Spain: La Rioja Flashcards
How do the Sierra Cantabria Mountains affect DOCa La Rioja?
They create a rain shadow
What are the three subzones of DOCa La Rioja?
Alavesa
Alta
Oriental
What is the climate of each Rioja Subzone?
Alavesa is a cool and wet continental
Alta is continental
Oriental is Mediterranean
What is the river that runs through DOCa La Rioja?
The Ebro River
What are the three soil types of DOCa La Rioja and where do you tend to find them?
Calcareous Clay: Alavesa and Alta
Alluviums: Alta and Oriental
Ferrous Clay: Oriental
What is the main white grape used in Rioja?
Viura
What are the three main red grapes used in Rioja?
Tempranillo
Garnatxa
Mazuelo
True or False: Carbonic maceration is common in Rioja.
True. Especially in Joven styles
What are the aging categories and requirements in DOCa La Rioja?
Crianza: 2yrs total, 1 in oak.
Reserva: 3yrs total, 1 in oak.
Gran Reserva: 5 yrs total, 2 in oak, 3 in bottle.
True or false: Rioja aging requirements apply to white and red wines.
False. Only Vinos Tintos from DOCa Rioja can be classified based on aging requirements.
Are Gran Reserva wines made in every vintage or just the best vintages?
Only the best vintages
What is the connection between Rioja and Bordeaux?
During the era of revolution, the Marques de Murrieta and Marques de Riscal were exiled. They spent this time in Bordeaux and learned winemaking techniques that they brought back with them.
Also, during the era of Phylloxera, many Bordelaise winemakers started also making wine in La Rioja.
What type of oak is famously used in La Rioja?
American, although French oak is starting to become more popular.
Name three producers from DOCa La Rioja.
Marques de Riscal
Marques de Murrieta
La Rioja Alta
Muga
Bodega Lopez de Heredia
Finca Allende
Marques de Caceres
