Spain Flashcards
1
Q
What’s the modern story of Spanish wine-industry vs the old story?
A
Modern wineindustry is quality-focused, whereas the old-school style was very quantity-driven. As Spain became a part of EU in 1986 fundings came and EU-regulations.
After Franco, Quality grew.
2
Q
What’s the general climate of Spain, and what moderates?
A
Warm climate.
Central spain is continental, and moderated by altitude
North-west spain is with maritime influence from the Atlantic.
South and east-spain is with maritime influence from the mediterranean.
3
Q
The country is huge, and has the most ha under vine in the world; Why not the largest producer by volume?
A
Generally vines are planted with low density, due to the dry conditions, and therefore the yields are relatively low, and this makes Spain “only” the 3 largest producer of wine, in the world.
Bonus: over the last 5 years, the production has been 39 million hL per annum in average
4
Q
How did the Phylloxera-plague affect spain?
A
Phylloxera affected most of the country, with a few exceptions; Toro and Rueda were generally uneffected, due to the sandy soils.
5
Q
What are the principal varieties in Spain? Where are they primarly seen? And what are they used for?
A
Airen - used Inexpensive white wines and for brandy, mainly in Castilla, La Mancha
Tempranillo - All over spain for all styles
Bobal - Eastcoast, generally used for red and Rosé Garnacha Tinta - Predominately in central-north and north-east spain. Used for both red and rosé
Macabeo - for whites and sparkling, mainly seen in Catalunya; Called Viura in Rioja
Monestrell - Mourvedre, generally seen in the warmest of regions.
6
Q
What are the national ageing requirements, for the following styles of red and white; Generic, Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva?
A
Oak vessel must be of max capacity of 330 L
Red:
Generic: No requirement
*
Crianza: min. 24 months of ageing, including min. 6 months in barrel
*
Reserva: Min. 36 months of ageing, including min. 12 months in barrel
*
Gran Reserva: 60 months of ageing, including min. 18 months in barrel
*
White:
Generic: No requirement
*
Crianza: 18 months of ageing, including 6 months in barrel
*
Reserva: 24 months of ageing, including 6 months in barrel
*
Gran Reserva: 48 months of ageing, including 6 months in barrel
7
Q
What does the words Roble and Joven mean?
A
Oak and Young - typically seen on labels, to indicate the style.
8
Q
What is the Spanish PDO called and what two regions stands out?
A
DO - Denominacion de Origen
Priorat and Rioja are the only two regions with the status of DOCa/q = Denominacion de Origen Calificada.
9
Q
What does Vino de Pago emphasis?
A
Singly-estate category
Estates may only use their own grapes
All wine must be vinified and matured within the estate
10
Q
What does Vino de la Tierra emphasis?
A
PGI wines
40 VT’s in spain, the largest is Castilla
11
Q
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A
Riax Baixas
12
Q
Where is Riax Baixas Do situated?
A
north-western Spain, runnin along the Minho-river from the Western coast and inlands.
13
Q
How has the development been from the 90’s till todays?
A
Generally an extreme growth - Riax Baixas is a cooler region, that fits the profile of modern wine very well.
Growth from 1991-today; 3500 hl per year - 250.000 hl per year
14
Q
How is the climate in Riax Baixas, and what moderates it? What are the hazards?
A
Maritime climate - moderation from Atlantic, that keeps the winters mild and the summers warm.
1700 mm of annual rainfall - Risk of fungal disease, and rain at harvest.
15
Q
What’s the ratio between red and white varieties?
A
99% white varieties, 1% reds - very small production
16
Q
What is the main-variety and it’s specs?
A
(95% of plantings) Albarinho - Thick skin, early to mid-ripening, semi-aromatic - well suited for the climate.
17
Q
What are the 5 sub-zones called and how do they difer?
A
They differ by running from west to east, with climate changing from maritime, wet and cool to warmer and drier.
