Spain/Portugal Flashcards
Four classifications for PDO wines in Spain
Vino de Calidad con Indicacion Geografica (VCIG)
Denominacion de Origen (DO),
Denominacion de Origen Calificada (DOCa),
Vino de Pago (Estate Wine)
Spanish classification for PGI Wines
Vino de la Tierra (VdIT)
Regulating body of each DO
Consejo Regulador
Alternative names for the Mazuelo grape
Carinena
Carignan
Alternative name for the Viura grape
Macabeo
Vino Nobile
Wine that has aged for a minimum of 18 months (barrel or bottle); may be used for PGI or PDO wines
Vino Anejo
Wine that has aged for a minimum of 24 months (barrel or bottle); may be used for PGI or PDO wines
Vino Viejo
Wine that has aged for a minimum of 36 months in an oxidative environment; may be used for PGI or PDO wines
Label term: Joven/Generico
Wine that has been aged for shorter than the time needed to qualify for “Crianza” status; may only be used for PDO wines
PDO label term: Crianza (for red wines)
Minimum aging:
24 months (including 6 months in barrel)
Note: some DOs have stricter standards
PDO label term: Riserva (for red wines)
Minimum aging:
36 months (including 12 months in barrel)
Note: some DOs have stricter standards
PDO label term: Gran Riserva (for red wines)
Minimum aging:
60 months (including 18 months in barrel)
Note: some DOs have stricter standards
PDO label term: Crianza (for white and rose)
Minimum aging:
18 months (including 6 months in barrel)
Note: some DOs have stricter standards
PDO label term: Riserva (for white and rose)
Minimum aging:
24 months (including 6 months in barrel)
Note: some DOs have stricter standards
PDO label term: Gran Riserva (For white and rose)
Minimum aging: 48 months (including 6 months in barrel)
Note: some DOs have stricter standards
Two DOCa wines of Spain
Rioja DOCa Priorato DOCa (Priorat DOQ)
Three main white grapes of Rias Baixas
Albarino
Loureira
Treixadura
Main grape variety of Rueda
Verdejo
Other white grapes used in the Rueda DO (in addition to Verdejo)
Sauvignon Blanc
Viura
Grapes allowed for use in Rueda DO - red wines
Tempranillo
Cabernet Sauvignon
Garnacha
Merlot
Style(s) of wine produced in the Cigales DO
Red and rose, based on Tempranillo (Tinta del Pais), often blended with Garnacha
Main grape variety of Ribera del Duero
Tempranillo (75% minimum)
here known as Tinta del Pais or Tinto Fino
Minor red grape varieties of Ribera del Duero
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot Malbec
Garnacha
Unique terroir of Ribera del Duero
Hot summers, cold winters
Vineyards are among the highest-elevation in Spain (as high as 2,500 ft/760m)
Large diurnal temperature shifts
Principal grapes of the Navarra DO
Tempranillo and Garnacha
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay are gaining in importance
Leading DO of Aragon
Somontano DO
DO – formerly known as Falset – adjacent to Priorat
Montsant
Region where the majority of Cava is produced
Penedes
Catalonia
Three primary white grapes of Cava
Macabeo, Parellada, Xarel-lo
Red grapes allowed for use in Cava
Pinot Noir
Garnacha
Monastrell
Trepat
Minimum required lees aging for Cava
9 months
Minimum required lees aging for Cava Reserva
15 months
Minimum required lees aging for Cava Gran Reserva
30 months
Minimum required lees aging for Cava de Paraje Calificado
36 months
Grape also known as Monastrell
Mourvedre
Region that grows a large proportion of Spain’s Airen grapes (for use in brandy)
Castilla-La Mancha
DO located in Castilla-La Mancha named for the “Valley of the Rocks”
Valdepenas DO
Grape variety also known as Cencibel
Tempranillo
Spain’s largest DO in terms of total area
La Mancha DO
Three DOs of Murcia
Jumilla
Yecla
Bullas
Leading grape variety of the Montilla-Moriles DO
Pedro Ximenez
Outstanding climate features of Montilla-Moriles
Intense summer heat (the area is located inland and relatively far south)
grapes may be super-ripe and wines may be very high abv%
Secondary grape of Montilla-Moriles DO
Moscatel (Muscat)
Year the Rioja was first designated as a DOCa
1991
Location of the Rioja DOCa
North-central Spain, inland from the Cantabrian Mountains; Mostly in the autonomia of La Rioja; some vineyards in Navarra and Basque Country
River that flows through the Rioja DOCa
Ebro River
Three zones of the Rioja DOCa
Rioja Alta
Rioja Alavesa
Rioja Oriental (formerly Rioja Baja)
The high-altitude, hilly area covering most of the western half of the Rioja DOCa
Rioja Alta
The portion of the western half of Rioja DOCa located (mostly) north of the Ebro River
Rioja Alavesa
The lower and flatter eastern portion of the Rioja DOCa; the hottest and driest of the zones
Rioja Oriental (formerly known as the Rioja Baja)
Primary red grapes of the Rioja DOCa
Tempranillo
Garnacha
Mazuelo
Graciano
Principle white grape of the Rioja DOCa
Viura (51% minimum)
White grapes (in addition to Viura) allowed for use in Rioja DOCa
Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc Malvasia Garnacha Blanca Maturana Blanca Verdejo
Grape variety most often used in the production of Rioja Rose
Grenache/Garnacha
Sparkling wine produced in the Rioja DOCa
Vino Espumoso de Calidad de Rioja DOCa
Traditional aging vessels used in Rioja
225L American Oak Barrels
“Traditional” style of Rioja
Highly tannic Extensive Oak Aging Meant to Bottle-Age for Long Periods Earthiness Minerality "Leathery" Character
“Modern” style of Rioja
Single-vineyard
Single-variety
Approachable at a younger age
Minimum aging requirements for Rioja Crianza (red)
24 months total aging including 12 months in oak
Minimum aging requirements for Rioja Riserva (red)
36 months total aging, including 12 months in oak and 6 months in the bottle
Minimum aging requirements for Rioja Gran Reserva (red)
24 months in oak
24 months in bottle
Total of 60 months
Location of Priorato DOCa
In Catalonia, just inland from Barcelona, mountainous region about 18 miles/29 km from the Mediterranean
Year that Priorato was “promoted’ to DOCa
2009
Principal red grapes of the Priorato DOCa
Garnacha and Carinena (Carignan) are the most prominent;
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah are also allowed
Decomposed slate soils of Priorat
Licorella
White grapes allowed for use in Priorat
Garnacha Blanca
Macabeo
Pedro Ximenez
(plus others)
DO that covers Sherry
Jerez-Xeres-Sherry DO
Three towns of the Sherry Triangle
Jerez de la Frontera
El Puerto de Santa Maria
Sanlucar de Barrameda
Three main grapes of Sherry
Palomino
Moscatel
Pedro Ximenez
Leading grape used in most (dry) Sherries
Palomino
Three main soil types of Jerez
Albariza
Barro
Arena
Style of Sherry that is aged with flor yeast
Fino
Sherry that is aged under flor is said to undergo _______ aging
Biological
Style of Sherry that is aged without flor yeast
Oloroso
Sherry that is NOT aged under flor is said to undergo _______ aging
Oxidative
Style of Sherry that is first aged under flor, then aged oxidatively
Hybrid-Style Sherry
Soleo
The process of drying grapes (post-harvest) in the hot sun
Two styles of dried-grape Sherry
Pedro Ximenez
Moscatel
Category for (non-fino) Sherry that has been aged for 12 to 15 years
Vinos con indicacion de edad
Category for (non-fino) Sherry that has been aged for a minimum of 20 years
Vinum optimum signatun
VOS/Very Old Sherry
Category for (non-fino) Sherry that has been aged for a minimum of 30 years
Vinum optimum rare signatun
VORS/Very Old Rare Sherry
Unfiltered of unfined Sherry
En Rama
Anada Sherry
Single-vintage Sherry
A fino sherry from the coastal town of El Puerto de Santa Maria
Puerto Fino
Type of Sherry that must be aged in Sanlucar de Barrameda
Manzanilla
DO for Manzanilla
