Spain - Catalonia (Catalunya)

Question 1

Catalonia wine map

Answer 1

Question 2

Catalonia geography (location)

Answer 2

Northeastern Spain
Foothills of Pyrenees Mtns.
Near Mediterranean Sea and city of Barcelona

Question 3

Catalonia geography (physical features)

Answer 3

Prioriat - steep terraced slopes
Cava - high altitude sites in the Pyrenees

Question 4

What kind of soil is found in Prioriat?

Answer 4

Llicorella - blackish colored slate/schist rock that is very porous drains well.

Allows vines to dig deep for water.

Question 5

Catalonia climate

Answer 5

Prioriat - hot & dry Mediterranean with significant dinural shifts
Cava - Moderate due to altitude (where most Cava is made)

Question 6

What grape growing techniques are used in Prioriat?

Answer 6

• Terrain does not allow for mechanization, use of bush/Goblet vine training.
• Naturally low yields
• Old vines grown in Llicorella soil

Question 7

Prioriat vinification

Answer 7

• MODERN SPANISH WINE not traditional
• Always aged in French oak
• Wines are very intense, inky, and concentrated
• Often blended with international varieties

Question 8

Cava grapes

Answer 8

Xarel-lo
Parellada
Macabeo
(also Garnacha blanca, Pinot Noir)

Question 9

Prioriat grapes

Answer 9

Garnacha
Carinena
International varieties

Question 10

Catalonia DOCas & DOs

Answer 10

Prioriat DOCa
Cava DO
Penedes DO

Question 11

Cava DO

Answer 11

• Traditional method sparkling wine
• White and rose styles of wine based on native Spanish grape Xarel-lo, Parelleda, Macabeo.
• This DO covers all of Spain, but vast majority is made within the Penedes DO of Catalonia

Question 12

Cava aging requirements

Answer 12

Cava (Cava de Guarda) - min 9mos on lees
Reserva - min 18mos on lees

Question 13

Prioriat DOCa

Answer 13

One of two DOCa’s in Spain (other is Rioja)
Primarily still, red wines based on Garnacha, Carinena, and internation varieties.

Question 14

Penedes DO

Answer 14

Main production area of Cava
Mostly white wines
First area of Spain to use stainless steel

Question 14

Prioriat producers to know

Answer 14

Rene Barbier
Alvaro Palacios
Clos Erasmus
Clos Martinet
Scala Dei

Question 15

Cava producers to know

Answer 15

Gramona

Question 16

What was the Gratallops project + impact on style and reputation of Prioriat DOCa?

Answer 16

• Named after the Priorat village where the wines are made. Alvaro Palacios & other winemakers bought the vineyards together and shared vinification facilities until they each set up their own estates.
• 1990s - this movement put Prioriat on the map
• Goal was to be on par with Bordeaux

Question 17

Prioriat food pairings

Answer 17

Pair with something braised rabbit or venison - even nicer if there is a fruit component to the dish.
High tannins, ripe fruit, and reflection of “wild terroir” go nicely with gamier meats.