Val do Salnés; Right on coast-line, oldest subzone
Orosal; Situated along the river Minho - Close to the portugiese border; warmer region
Condado do Tea; Inland and warmer
Rebeira do Ulla; warmer, inexpensive and mid-priced wines are produced
Soutomaior: Smallest subzone.
18
Q
What are the typical training and trellising-method and why?
A
Pergola is traditional, as it shades and aids air-circulation, and with the high amount of sun-hours in the summer and rain in spring and fall, this is important.
Larger training-systems are also seen, to aid mechanization for inexpensive wines.
19
Q
What is the typical style of whites from the area, and how are they made? How does the high-quality wines differ?
A
Most winemaking is protective, to retain freshness and primary fruit and acidity; No malo, steel-maturation.
Some premium-examples are lees-aged and some even in oak; Some producers may macerate for a few hours to enhance the fruit-aromas.
20
Q
How much is exported and what are the largest markets?
A
1/4 of sales are generally exported - USA and UK largest markets.
21
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A
Ribeiro DO
22
Q
Briefly describe the characteristics of Ribeiro DO
A
East of Riax Baixas
Maritime, but warmer climate compared to Riax Baixas
Mainly whites produced from Treixadure
Premium wines typically fermented and aged in oak
23
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A
Ribera Sacra DO
24
Q
Briefly describe the characteristics of Ribera Sacra DO
A
Situated on the shores of the Minho River
Climate is continental, moderated by the river - some site are maritime influenced
Stony slopes provide good drainage
Most important variety is Mencia
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Valdeorras DO
26
Briefly describe the characteristics of Valdeorras DO
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most easterly placed DO in galicia
700-1000 mm rain annually
Altitudes of 300 m
Godello land - High reputation
mencia is most planted red grape, but not close to the amount of Godello
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27
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Monterrei DO
28
Briefly describe the characteristics of Monterrei DO
Situated south of Rebeira Sacra DO - Close to the border of Portugal
Continental climate, low rainfall
Bulk-wine is mainly produced
Mencia for quality - in modern times.
29
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DO's in Castilla y León
30
NEXT UP:
Bierzo DO
31
Who's the farther of modern Bierzo? and why was he attracted to the region?
Alvaro Palacio - Due to the slate-soils, similar to the ones in Priorat, where he had success before.
32
Where is Bierzo located and what is the climate like?
Situtated north-west in Castilla y León
Continental Climate with some maritime influence. Mountains on three sides, where the fourth is open to maritime influence from the Atlantic.
33
What's the principal variety and what are the requirements of red Bierzo DO?
Mencia, making up 75% of all plantings, and it must be 70% Mencia, max. 30% Alicante Bouschet
Bonus: Only 2% of plantings are Alicante Bouschet, and therefore most wines are 100% Mencia.
34
What is the principal white variety?
Godello
35
What is the topography like?
Vineyards on valley floors and silty loam, promoting high yields.
Best vineyards on slopes:
Soils as in Priorat; Shallow, poor, slate soil
Altitude of 500-850 m
36
How are the vines typically trellised?
For inexpensive wines they are trellised for high yields and lower tending, but for quality old bush-vines are found.
37
What was introduced in 2017, improving the base for quality in the area?
The Consejo Regulador recognized some areas for quality, resulting in villages and vineyards of significance now allowed on the label, representing a certain quality bound to restricted yields and certain varieties.
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Toro DO
39
Where is Toro situated, what's the climate like and what moderates?
Situated west-central in Castilla y León, near the Duero River, that brings moderation. The Climate is continental, moderated by Duero and altitudes of 620-750 m. Low rainfall, due to the placement.
40
What is the typical trellising?
Due to the high temperatures and low rainfall, bush-wines are found, often very old, due to the fact that phylloxera did not hit the region, because of the sandy soils.
41
What is the principal variety?
Tinta de Toro - a bit like tempranillo, but thicker skins, more tannins and more suitable for the warm climate.