Manzanilla Sanlucar de Barrameda DO
Sweetened, fino Sherry, originally produced in Bristol
Pale Cream
Two types of Hybrid Sherry
Amontillado
Palo Cortado
A sweetened Oloroso Sherry made famous by the “Harvey’s Bristol” bran
Cream Sherry
Five preferred red varieties for Port
Touriga Nacional Touriga Franca Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo) Tinta Barroca Tinta Cao
2 leading varieties for white Port
Gouveio
Malvasia Fina
System used to rank the Port wine vineyards of the Douro
Cadastro
Three subregions of the Douro
Baixo Corgo
Cima Corgo
Douro Superior
The westernmost (and most fertile) section of the Douro
Baixo Corgo
The central core of the Douro
Cima Corgo
Terroir/climate of the Cima Corgo
Steep rocky slopes
Schist and Granite Soils
Hot summers/Cold winters
The upriver, eastern portion of the Douro
Douro Superior
Subregion of the Douro with the greatest concentration of high-quality Port vineyards
Cima Corgo
Annual authorization determining the amount of wine allowed to be used in the production of Port
Beneficio
Low, open troughs traditionally used in the production of Port
Lagares
Traditional barrels used to transport Port
Pipes
Traditional boats used to transport Port
Barcos Rabelos
Seaside town where many Port Lodges are located
Vila Nova de Gaia
Port aged for about two years in large casks before being bottled and ready-to-drink
Ruby Port
A blend of premium Ruby Ports (bottled after four to six years of aging)
Reserve Port
Port from a single year’s harvest, produced only in the best years
Vintage Port
Aging and bottling date required for Vintage Port
Must be aged in cask
Must be bottled by July 30 of the third year following harvest
(Considered very age-worthy and may improve in the bottle for many years)
Port from a single year, matured in large oak vats for four to six years before bottling
Late-Bottled Vintage Port
Port produced from the grapes of a single estate and a single year
Single Quinta Vintage Port
A single-vintage tawny Port
Colheita Port
Style of Port introduced by Croft in 2008
Rose Port
Most widely-grown grape on the island of Madeira
Tinta Negra
Four “noble” grapes of Madeira
Sercial
Verdelho
Boal (Bual)
Malvasia (Malmsey)
Style of Madeira indicated by “Sercial”
Extra dry or dry
Highly acidic
Style of Madeira indicated by “Verdelho”
Off-dry or medium dry
Honeyed
Somewhat smokey
Style of Madeira indicated by “Boal”
Sweet
Raisiny
Medium-rich
Highly aromatic
Style of Madeira indicated by “Malmsey”
Very sweet
Somewhat soft
Very rich
Madeira production method involving storing barrels “in the rafters”
Canteiro
Madeira production method involving heating the wine in a vat
Estufagem/Estufa Method
cuba de calor
Madeira production method involving leaving the wine in steam-heated rooms
Armazem de calor
Used mainly by the Madeira Wine Company
Traditional name for off-dry, blended Madeira
Rainwater Madeira
Minimum age of Rainwater Madeira
3 years
Minimum and maximum age of a Reserve Madeira
5 to 10 years
Minimum and maximum age of Special Reserve Madeira
10 to 15 years
Minimum and maximum age of Extra Reserve Madeira
15 to 20 years
Requirements for Colheita Madeira
Single vintage (min 85%) At least 5 years of aging
Minimum age of Frasqueira (vintage) Madeira
20 years
Three levels of wine classification in Portugal
Vinho (Vinho de Portugal)
Vinho Regional (VR) - PGI
Denomicacao de Origem Controlada (DOC) - PDO
3 red grapes used in production of Port and widely used for non-fortified wines
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Franca
Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo)
3 other leading red grapes of Portugal
Castelao (Periquita)
Baga
Trincadeira (Tinta Amarela)
Leading white grape of Portugal
Fernao Pires
Maria Gomes
Another name for Tinta Amarela
Trincadeira
Grape also known as Tinta Roriz
Tempranillo
Tinta Aragonez
DOC wine produced in the Minho
Vinho Verde
Styles of wine produced in the Vinho Verde DOC
Mostly white (some red & rose) Light and high acid Some with "spritz" Meant to be consumed young Some sparkling (Espumante)
Two leading white grapes of Vinho Verde
Alvarinho
Loureiro
Leading grape of red Vinho Verde
Vinhao
Three appellations used in the Douro
Porto DOC
Douro DOC
VR Duriense
Classifications used for unfortified wines produced on the island of Madeira
Madeirense DOC
Terras Madeirenses VR
DOC located within the Beira Atlantico VR
Bairrada DOC
Main grape variety of red wines of the Bairrada DOC
Baga
DOC located south (and inland) of the Minho; well-known for unfortified wines
Dao DOC
Leading red grapes of the Dao DOC
Alfrocheiro
Tinta Roriz
Jaen (Mencia)
Touriga Nacional
Leading white grapes of the Dao DOC
Encruzado
Bical
Beach-area DOC known for its famous sand dunes and wooden fences
Colares DOC
Leading grape varieties of the Colares DOC
Ramisco (red)
Malvasia (white)
Lisboa-area DOC well-known for brandy (aguardente)
Lourinha DOC
Vin doux naturel produced in the region of Setubal
Moscatel de Setubal
The southernmost region on the Portuguese mainland
Algarve
Four DOCs of Algarve
Lagos DOC
Portimao DOC
Lagoa DOC
Tavira DOC
Three DOCs in the Azores
Biscoitos
Graciosa
Pico
Leading style(s) of wine produced in the Azores
Mostly white
Dry or fortified
Based on Verdelho, Arinto (Pederna), or Terrantez
Special classification (appellation) for estate wines
Vinos de Pago
Vintage Madeira that has been cask aged for a minimum of 20 years
Frasqueira
Mostly widely planted red grape of Portugal
Castelao (also know as Periquita)
Most widely planted white grape in Portugal
Fernao Pires (also known as Maria Gomes)
Term used for Tempranillo (as used in Port)
Tinta Roriz
The most widely grown grape on the island of Madeira
Tinta Negra Mole (also known as Tinta Negra)
Countries that make up the Iberian Peninsula
Spain
Portugal
Large plateau within Spain
Meseta
Almost 60% of Spain lies at what elevation?
above 2000ft (610m)
Body of water to the north of Spain
Bay of Biscay
Mountain range that separates France from Spain
Pyrenees Mountain
Body of water on the southern and eastern borders of Spain
Mediterranean Sea
Climate of Spain
Mostly continental (hot summers/cold winters with rainfall fairly evenly spread throughout the year) despite the fact that the country is nearly surrounded by water
What shields Spain from many of the winter storms and colder influences coming from the north?
Pyrenees Mountains Cordillera Cantabrica (Cantabrian Mountains)
What part of Spain is a maritime climate?
The relatively exposed northwest corner
Maritime climate
Mild summers
Mild winters
Considerable rainfall year-round
What part of Spain is a Mediterranean climate?
Southwest
Mediterranean coastal areas
Mediterranean climate
Hot, dry, sunny summers and mild, wetter winters
What months are generally dry throughout Spain?
June, July, and August
Number of autonomous communities in Spain
17
Number of autonomous communities on the mainland of Spain
15
2 Island groups of Spain
Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean
Canary Islands in the North Atlantic
What cities that are on the northern coast of Africa are part of Spain?
Ceuta
Melilla
Languages of Spain
Spanish
Galician (Galego) – Galicia including Rias Baixas
Basque (Euskara) in the Basque Country (Euskadi) and Navarra
Catalan (Catala) in Catalonia (Catalunya), Valencia and the surrounding areas
Grape variety that represents about 25% of the plantings in Spain
Airen
What is Airen generally used for?
Brandy
Commercial Bulk Wine
Second most planted grape of Spain making up just over 20% of plantings
Tempranillo (especially in the northern part of the Meseta)
What is Tempranillo prized for?
