Spain Copied & Amended Flashcards
1
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
2
Q
Utiel Requena. Summarise what you know about this DO.
A
Continental Climate w/hot summer days & very cold winters.
Avg. altitude = 750m
Low rainfall 450mm/yr.
The coolest of the five regions of the Levante
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
3
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
4
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
5
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
6
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.
7
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
8
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.
9
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
10
Q
Name of cooling north wind in Aragon regions?
A
Cierzo
11
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
12
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
13
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
14
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)
15
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
16
Q
What is the name of Spain’s largest wine region?
A
La Mancha
17
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
18
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
19
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
20
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
21
Q
What variety is 75% of Alicante DO plantings?
A
Monastrell
22
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’
23
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
24
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
25
Rueda DO - the wine laws for the wines?
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
26
Rioja Consejo Regulador - what does it do?
**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
27
Graciano
**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
28
Viticulture of Montsant - how is it different and the same as Priorat?
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
29
What is the soil in Priorat called, what is its make up and what does it do?
Llicorella
Black slate with small particles of Quartzite / Mica which reflects heat in to the vines, conserves heat over night and helps retain water
30
Vineyard area in spain?
976,000 Ha of vineyard
31
Spain is the largest wine producer in the world by volume? True or False
False - about third
but largest vineyard area in the world
32
Explain the two different categories of Rioja white wines - how they are made and what style is the result.
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
33
Domestic consumption
~20 litres/head - considered low by European standards
34
Where is Jumilla and Yecla located, what is the climate like, and what is the dominant grape?
South of Valencia in the autonomia of Murcia.
Hot and arid
Monastrell (Mourvèdre)
35
What has been happening in Toro over the last 20 years?
Large increase in wineries as producers from Ribera del Duero invest in the region - now 50 wineries
36
The Valencia DO focuses on what kind of wine
Production of inexpensive fruity wines made by local cooperatives and for immediate consumption
37
Navarra climate and weather
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
38
Where is Navarra located?
North and east of Rioja running into the foothills of the Pyrenees
39
What are PGI wines called in Spain?
Vino de la Tierra (VdlT) /
Vino con Indicación Geográfica Protegida
40
Verdejo
**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
41
Why are vineyards in Priorat expensive and time consuming to manage?
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.
42
Yecla DO - what is 85% of its plantings?
what % of its wines are exported?
What dominates the production in Yecla?
Monastrell
95%
one very large Cooperative - 60% of production
43
What is the climate in Navarra and what style of wines come from there?
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.
44
Whites are \_\_\_% of Penedes production
what are the varieties?
WHITES (80% of production):
· Xarel-lo, Parellada, Macabeo,
· Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Gewurztraminer
45
What are the four main white 'Spanish' grapes?
Verdejo
Albariño
Airén
Macabeo (Viura in Rioja)
46
Calatayud is in the Aragon province - what are the soil, topography and climate like?
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
47
Whilst others are used what are the 2 grapes commonly used in Priorat?
Old vine Garnacha, old vine Carineña.
48
Climate of Rioja?
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)
49
Where would you usually find Monastrell?
What is the grape called in France?
What are the characteristics, aromas and flavours of the grape?
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
50
What are the 3 distinct climatic zones in Penedes, and what is grown on each?
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
51
Tinta de Toro is a synonym of:
Tempranillo
52
What is the minimum ageing for Red Reserva wines in Ribera del Duero total - In oak - in bottle
24 months total w/ 6 in barrel. no bottle requirement.
53
Soils, topo, and climate of Penedes
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
54
What is significant about Rueda and what is the climate?
What type of wine predominates here?
Continental climate with cool Summer nights
Mainly white wines produced from Verdejo and Sauvignon Blanc
55
What percentage of Rias Baixas DO wines are exported?
25%
56
The grape varieties of Spain in descending order?
* Grape varieties :
* Airen 22% roughly – but falling
* Tempranillo 20% - and rising
* Bobal – 5%+
* Garnacha – 5%+
* Macabeo – 5%
* Monastrell – 4%
57
Main two export markets for Spain?
What are the next three markets?
France and Germany - in bulk for in market bottling
UK, China and USA - and take more bottled product
58
Business of Bierzo - how many growers (%) sell to a cooperative?
How many wineries in Bierzo
* 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
59
la Mancha's climate?
Hot, dry and extremely continental climate (45C to -20C)
Rainfall 300-400mm
3,000h of sunlight/yr.
