humidity and maximise sun exposure
  • Key hazards:
    • Dampness (disease control key)
    • coastal winds, frosts, hailstones and summer heat
253
Q

Indicate the style(s) of wine allowed to be produced in Ribera del Duero.

A

Still Red / Rosé

254
Q

Soils, topography and sub zones of Navarra?

A

Directly north of Rioja Oriental w vineyards on the lower slopes of the Pyrenees, descending towards the basin of the Ebro river

5 subzones:

Valdizarbe, Tierra Estella, Baja Montana :

  • All in the North of DO, hilly and runs east to west
  • Cooler and wetter with influence from Atlantic and Pyrenees

Ribera Alta :

  • The middle region

Ribera Baja :

  • 30% of vineyards
  • The warmest, driest and flattest

Various soils. Brownish grey limestone and alluvium soils in Ribera Baja.

255
Q

What is the minimum ageing for Joven wines - In oak - in bottle

A

Joven wines are fresh and youthful so there is no ageing requirement, they’re drunk young

256
Q

Where is Bierzo, what autonomiá is it located in, what is the climate like and what wines does it mainly produce?

A

East of Rias Baixas, in the mountains between Galicia and the Meseta Central.

Castilla y Léon.

Moderate climate with a cooling maritime influence. Mainly produces elegant red wines from Mencia with natural high acidity and red fruit aromas. Best wines come from old vines grown on steep slopes.

257
Q

Where would you most likely encounter wines labeled “Súmmum?”

What does this labeling term indicate?

A

Ribeira Sacra DO, Galicia, Spain

Red: min. 85% principal red grapes, min. 60% Mencía (Súmmum may be varietally labeled with a min. 85% Mencía)

White: 100% principal white grapes

258
Q

What are the different mountain ranges that surround the Meseta Central in Spain?

A

Cantabrian Mountains to the north.

Sierra de la Demanda to the northeast.

Sierra de Guadamarra to the southeast.

Sierra de Gredos to the south.

259
Q

What are the 11 DOs that make up the autonomía of Catalunya?

A

Alella DO

Catalunya DO

Cava DO

Conca de Barberà DO

Costers del Segre DO

Empordà DO

Montsant DO

Penedès DO

Pla de Bages DO

Tarragona DO

Terra Alta DO

260
Q

name the inland, and cooler zone of Valencia - and give details on it.

A

Alto Turia

  • An inland zone on foothills of mountains
  • 700m-1100m
  • Cooler area
  • Produces almost exclusively white wines ;

o Moscatel de Alejandria

o Merseguera

• Vinos de Pago El Terrerazo

o Is high altitude

o Dry farmed

o Making wines of higher concentration and texture

o the only DO Pagos in the Levante

261
Q

The Spanish sub-region of Murcia is made up of which 3 DOs?

80% of the area’s vineyards are planted with ___

A
  • Jumilla DO, Yecla DO, Bullas DO
  • Monastrell
262
Q

Grape varieties grown in Navarra?

the % split between Red and White in Navarra?

A

Compared to most Spanish appellations Navarra grows a wide range of grapes
Until 40 years ago Garnacha was dominant now Tempranillo is largest
Grows a reasonable volume of ‘international varieties’
Not known for a ‘signature’ varietal

Reds & Rosés (95% of plantings) / Whites (5% of plantings) REDS
Tempranillo – 36% of plantings Garnacha – 32% of plantings Cabernet Sauvignon – 13% Merlot – 11%
Others: Graciano, Mazuelo
WHITES:
Viura 4%,
Chardonnay 1%,
Garnacha Blanca, Moscatel

263
Q

In which region does Vega Sicilia produce wine?

What is the name of his top bottling?

What grapes are used and how is the wine aged?

A

Ribera del Duero

“Unico”

Tinto del País (Tempranillo), Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot and aged, often for a decade or more in American and French oak barrels.

264
Q

Vitculture on the North coast of Basque country?

A

North coast

o High disease pressure due to rainfall and humidity

o VSP trellising used, with canopy management to ensure good ventilation

o Main white variety is Hondarrabi Zuri

265
Q

In which appellation does Dominio de Pingus produce wine?

What are the 4 wines produced?