Long-lived wines with moderate acidity and aromas of spice, chalk, strawberries, and tobacco, often accompanied by a hefty input from oak aging
Name for Tempranillo in Rioja/New World
Tempranillo
Name for Tempranillo in Toro
Tinta de Toro
Names for Tempranillo in Ribera del Duero
Tinta de Pais
Tinto Fino
Name for Tempranillo in Cigales
Tinta de Pais
Name for Tempranillo in Catalonia
Ull de Llebre
Name for Tempranillo in La Mancha, Valdepenas
Cencibel
Name for Tempranillo in Portugal
Aragonez
Name for Tempranillo in Douro within Portugal
Tinta Roriz
Common grape varieties of Penedes
Parellada and Xarel-lo
Two major categories of Spanish wines
Table Wines
Quality Wines
Wine categories within the Table Wines level
Vinos de Mesa (literally, table wines)
Vinos de la tierra (country wines) which are generally considered superior
How do Vinos de mesa and Vinos de la tierra differ?
Vinos de la tierra are sourced from within a single geographical indication and must meet nominal alcohol and sensory standards
Level of Spanish wine equivalent to PGI
Vinos de la Tierra – labelled as Vinos de la Tierra de _______
How many Vino de la Tierra regions are there (as of 2019)?
42
How much of Spain’s total wine production is quality wines?
40%
How many production areas qualify to be considered quality wines?
over 80
Spanish wine levels from highest to lowest
Vinos de Pago (PDO) DOCa (PDO) DO (PDO) Vinos de Calidad (PDO) Vinos de la Tierra (PGI) Vinos de Mesa/Wine
Four subcategories of quality wines (PDO), in order of increasing quality
Vino de calidad con indicacion geografica (VCIG)
Denominacion de origen (DO)
Denominacion de origen calificada (DOCa)
Vino de Pago
What is the designation Vinos de calidad con indicacion geografica mostly intended for?
Up-and-coming regions that are expected to prove themselves worthy of DO status before too long
How many years before VCIG wines are eligible for elevation to DO?
5 years
When was VCIG classification established?
2005
How many regions held VCIG level as of 2019?
8 regions
8 regions in the VCIG level?
Cangas Calles de Benavente Valtiendas Sierra Salamanca Granada Las Islas Canarias Cebreros Legrija
Definition of DO
Demarcated zone whose production is prescribed with regard to grape varieties, crop yields, winemaking methods, and aging requirements
How many DOs in Spain as of 2019?
67 (not including DOCa or Vinos de Pago)
Who controls the local production areas and practices of the DO?
Consejo Regulador (Regulating Council)
How do DO and DOCa differ?
DOCa is reserved for standout regions among the DOs and have higher standards
How many years must a DO demonstrate superior quality to be elevated to DOCa?
10 years
2 DOCa
Priorat
Rioja
Equivalent to DOCa in Catalonia
DOQ
When was the Vino de Pago category established?
2003
What is the aim of the Vino de Pago category?
To recognize specific single vineyards of distinction (very often, historical estates) that consistently produce excellent wine
Do Vino de Pago rules supersede those of the DO or DOCa they are located within?
No, the appellations can have their own rules, but are still bound by the rules of the DO or DOCa
2 major Spanish regions that do not currently have any Vinos de Pago
Rioja
Ribera del Duero
Could be because the established appellation is preferred over a lesser-known designation
How many Vinos de Pago as of 2019?
20
Spanish name for oak barrels
Barricas
Joven
(Young); Term that may be used for PDO wine released the year after it was made, and if oak-aged at all, aged for a shorter period than the legal minimum requirement for Crianza
Alternative term for Joven as of 2018
Generico (Generic)
Wine area known as Green Spain?
Galicia
What is notable about wines produced in Galicia versus the rest of Spain
As it is cooler and wetter than the rest of the country, the wines are notable for their high acidity
How many subregions are within Rias Baixas?
5
Valdeorras grape varieties
Experimenting with international, but has revived its indigenous varieties of Godello and Mencia
Ribeiro wine production
Mostly white wines from an array of grapes, including Albarino
River that flows through the heart of Castilla y Leon
Duero River
Regions around the Duero River
(Castilla y Leon) Toro Rueda Cigales Ribera del Duero
Where does Castilla y Leon lie?
On the high plains of the Northern Meseta
Why does Castilla y Leon get less rain than Green Spain?
It has the protection of the mountains to the North, although the region does get more rain than Southern Spain
Type of wines made in Toro
Red (mostly)
White
Rosado
Red wines from Toro are made from what grape variety?
Tempranillo (called TInta de Toro)
Types of wines made in Rueda
White Wines (Prized) Red/Rosado (Minor)
Why are white wines produced more frequently in Rueda?
The region has a significant Diurnal Shift
Main White Grape variety of Rueda
Verdejo
Verdejo style
Light, aromatic (although some producers are experimenting with oak)
Blending partners for Verdejo in Rueda
Sauvignon Blanc (also used as an alternative) Viura
When were red wines/rosados allowed to be produced in Rueda?
2008
What grape varieties are utilized for Red/Rosado in Rueda?
Tempranillo
Cabernet Sauvignon
Garnacha
Merlot
What percent of total wine production is red wines within Rueda?
5%
Types of wines made in Cigales
Reds
Rosados
Grape variety used for Reds in Cigales
Tempranilla (called Tinta de Pais)
What grape variety is used as a blending partner for rosado in Cigales?
Garnacha
What region is on par with Rioja for red wine production?
Ribera del Duero
What percentage of Tempranillo must the red wines of Ribera del Duero be?
75% (known as Tinta de Pais or Tinto Fino here)
What grape varieties are blended with Tempranillo in Ribera del Duero?
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Malbec
Garnacha
What is challenging about the climate of Ribera del Duero?
Extremes of both hot and cold, and only about sixteen weeks during which growers can be certain that there will be no frost while midsummer brings temperatures as high as 40C/104F
Why does Ribera del Duero have such a good diurnal shift?
High elevation – one of the highest in Spain at 2500ft (760m)
What does the diurnal shift in Ribera del Duero allow for?
The grapes to become fully ripe, while preserving their acidity despite the high heat
Where is Navarra?
Between La Rioja and the French border to the northeast
Was Navarra ever its own kingdom?
Yes, it maintained its independence until the Castilian Empire in 1512
What region crosses into the southwestern portion of Navarra?
Rioja DOCa
What style of wine is Navarra famous for?
Rosado
What are the principal grape varieties of Navarra?
Tempranillo and Garnacha
What grape varieties are growing in importance in Navarra?
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Chardonnay
What was the first region designated as a DO in Spain?
Rioja
What year did Rioja become a DO?
1925
What was the first region to become a DOCa?
Rioja
What year did Rioja become a DO?
1991
What proportion of DO-level wine does Rioja produce?
One/sixth
Where is Rioja located?
North-central Spain inland from the Cantabrian Mountains
What do the Cantabrian Mountains do for Rioja?
Moderate the area’s climate by blocking much of the cold influence from the Bay of Biscay/Atlantic Ocean
What regions does Rioja stretch across?
Mostly the autonomia of La Rioja, but some in Basque Country and Navarra
Rioja is located in the valley of what river?
Ebro River
What three things help to provide warm summers and milder winters for Rioja?
Cantabrian Mountains
Ebro River
Mediterranean Sea
3 Sub-appellations of Rioja
Rioja Alta
Rioja Alavesa
Rioja Oriental
Former name of Rioja Oriental
Rioja Baja
What is Rioja Alta?
High-altitude, hilly area covering most of the western half of the region
What is Rioja Alavesa?
Essentially, the part of Rioja Alta north of the Ebro
What is Rioja Oriental?
Lower, flatter eastern portion of the Rioja DOCa
Which of the three subzones is the hottest/driest of Rioja?
Rioja Oriental
Why do Rioja Alta/Rioja Alavesa produce much of the region’s fine grapes?
Milder climate
Do the wines of Rioja have to be limited to a single subzone?
No, they can be and may be labeled as such but many contain a blend of two or all three of the subzones
What percentage of the vineyards are dedicated to red varieties in Rioja?
Well over 90%
What red grape variety is most prevalent in Rioja?
Tempranillo
What other red varieties are allowed in Rioja beyond Tempranillo?
Garnacha
Mazuelo
Graciano
Two alternative names for Mazuelo
Carinena
Carignan (when outside of Spain)
What is the main white grape variety of Rioja?
Viura
What other white varieties are allowed in Rioja besides Viura?
Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc Malvasia Garnacha Blanca Maturana Blanca Verdejo
Does Rioja produce only red wines?
No, it also produces white and rose although reds are what it is famous for
What does Rioja owe its prominence to?
