SPAIN - Cava Flashcards
History:
How long have traditional method wines been made in Spain?
History:
Since late 19th century just outside Barcelona
History:
Which families were the early pioneers of cava production
History:
- Ferrer (Freixenet)
- Reventós (Codorniu)
History:
How was Cava defined in the Spanish Law and when?
History:
Sparkling wine made via trad method protected denomination in 1972
History:
In 1989, what did the EU do to Cava?
History:
Officially designated it as a PDO (protected designation of origin) for quality sparkling wine rather than a place
History:
Where can grapes be sourced from?
History:
Lots of non contiguous areas across one third of Spain eg. Rioja and Valencia
Growing Environment:
Where are most of the grapes sourced from and what percentage?
Growing Environment:
95% of grapes and production comes from Penedes
Growing Environment:
What are the principle areas of Cava production?
Growing Environment:
Penedes, Lleida and Tarragona
Growing Environment:
What is the climate in Penedes? How does this affect their Summers and Winters
Growing Environment: Mediterranean climate (bright hot Summers and mild Winters)
Growing Environment:
Ho much rain does Penedes see throughout the season?
Growing Environment:
540mm - MODERATE
Growing Environment:
Where are the vineyards located?
Growing Environment:
coast to inland (200-300m ab sea lev)
Growing Environment:
What are the very highest altitudes in which one might find vineyards for Cava grapes?
Growing Environment:
up to 700 m in rare cases
Growing Environment:
If growing grapes at 700m , what can one expect from acidity and flavor intensity
Growing Environment:
High acidity and flavor intensity (therefore AGEWORTHY) vs wines at lower elevations
Growing Environment:
which soils are found in Penedes?
Growing Environment:
It varies from alluvial clay to stony clay
Growing Environment:
What do the best soils offer to the vine?
Growing Environment:
Low nutrients, good drainage and good water retention
Growing Environment:
What is the regulatory body for Cava?
Growing Environment:
Consejo Regulador del Cava
Growing Environment:
Where is Lleida?
Growing Environment:
In Catalonia. It is a province that contains mountains and high plains
Growing Environment:
What is the climate in Lleida?
Growing Environment:
Mediterranean Climate at lower elevation and continental at higher elevations
Growing Environment:
Why does Lleida need irrigation and from where does the water in the system come?
Growing Environment:
It is arid semi-desert. The irrigation system channels water from the Pyrenees to the vineyards
Growing Environment:
What is the elevation range for vineyards in the Lleida region?
Growing Environment:
100m - 700m elevation
Growing Environment:
What are the two hazards that irrigation may protect vineyards from ?
Growing Environment:
- Drought
- Spring Frost
Growing Environment:
Which important pioneering 2200 ha estate lies In Lleida?
Growing Environment:
Raimat
Growing Environment:
Why is the this large estate considered special?
Growing Environment:
- Largest single vineyard estate owned by one family in Spain (Raventós family)
- It pioneered the growth and use of chardonnay in both Raimat and Codorniu wines
Growing Environment:
What is the difference in fruit grown at lower vs high elevations in Lleida?
Growing Environment:
At higher altitudes, there is fresher fruit and high acidity and at lower elevations, there is riper fruit and lower acidity
Growing Environment:
Where is Tarragona province located?
Growing Environment:
The province lies southwest of Barcelona
