Spain: Navarra Flashcards
Where is Navarra?
To the NE of La Rioja, Spain
How much of the autonomous community of Navarra is under vine?
Around half
Hectares planted in Navarra DO?
11,000
What are the biggest geographical influences on Navarra DO?
The Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees to the NE
How many subregions in the Navarra DO?
5
What are the Navarra subregions?
Baja Montaña Valdizarbe Tierra estrella Ribera Alta Ribera Baja
Which 3 of Navarra’s subregions are in the North of the DO?
Baja Montaña
Valdizarbe
Tierra Estella
Where within the Navarra DO is Ribera Alta?
In the middle
Where is Ribera Baja in the Navarra DO?
In the south
What is the terrain like in the North of Navarra?
Hilly
Why is the North of Navarra DO cooler and wetter?
Influence from the Atlantic in the NW and from the Pyrenees in the NE
What is the south of Navarra like in comparison to the north?
warmer, drier and flatter
In Navarra 40 years ago, which was the majority planted grape and style of wine?
Garnacha- deep coloured roses
What did a government funded research program in Navarra in the 1970s decide to promote?
Red wines made from Tempranillo
What is the most planted grape in Navarra DO?
Tempranillo
In Navarra DO, what grapes were permitted by the Consejo Regulador in the 1980s?
International varieties- Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay
Which grape are you most likely to find as a single varietal wine in Navarra?
Tempranillo
In Navarra, which. red grapes are often found in blends?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tempranillo and Garnacha
Are the ageing catagories used in Navarra DO?
Yes, widely used
What styles of red are made in Navarra?
Fruity lighter bodied, early drinking wines
AND
Fuller bodied, more concentrate wines, matured in oak barrels for a year or more
Which oak do you find in Navarra DO?
Both French and American
Which grape variety in Navarra would you most expect to be aged in American Oak?
Tempranillo
What is the principle white grape variety in Navarra?
Chardonnay
Tasting note for a Navarra DO Chardonnay…
Citrus and peach
Medium alcohol
medium to medium + acidity
oaked and unoaked styles
What white grapes are grown in Navarra?
Chardonnay Moscatel de Grano Menudo (Muscat blanc a petits grains) Sauvignon blanc Viura Malvasia
What is the name for Muscat Blanc a petits Grains in Navarra?
Moscatel de Grano Menudo
A number of critics and producers feel like which grape has the highest quality potential in Navarra?
Garnacha (especially from old bush vines)
What is single varietal Garnacha wine like in Baja Montana, Navarra?
Lighter bodied wines with red berry fruit and medium + acidity
Where in Navarra would you find fuller bodied, more tannic styles of Garnacha?
Ribera Baja
Which grape variety is primarily found in Navarra roses?
Garnacha
Which red grapes can be used for rose production in Navarra?
Garnacha, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, merlot
Where about in Navarra are grapes sourced for roses?
the cooler, more northerly sub-regions (Baja Montaña, Valdizarbe, Tierra estrella)
Which winemaking method is used for roses in Navarra?
Short maceration on the skins, direct pressing is not permitted
How long would you macerate on the skins for rose production in Navarra?
3-4 hours for paler coloured wines
6-12 hours for more deeply coloured versions
What vessels are used for rose fermentation in Navarra?
Most in stainless steel, some in barrels
Overall, what quality are the wines of Navarra?
good- v good quality, occasionally outstanding
Generally what price point are the wines of Navarra?
Inexpensive- mid priced, with some premium wines
Name 2 significant producers in Navarra
Domaines Lupier
Bodegas J. Chivite
How big are the vineyard holdings generally in Navarra?
Small