Phylloxera; Bordeaux winemakers settled here in the late 19th century after their own vineyards were destroyed
What did the Bordeaux winemakers bring to Rioja?
Extensive winemaking experience (including improved vinification techniques and the use of 225L oak barrels for aging) & Phylloxera
Traditional red Rioja
Tempranillo based
Aged for extended periods in oak (almost exclusively American Oak, although French is being introduced)
Tannic
Can improve in bottle for decades
Traditional red Rioja flavor notes
Less of a focus on fruit flavors
More of a focus on earthiness, minerality, and the distinctive “leathery” bouquet that can develop as the wine ages
What new emphasis is being placed on Rioja wines?
Single-vineyard/single-variety wines
Wines that are more approachable at a younger age
Are Rioja’s aging restrictions more or less strict than the other wines of Spain?
More
Rioja Crianza requirements
Minimum 24 months total aging, including at least 12 months in barrel
Rioja Reserva requirements
Minimum 36 months total aging, to include at least 12 months in the barrel and at least 6 months in the bottle
Rioja Gran Reserva requirements
Minimum 60 months total aging, to include at least 24 months in the barrel and at least 24 months in the bottle
How is Viura usually made in Rioja?
Cold fermented and released young, although some wineries still produce white Rioja in the traditional barrel-fermented, oak aged style
What grape variety makes up most of Rioja Rosado?
Garnacha (blended with other red grapes of the region)
When were traditional method sparkling wines allowed in Rioja?
2018
What are traditional method sparkling wines labelled as in Rioja?
Vino Espumoso de Calidad de Rioja DOCa
Where is Aragon?
East of both Navarra and La Rioja
What is true about the climate of Aragon?
Very hot in summer
Very cold in winter
What region in Aragon has developed the province’s best reputation for modern wines?
Somontano DO (in the foothills of the Pyrenees)
How many red varieties are produced in Aragon?
8, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Garnacha
What is one of the specialties of Aragon?
bright, intensely hued rosados produced primarily from Garnacha
How many white varieties are produced in Aragon?
7, with Chardonnay and Macabeo being most widely planted
Two alternative names for Catalonia
Cataluna (Spanish)
Catalunya (Catalan)
Where is Catalonia?
Northeastern corner of Spain
What type of climate is present in Catalonia?
Mediterranean
What does the Mediterranean climate do for Catalonia?
Provides good growing conditions and presents fewer challenges to producing quality grapes than many other parts of Spain
What region is the only one in Spain to have a DO that covers the entire autonomous region?
Catalonia
Which region is the largest producer of quality wine in Spain?
Catalonia, with more than 20% of DO production
When was Priorat promoted to DOQ (DOCa)?
2009
When was the Priorat DO established?
1950
Where is Priorat located?
In a mountainous region just inland from Barcelona
How far from the Mediterranean Sea is Priorat?
18 miles (29km)
What shields Priorat from the damp sea air of the Mediterranean and Ebro Valley winds?
Mountains
What type of soil is Priorat known for?
Llicorella
What is the composition of Llicorella soil?
Flat, easily breakable stones made of decomposed slate flecked with mica and other minerals
What does the Llicorella soil add to the wines?
Distinct herbal and mineral character to the powerful, deep red wines
What is the primary grape of Priorat?
Garnacha (but Carinena is almost as prominent)
Aside from Garnacha and Carinena, what other red grape varieties are allowed in Priorat?
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Syrah
Name for rose in Catalan?
Rosat
3 major white grapes of Priorat
Garnacha Blanca
Macabeo
Pedro Ximenez
What type of soil/climate is present in Tarragona?
Diverse mix of both
What styles of wines are produced in Tarragona?
Young reds
Roses
Whites
Port-style fortified wines
What is the majority of production in Tarragona?
Full-bodied, aromatic whites (75% of production)
When did Montsant become a DO?
2001
What subzone was Montsant created from?
Falset (a former subzone of the Tarragona DO adjacent to Priorat)
What grape varieties are found in Montsant?
Mature Garnacha and Carinena
Smaller but significant plantings of Ull de Llebre (Tempranillo), Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah
What is Costers del Segre made up of?
Several noncontiguous subzones
What is responsible for the sudden and dramatic improvements to the wines of Costers del Segre?
Introduction of capital, state-of-the-art equipment and young, well-educated enologists with nontraditional outlooks on winemaking
What is true about the wines of Costers del Segre?
Typically blends of traditional and international varieties
What region started the modern wine revolution in the 1970s?
Penedes
What was Penedes the first to do?
Use stainless steel equipment and temperature-controlled fermentation techniques
What does Penedes focus on mainly?
White wines
Penedes encompasses most of the production areas of what?
Cava (although most of the Penedes DO wines are still whites)
Grape varieties of Penedes
Xarel-lo
Macabeo
Parellada
Leading white grape varieties of Penedes
Xarel-lo
Chardonnay
Are the red wines of Penedes mostly indigenous varieties?
No, they are a mix of international and indigenous varieties
Where is Castilla-La Mancha?
Central Meseta
What is true about the area of Castilla-La Mancha?
Flat, hot, and dry area dotted by windmills reminiscent of the story of Don Quixote
What is Castilla-La Mancha home to?
Spain’s vast acreage of Airen
What is Airen predominantly used for?
Spanish brandy
What is the largest physical DO in Spain?
La Mancha (although output is comparatively low for such a large area, as vineyards tend to be very widely spaced with small vines)
What grape varieties are grown in La Mancha?
Airen and Cencibel (Tempranillo) plus internation varieties
What does Valdepenas mean?
Valley of the Rocks
What is Valdepenas nearly surrounded by?
The La Mancha DO
Why does Valdepenas carry a somewhat better reputation?
Variations in soil that allow for better water retention – an important advantage in this arid environment
How many Vinos de Pago are located in Castilla-La Mancha?
8, all of which use international blends and many of which are known for unique, expressive styles of wine
Where is Murcia?
Southern portion of the Levant (eastern coast) of Spain
What is true about the vineyards of Murcia?
Located somewhat inland, and thus influenced by the hot, arid climate of Spain’s interior – just slightly moderated by the Mediterranean coast
3 DOs of Murcia
Jumilla
Yecla
Bullas
Styles of wines produced in the DOs of Murcia
Red White Rose Sparkling Vinos de Licor
What is the major output of all three of the DOs of Murcia
Deep, concentrated reds and flavorful roses
Main grape variety of Murcia
Monastrell (Mourvedre)
Alternate name for Jerez
Xeres
What is the main production of Jerez?
Sherry
What DO is Sherry produced under?
Jerez-Xeres-Sherry DO
Where is Sherry mainly exported to?
Britain
the Netherlands
Where is the Sherry region?
The southwest of Spain, in Andalusia, between Cadiz and Seville
What three towns form the Sherry triangle?
Jerez de la Frontera
Sanlucar de Barrameda
El Puerto de Santa Maria
What is true about the climate of Jerez?
Somewhat cooler due to the proximity to the Atlantic Ocean
What are Sanlucar de Barrameda and El Puerto de Santa Maria?
Seaports
What do the summer month of the Sherry region feature?
Continually cloudless days with no rain at all
What is true about the vineyards closer to the water in Jerez?
They are markedly cooler
3 Grape Varieties of Jerez for Sherry
Palomino
Pedro Ximenez
Moscatel
Primary grape of Sherry
Palomino (sole or majority grape variety in most sherries)
What is the principal sweetening agent in the sweeter styles of Sherry?
Pedro Ximenez (PX)
What style of sherry does Pedro Ximenez produce on its own?
Intensely sweet and rich dessert sherry
Which clone of Muscat is Moscatel?
Muscat of Alexandria
What is Moscatel used for in sherries?
As a sweetener or to impart a fruity characteristic to younger sherries
3 soil types of Jerez
Albariza
Barro
Arena
Which soil type does Palomino prefer?
Albarizo
Composition of Albarizo soil
30% limestone rich chalk along with some clay and sand
What soil type does Pedro Ximenez prefer?
Barro
Composition of Barro soil
Clay soil with iron oxide and a little chalk and sand
What soil type does Moscatel prefer?
Arena
Composition of Arena soil
Predominantly sandy soil
Is the majority of Sherry dry or sweet when it enters the aging and blending process?
