Spain Regions Flashcards
What are the 3 climate zones of Spain?
North and North-West coast has moderate maritime climate with lots of rainfall (Rias Baixas, Jerez)
East coast is warm Mediterranean climate (Catalunya, Levante, Valencia, Priorat, Jumilla, Yecla)
Meseta Central is a large plateau inland. Hot continental climate moderated by cool nights due to altitude. (Rioja, Rueda, Ribera del Duero)
Key red grape varietals in Spain
Tempranillo - medium acid and tannin. Strawberry scented when fermented alone, often as semi-carbonic. “Joven” style. Often it’s instead blended for high quality wines.
Garnacha Tinta (aka Grenache) - high alcohol, low tannin, low acid. Used in Priorat.
Monastrell (aka Mourvedre) - thick skinned, drought tolerant, needs hot sunny conditions to ripen. Mostly south eastern DOs like Yecla and Jumilla. Deeply colored, full bodied wine, high tannin and alcohol, low to medium acidity, ripe blackberry fruit.
Graciano - Difficult to grow, mostly in Rioja and used in blends. Concentrated black fruit, acidity, and tannins.
Carinena (aka Carignan or Mazuelo in Rioja) used for blending, adds acidity, tannins, and color. Used in Priorat with Garnacha.
Key white grape varietals in Spain
Verdejo - Light bodied, medium to high acid, melon and peach flavor. Sometimes richer and fuller bodied with lees stirring and barrel fermentation.
Albarino - High acidity with citrus and stone fruit flavors. Grows in Rias Baixas. Thick skin helps with fungal issues in the wet climate.
Airen - widely planted in La Mancha in Meseta Central. Mostly bulk production for Brandy.
Rioja General Style, climate, and vineyard characteristics
What country and larger region is it part of?
What are key sub-regions?
Mostly tempranillo, but with garnacha for adding alcohol. Vigorous cap management and extended maceration for heavily extracted wines. Deep color. Often American Oak for aging.
Spain in the north near the Pyrenees.
Some white wine grown, mostly Viura.
3 sub regions -
* Rioja Alavesa
* Rioja Alta
* Rioja Oriental - hotter, less maritime, severe winters. Garnacha mostly grown here
What are the classification levels in Spain
PDO wines are:
- DO (Denominacio de Origen) which covers grape varieties, viticulture, and location
- DOCa (Denominacion de Origen Calificada) more prestigious. Only used for Rioja and Priorat, though Priorat may use DOQ.
- VP (Vinos de Pago) - Small number of single estates.
PGI wines also use the term VdIT
Aging terms:
* Joven - new, no aging requirements
* Crianza (24/6) total/barrel aging
* Reserva (36/12)
* Gran Reserva (60/18) (longest age requirements)
Navarra General Style, climate, and vineyard characteristics
What country and larger region is it part of?
Red wines, mostly Tempranillo, but blended with other Rioja grapes and some international ones. Range from easy drinking Joven wines to complex Gran Reserva ones.
Garnacha is picked early for high-acidity roses.
In Spain between Rioja and the Pyrenees.
Catalunya General Style, climate, and vineyard characteristics
What country and larger region is it part of?
What are key sub-regions?
Region for all Cava
Still wines are mostly Garnacha with some Carinena blended.
In Spain, north east corner near Barcelona.
- Catalunya is the generic DO for the region
- Penedes - lots of Cava here
- Priorat - Garnacha and Carinena. Hot and dry
Priorat General Style, climate, and vineyard characteristics
What country and larger region is it part of?
Red wines with deep color, high tannins, medium to high alcohol, concentrated black fruit. Often toasty from new french oak. Blend of Garnacha and Carinena, though occasionally with international varietals.
Best soil is known as Llicorella. Red slate with mica particles. Help by reflecting and conserving heat. Deep soil retains water during dry summers.
Steep slopes and bush vines make mechanisation impossible. Vineyard management is expensive.
Ribera del Duero General Style, climate, and vineyard characteristics
What country and larger region is it part of?
Hot, dry summers, cold winters. Continental climate. High altitude vineyards moderate temps.
DO for red, white, and rose wines, but most production is reds of Tempranillo. Dark color, high tannin.
In Spain, in the Meseta Central, Duero Valley
Toro General Style, climate, and vineyard characteristics
What country and larger region is it part of?
Similar hot, dry climate to Ribera del Duero. Most wine is Tempranillo and are full bodied with intense fruit flavors and high alcohol.
In Spain, in the Meseta Central, Duero Valley
Rueda General Style, climate, and vineyard characteristics
What country and larger region is it part of?
Between Toro and Ribera del Duero, but focuses on white wines. Continental climate with cool nights.
Verdejo is the traditional grape, but lots of Sauvignon Blanc now.
In Spain, in the Meseta Central, Duero Valley
Rias Baixas General Style, climate, and vineyard characteristics
What country and larger region is it part of?
Moderate, damp, maritime climate. High humidity means mildew and rot are common problems. Vines are trained on pergolas to encourage air circulation.
Most wine is Albarino as refreshing, unoaked style with high acidity and ripe stone fruit flavors. Some wines are made richer with a little oak or lees.
Red wine is permitted, but a minority concern.
In North west Spain on the Atlantic coast.
Bierzo General Style, climate, and vineyard characteristics
What country and larger region is it part of?
Mainly red wine DO in the mountains on the western edge of Meseta Central. Moderate with some maritime cooling influence. Steep stony slopes.
Key grape is Mencia for red wines with high acidity, red fruit aromas.
In Spain in the north west inland from Rias Biaxas on the edge of Meseta Central.
Jumilla and Yecla General Style, climate, and vineyard characteristics
What country and larger region is it part of?
Hot and arid Mediterranean climate.
Grows Monastrell (aka Mouvedre). Usually youthful and fruity style.
Eastern Spain near the coast.
