Spanish Wine Flashcards
What percentage of Spain’s perimeter is surrounded by water?
75%
This includes both the Balearic and Canary Islands.
Which two bodies of water surround Spain?
- Atlantic Ocean (north and south-west)
- Mediterranean Sea (east and southeast)
What is the average elevation of Spain?
600 metres (1968.5 ft)
What climate features characterize Spain’s Mediterranean climate?
- Long, cool winters (4˚ C – 10˚ C)
- Hot summers (10˚ C – 35˚ C)
- Very brief autumn
How does altitude affect the quality of wines in Spain?
Higher altitudes lead to lower average temperatures, which enhance the maturation and retention of acidity and fresh fruit aromas.
What role do rivers play in Spain’s vineyards?
They are key moderating factors and contribute to sandy and stony soils in many vineyards.
How does the climate in Central Spain differ from the Mediterranean climate?
It is more continental with extreme differences between summer and winter temperatures.
What is Spain’s ranking in terms of vineyard surface area globally?
Spain has the largest vineyard surface area in the world.
What is the approximate total vineyard surface area in Spain?
Slightly less than one million hectares.
What percentage of all Spanish vineyards are located in Castilla-La Mancha?
Almost half.
What is Spain’s rank in global wine production?
Third largest wine producer in the world.
Which wine region in Spain has the highest number of registered quality wineries?
DOCa Rioja.
What percentage of bottled wines sold in Spain are red and rosé?
80%.
What is the term for Spanish wines meant for immediate consumption?
Joven.
What is the minimum aging requirement for ‘Roble’ wines?
Minimum of 3 months in oak barrels.
What aging requirements must ‘Reserva’ red wines meet?
- Aged for at least 36 months
- At least 12 months in small oak barrels
What defines ‘Gran Reserva’ wines?
Produced in exceptional vintages with specific aging requirements.
What grape variety is most associated with Rias Baixas?
Albariño.
Which region is known for robust reds and has seen huge recent interest?
Ribera del Duero.
What climate extremes are experienced in the Ribera del Duero region?
Temperatures reaching 40˚C in daytime with significant drops at night.
What type of wines does DOCa Rioja produce?
- Red
- White
- Rosé
- Sparkling
What grape varieties are commonly found in the Rioja region?
- Tempranillo
- Garnacha
- Graciano
- Mazuelo
- Cabernet Sauvignon
What does the term ‘Vino de Zona’ refer to?
A classification similar to Burgundy for vineyards.
What grape variety has traditionally dominated Navarra’s vineyards?
Garnacha.
What is the significance of the Torres family in DO Penedes?
They contributed to the significance of still wine in the region.
What climatic zones are present in the Penedès region?
- Penedès Marítim
- Penedès Central
- Penedès Superior
What is the primary grape variety used in Priorat wines?
Cariñena and Garnacha.
What is the main reason for the intensity and power of Priorat’s wines?
Slate-dominant soils and low yielding vines.
What is the new wine classification introduced in Priorat as of 2017?
A vineyard classification pyramid.
What is the climate like in Castilla la Mancha?
Hot continental with low annual rainfall.
What grape variety represents over 60% of total plantings in Castilla la Mancha?
Cencibel (Tempranillo).
What is the main grape variety planted in Jumilla?
Monastrell.
What type of wines are typically produced in Jumilla?
Full-bodied and deep coloured wines.
