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WSET Level 3 in Wines - Thirsty and Wise > Spain - WSET L3 in Wines > Flashcards

Spain - WSET L3 in Wines Flashcards

1
Q

What are Spain’s three broad climatic zones?

A

Moderate maritime (north and northwest coast), warm Mediterranean (east coast), and hot continental (Meseta Central).

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2
Q

What is the key challenge for grape growing in most of Spain?

A

Heat and lack of water.

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3
Q

What traditional vine training system is common in Spain?

A

Bush-trained vines, which maximize water availability and shade fruit.

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4
Q

How does altitude benefit vineyards in Spain?

A

Cool nights at high altitudes preserve acidity and balance in grapes.

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5
Q

What is Spain’s most important black grape variety?

A

Tempranillo.

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6
Q

What are the characteristics of Tempranillo wines?

A

Medium acidity, medium tannins, flavors of red fruit and vanilla when aged.

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7
Q

What is Garnacha known for in Spain?

A

High alcohol, often used for rosados and full-bodied reds.

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8
Q

Where is Monastrell primarily grown?

A

Southeastern Spain, particularly in DOs like Yecla and Jumilla.

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9
Q

What are the characteristics of Monastrell wines?

A

Deep color, high tannins, high alcohol, and flavors of blackberry and spice.

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10
Q

What are Spain’s key white grape varieties?

A

Albariño, Verdejo, and Viura (Macabeo).

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11
Q

What is Spain’s PDO classification?

A

Denominación de Origen Protegida (DOP).

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12
Q

What are the two traditional PDO categories in Spain?

A

Denominación de Origen (DO) and Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa).

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13
Q

What is Spain’s highest wine classification for single estates?

A

Vinos de Pago (VP).

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14
Q

What is Spain’s PGI category?

A

Vino de la Tierra (VdlT).

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15
Q

What are the four ageing categories for Spanish wines?

A

Joven, Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva.

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16
Q

How long must Gran Reserva wines age?

A

At least 60 months for red and 48 for white/rose, with 6 months in barrel for whites and rosés, and 18 months for reds.

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17
Q

What is the ageing requirement for Crianza red and wines?

A

Minimum 24 months for red and 18 month for white/rose, with at least six months in barrel for all.

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18
Q

What are the principal wine regions of Spain?

A

Upper Ebro, Duero Valley, Northwest, Catalunya, Levante, and Castilla-La Mancha.

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19
Q

What is Rioja DOCa known for?

A

High-quality red blends based on Tempranillo, aged extensively in oak.

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20
Q

Name the three sub-regions of Rioja.

A

Rioja Alavesa, Rioja Alta, and Rioja Oriental (formerly Rioja Baja).

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21
Q

What grape variety dominates Ribera del Duero?

A

Tempranillo, often producing full-bodied, tannic reds.

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22
Q

What is Priorat DOCa known for?

A

Full-bodied, intense reds made primarily from Garnacha and Cariñena.

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23
Q

What is semi-carbonic maceration?

A

A technique used to produce fruity wines with low tannins, often in early-drinking reds.

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24
Q

What type of oak is traditionally used in Spanish winemaking?

A

American oak, though French oak is now increasingly popular.

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25
Q

What are the typical characteristics of Albariño wines?

A

High acidity, citrus, and stone fruit flavors, often made in a fresh, unoaked style.

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26
Q

What is the key grape variety in Rías Baixas?

A

Albariño.

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27
Q

What is Navarra DO known for?

A

Red wines made from Tempranillo and Garnacha, as well as rosados.

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28
Q

What is unique about Ribera del Duero’s climate?

A

High-altitude vineyards with cool nights, preserving acidity and freshness.

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29
Q

What soils dominate Priorat vineyards?

A

Llicorella soils, composed of slate and mica, which reflect heat and retain moisture.

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30
Q

What is the climate of Rías Baixas?

A

Cool maritime, with high rainfall moderated by coastal breezes.

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31
Q

What is the primary style of wines produced in Navarra?

A

Fruity, medium-bodied reds and fresh rosés, often from Garnacha.

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32
Q

What is the significance of Toro DO?

A

Known for robust red wines made primarily from Tinta de Toro (a local Tempranillo clone).

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33
Q

What grape dominates Bierzo DO wines?

A

Mencía, producing aromatic reds with fresh red fruit and herbal notes.

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34
Q

What is the primary grape variety in Rueda DO?

A

Verdejo, known for its crisp, aromatic white wines.

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35
Q

What styles of wine are produced in Penedès DO?

A

A wide range, including Cava, fresh whites, and fruity reds.