42
What are the requirement of Red Toro DO?
Min. 75% Tinta Toro
Max. 75% Garnacha
Max 15% alcohol permitted
43
What are the typical styles made?
High quantity; Carbonic maceration, to stay fresh and fruity
| Low quantity; aged in oak, and build for the long run.
44
Why has the production risen in Toro since the mid 90's? and why has Toro traditionally not been exported?
Since the prices in Ribera del Duero started rising in the mid-90's, producers searched for new land, to replicate; Toro was close-by.
Due to the fact the Toro is quite isolated, there has never been exported much.
45
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Ribera del Duero
46
What was the first founded winery in the region?
Vega Secilia, 1864
47
Where is Ribera Del Duero situated?
Central-eastern part of Castilla y León, with the Duero River running through.
48
What is the climate like in Ribera del duero?
Similiar to Toro and Rueda; Continental, very warm summers, very cool winters, and low rainfall of 400-600 mm.
49
What's the topography like?
Altitude of 750-1000 m, moderating the extreme heat.
50
What is the traditional trellising, and what is the modern?
Old bush-vines - newer vines are typically planted on trellis, as it is easier and faster to establish (But may also undermine the quality)
51
What is the principal variety?
Tinto Fino/ Tinta del Pais (Tempranillo)
52
What law was revised in 2019?
Before 2019, only red and Rosé was allowed, now whites can be made from the local variety Albillo Mayor.
53
What are the varietal requirements for red Ribera del Duero DO?
Min. 75% tempranillo (Many are 100%
| Max. 25% Cab. S., Merlot, Malbev, Garnacha and/ or Albillo.
54
What are the Ageing requirements of Ribera Del Duero?
Crianza; min. 12 month of ageing, in cask - Can be released 2 years after harvest.
Reserva: 36 month of ageing, min. 12 months in cask, can be released 3 years after harvest.
Gran Reserva: min. 60 months of ageing, min. 24 months in cask, can be released 5 years after harvest.
55
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Rueda DO
56
What makes Rueda DO unique in Castilla Y León?
It's a white wine region
57
Where is Rueda DO situated?
Just east of Toro, central in Castilly y León
58
What is the climate and topography like?
As in Toro; Continental, low rainfall, altitudes of 700-800 m, with a stony topsoil over sandy clay-sub-layer. limestone for bedrock.
59
What are the principal varieties?
Verdejo and Sauvignon Blanc
60
What is the primary trellising-technique and why?
Due to the warm days, a trellising suited for machine-harvest is preferred, allowing producers to harvest during the night.
61
What is the typical style? high-quality vs high quantity
Inexpensive wines are typically made inert and restrained, high quality wines are typically aged on wood but malo is often avoided to retain acidity.
62
What is Rueda traditionally known for producing?
oxidative, fortified wines.
63
The production has quadropled from 2000-2019, why?
The demand of inexpensive, inert whites from the area has risen, and the production has become more effecient.
64
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Rioja DOq/a
65
Where is Rioja DOq/a situated?
North-eastern Spain
66
Rioja has a relative close proximity to the atlantic, why is the influence quite small?
Due to the mountain-range of Sierra de Cantabria in the north-west and Sierra de la Demanda in the south-east.
67
What are the 3 sub-zones of Rioja called?
Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Orientali (Baja before)
68
Where are the 3 sub-zones situated?
Rioja Alta to the north-west (South of the River Ebro)
Rioja Alavesa to no the north-west (north of Ebro)
Rioja Orientali south-east, with some low-altitude regions (Baja means low)
69
What are the difference in climate and topography from the 3 sub-regions?
Rioja Alta: Continental, with some maritime influence, and varied topography; Central around area around Ebro is relatively low and warm, north-west is cooler and wetter, and southern corner has altitudes of up to 700 m.
Rioja Alavesa: Relatively cool and wey, vineyards are found up to 700 m.
