SPAIN - North Central Flashcards
Name 3 autonomias within North Central Spain
Navarra, La Rioja and Aragon
The 3 geographic bodies that affect the region:
Mt. Pyrenees
Mt. Cantabrian
R.Ebro
Climatic influence of Mt. Cantabrian
- Rain shadow effect
- High temperature during summer
When did Phylloxera reach Rioja
The 19th Century
When did Rioja get upgraded to DOCa status
1991
The 4 dominants red grapes of Rioja
Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo
What is the international name for Mazuelo
Carignan
What is the main white grape of Rioja?
Viura
Elsewhere, what is another name for Viura?
Macabeo
What are some other whites permitted in Rioja?
Garnacha blanca, Malvasia Riojano, Maturana Blanca, Chardonnay, Tempranillo Blanco, Sauv Blanc, Turruntes and Verdejo
What is the blend of Red Rioja?
- The 4 main reds must comprises 85% of the blend (95% if destemmed)
- The rest may be topped by ‘experimental’ grapes
What is the blending % for Rosado
Must comprised min.25% of 4 main reds
The Ageing Requirements for Rioja reds
Crianza: Total 2 years with 1 year in oak
Reserva: Total 3 years with 1 year in oak and 6 months in bottle
Gran Reserva: Total 5 years with 2 years in oak and 2 years in bottle
The Ageing Requirements for Rioja whites/rosados
Crianza: Total 18 months with 6 months in oak
Reserva: Total 2 years with 6 months in oak*
Gran Reserva: Total 4 years with 6 months in oak*
*Must remain in oak for the min ageing duration
What is the main production town of Rioja?
Haro
From Haro in NW to Alfaro in the SE, Rioja follows the R.Ebro and splitted into:
Rioja Alta (Northwestern)- Rioja Alavesa (North) - Rioja Oriental (South)
Which subzone is the smallest?
Rioja Alavesa
Which subzone is technically not within Rioja itself?
Rioja Alavesa - within Basque Country
What is the distinguishing soil structure of each subzone
Alta and Alavesa - predominantly calcareous clay & limestone
Oriental - alluvial & ferrous clay
What is the stylistic difference between these subzone
Alta - classic and structured
Alavesa - fresh and vibrant
Oriental - Power and warmth
Where does Garnacha perform the best?
Oriental