Spain - Catalonia Flashcards
Catalonia Geography
(-) Northeastern Spain, in the foothills of the Pyrenees.
(-) Near the Mediterranean Sea and the city of Barcelona
Climate of Priorat
(-) Hot and dry Mediterranean
(-) Significant diurnal shifts
Climate of Cava
Moderate due to altitude (where most Cava is made)
Physical Features in Catalonia
Priorat: Steep, terraced slopes.
Cava: High-altitude sites in the Pyrenees.
Soil type of Catalonia (Priorat)
Priorat: Llicorella soil allows vines to dig deep for water
Grape growing in Priorat
Terrain does not allow for mechanization.
Use of bush vine (Gobelet) training,
naturally low yields
How is wine aged in Priorat
Use of French oak, is common
Describe winemaking in Cava
Traditional Method sparkling wines. The gyropalette (a Spanish invention) is typically used instead of riddling by hand
This region is located northeast of Tarragona, along the Catalan Coast
Penedes DO
White Grape Variety Names in Catalonia
Xarel-lo
Parellada
Macabeo
Garnacha Blanca
Red Grape Variety Names in Catalonia
Garnacha
Pinot Noir
Cariñena
Priorat Grapes
Garnacha
Cariñena
Cava grapes
Xarel-lo
Parellada
Macabeo
Pinot Noir
What is the main soil type of Priorat
Schist soil and Llicorella
Llicorella is a mixture of what soils
Quartzite and black slate
Style of Priorat wine
A powerful, intense, spicy Garnacha-based blend, often aged in French oak and blended with international varieties
Style of Cava Wine
Traditional method sparkling wine
Producers of Cava
Gramona
Producers of Priorat
Rene Barbier (Clos Mogador)
Álvaro Palacios
Clos Erasmus
Clos Martinet
Scala Dei
Cava DO
(-) Traditional Method Sparkling, white, and rosado styles of wine based on native Spanish grape varieties listed above
(-) Covers all of Spain, but the vast majority of Cava is made within the Penedès DO of Catalonia
Priorat DOCa wine styles
(-) Primarily still, dry reds based on Garnacha, Cariñena, and international varieties
Cava aging requirements
Cava de Guarda: min 9 months on lees
Reserva: min 18 months on lees
Catalonia DO
Cava
Priorat
Penedes
Describe Priorat
A modern Spanish wine, not a traditional style. It made a big impact in a short period of time and is highly respected
The significance of the Gratallops project to the style and reputation of Priorat DOCa.
The Gratallops project revolutionized Priorat DOCa by showcasing the region’s unique terroir and producing high-quality wines that gained global acclaim. Led by pioneers like Álvaro Palacios and René Barbier in the 1980s, it focused on small-scale, terroir-driven winemaking using old-vine Garnacha and Cariñena. This approach revived Priorat’s reputation, elevating it to one of Spain’s most prestigious wine regions. The project emphasized sustainability and individuality, setting a benchmark for quality and putting Priorat on the world wine map.
Pairings
Good Pairings -
(-) Grilled meats, smoky barbecue, and aged cheeses given flavors of vanilla, spice, and smoke
(-) Tannins from oak-aging pair well with fatty cuts of beef or lamb, balancing the richness.
(-) Ripe fruit flavors (blackberries, plums) pair beautifully with rich, savory dishes like braised short ribs or duck
(-) Sweet undertones from ripeness can enhance sweet-savory combinations, such as pork with fruit glazes or mole sauces.
(-) Intensity: Bold, intense wines stand up to hearty, robust dishes like stews, roasts, and spicy cuisines.
Bad Pairings:
(-) Avoid pairing with delicate foods, as the intensity can overwhelm lighter dishes like seafood or salads
(-) Spicy foods pair poorly due to high alcohol content