Rioja Orientali: Altitude-plantings of 500-1000 m in the south, with average-temperatures as low as in Alavesa and Alta, the northern part is low-altitude and extremely dry and warm.
70
What is the principal variety in Rioja DOq/a?
Tempranillo (88% of black varieties planted)
71
What is the traditional variety in Rioja, and why is this variety found in smaller amounts today?
Grenache dominated 50 years ago, but then irrigation became legal (Partially) and this meant that drought-resistant Grenache was no longer required. Tempranillo produces reliable high yields, and therefore many Garnacha-vines were removed and Tempranillo planted instead.
Bonus: Some producers are starting to plant Garnacha again; This may prove to be a good idea, given the climate-changes.
72
What are the principal white varieties?
```
Viura (Macabeo - 70% of all white plantings)
Tempranillo Blanco
Malvasia
Garnacha Blanca
Verdejo
Sauvignon Blanc
```
73
How was oldschool style of Rioja reds produced?
Often blends of Tempranillo and Garnacha, sourced from different sites in Rioja (Cooler sites, Tempranillo, warmer sites, Garnacha)
Long ageing - exceeding age-requirements. Primarily with american oak.
Style of wine was typically tertiary and secondary aromas, with less fresh fruit.
74
What happened to the style of Rioja in the 90's?
As with almost every other red-wine region, parker started rating;
Style became more extracted, ageing in french barrique was seen, to soften the wine. Single-varietal wines are seen, typically from Tempranillo. Generally wines were fruit-driven and available at younger age.
75
What is the style of modern Rioja?
Somewhere between.
More focus on the single plot, vintage and variety.
Many producers age in less of small vessels (Can't label as the age-requirements only allow of ageing in 225 L oak), and more on cement, amphorae, old large oak etc.
With the new regulation of single-vineyards allowed on label, more producers focus on that.
76
What is the oldschool style of whites? What is the modern style of whites?
Oldschool; Oxidative, oak-aged, and longlivity, based around the secondary and tertiary aromas.
Modern; Oak-aged, restrrained, longlivity - more based around the primary and secondary aromas
77
What is the general assumption of the quality of Rosé from Rioja? And what is it typically made from?
To be of high quality and made from Garnacha and Tempranillo.
78
The wine-laws of Rioja has been reviewed and approved in 2018, why?
Many producers stopped following the rules, as they have been thought to be either too struct or to inflexible (e.g. producers could only use 225 L of barrels, for the maturation of their wines, not allowing large oak-vessels, cement, steel or amphorae), therefore the Consejo de Regulador revised the regulations.
79
What does Vino de Zona refer to? And what is the exception to the rule?
If a wine is labeled VIno de Zona, the grapes must all be sourced from the single zone named; Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, Rioja Oriental. The exception is, if you can prove that you have sourced from another zone consecutively for 10 years, then 15% of the grapes can still be sourced.
80
What does Vino de Municipio refer to?
Grapes must be from within the Municipio (village / commune)
15%-rule applies as in Vino de Zona
Wines must be vinified within the Municipio, meaning the the producers winery must be within the Municipio to apply this legalation on the label.
81
What does Viñedor Singular refer to? and what are the requirements?
Viñedor Singular refers to a single vineyard, that can be added to the label. requirements are;
Grapes must be sourced from a single vineyard
Vinification, ageing storage and bottling must take place within the same winery.
Producer must have owned the vineyard for min. 10 years
The vineyard must have a min. age of 35 years
Vineyard must be hand-harvested and treated in sustainable ways
Extended pruning restrictions during growing season
Checks of traceability will be carried out and the wines must be authorised by a tasting panel
Label may include the name of the Municipality and the single vineyard / estate and the phrase; Vinedo Singular
82
What are the ageing requirements for the following styles of both red, white and rosé; Generic, Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva?
