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.