60
Viticulture in Rioja?
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!
61
Viticulture of Rueda
- 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
62
Soils and toporaphy of Toro
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
63
What is the dominant black grape variety in Ribera del Duero?
What are the 2 local synonyms for it?
Tempranillo
-Tinto del País and Tinto Fino
64
What is the correct order (youngest to oldest) for Gran Reserva, Reserva, Joven, Crianza
Joven, Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva
65
What do the different sub-zones of Rioja contribute to a blended Rioja Tinto wine?
- Freshness from Rioja Alavesa
- Extract and alcoholic warmth of Rioja Oriental
- Acidity and structure of Rioja Alta.
66
Mid tier and Premium white Rioja winemaking?
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
67
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?
Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano, Mazuelo, Maturana Tinta
91%
88% of black grape plantings!
68
Tempranillo?
**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
69
Winemaking used in the making of Rias Baixas Albarino DO white wines?
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
70
What is the capacity of traditional barrels used in aging red wines in Rioja?
225 L
71
Key facts on Somontano? where is it, what does it primarily grow and who are the producers?
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
72
Mostly half of Spain's vineyard area is in Castilla la Mancha?
True or false
True
73
What is Tempranillo called in La Mancha and Valdepeñas?
Cencibel
74
Where are the vineyards of Priorat located, what's the climate like and what black grapes are predominate?
Inland hills.
Long hot, dry, summers with low annual rainfall.
Garnacha and Carineña. Cab Sauv is also grown and added to blends.
75
The wines of Toro DO - explain the rules and styles made.
**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
76
Toro - the vineyard area ?
density of plantings?
what style of trellis?
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
77
What is the Meseta Central and what is the climate like?
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.
78
Climate of Rueda?
* Continental w cool evenings that give the wine elegance
* Avg rainfall 400mm. 2,700h of sunlight/yr
* Strong winds
79
who are the main producers in Calatayud and Carinena?
What are both DOs known for?
Cooperatives
production of inexpensive high volume bulk wine, rich ripe, hi in alcohol, full bodied, red wines from Garnacha and Tempranillo
80
Mazuelo?
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
81
Which international black grapes are grown in Spain alongside native varietals?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot, some Pinot Noir.
82
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?
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.
83
Viura in Rioja?
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
84
Describe a 'typical' Ribera del Duero red wine
Dark in colour, concentrated fruit flavours with high tannin
85
Describe a typical red wine from Priorat:
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.
86
Compare the traditional white Rioja style and winemaking to the Modern style.
**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
87
What are the 5 DOs of Galicia?
Monterrei DO
Rías Baixas DO
Ribeira Sacra DO
Ribeiro DO
Valdeorras DO
88
Broadly, what are the three climate zones in Spain and where are they?
- 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
89
What is the grape Cariñena called in Rioja?
In France?
In Italy?
Mazuelo in Rioja
Carignan in France
Carignano
90
What sub-region of Rías Baixas has the highest production of total wine and is known as the historical birthplace of the albariño grape?
Val do Sanés
91
What is the climate of Costers del Segre?
Severe **semi-arid** climate w extreme diurnal range all year
and **low rainfall** of 400mm.
Northern areas more altitude and Pyrenees influence
92
Garnacha Tinto?
**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)
93
The River Ebro runs through which Spanish wine region?
Rioja
94
Where is Bierzo?
What are the soils and topography like?
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
95
Traditional Priorat wine style versus the modern one - what are the differences?
* 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.
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Penedes DO viticulture?
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% !
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Tempranillo Blanco
**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
98
What is the climate of Rioja Oriental (Baja) compared to the other 2 sub-zones of Rioja, and what is one potential risk?
Warmer and more continental with potential risk of drought.
99
The climate of Bierzo?
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
100
What is the main white grape of Rias Baixas?
What are the 3 other recommended grapes?
Albariño
-Loureiro, Treixadura, Caiña Blanca
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What is happening in Priorat today in terms of the winemaking and varieties used?
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
102
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?
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
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Which region is best known for producing Albarino?
Galicia (Rias Baixas)
104
What is the Vinos de Pago denomination?
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
105
The Bobal varietal - indigenous to southern Spain - describe the varietal and the wines made from it
**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
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Where are the vineyards of the Ribera del Duero located?
On the highest part of the Meseta Central with vineyards btw/ 850 and 900m.