Generic
Red: No Ageing Requirements
White/ Rosé: No Ageing Requirements
Crianza
Red: Min. 24 months of ageing, including min.12 months in oak
White and Rosé: Min. 24 months of ageing, Min. 6 months in oak
Reserva
Red: Min. 36 months of ageing, including min. 12 months in oak, including min. 6 months in bottle
White and Rosé: 24 months of ageing, min. 6 months in oak
Gran Reserva
Red: min. 60 months of ageing, including min. 24 months in oak, including min. 24 months in bottle
White and Rosé: 48 months of ageing, including min. 6 months in oak
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Navarra
84
Where is Navarra situated?
North-East of Rioja
85
There are 5 sub-regions that can be put into two geographical / topographical groups, describe the two groups;
3 northern regions, that are hilly and cooler and wetter;
Baja Montana, Valdizarbe, Tierra Estella
2 regions in the south, that are drier, warmer and flatter
Ribera Alta and Ribera Baja
86
What type of wine is the region known for traditionally? and what is the style of wine today? What grape-variety/ties provide quality-fruit?
Earlier, the region was known for dark rosé's made from Tempranillo and Garnacha, now focus is on red-wines, and many grapes are permitted.
Modern producers focus on Garnacha, often from the northern and more hilly part, where outstanding wines can be made. Often Variatal.
87
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Aragon
88
Aragon consist of 4 principal regions, what are they called?
Carinena DO
Campo de Borja DO
Calatayud DO
Somontano DO
89
3 regions are placed westerly and 1 north-east, what are the primary differences in the climate?
Carinena DO, Campo de Borja DO and Calatayud DO are situated westerly and far inland.
*
warm continental climate
*
Max. annual rainfall: 450-500 mm
*
Most vineyards are placed at high altitudes, to moderate the heat
*
A cold wind from the north; Cierzo, moderates temperatures aswell
*
Redwine-producing mainly - Garnacha is focus
*
Generally the regions produce inexpensive, early-consumeable wines
*
A few producers focus on old-vine, high quality single varietal wines made from Garnacha.
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Somontano DO
*
Placed in the foothills of the Pyrenees
*
Warm Continental Climate
*
Slightly higher rainfall
*
350-650 m of altitude
*
Moderating breezes from the pyrenees
*
Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay most planted, and significant plantings of Gewurztraminer
*
40 years ago the region has almost no producers - today there is over 30; External investments, mainly from producers of Sherry, has helped the region
*
The region struggles under the competetion from more well known regions around it.
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Catalunya
91
Where is Catalunya situated?
North-eastern corner of Spain, just south of the Pyrenees
92
How many DO's and DOq's does Catalunya consist of?
11 DO and 1 DOq
93
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Catalunya DO
94
Where is Catalunya DO situated?
Large DO covering all of Catalunya
95
Why would producers use this DO for their wines?
Producers often use this, to classify their more inexpensive and low-quality products
More recognized as an export-name, and therefore a force
96
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Penedés DO
97
What is Penedés DO most known for?
Cava production
98
What are the 3 most planted varieties?
Xarel-Lo, Paralleda, Macabeo (cava-production, mainly)
99
There are 3 distinct climate-zones in Penedés DO - Briefly describe the 3 different zones;
```
Penedes Maritim
Situated between the sea and the coastal mountains
Low altitude no extreme weather
Generally inexpensive still-wines
Monastrell is mostly planted
```
Penedes Central
Situated between the coastal mountains and the foot of the inland mountains
Altitudes of up to 500 m. helps moderating
Large plantings of Xarel-lo, Macabeo, Parellada, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo and Chardonnay
Penedes Superior
Situated in the inland-mountains
500-800 m of altitude - Spring-frost can be an issue
White grapes rule, due to the cooling; Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Noir
100
80% of planted varieties are white and used for Cava-production; What is the typical style of still white? and why?
One of the first regions to be modernized in the 60's and 70's, starting with Miguel Torres, who introduced steel-tanks and temperature-control. Therefore the style is often clean, fresh and retained, with no oak.
101
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Priorat DOq
102
Who was Rene Barbier and what wineries did he start?