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36
Q

What is the focus of wines in Yecla and Jumilla?

A

Full-bodied reds made from Monastrell.

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37
Q

Why is irrigation sometimes necessary in Castilla-La Mancha?

A

The hot, dry climate can cause significant water stress.

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38
Q

How does altitude influence Spanish vineyards?

A

Cool nights preserve acidity and promote balanced ripening.

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39
Q

How are modern Rioja wines different from traditional styles?

A

Modern wines often use French oak, emphasizing fruit over oxidative aging.

40
Q

What role does American oak play in traditional Spanish wines?

A

Imparts flavors of vanilla, coconut, and sweet spice.

41
Q

What is the significance of the Llicorella soils in Priorat?

A

Reflect heat and retain heat and moisture, enhancing the intensity of Garnacha and Cariñena wines.

42
Q

What does Joven mean on a Spanish wine label?

A

A young wine with no aging requirement.

43
Q

What distinguishes Reserva wines?

A

Aged for three years for red and two years for white/rose, with at least one year in oak for red and six months for white/rose.

44
Q

What is the main grape in the Levante region?

A

Monastrell.

45
Q

What makes Albariño unique in Rías Baixas?

A

Its high acidity and aromatic citrus and stone fruit flavors.

46
Q

What is Graciano, and where is it primarily grown?

A

Graciano is a black grape variety grown mainly in Rioja, used in blends for its high acidity, tannins, and intense black fruit and floral aromas.

47
Q

What is Mazuelo, and where is it primarily grown?

A

Mazuelo, also known as Carignan, is grown in Rioja, Priorat, and Catalunya, valued for its high acidity, deep color, and robust tannins.

48
Q

What are the typical flavors of Mazuelo/Carignan wines?

A

Black fruit flavors, with earthy and spicy notes, often adding structure and color to blends.

49
Q

What is Mencía, and where is it primarily grown?

A

Mencía is a black grape variety grown in Bierzo, producing aromatic, fresh red wines.

50
Q

What are the key characteristics of Mencía wines?

A

Medium-bodied with high acidity, red fruit flavors (raspberries, cherries), and herbal, floral notes, often grown in cooler, higher-altitude regions.

51
Q

What is the Vino appellation in Spain?

A

Vino is the basic classification for Spanish wines, with no geographical indication or specific production rules.

52
Q

What are the main requirements for DOC (Denominación de Origen Calificada) wines in Spain?

A

Wines must come from a DO region with at least ten years of high-quality production and meet stricter aging and quality controls.

53
Q

Name two DOCa regions in Spain?

A

Rioja and Priorat.

54
Q

What distinguishes Vinos de Pago (VP) from other classifications?

A

Vinos de Pago are wines from a single estate with unique characteristics, representing the highest quality level in Spanish wine law.

55
Q

What are the key requirements for a Vino de Pago designation?

A

The estate must have unique terroir, be vinified and bottled on-site, and meet strict quality standards.

56
Q

What is Verdejo, and where is it primarily grown?

A

Verdejo is a white grape grown primarily in Rueda DO, known for fresh, aromatic wines.

57
Q

What are the characteristics of Verdejo wines?

A

Light to medium-bodied, high acidity, with flavors of green apple, citrus, and sometimes herbal or nutty notes.

58
Q

Where is Sauvignon Blanc commonly grown in Spain?

A

Sauvignon Blanc is grown in Rueda DO, often blended with Verdejo.

59
Q

What is Airén, and where is it primarily grown?

A

Airén is the most widely planted white grape in Spain, grown predominantly in Castilla-La Mancha.

60
Q

What style of wine does Airén produce?

A

Simple, light-bodied wines with neutral flavors, often used for bulk production or brandy.

61
Q

What is Viura, and where is it primarily grown?

A

Viura, also known as Macabeo, is grown in Rioja and Catalunya, particularly in white Rioja and Cava.

62
Q

What are the characteristics of Viura wines?

A

Light-bodied with medium acidity, flavors of citrus, green apple, and a floral hint; can develop nutty notes with aging.

63
Q

What are the three sub-regions of Rioja?

A

Rioja Alavesa, Rioja Alta, and Rioja Oriental (formerly Rioja Baja).

64
Q

What is the capital of Rioja?

A

Logroño.

65
Q

What are the key geographical features of Rioja?

A

The Ebro River flows through the region, and the Cantabrian Mountains protect vineyards from cold Atlantic winds.

66
Q

How does altitude vary across Rioja’s sub-regions?