Dry
2 basic styles of Sherry
Fino
Oloroso
Fino-Style Sherry
Fortified to a low level of alcohol in order to permit the flor to flourish
Hybrid-Style Sherry
Begin as fino, aging under flor. However, during the aging process, the flor dies out, allowing the wines to age both biologically and oxidatively while in the solera
Oloroso-Style Sherry
Initially fortified to a higher alcoholic strength in order to prevent the development of flor at a later point. The oxidative style.
How does the absence of flor affect the profile of Oloroso Sherry?
The wine ages in the presence of oxygen, resulting in a rancio (oxidized) character and a light-to-deep brown color
Dried Grape Sherry
Sweet Sherry produced using grapes harvested at a high level of ripeness with the sugars further concentrated by drying the grapes, post-harvest, on straw mats in the hot sun and then partially fermenting before fortication and aging
Main grapes used for Dried Grape Sherry
Pedro Ximenez
Moscatel
Soleo process
Concentration of the sugars of grapes by drying the grapes, post-harvest, on straw mats in the hot sun
Who instituted two new sherry designations in the early 2000s?
Sherry Consejo Regulador
Which sherry styles can carry the aged sherry designation?
Individual soleras of amontillado, palo cortado, oloroso, and pedro ximenez
What style of sherry is specifically excluded from the aged sherry designation designation?
Fino Sherry
Vinos con indicacion de edad
Sherries with an age indication
How long are vinos con indicacion de edad sherries aged?
12 to 15 years
What is the general higher qualification than vinos con indicacion de edad?
Vinos de vejes calificado (Sherries of certified old age)
What are the two levels of Vinos de vejes calificado?
Vinum optimum signatum (VOS/Very old Sherry)
Vinum optimum rare signatum (VORS/Very old rare Sherry)
What’s the minimum aging for VOS sherry?
20 years minimum in solera
What’s the minimum aging for VORS sherry?
30 years minimum in solera
En Rama Sherry
Natural style of sherry that is unfined and unfiltered, or at least minimally filtered
Is the En Rama style of sherry common?
No it is somewhat rare
Single vintage Sherry name
Anada
When did the tradition of single vintage sherries die out?
1800s, however they are becoming more prevalent again
Why are single-vintage aged sherries typically quite expensive?
Rarity as well as the enhanced oxidation and evaporation experienced by these wines
Where is Montilla-Moriles DO?
east of Jerez
What is Montilla-Moriles DO known for?
Rich dessert wines that are often compared to the wines of Jerez
How does the climate differ in Montilla-Moriles versus Jerez?
It is further inland so more continental, and overall warmer and drier
What grape variety accounts for over 70% of the overall plantings in Montilla-Moriles DO?
Pedro Ximenez, as it thrives in the warmer climate
How does the intense summer heat affect the wines of Montilla-Moriles DO?
Grapes ripen to very high sugar levels
What alcoholic strength can the wines of Montilla-Moriles DO reach due to the hot climate?
14 to 16% (or even higher) pre fortification
Does Montilla-Moriles only produce sweet wines?
No, a small amount of dry still wines are produced as well as some non-PX dessert wines from very ripe Moscatel grapes
Which styles of sherry fall under the Fino Style?
Fino
Puerto Fino
Manzanilla
Pale Cream
Which styles of sherry fall under the Hybrid Style?
Amontillado
Palo Cortado
Which styles of sherry fall under the Oloroso Style?
Oloroso
Cream Sherry
Which styles of sherry fall under the Dried Grape Style?
Pedro Ximenez
Moscatel
4 general styles of Sherry
Fino
Hybrid
Oloroso
Dried Grape
Where is Puerto Fino sherry from?
Coastal town of El Puerto de Santa Maria
Fino Sherry
A pale, delicate, dry wine produced primarily from the Palomino grape under the influence of flor yeast and, thus, showing the unmistakable characteristics of the flor to both the nose and palate. At 15% abv or so, it is among the least alcoholic of the fortified wines. Unless deliberately sweetened, fino Sherries are dry on the palate
Puerto Fino Sherry
Fino Sherry from the coastal town of El Puerto de Santa Maria. The cool climate of the coast encourages a thick covering of flor, resulting in a light, crisp wine with a hint of saltiness
Manzanilla Sherry
Fino Sherry that is matured in the seaside town of Sanlucar de Barrameda, produced according to the Manzanilla Sanlucar de Barrameda DO. It has a slightly different flavor that other finos, often described as briny due to the maritime humidity, which encourages a more vigorous flor yeast population
Where is Manzanilla Sherry matured?
Sanlucar de Barrameda
Pale Cream Sherry
Sweetened style of fino Sherry that originated in Bristol. Aside from the addition of a sweetening agent, no other color, aroma, or flavor is added.
Where did Pale Cream sherry originate?
Bristol
Amontillado Sherry
Sherry that starts out as a fino and is aged under a layer of flor but that loses its protective flor after a few years (naturally or through additional fortification). It is therefore aged like an oloroso in the presence of oxygen. Amontillado Sherries tend to have intense, nutty aromas
Palo Cortado Sherry
Unique Sherry made from fino-quality base wine, but it never quite develops flor as initially expected. It then continues aging oxidatively, but it never quite develops into an oloroso. It has the nutty characteristics of an amontillado but without the flor aroma. Palo Cortado has the color and full body of an oloroso Sherry.
Oloroso Sherry
A Palomino-based Sherry aged in partially filled barrels without flor and with considerable oxidation. Oloroso Sherry changes in color from its original shade of gold to light brown to deep brown as it ages, increasing in alcohol, body, and aroma
Cream Sherry
Sweetened Oloroso Sherry, typically produced using a blend of Sherries and often showing a distinctly darkened amber or brown color. Harvey’s Bristol Cream Sherry – so named for its creamy texture – is one of the original commercial brands of cream Sherry.
Name for Sweetened styles of Fino/Oloroso Sherry?
Fino - Pale Cream
Oloroso - Cream
One of the original commercial brands of cream sherry
Harvey’s Bristol Cream Sherry
Pedro Ximenez Sherry
Very dark, very sweet, almost syrupy Sherry produced using thin-skinned Pedro Ximenez grapes. Plantings of Pedro Ximenez grapes are quite limited in Jerez, so grapes form the nearby Montilla-Moriles DO are permitted in these wines
Moscatel Sherry
Wines made from grapes that are left to dry for a short time after harvest and are typically made into a sweet, golden wine with fruity and floral aromas
What are many of the Moscatel grapes grown in Jerez used for?
Sweetening other styles of Sherry
Name for Spain’s high-quality, Traditional Method Sparkling Wine
Cava
What is unusual about the Cava designation?
It is scattered across Spain
What area accounts for 95% of Spain’s Cava production?
Catalonia
How many regions are allowed to produce Cava?
8
What percentage of Spain’s quality wine is Cava?
10%
What town is the heart of the Cava designation?
San Sadurni de Noya (Sant Adurni d’Anoia) west of Barcelona
Other major Cava producing towns of Catalonia?
Barcelona
Tarragona
Lleida
Girona
What does the proximity to the Mediterranean coast do for Cava towns?
moderates the daily temperature and increases the humidity
What type of soil is mainly in the towns of Cava?
Chalky
What are the three classic grape varieties of Cava?
Macabeo
Xarel-lo
Parellada
Are all of the main grape varieties of Cava red?
No, they are white
What style of Cava does Macabeo produce?
Dry wines of balanced acidity and subtle aromas
What style of Cava does Xarel-lo produce?
Full-bodied, plesant wines with a good degree of acidity
Why is Xarel-lo the basis for most Cava blends?
Its freshness and fine aroma
What style of Cava does Parellada produce?
Wines that are smooth, with moderate alcohol and a delicate aroma
What kind of aspect does Parellada do well in?
Higher-elevation areas
How does Parellada differe from Xarel-lo?
More subtle, but provides and backbone and acidity to the wine
Other approved varieties for Cava
Chardonnay Malvasia (Subirat Parent) Pinot Noir Garnacha Monastrell
What grape may only be used in the production of Cava rosado?
Trepat
Where is Trepat thought to be native to?
Catalonia
What are the four levels of Cava?
Cava
Cava Reserva
Cava Gran Reserva
Cava de Paraje Calificado (Qualified Single Estate Cava)
What does Cava de Paraje Calificado mean?