1989; Rene Barbier formed a small group of wineries, and these put Priorat on the map as a top-producing region with following wines;
Clos Mogador, Clos Dofi, Clos de L'Obac, Clos Martinet and Clos Erasmus
103
What happened in 2009?
Priorat was promoted from DO to DOq
104
Where is Priorat DOq situated?
Southerly placement, and quite central (inland) in Catalunya
105
Describe the climate of Priorat DOq
Warm continental, warm summers and cooler winters (Spring-frost can be a hazard)
Rather dry region, with 500-600 mm annually, generally falling in winter and spring.
No maritime influence, due to mountain-ranges to the north and east.
106
Describe the Typography and soil of Priorat DOq
Topography:
Broad range of altitude (100-750 m)
Due to the rugged topography the region only has 2000 ha of plantings, even though the region covers 17600 ha of land.
Vineyards are steep, ranging from 5-60%
Mountain-ranges are covering the region from both north and east.
Soil:
Poor and stony generally, with outcrops of clay
Slate-based soils, called Ilicorella, is found and reflects light and heat,.
Bedrock of slate spread into vertical layers and allow for the vines to let their roots dig deep
107
What is the traditional trellising in Priorat DOq?
Bush-vines are typically seen - VSP where it is possible, but rather few places.
108
What are the traditional varieties?
Garnacha and Carinena
109
What international varieties are primarly used?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot.
110
What is the typical style of Priorat DOq?
High acidity, high tannin, high alcohol, high intensity - very good to outstanding quality.
111
Why can it be difficult to work with ambient yeast, in Priorat DOq?
Ambient yeast can have a hard time fermenting at this high level of alcohol, and if it is able to will take a long time, therefore cultured yeast is often used.
112
What does Vi de Vila refer to?
Sub-zones.
Grapes must originate from one of the 12 sub-zones
Name of the sub-zone can be put on label, following "Vi de Vila"
113
What does Vi de Paratge refer to?
Single Named Site / Paratge
equivalent to Lieu Dit in France
459 Paratge spread all over Priorat DOCQ
114
What does Vinya Classificada refer to?
A wine from a single vineyard of special merit
| Equavalent to 1. cru
115
What does Gran Vinya Classificada refer to?
A wine from a single vineyard of outstanding merit
| Equavalent to Grand Cru
116
How do you, as a producer, qualify for the before stated regulatives?
Producers must own / rent the specific vineyard for min. 7 years before applying.
Wines involving Vinya Classificada and Gran Vinya Classificada must be stated as "critical recognized", meaning being recognized as an outstanding wine brand over a min. of 5 years
"Old Vines" can be stated if the vines are min. 75 years of age or planted before 1945. This has to be approved by the local Consejo.
117
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Montsant DO
118
Where is Montsant DO situated?
Situated around the Priorat DOq
119
What is the climate and topography like?
Everything is more moderated, compared to Priorat DOq
Warm and dry summers, with moderation from the sea
Some mountanious vineyards are found, at 300-700m
Mixture of soils, ranging from sand to clay-based
Some examples of Ilocerella is found in the south - To the north the soil is based around limestone
Slightly more fertile soils, compared to Priorat
Yields tend to be higher than Priorat
Topography is less extreme, and therefore in more places, mechanisation is possible.
120
What grape-varieties are principal in Montsant DO
94% black varieties
2/3 Garnacha and Carinena
Tempranillo is next-most planted variety
Syrah, Merlot and Cab. S is also found.
121
How does the style differ from Priorat DOq?
Much the same, but often with a slightly lower intensity and structure.
122
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Costers del Segre DO
123
Where is Costers del Segre DO situated?
Far north, and inland
124
What is the DO known for, in terms of varieties and style?
Generally known for Cava and cava-grapes
125
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Valencia DO
126
Where is Valencia DO situated?
South-eastern Spain. East of La Mancha, with close proximity to the Mediterranean Sea
127
What is the climate like and what are the typical moderators?