A

Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta have higher altitudes (400–800 meters), producing fresher, lighter wines, while Rioja Oriental is lower and warmer, creating riper, fuller-bodied wines.

67
Q

How does climate affect Rioja wines?

A

Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta are influenced by Atlantic winds, creating wines with balanced acidity. Rioja Oriental, with Mediterranean influence, produces riper, richer wines.

68
Q

What are the key red grape varieties of Rioja and their contributions?

A

Tempranillo (structure and red fruit), Garnacha (alcohol and body), Graciano (acidity and aging potential), and Mazuelo (color and tannins).

69
Q

What are the key white grape varieties in Rioja?

A

Viura (Macabeo) is the primary variety, often blended with 7 more grapes.

70
Q

What is the winemaking style for white wines in Rioja?

A

Traditionally oxidative, with oak aging; modern styles favor stainless steel or concrete tanks to preserve fresh, fruity flavors.

71
Q

What are the primary red grape varieties grown in Navarra?

A

Tempranillo, Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.

72
Q

What are the primary white grape varieties grown in Navarra?

A

Viura (Macabeo), Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.

73
Q

What are the key grape varieties in Cariñena and Calatayud?

A

Both regions focus on Garnacha and Cariñena (Carignan) for reds. Garnacha produces fruity, high-alcohol wines, while Cariñena adds structure, acidity, and color.

74
Q

What is the Catalunya regional DO?

A

Catalunya DO is a regional designation that allows producers to blend grapes from across Catalunya, offering flexibility in style and grape sourcing.

75
Q

Name three key DOs within Catalunya

A

Penedès DO, Priorat DOCa, and Cava DO.

76
Q

What makes Priorat DOCa wines expensive?

A

The steep, terraced vineyards are labor-intensive, and the low-yielding old vines produce highly concentrated, high-quality wines.

77
Q

Name the key DOs in the Duero Valley

A

Ribera del Duero, Toro, Rueda.

78
Q

What is the typical altitude of vineyards in Ribera del Duero?

A

750–1,000 meters, providing cool nights that preserve acidity and balance in wines.

79
Q

What styles of wine are produced in Ribera del Duero?

A

Red and rose wines only. Reds are rich, full-bodied styles featuring high tannins and dark fruit flavors.

80
Q

What is the primary grape variety in Ribera del Duero?

A

Tinto Fino (Tempranillo), often blended with small amounts of international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Garnacha.

81
Q

What is the key grape variety in Toro DO?

A

Tinta de Toro (a local clone of Tempranillo), known for producing powerful, full-bodied red wines.

82
Q

What is the blending rule for Rueda DO whites?

A

At least 50% Verdejo must be included in blends with other varieties like Sauvignon Blanc.

83
Q

Name the key DOs of Northwest Spain.

A

Rías Baixas, Bierzo.

84
Q

What is the traditional vine training system in Rías Baixas?

A

Pergola training, where vines are trained high to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of fungal diseases in the humid climate.

85
Q

What is the climate of Bierzo?

A

Moderate continental with maritime influences, providing a balance of warmth for ripening and coolness for acidity.

86
Q

What is the primary grape variety in Bierzo, and what are its characteristics?

A

Mencía, producing medium-bodied red wines with high acidity, fresh red fruit flavors, and herbal notes.

87
Q

What are the main grape varieties in Valencia DO?

A

Moscatel and Merseguera for fortified/whites, and Monastrell and Garnacha for reds.

88
Q

What are the key grape varieties in Jumilla and Yecla DOs?

A

Monastrell dominates, producing bold, full-bodied red wines.

89
Q

What is the climate of Jumilla and Yecla?

A

Hot and arid, with little rainfall, creating ripe, concentrated wines with high alcohol.

90
Q

Name the key DOs in Castilla-La Mancha.

A

La Mancha, Valdepeñas.

91
Q

What is the synonym for Tempranillo in La Mancha?

A

Cencibel.

92
Q

What styles of wine are produced in Castilla-La Mancha?

A

A wide range, including fresh whites, fruity reds, and high-quality Vinos de Pago wines.

93
Q

What is the importance of Vinos de Pago in Castilla-La Mancha?

A

Recognizes single estates with exceptional quality and unique terroir.

94
Q

Where is Valdepeñas DO located, and what are its key grape varieties?

A

South of La Mancha; known for Tempranillo (Cencibel) and Airén, producing structured reds and light whites.

95
Q

How does altitude influence Duero Valley wines?

A

High-altitude vineyards experience cool nights, preserving acidity and aromatic intensity in the wines.

WSET Level 3 in Wines - Thirsty and Wise (41 decks)

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