Spain - General Flashcards
Where and when is the first evidence of winemaking in Spain
Phoenicians founded city of Cadiz brought winemaking around 1100BCE
What wines were traded and with whom around 1500s?
Traded with new founded colonies in Americas, sherries from Jerez, fortified Monastrall from Alicante (Fondillón) and raisined wines from Málega
Spanish Civil Wars in mid-19th Century caused what?
Marqués de Murrieta
Marqués de Riscal both sought exile in Bordeaux, and when they returned they put winemaking expertise learned into praise incl maturation in barriques = better quality wines
What happened when Phylloxera hit France?
Wines of Rioja, both in style and closeness to French border were a suitable replacement to satisfy demand, resulting in many new wineries nr train station of Haro in Rioja
What happened when Spain’s vineyards experienced Phylloxera?
Production dropped - France now recovering and Spain lost overseas colonies so export market had shrunk
What was established in 1907?
And 1926?
Rioja Exporters’ Syndicate founded - guaranteed authenticity of Rioja wine
Consejo Regulador = first Spanish region to establish regulatory council
Who was Miguel Torres
studied winemaking in France, and returned to family business in Penedès, Catalunya put his learning into practice, some French and German varieties planted, vineyards trellised, temp controlled S/S tanks installed and resulting wines showed what wine was achievable in Spain.
Spain entered EU in what year? the result for wine production?
1986 - resulted in further investment in wine production and modernisation swept the country
What is the latitude/general climate in Spain?
Latitude 36º-43º - has an extension coastline, several mountain ranges and large raised plateau (The Meseta)
What influences the north-west of the country? climate?
Atlantic = Maritime climate, hi rainfall
South/East of the country has what climate?
Faces Mediterranean and vineyards close to the sea have a moderated climate with warm dry summers and mild winters
What is the climate around the Meseta? Altitude?
600-900m covers a vast area, continental climate with hot days and cool nights, altitude helps moderate heat.
Where is Spain re: production vs France/Italy?
3rd largest producer vs 1) Spain 2) Italy - Reflected in many bush vines planted at low density (ie, La Mancha 1,000 vines per ha.
Why is low density planting favourable in many regions?
low rainfall (30cm) helps reduce competition between vines for soil water.
When was Irrigation legalised in Spain?
1996, controlled by Consejo Regulador for each wine region.