Climate is Mediterranean with moderation from the ocean and altitude.
128
What are the 4 sub-regions?
Alto Turia, Valentino, Clarioano and Moscatel
129
What is the focus of varieties and styles?
Half and half red and white; Moscatel de Alexandria are principal white, both used for dry whites and fortified wines. Allicante Bouschet (Garnacha Tinotrera) and tempranillo are principal reds.
130
NEXT UP:
Utiel-Requena DO
131
Where is Utiel-Requena DO situated?
North-west of Valencia DO - rather far inland.
132
What is the climate like and what are the moderators?
Continental climate, with hot summers and very cold winters. Moderation comes from altitude (approximately 750 mm in average)
133
What is the most planted variety?
Bobal
134
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Alicante DO
135
Where is Alicante DO situated?
In the most southern part of Valencia
136
What is the climate like?
Mediterranean climate, with low average of rain (250 mm annually)
137
What red variety is principal?
Monastrell - DO requires min. 80% Monastrell in blends.
138
What is Fondillon?
```
Historic winestyle
medium-sweet red wine
Max. 40 g/l sugar
Late-harvest Monastrell
min. 16% alcohol
No fortification allowed
Min. oak-ageing of 10 years (Typically in 1200 L)
Anada; Vintage-wine
Solera: Blend of several vintages
```
139
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Jumilla DO
140
Where is Jumilla situated?
Just west of Alicante - far inland
141
What is the climate like and what are the moderators?
Warm, continental climate, with moderators being altitude (400-800 m)
142
What is the principal variety?
Monastrell (80% of plantings)
143
What happened in 1989, that changed the style of wines. What is the difference between style before and after?
Phylloxera destroyed the region in 1989, and before this time, bulk-wine was in focus. After 1989 quality-minded producing has come in focus.
144
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Yecla DO
145
Where is Yecla situated?
In the northern part of Jumilla.
146
What is the climate like?
Similar to Jumilla, hence Warm, Continental, with low rainfall and moderation from altitude.
147
What is the principal variety?
Monastrell as in Jumilla
148
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La Mancha DO
149
Where is La Mancha situated?
South-central Spain
150
What is the climate and topography like?
Extreme continental - Max temperatures of 45 degrees, min. temperatures of -20 degrees. Rainfall of 300-400 mm annually, altitude of 500-700 m, situated on the Meseta-central
151
What is the principal red and white variety? And what styles are they used for?
Airen is principal white, used for bulk-wines and brandy
| Cencibel (Tempranillo) is principal red, and used for bulk.
152
There are 15000 growers in La Mancha, how many wineries?
250 - large-scale-production, and the largest co-operative in spain is also found; Virgen de Las Vinas (2000 members, covering 20.000 ha)
153
NEXT UP:
The Basque Country
154
Where is the Basque Country situtated?
Northern spain, with Rioja Alavesa beingt the most southern region.
155
Where is Txakoli situated and what is it known for?
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Region in the north, including 3 DO's.
Moderate maritime climate
1600 mm annual rain
Principal variety; Hondarrabi Zuri
Typically wines from steel-tank
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156
NEXT UP:
Sierra de Gredos
157
Where is Sierra de Gredos situated?
Mountain-range west of Madrid
158
What is Sierra de Gredos known for in modern times?
Commado G, producing Grenache-based wines from old vines and high altitudes (600-1200 m)
159
NEXT UP:
The Islands
160
What islands are gathered under the name "Balearic Islands"?
Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera
161
What varieties are these islands known for?
Manto Negro, Monastrell, Tempranillo, Malvasia
162
What islands are gathered under the name "The Canary Islands"?
Lanzarote, Tenerife
163
What is the general climate and topography?
Tropical influence, hot and humid climate, moderated by altitudes of up to 1500 m.
164
What are the principal varieties?
Listan Negro, Malvasia, Listan Bianco (palomino)