Qualified Single Estate Cava
Production requirements for Cava level?
Minimum 9 months lees aging in bottle
White or Rose
Any Sweetness
Production requirements for Cava Reserva level?
Minimum 15 months of lees aging in bottle
White or Rose
Brut-Level Sweetness or drier
Production requirements for Cava Gran Reserva level?
Minimum 30 months of lees aging in bottle
White or Rose
Brut-Level Sweetness or drier
Production requirements for Cava de Paraje Calificado
Minimum 36 months of lees aging in bottle
White or Rose
Produced from single-estate vines
Brut-Level Sweetness or drier
Where does Portugal lie?
Southwestern section of the Iberian Peninsula
What borders Portugal to the west and south?
Atlantic Ocean
What borders Portugal to the north and east?
Spain
What prevents vineyards from thriving all over Portugal?
Rugged terrain (rugged ridges and valleys)
Where do vineyards cling to the sides of steep valley walls?
Douro
How many distinct climates are in Portugal?
Three
How is the climate of the coastal part of northern Portugal?
Lush and green with abundant rainfall (similar to Green Spain to the north). Influenced by the Atlantic, temperatures are moderate and humidity is high
What is the climate of the southern coastal region of Portugal?
More Mediterranean, with warmer summers, mild winters, and very little precipitation during the growing season. The climate is decidedly continental and arid.
Why does the ocean not moderate the temperature of the southern part of Portugal?
Patchwork of mountain ranges found there
What is the climate of the inland valleys (especially those close to the Spanish border to the east)?
Blisteringly hot summers and very cold winters, with minimal precipitation
How many varieties of grape does the Instituto da Vinha e do Vinho list as being present in Portugal?
Almost 350 varieties
Are most of the grapes grown in Portugal found in other places?
No, aside from some crossover with Spain they are mostly unique, and international varieties aren’t typical although that is slowly changing
What are some of the leading red varieties in Portugal used for?
Port production
What are the three big red varieties in Portugal?
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Franca
Tinta Roriz
What is the profile of Touriga Nacional?
Complex wines with firm structure and black fruit flavors
What is the profile of Touriga Franca?
Usually used in blends, offering floral, blackberry, and plum notes
What is the alternate name for Tinta Roriz?
Aragonez (Portugal)
Tempranillo (Rest of the World)
What is the profile of Tinta Roriz?
Red fruit, olive, and herbal characteristics
Alternate name for Castelao
Periquita
Where is Periquita predominantly planted?
Southern Portugal
What is the profile of Periquita?
Age-worthy wines with a complex, herbaceous character; although it is adaptable and can also make fruit-forward, easy-drinking reds and roses
2 other significant red varieties of Portugal
Baga
Trincadeira
What is an alternate name for Trincadeira
Tinta Amarela
Why is Baga often aged in neutral or older barrels?
It is extremely tannic and the older oak doesn’t impart additional tannins
What is the profile of Baga?
Extremely tannic, age worthy, robust wines with plum and tobacco notes
Where does Trincadeira grow best?
Hot, dry areas such as the Alentejo and Tejo
What is the profile of Trincadeira?
Vibrant acidity and aromas of blackberry, herbs, and pepper
What percentage of Portuguese wines are white?
Less than 1/3rd
Where are white varieties more predominant in Portugal?
In the cooler areas in the north and on the islands
What two grapes are the stars of Vinho Verde?
Loureiro
Alvarinho
What is the Spanish name for Loureiro?
Loureira
What is the Spanish name for Alvarinho?
Albarino
What is the profile of Alvarinho?
Distinctly tart and mineral in character, with peach and citrus aromas and flavors
What is Portugal’s most planted white variety?
Fernao Pires
What is an alternate name for Fernao Pires?
Maria Gomes
Where is Fernao Pires mostly found?
Mainly in the south (Palmela, Tejo, and Setubal) and on the central coast (Bairrada)
What is the profile of Fernao Pires?
Very aromatic
Does Fernao Pires only make still wines?
No it is also makes sparkling
Are the grapes of Madeira mostly red or white?
White
What are the 4 grapes of Madeira?
Sercial
Verdelho
Boal (Bual)
Malvasia (Malmsey)
What is an alternate name of Malvasia?
Malmsey
What are the three levels of Portuguese wine laws?
Vinho (Vinho de Portugal)
Vinho regional (VR)
Denominacao de origem controlada (DOC)
What is the former name of the Vinho category?
Vinho de mesa
What is the Vinho category?
Basic wine
What portion of Portugal’s production is Vinho?
1/4th
What is the Vinho regional category?
Country wines from on of the VR regions
How many VR regions are in Portugal?
14
How many regions do the 14 VR designations cover?
12 regions in Portugal plus the islands of Azores and Madeira
How much of Portugal’s production is Vinho regional?
1/4th
What does the VR category of Portugal equal in the EU system?
PGI Wines
What is the alternate name for PGI?
Indicacao Geografica Protegida (IGP)
What is the Denominacao de Origem Controlada (DOC)?
Primary category for quality wine
How many DOCs are in Portugal?
31 including Porto and Madeira
What are the DOCs equivalent to in the EU system?
PDO
What is the name for PDO in Portugal?
Denominacao de Origem Protegida
Where is the Minho located?
Northwestern corner of Portugal, just south of the Spanish region of Rias Baixas
What is the climate of the Minho?
It is the coolest and wettest part of Portugal
Does Minho produce more whites or reds?
Whites
Is the majority of the wines in the Minho VR?
No, most of the production is in the Vinho Verde DOC
What DOC is the only DOC larger than the Vinho Verde DOC?
Porto
What does Vinho Verde mean?
Green wine, although the term is meant to mean the wine is meant to be consumed young
What kinds of wines are produced in Vinho Verde?
Red, white, or pink
What grapes are used for white Vinho Verde?
Mostly Loureiro and Alvarinho, sometimes blended with Arinto, Trajadura, and other grapes
What does Loureiro provide in a blend?
Richness on the palate
What does Alvarinho provide in the blend?
Leanness and Higher acidity
Is Vinho Verde always a blend?
No it can be single variety as well
How does Alvarinho led Vinho Verde differ from Rias Baixas Albarino?
More Petillant, mineral, and tart
What is the profile of white Vinho Verde?
Generally low in alcohol and high in acidity, with a fresh citrus character
What is the minimum alcohol level for white Vinho Verde?
8.5%
What grape variety is most red Vinho Verde made from?
Vinhao
What style of wine does Vinhao produce?
Deeply colored, full-bodied wines
What is encouraged with red Vinho Verde that is not encouraged in white Vinho Verde?
Malolactic Fermenation, although the wine still has a high acidity
Is most red and rose Vinho Verde exported?
No, it remains mostly within Portugal for domestic consumption
When was the Douro’s boundaries defined?
1756
What was among the first demarcated wine regions in the world?
Douro in 1756
What is the Douro primarily known for?
Port
Does the Douro only produce ports?
No, it is also a well-regarded for unfortified wines
What portion of the production of the Douro is released under the Porto DOC?
About 2/3rds
What makes up the rest of the Douro production?
High Quality unfortified wine along with a small amount of fortified Moscatel do Douro labeled as Douro DOC
What are the still wines of the Douro made from?
The same grapes as Port production
Are international varieties allowed in the Douro DOC?
No, they do not qualify and are released under the VR Duriense
What does the Douro span?
From 40 miles (64km) east of the city of Oporto and extend 60 miles (96km) east to the Spanish border
What is the name of the Douro river once it reaches Spain?
Duero
What is the general terrain of the Douro?
Rugged, wild, and remote
What are the three subregions of the Douro from west to east?
Baixo Corgo
Cima Corgo
Douro Superior
Baixo Corgo region generally
Westernmost section, relatively fertile area with ample rainfall
What type of wines does Baixo Corgo make?
Mostly lighter styles of Port
Cima Corgo region generally
Central core of the Port region, has steep rocky slopes of schist and granite that have been terraced.
Climate of Cima Corgo
Hotter summers
Colder winters
Less rain than Baixo Corgo
Which subregion is considered to produce the finest ports?
Cima Corgo
Where are the majority of the vineyards used in Port production located?
