Spanish Wine History, Law, & Varietals

Question 1

Who founded modern day Cádiz, and when?

Answer 1

Phoenicians, 1100 BCE.

Question 2

What were the traditional fermentation vessels of the Phoenicians?

Answer 2

Amphorae

Question 3

What was the influence of the Moors on the Spanish wine trade?

Answer 3

Consumption of alcohol was illegal (but often tolerated). Grape production transitioned to production of raisins, and distillates for medicine and cosmetics.

Question 4

When did the Moors surrender to the Spanish?

Answer 4

1492. In 1502 all Muslims were forcibly mandated to convert to Christianity.

Question 5

What style of wine was transported to Spanish colonies? Why?

Answer 5

Rancio (both intentionally, and due to the shipping conditions).

Question 6

What is thought to be the first style of wine imported to North America?

Answer 6

Sherry.

Question 7

What was the result of Phylloxera in Europe on Spanish wine? When did this happen?

Answer 7

1850s-1860s. Winemakers from Bordeaux moved to Rioja (which wasn’t yet effected by Phylloxera). They brought improved winemaking techniques and build bodegas for estate bottling.

Question 8

What kind of barrel was used for aging in Spain? How did this come about?

Answer 8

American Oak barricas (barriques). Trans-Atlantic colonial trade.

Question 9

What is the scientific name for American Oak?

Answer 9

Quercus alba.

Question 10

Which four major “traditionalist” bodegas were founded during the influx of Bordeaux winemakers?

Answer 10

López de Heredia, CVNE, La Rioja Alta, Berceo.

Question 11

Which bodegas where established by Spaniards who trained is Bordeaux and moved back to Spain as a result of Phylloxera?

Answer 11

Marqués de Riscal & Marqués de Murrieta

Question 12

In which municipality did Cava begin? Which region? When?

Answer 12

Sant Sadurní d’Anoia. Catalonia. Late 1800s.

Question 13

When were the Consejos Reguladores established? For which regions initially?

Answer 13

1930s. Rioja, Jerez, Málaga.

Question 14

Who took control of Spain in the 1939? What was the result on the Spanish wine trade?

Answer 14

Francisco Franco. Fascist dicator from 1939-1975. Suppressed the economy and slowed the advancement of Spanish technology.

Question 15

Who brought stainless steel fermentation (and temp controlled fermenetation) to Spain? When?

Answer 15

Miguel Torres (second generation). 1963 after graduation with a degree in enology studies in Dijon, an become the family estate’s technical director.

Question 16

What are the quality tiers in Spanish wine law from highest to lowest?

Answer 16

DOCa - Denominación de Origen Calificada
VP (Vinos de Pago) *Part of the DO tier
DO - Denominación de Origen
VC(IG) - Vinos de Calidad con Indicación Geográfica
VdlT - Vino de la Tierra

Question 17

What is Vinos de Pago?

Answer 17

Part of the DO quality tier. Requires lower yields and other measures suggestive of quality winemaking. Intended to be a “stepping stone” to the DOCa tier.

Question 18

Which Spanish quality tiers fall within the EU DOP status?

Answer 18

DOCa
DO
VCIG

Question 19

Which Spanish quality tier falls within the EU IGP status?

Answer 19

VdlT

Question 20

How long does it take to attain DO Pagos status?

Answer 20

Minimum 10 years.

Question 21

What is the max size for oak casks under the general DO(Ca) aging requirements?

Answer 21

330 L

Question 22

What are the general Spanish aging tiers from least to most?

Answer 22

Crianza
Reserva
Gran Reserva

Question 23

What are the general aging requirements for Crianza reds?

Answer 23

Minimum 2 years;

at least 6 months in oak.

Question 24

What are the general aging requirements for Reserva reds?

Answer 24

Minimum 3 years;

at least 1 year in oak.

Question 25

What are the general aging requirements for Gran Reserva reds?

Answer 25

Minimum 5 years;

at least 18 months in oak.

Question 26

What are the general aging requirements for Spanish whites and rosado wines?

Answer 26

Crianza - 18 months*
Reserva - 2 years*
Gran Reserva - 4 years*
*(at least 6 months in oak)

Question 27

What are the extended aging designations in Spain for large cask (or bottle) aging from least to most?

Answer 27

Noble - 18 month
Añejo - 24 months
Viejo - 36 months

Question 28

What are the political administrative divisions of Spain? How many are there?

Answer 28

Autonomías. 17.