Spain - WSET L3 in Wines Flashcards
What are Spain’s three broad climatic zones?
Moderate maritime (north and northwest coast), warm Mediterranean (east coast), and hot continental (Meseta Central).
What is the key challenge for grape growing in most of Spain?
Heat and lack of water.
What traditional vine training system is common in Spain?
Bush-trained vines, which maximize water availability and shade fruit.
How does altitude benefit vineyards in Spain?
Cool nights at high altitudes preserve acidity and balance in grapes.
What is Spain’s most important black grape variety?
Tempranillo.
What are the characteristics of Tempranillo wines?
Medium acidity, medium tannins, flavors of red fruit and vanilla when aged.
What is Garnacha known for in Spain?
High alcohol, often used for rosados and full-bodied reds.
Where is Monastrell primarily grown?
Southeastern Spain, particularly in DOs like Yecla and Jumilla.
What are the characteristics of Monastrell wines?
Deep color, high tannins, high alcohol, and flavors of blackberry and spice.
What are Spain’s key white grape varieties?
Albariño, Verdejo, and Viura (Macabeo).
What is Spain’s PDO classification?
Denominación de Origen Protegida (DOP).
What are the two traditional PDO categories in Spain?
Denominación de Origen (DO) and Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa).
What is Spain’s highest wine classification for single estates?
Vinos de Pago (VP).
What is Spain’s PGI category?
Vino de la Tierra (VdlT).
What are the four ageing categories for Spanish wines?
Joven, Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva.
How long must Gran Reserva wines age?
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.
What is the ageing requirement for Crianza red and wines?
Minimum 24 months for red and 18 month for white/rose, with at least six months in barrel for all.
What are the principal wine regions of Spain?
Upper Ebro, Duero Valley, Northwest, Catalunya, Levante, and Castilla-La Mancha.
What is Rioja DOCa known for?
High-quality red blends based on Tempranillo, aged extensively in oak.
Name the three sub-regions of Rioja.
Rioja Alavesa, Rioja Alta, and Rioja Oriental (formerly Rioja Baja).
What grape variety dominates Ribera del Duero?
Tempranillo, often producing full-bodied, tannic reds.
What is Priorat DOCa known for?
Full-bodied, intense reds made primarily from Garnacha and Cariñena.
What is semi-carbonic maceration?
A technique used to produce fruity wines with low tannins, often in early-drinking reds.
What type of oak is traditionally used in Spanish winemaking?
American oak, though French oak is now increasingly popular.
What are the typical characteristics of Albariño wines?
High acidity, citrus, and stone fruit flavors, often made in a fresh, unoaked style.
What is the key grape variety in Rías Baixas?
Albariño.
What is Navarra DO known for?
Red wines made from Tempranillo and Garnacha, as well as rosados.
What is unique about Ribera del Duero’s climate?
High-altitude vineyards with cool nights, preserving acidity and freshness.
What soils dominate Priorat vineyards?
Llicorella soils, composed of slate and mica, which reflect heat and retain moisture.
What is the climate of Rías Baixas?
Cool maritime, with high rainfall moderated by coastal breezes.
What is the primary style of wines produced in Navarra?
Fruity, medium-bodied reds and fresh rosés, often from Garnacha.
What is the significance of Toro DO?
Known for robust red wines made primarily from Tinta de Toro (a local Tempranillo clone).
What grape dominates Bierzo DO wines?
Mencía, producing aromatic reds with fresh red fruit and herbal notes.
What is the primary grape variety in Rueda DO?
Verdejo, known for its crisp, aromatic white wines.
What styles of wine are produced in Penedès DO?
A wide range, including Cava, fresh whites, and fruity reds.
What is the focus of wines in Yecla and Jumilla?
Full-bodied reds made from Monastrell.
Why is irrigation sometimes necessary in Castilla-La Mancha?
The hot, dry climate can cause significant water stress.
How does altitude influence Spanish vineyards?
Cool nights preserve acidity and promote balanced ripening.
How are modern Rioja wines different from traditional styles?
Modern wines often use French oak, emphasizing fruit over oxidative aging.
What role does American oak play in traditional Spanish wines?
Imparts flavors of vanilla, coconut, and sweet spice.
What is the significance of the Llicorella soils in Priorat?
Reflect heat and retain heat and moisture, enhancing the intensity of Garnacha and Cariñena wines.
What does Joven mean on a Spanish wine label?
A young wine with no aging requirement.
What distinguishes Reserva wines?
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.
What is the main grape in the Levante region?
Monastrell.
What makes Albariño unique in Rías Baixas?
Its high acidity and aromatic citrus and stone fruit flavors.
What is Graciano, and where is it primarily grown?
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.
What is Mazuelo, and where is it primarily grown?
Mazuelo, also known as Carignan, is grown in Rioja, Priorat, and Catalunya, valued for its high acidity, deep color, and robust tannins.
What are the typical flavors of Mazuelo/Carignan wines?
Black fruit flavors, with earthy and spicy notes, often adding structure and color to blends.
What is Mencía, and where is it primarily grown?
Mencía is a black grape variety grown in Bierzo, producing aromatic, fresh red wines.
What are the key characteristics of Mencía wines?
Medium-bodied with high acidity, red fruit flavors (raspberries, cherries), and herbal, floral notes, often grown in cooler, higher-altitude regions.
What is the Vino appellation in Spain?
Vino is the basic classification for Spanish wines, with no geographical indication or specific production rules.
What are the main requirements for DOC (Denominación de Origen Calificada) wines in Spain?
Wines must come from a DO region with at least ten years of high-quality production and meet stricter aging and quality controls.