A

Ribera del Duero

“Pingus” / “Flor de Pingus” / “Amelia” / “PSI” (Old vine Tempranillo)

266
Q

What is the principal grape used to make red Rioja?

A

Tempranillo

267
Q

Carinena

A

Carinena = officially Mazuelo but Mazuela (Rioja) and Carignan (Priorat)

  • Originates from Aragon, predominate in Priorat
  • High yielding – yield needs to be low to produce quality
  • Late budding & ripening (> warm climate)
  • Thick stalks > mechanical harvesting difficult
  • Deep colour, hi acidity, medium tannins w red fruits flavour (dried cranberry, raspberry, liquorice)
  • Often blended with Tempranillo
268
Q

What is considered to be the national grape of Spain and in which regions is it extensively used?

A

Tempranillo

Rioja, Navarra, Ribera del Duero, Toro, La Mancha and Valdepeñas.

269
Q

What are the 6 most planted black ‘Spanish’ grapes?

A

Tempranillo

Garnacha Tinto (Grenache)

Monastrell (Mourvèdre)

Graciano

Carineña (Carignan) - Mazuelo in Rioja

Mencia

270
Q

Alicante DO has two non contiguous subzones - name them.

A

Mediterranean climate, located near the coast and inland

Hot summers and cold winters

VINALOPO

  • Generally has low rainfall 250mm/yr – extremely dry !
  • From coast up to 500 metre elevation

MARINA ALTA

  • more rainfall – 500mm
  • by the coast – so more maritime influence
271
Q

What is the minimum ageing for Gran Reserva wines in Ribera del Duero - In oak / in bottle / in total.

A

60 months (5 years) total

min. 2 years in barrel
min. 3 years in bottle

272
Q

Ribera del Duero DOC - rules and styles for the wines?

A

Almost 100% Tempranillo (excl. Vega Sicilia)

But rules for DO are :

  • 75% min. of Tempranillo
  • Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Garnacha and Albillo (white for freshness)
  • In truth the Albillo is rarely if ever used

The wines :

  • Full bodied
  • High alcohol
  • Ripe flavours – blackberry and plum
  • Vanilla/chocolate from new oak

Maturation :

  • French oak is popular
  • But also blending of French and American oak in maturation programmes
  • Not aged as long as in Rioja
  • Now a move back to less new oak and less extraction

The ageing categories are used – Crianza being the most popular – but the majority don’t use it

273
Q

What are the characteristics of Garnacha Tinta?

In which 6 regions is it used extensively?

What is it called in France?

A

Thin-skinned, high alcohol with concentrated spiced red fruit.

Used extensively in Rioja, Navarra, Campo de Borja, Carineña and Calatayud and old vine Garnacha is key in Priorat. Also extensively used to make Rosados.

Called Grenache in France

274
Q

What term does Priorat use instead of DOCa?

What dialect is this in?

A

DOQ = Denominació d’Originen Qualificada

-Catalan

275
Q

Rias Baixas viticultural details?

What hazards does viticultural in Rias Baixas have to battle?

A

>4,000ha, planted originally on PERGOLAs (Tendone), Granite based subsoil, from 5500 growers !

More modern trellis systems, Geneva double curtain, to maximise sunlight and minimise disease

Vines trained along granite posts (parrales) and wires > protect them from humidity and maximise sun exposure

Key hazards: Dampness (> disease control key); coastal winds, frosts, hailstones and summer heat

276
Q

Whites of Rueda

A

WHITES

Night harvested typically to get temperature down and slow oxidation

Cold maceration, generally NO MALOLATIC

Inexpensive white - excluding oxygen to preserve the freshness, bottled young (MAJORITY)

Mid tier white – as above but with some lees contact, and lees stirring

Top tier – normally fermented and/or matured in oak, smoky, toasty notes as well as texture

Rueda DO white is typically :

  • min 50% Verdejo.
  • Aromatic wines
  • Light body,
  • Dry
  • Flavours – apple, pear & peach flavours, Herbal/fennel note
277
Q

Which well-known Spanish cities are closest to the wine region of Priorat?

A

Barcelona or Tarragona

WSET D3 from Sam (33 decks)

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