Cima Corgo
Douro Superior region generally
Upriver, eastern part of the valley
Climate of Douro Superior
Extreme temperatures
Very little rainfall
What is the largest subregion of the Douro in terms of physical size?
Douro Superior, but less than one quarter is under vine
What is mainly produced in Douro Superior?
Unfortified Wine
What are the 5 preferred varieties of the Douro?
Touriga Nacional Touriga Franca Tinta Roriz Tinta Barroca Tinto Cao
What are the white varieties used in white Port?
Gouveio
Malvasia Fina
What is the unique and complex vineyard ranking system called in the Port DOC?
Cadastro
How many factors does the cadastro assess?
12 factors
What are some of the factors assessed by the cadastro?
Altitude
Yield
Locality
What are vineyards classified from under the cadastro system?
From A (high) to F (low)
What does the ranking from the cadastro along with the harvest conditions determine?
Each growers beneficio authorization
What is the beneficio authorization?
Maximum amount of wine that is allowed to be fortified and used to produce Port in that year
What was traditional about the production of Port?
The grapes were foot trodden in low, open granite or concrete troughs known as lagares
Lagares
Low, open granite or concrete troughs for foot-crushing
Do they still foot trod grapes for Port?
Yes, although some producers have transitioned to more modern mechanical means
What ABV are Ports fortified to?
19% to 22%
Pipes
Barrels youn Port was placed into
How were young Port’s typically transferred to the city of Oporto?
Downriver via ornate flat-bottomed boats known as barcos rabelos
Barcos Rabelos
Ornate flat-bottomed boats that were used to transfer young Ports to the city of Oporto
Where did the center of Port trade shift to in the late 1800s?
Across the river to the town of Vila Nova de Gaia
What are the lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia used for?
Storing and aging of Port
Why was the center of Port trade and the lodges transitioned to a different place?
The high humidity and cooler temperatures of these towns on the coast proved to be much better for aging the Port with minimal evaporation or maderization
What has the boat transportation transitioned to in current day?
Truck transport, thus the structure of the trade is changing slowly
Is Vila Nova de Gaia still the home of most of the Port lodges?
Yes, although more and more quintas now do their own blending and aging in temperature-controlled facilities in the Douro
What is the general style of Port?
Sweet, high in alcohol, and rich in complex flavors and aromas
What differentiates to a large degree the styles of Port?
How Long
What Type of Container
Ruby Style of Port
Simplest of Ports, comprising a large share of all Port produced. Rubies have a vibrant red color and youthful aromas but lack the longevity and complexity of flavors found in other styles of port
Aging of Ruby Port
Large oak casks for about two years before being bottled and ready to drink
Reserve Style of Port
Blend of premium ruby Ports after four to six years’ aging in oak vats
Aging of Reserve Ports
4 to 6 years in oak vats
What is Reserve Port similar to?
Tawny Port
Style of Late-Bottled Vintage (LBV)
Wine from a single year, matured in large oak vats for four to six years after harvest
Aging of Late-Bottled Vintage (LBV)
Matured in large oak vats for four to six years after harvest
What is done to LBV ports before bottling?
Filtered
Style of Tawny Ports
Tawny port is a version or ruby Port that is aged long enough in oak for the color to oxidize from ruby red to a golden brown shade, developing richer, more oxidized flavors along the way
How long is Basic tawny Port aged for?
Just a few years
How long is “Reserve Tawny Port” aged for?
At least 7 years in oak before bottling – this represents the true style
What does the age on a label of Tawny Port refer to?
Average of time – so some of the wine in the bottle will be older and some will be younger
What is true of ports with indicated age on the bottle?
Highly complex and rich wines that represent the pinnacle of quality for wood-aged Ports
Style of Vintage Port
Rarest and most expensive style of Port produced.
What is different about Vintage Ports?
Whereas most Ports are blends of wine from several harvest, vintage Port is from a single year’s harvest and is only produced in teh best years
Who decides when a Vintage Port will be made?
A vintage year is declared at the discretion of the producer, but must be approved by the Instituto dos Vinhos de Douro e Porto (IVDP)
Are vintages commonly declared for Vintage Port?
No, sometimes it is as few as 3 years out of 10
Aging for Vintage Port
Aged in cask, but must be bottled by July 30 of the third year after harvest. After bottling, the wine is usually cellared for many more years before release. The wine may spend decades aging in the bottle.
What is true about Vintage Port?
Unique and reflective of the growing conditions of a single year
Style of Single Quinta Vintage Port
Variation on the vintage port style – is produced from the grapes of a specific estate or vineyard.
What is the controversy with Single Quinta Vintage Ports?
They are sometimes produced in years that were not considered good enough for a producer to declare a vintage year for their entire estate. In these cases, specific vineyards that did have excellent-quality harvests may be bottled under this designation
Do Single Quinta Vintage Port and Vintage Port have the same requirements?
Yes, they both require the same handling
Two examples of Single Quinta Vintage Port
Dow’s Quinta do Bomfim
Taylor’s Quinta de Terra Feita
Style of Colheita Port
Single-vintage tawny port
Aging for Colheita Port
Wine must remain in cask for at least seven years, but the practice is it usually spends a much longer time in wood before being bottled.
Is Colheita Port common?
No, very few vintners produce this style
Style of White Port
Made in both off-dry and sweet styles and often served as an apertif
Is White Port as prevalent as Red?
No, but a small quantity does still exist
What grapes are used in White Port production?
Malvasia Fina, Gouveio, Rabigato, and others
Who introduced the Rose style of Port?
Croft, called Croft Pink
When was Croft Pink introduced?
2008
What was the goal of Rose Port?
Intended to appeal to a new generation of wine drinkers. The style proved quite popular, and several other shippers quickly followed suit
Where is Madeira?
An island located in the Atlantic some 400 miles off the coast of Morocco
What is responsible for the rise of Madeira?
Its position as a resupply point for ships en route to the Far East or the Americas. Ships typically took aboard local wines, which were fortified so they wouldn’t spoil during the long voyage.
How was Madeira created?
The fortified wines aboard shift spent time in the stiflingly hot cargo hold of the ship as it sailed through the tropics which dramatically changed the character of the wine
General style of Madiera
Amber-colored wine with nutty, caramelized flavors
Maderization
Cooking process used for the production of Madeira
Aside from Madeira, where else can wines labeled under the Madeira DOC be produced?
Porto Santo, which is 27 miles northeast of Madeira
Does Madeira only make fortified wines?
No, unfortified table wines are also made on both islands – in red, white, or rose
What are unfortified table wines labeled as in Madeira?
Madeirense DOC or Terras Madeirenses VR
What is the elevation of the highest point of Madeira?
6000 ft
What kind of island is Madeira?
Volcanic
How are the vines planted in Madeira?
Steep, terraced slopes of the central mountain spine
What is the climate of Madeira?
Mild subtropical climate with little annual temperature variation with moderate rainfall, although rare in summer.
When does Madeira receive 75% of its precipitation?
Autumn/Winter
How are vineyards irrigated in Madeira?
Through a system of canals called levadas, a practice that dates to the mid-fifteenth century
What are levadas?
Canals used for irrigation in Madeira
What are the “noble” grapes of Madeira?
Sercial
Verdelho
Boal
Malvasia (Malmsey)
Where are the different noble grapes planted in Madeira?
Different elevations
Sercial - halfway up the mountain
Verdelho - little lower
Malvasia/Boal - closer to sea level
What is the most widely planted variety on the island of Madeira?
Tinta Negra
What is the former name of TInta Negra in Madeira?
Tinta Negra Mole
Does Madeira only come in the sweet style?
No it comes in both dry and sweet – depending on when fortification occurs (during or after)
Which grapes are used to make the dry style of Madeira?
Sercial
Verdelho
Tinta Negra
Which grapes make the sweet style of Madeira?
Boal
Malvasia
Tinta Negra
Do all styles of Madeira go through the Maderization process?
Yes
What are the two main ways to re-create the sunbaked conditions that initially created Madeira?
Canteiro Method
Estufagem Method
What is the Canteiro Method for Madeira?
Wine is placed in casks and stored in the rafters of an uncooled warehouse, and subjected to high temperatures under the subtropical son for a minimum of two years.
What is the minimum amount of time a wine spends in the Canteiro Method?
2 years
What is true of the resulting wine from the Canteiro Method?