Name two DOCa regions in Spain?
Rioja and Priorat.
What distinguishes Vinos de Pago (VP) from other classifications?
Vinos de Pago are wines from a single estate with unique characteristics, representing the highest quality level in Spanish wine law.
What are the key requirements for a Vino de Pago designation?
The estate must have unique terroir, be vinified and bottled on-site, and meet strict quality standards.
What is Verdejo, and where is it primarily grown?
Verdejo is a white grape grown primarily in Rueda DO, known for fresh, aromatic wines.
What are the characteristics of Verdejo wines?
Light to medium-bodied, high acidity, with flavors of green apple, citrus, and sometimes herbal or nutty notes.
Where is Sauvignon Blanc commonly grown in Spain?
Sauvignon Blanc is grown in Rueda DO, often blended with Verdejo.
What is Airén, and where is it primarily grown?
Airén is the most widely planted white grape in Spain, grown predominantly in Castilla-La Mancha.
What style of wine does Airén produce?
Simple, light-bodied wines with neutral flavors, often used for bulk production or brandy.
What is Viura, and where is it primarily grown?
Viura, also known as Macabeo, is grown in Rioja and Catalunya, particularly in white Rioja and Cava.
What are the characteristics of Viura wines?
Light-bodied with medium acidity, flavors of citrus, green apple, and a floral hint; can develop nutty notes with aging.
What are the three sub-regions of Rioja?
Rioja Alavesa, Rioja Alta, and Rioja Oriental (formerly Rioja Baja).
What is the capital of Rioja?
Logroño.
What are the key geographical features of Rioja?
The Ebro River flows through the region, and the Cantabrian Mountains protect vineyards from cold Atlantic winds.
How does altitude vary across Rioja’s sub-regions?
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.
How does climate affect Rioja wines?
Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta are influenced by Atlantic winds, creating wines with balanced acidity. Rioja Oriental, with Mediterranean influence, produces riper, richer wines.
What are the key red grape varieties of Rioja and their contributions?
Tempranillo (structure and red fruit), Garnacha (alcohol and body), Graciano (acidity and aging potential), and Mazuelo (color and tannins).
What are the key white grape varieties in Rioja?
Viura (Macabeo) is the primary variety, often blended with 7 more grapes.
What is the winemaking style for white wines in Rioja?
Traditionally oxidative, with oak aging; modern styles favor stainless steel or concrete tanks to preserve fresh, fruity flavors.
What are the primary red grape varieties grown in Navarra?
Tempranillo, Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.
What are the primary white grape varieties grown in Navarra?
Viura (Macabeo), Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.
What are the key grape varieties in Cariñena and Calatayud?
Both regions focus on Garnacha and Cariñena (Carignan) for reds. Garnacha produces fruity, high-alcohol wines, while Cariñena adds structure, acidity, and color.
What is the Catalunya regional DO?
Catalunya DO is a regional designation that allows producers to blend grapes from across Catalunya, offering flexibility in style and grape sourcing.
Name three key DOs within Catalunya
Penedès DO, Priorat DOCa, and Cava DO.
What makes Priorat DOCa wines expensive?
The steep, terraced vineyards are labor-intensive, and the low-yielding old vines produce highly concentrated, high-quality wines.
Name the key DOs in the Duero Valley
Ribera del Duero, Toro, Rueda.
What is the typical altitude of vineyards in Ribera del Duero?
750–1,000 meters, providing cool nights that preserve acidity and balance in wines.
What styles of wine are produced in Ribera del Duero?
Red and rose wines only. Reds are rich, full-bodied styles featuring high tannins and dark fruit flavors.
What is the primary grape variety in Ribera del Duero?
Tinto Fino (Tempranillo), often blended with small amounts of international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Garnacha.
What is the key grape variety in Toro DO?
Tinta de Toro (a local clone of Tempranillo), known for producing powerful, full-bodied red wines.
What is the blending rule for Rueda DO whites?
At least 50% Verdejo must be included in blends with other varieties like Sauvignon Blanc.
Name the key DOs of Northwest Spain.
Rías Baixas, Bierzo.
What is the traditional vine training system in Rías Baixas?
Pergola training, where vines are trained high to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of fungal diseases in the humid climate.
What is the climate of Bierzo?
Moderate continental with maritime influences, providing a balance of warmth for ripening and coolness for acidity.
What is the primary grape variety in Bierzo, and what are its characteristics?
Mencía, producing medium-bodied red wines with high acidity, fresh red fruit flavors, and herbal notes.
What are the main grape varieties in Valencia DO?
Moscatel and Merseguera for fortified/whites, and Monastrell and Garnacha for reds.
What are the key grape varieties in Jumilla and Yecla DOs?
Monastrell dominates, producing bold, full-bodied red wines.
What is the climate of Jumilla and Yecla?
Hot and arid, with little rainfall, creating ripe, concentrated wines with high alcohol.
Name the key DOs in Castilla-La Mancha.
La Mancha, Valdepeñas.
What is the synonym for Tempranillo in La Mancha?
Cencibel.
What styles of wine are produced in Castilla-La Mancha?
A wide range, including fresh whites, fruity reds, and high-quality Vinos de Pago wines.
What is the importance of Vinos de Pago in Castilla-La Mancha?
Recognizes single estates with exceptional quality and unique terroir.
Where is Valdepeñas DO located, and what are its key grape varieties?
South of La Mancha; known for Tempranillo (Cencibel) and Airén, producing structured reds and light whites.
How does altitude influence Duero Valley wines?
High-altitude vineyards experience cool nights, preserving acidity and aromatic intensity in the wines.