107
What is the climate of Carineña and Calatayud, what styles of wine are commonly made and from which grapes?
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
108
Fondillon - describe this wine and how it is made
**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'**
109
Bobal?
**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
110
the varietals of Toro
what is its 'unique' varietal?
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 ?
111
How come there's no Maritime influence in Ribera del Duero?
It's cut off from direct Maritime influence by a ring of mountains
112
A tasting note for Rias Baixas Albarino?
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
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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
**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
114
Where is almost half of Spain's wine produced, what is the dominant red and white grape?
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
115
Mencia isn't used widely but which DO does focus on it?
What climate does it prefer?
What aromas and flavors does it bring?
Used extensively in Bierzo
Likes a moderate climate
Brings fresh fruit, medium~high acidity and sometimes slight herbaceous
116
What is the minimum ageing for Red Reserva wines in Rioja total - In oak - in bottle
36 months total
min. 12 months in barrel
min. 6 months in bottle
117
What is the climate in Ribera del Duero?
What is Tempranillo known as?
Short, hot, dry Summers with very cold Winters
Tinto del País
118
plantings of La Mancha?
_REDS_ (25% of plantings)
Cencibel aka Tempranillo = 17% of all plantings _WHITES_ (75% of plantings)
Aíren = 2/3 of all plantings, 90,000Ha !
119
What are the ideal growing conditions for Tempranillo?
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.
120
In Sierra Gredos there are two main wines - from two varietals
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
121
What is the minimum ageing for Gran Reserva wines in Spain (general) - In oak / in bottle / in total.
60 months (5 years) total
min. 18 months in barrel
no bottle aging requirement
122
What is the traditional white grape of Rioja?
What 2 styles are mainly produced?
Viura.
Can be unoaked, clean, fruity, modern, or Traditionally heavily oaked, oxidised.
123
Toro climate?
Extreme **continental** climate
with wide temperature range
w **low rainfall** 350mm
& 2,600 hours of sunlight
124
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?
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.
125
What is the minimum ageing for Gran Reserva wines in Rioja - In oak / in bottle / in total.
60 months (5 years) total
min. 2 years in barrel
min. 2 years in bottle
126
Toro wine is produced in the autonomía of:
Castilla y Leon
127
Bobal in Utiel Requena.
**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
128
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?
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.
129
What is Spain's smallest wine region called?
Priorat
130
Which body of water most influences Rioja?
The Ebro River
131
In the Aragon regions of Calatayud, Carinena and Campo le Borja describe the wines styles?
**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
132
Largest exporter of wine in the world? true or false
true
133
What style of Rose is Navarra known for?
* 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
134
Which are the only 2 regions holding DOCa status?
Rioja and Priorat
135
Grape varieties grown in Priorat - what % red vs. white and name the key varieties
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
136
If you were writing a tasting note for Rias Baixas - what variety would you relate it to?
riesling - except with more alcohol - above 12% abv normally
137
Viticulture in southern area of Basque country?
South (Rioja Alavesa)
o Some trellised and bush vines
o Much lower disease pressure
o Frost is a risk as well as hail
138
The viticultural practics of Rias Biaxas?
* \>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
139
Indicate the style(s) of wine allowed to be produced in Ribera del Duero.
Still Red / Rosé
140
What is the minimum ageing for Joven wines - In oak - in bottle
Joven wines are fresh and youthful so there is no ageing requirement, they're drunk young
141
Where is Bierzo, what autonomiá is it located in, what is the climate like and what wines does it mainly produce?
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.
142
The Spanish sub-region of Murcia is made up of which 3 DOs?
80% of the area's vineyards are planted with \_\_\_
- Jumilla DO, Yecla DO, Bullas DO
- Monastrell
143
Vitculture on the North coast of Basque country?
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
144
Carinena
**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
145
What are the 6 most planted black 'Spanish' grapes?
Tempranillo
Garnacha Tinto (Grenache)
Monastrell (Mourvèdre)
Graciano
Carineña (Carignan) - Mazuelo in Rioja
Mencia
146
What is the minimum ageing for Gran Reserva wines in Ribera del Duero - In oak / in bottle / in total.
60 months (5 years) total
min. 2 years in barrel
min. 3 years in bottle
147
Ribera del Duero DOC - rules and styles for the wines?
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
148
What are the characteristics of Garnacha Tinta?
In which 6 regions is it used extensively?
What is it called in France?
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
149
Whites of Rueda
_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