Considered highest quality
How does the Canteiro Method affect the resulting wine?
Some evaporation occurs
Wine becomes more concentrated
Develops more complex flavors and aromas
Aging of Vinho de Canteiro?
Minimum 3 years before bottling, but the finest examples may remain in cask for 20 years or more
What is the Estufagem Method for Madeira?
Wine is left in a concrete or steel vat known as an estufa. Hot water is circulated through a submerged coil within the vessel for a minimum of 3 months heating the wine to 113F to 122F (45C to 50C). After this process, the wine rests in the estufa for a minimum of 90 days before being transferred to cask for aging.
What is Cuba de Calor?
Process used for Estufagem method in which wine is left in a concrete or steel vat known as an estufa. Hot water is circulated through a submerged coil within the vessel for a minimum of 3 months heating the wine to 113F to 122F (45C to 50C). After this process, the wine rests in the estufa for a minimum of 90 days before being transferred to cask for aging.
What is an Estufa?
Concrete or stainless steel vat used for Estufagem method of Madeira production
How long must a wine rest in the estufa before being transferred to cask for aging?
3 months
What is true about the Estufagem Method of Madeira production?
Cheapest in both time and cost
What is Armazem de Calor?
Second type of estufagem method that involves leaving the wine in vats in a large room that is heated by steam to over 120F (49C) for six months to one year. The wine itself reaches temperatures of 86F to 100F (30C to 38C).
How long are wines made using the Armazem de Calor left in their vats?
6 months to one year
Who mainly utilizes the Armazem de Calor estufagem method?
Madeira Wine Company
How does Armazem de Calor compare to Cuba de Calor?
Armazem utilizes lower temperatures and a longer period of time so it is gentler on the wine and is considered an intermediate method in terms of both the time required and the cost.
How long before a wine made using the estufagem method may be released?
Minimum 2 years
Where do the classic styles of Madeira get their names?
From the grapes used to produce them
Sercial style of Madeira
Extra dry or dry
Highly acidic
Excellent as an aperitif
Verdelho style of Madeira
Off-dry or Medium dry
Honeyed
Somewhat smoky character
Boal style of Madeira
Sweet
Raisiny
Medium Rich
Highly Aromatic
Malmsey style of Madeira
Very sweet
Somewhat soft
Very rich
Why are the classic styles of Madeira not seen as much anymore?
They were labeled by variety and with the new adoption of EU wine laws – varietal labeling was only allowed if the wine contained 85% of the listed variety which wasn’t true of Madeira
How is Madeira labeled now?
Proprietary name or simply Madeira occasionally with a style term attached
Rainwater style of Madeira
Traditional name for an off-dry blend with a golden or semi-golden color
How aged must the wine be to be called Rainwater Madeira?
3 years
Reserve (Reserva) style of Madeira
Wine that is at least 5 (but no more than 10) years old
Special Reserve (Reserva Especial) style of Madeira
Wine that is at least 10 years (but no more than 15 years) old
Extra Reserve style of Madeira
Wine that is at least 15 (but no more than 20) years old
When are age indications allowed for Madeira?
When the wine is 20, 30, or over 40 years old -
For an age indication of Madeira – how is the age determined?
By the youngest wine in the blend
Colheita style of Madeira
Produced from a single vintage (85% minimum) and aged for at least 5 years before bottling
Frasqueira style of Madeira
Vintage Madeira
Cask aged for a minimum of 20 years
Minimum of 85% of the wine must be from the stated vintage (this allows for some “topping up” of the wine with younger wines from the aging process
Where is the Bairrada DOC located?
Within the Beira Atlantico VR, just inland from the coast
What is the climate of the Bairrada DOC?
Cool Maritime
What does Bairrada produce?
White, Red, Rose, and Sparkling; although most of the output is Red
What grape variety forms the basis of the Bairrada DOC?
Baga
What is Baga known for?
Being highly acidic and highly tannic
How are Bairrada sparkling wines produced?
Using the Traditional Method
What is the aging requirements for Bairrada sparkling wines?
9 months
What is the main white grape used in sparkling and still whites in Bairrada?
Maria Gomes (Fernao Pires)
Where is the Dao located?
Between the sea and the mountains, just south of the Minho region
How does the Dao compare to Bairrada physically?
Dao is farther inland, is surrounded by mountains, and has a more continental climate
What styles of wine are produced in the Dao?
White, Red, Rose, and Sparkling
What is the main style of the Dao DOC?
Complex, full-bodied red blends
What grape varieties are key in the Dao DOC?
Alfrocheira
Tinta Roriz
Jaen (Mencia)
Touriga Nacional
What are the main white varieties of the Dao DOC?
Encruzado
Bical
Where is the Lisboa VR
West and north of the city of Lisbon
What does the Lisboa produce a great deal of?
Portugal’s regional wine
What is the grape variety and profile of Lisboa VR whites?
Based on the Arinto grape
Fresh and Crisp
What is the grape varieties and styel of Lisboa VR reds?
Based on Bastardo, Trincadeira, and Ramisco (red and white international varieties are allowed)
Fruit-forwards with a good value-to-quality ratio
Where is the small DOC of Colares?
In Lisboa, next to the famous surfing beach of Guinco
What are the vineyards of Colares DOC known for?
Being planted in the sand and protected from the ocean winds by windbreaks made of sand dunes and wooden fences
What styles of wines are produced in Colares DOC?
High acid/High tannin reds based on Ramisco
Aromatic whites based on Malvasia
What is produced in the Lourinha DOC within Lisboa?
Aguardente (Brandy) rather than wine
Where is Tejo?
To the east of Lisboa, covering the same area as the Ribatejo Province, this flat, fertile wine region spans both sides of the Tejo River
What is the former name of Tejo?
Ribatejano
What does Tejo produce?
Significant producer of regional (VR Tejo) wine and even more significant producer of vinho de Portugal
How big is the region of Tejo?
55,000 acres (22,300ha)
What does the Do Tejo DOC within Tejo produce?
Red, white, sparkling, rose, and licoroso (fortified) wines from a wide range of approved varieites
Licoroso
Term for fortified wine
What are the leading red varieties of the Do Tejo DOC?
Castelao
Trincadeira
What is the leading white variety of Do Tejo DOC?
Fernao Pires
Where is the Peninsula de Setubal?
Just south of Tejo and protected from the sea by the Arrabida mountain range
What DOCs are in Peninsula de Setubal?
Setubal DOC
Palmela DOC
What is Setubal DOC mainly known for?
Vins doux naturels (VDNs) produced from the Muscat of Alexandria grape
When produced from at least 85% Muscat – how is the wine labeled in Setubal DOC?
Moscatel de Setubal
What is produced in the Palmela DOC?
Mainly red wines based on the Castelao grape, which thrives in the area’s sandy soils
Where is the Alentejano region of Portugal?
Southeast Portugal
What are the two areas of production of the Alentejano region?
Alentejo DOC
Alentejano VR
What is the climate of Alentejano?
Continental
What is the general profile of the wines of Alentejano?
Since the climate is more continental, the wines are rich, fruit-forward, and full-bodied while still retaining good acidity
What are the main grape varieties of Alentejano?
Aragonez (Tempranillo
Trincadeira (Tinta Amarela)
Alicante Bouschet
What is the Alicantejano VR seeing new plantings of?
International varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah
What is the southernmost region of Portugal on the mainland?
Algarve
What do the climates of Algarve depend on?
Proximity to the Atlantic Coast
What moderates Algarve?
Chain of mountains along the northern border of the region from Spain to the ocean which blocks the heat that plagues Alentejo
What are the four DOCs of Algarve?
Lagos
Portimao
Lagoa
Tavira
Which region contains similar plantings to Algarve?
Alentejo
How many islands are in the Azores?
9
Where is the Azores region located?
Approximately 1000 miles (1610km) off the west coast of Portugal
What is the overarching region of the Azores?
Azores VR
How many of the 9 islands of Azores have DOCs?
3
What are the DOCs of Azores?
Biscoitos
Graciosa
Pico
Where is Madeira in relation to Azores?
700 miles southeast of Pico
What styles of wine are produced in Azores?
Majority is white (dry or fortified)
What grape varieties are used in Azores, primarily?
Verdelho
Arinot (Pederna)
Terrantez