Spanish Wine Scholar (SWS) fundamentals

Question 1

Name the clay jars that historically were used to ferment grape must

Answer 1

Tinajas

Question 2

To be considered for a promotion to DOCa/ DOQ, how long must the region be a DO?

Answer 2

Min. 10 years

Question 3

Name the only DO exclusively dedicated to the production of vino dulce

Answer 3

DO Málaga

Question 4

What are the four primary quality standards set by a Consejo Regulator to become a DO?

Answer 4

1) Use of authorized grape varieties
2) production levels
3) winemaking methods
4) aging times

Question 5

Name the three primary vine training systems used in Spain

Answer 5

1) Parral/ Pergola
2) En Vaso/ Gobelet
3) Espaldera/ Vertical Shoot Positioning

Question 6

Spanish name for the mixture of yeast & sugar used to initiate a second fermentation in a vino espumoso

Answer 6

Licor de tiraje

Question 7

What’re the two significant lowland areas in Spain?

Answer 7

Ebro Basin
Andalusian Plain

Question 8

What’s longest river on the Iberian Peninsula?

Answer 8

Tajo river

Question 9

What is the climate of Las Islas Canarias?

Answer 9

Subtropical

Question 10

What additional piece of information must be present on a label for a sparkling wine compared to a still wine?

Answer 10

sugar content

Question 11

What’re Spain’s three most-populated cities?

Answer 11

Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia

Question 12

When was the Spanish Denominación de Origen system established by the wine statue?

Answer 12

1932

Question 13

What’re the three main climate types on mainland Spain?

Answer 13

Maritime
Continental
Mediterranean

Question 14

What is the “time before release” for a reserva rosado under “Traditional” aging requirements

Answer 14

24 months

Question 15

Which major river flows eastward towards the Mediterranean Sea rather than westward towards the Atlantic?

Answer 15

The Ebro river

Question 16

How many autonomous communities are there in Spain?

Answer 16

17 autonomous communities

Question 17

True of False: Under Vino de Pago (VP), a Pago has the ability to set it’s own production rules & standards.

Answer 17

True

Question 18

What’re the two primary grapes used for vinos rosados?

Answer 18

Garnacha tinta
Tempranillo

Question 19

Who started Vega Sicilia with cuttings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, & Merlot? (what year)

Answer 19

Eloy Lecanda y Chaves (1864)

Question 20

What’s the “Time in Barrel” for a Gran Reserva vino Tinto utilizing “Traditional” aging requirements?

Answer 20

18 months

Question 21

Where was the use of drip irrigation pioneered in the 1970s?

Answer 21

Estate of Marqués de Griñón (VP Dominio de Valdepusa)

Question 22

What’s Spain’s highest peak?

Answer 22

Pico del teide (Tenerife, Las Islas Canarias)

Question 23

Which three autonomous regions in Spain produce approximately 60% of the country’s total wine production?

Answer 23

Castilla- La Mancha
Cataluña

Question 24

Which three autonomous regions in Spain produce approximately 60% of the country’s total wine production?

Answer 24

Castilla- La Mancha
Cataluña
Rioja

Question 25

What are Spain’s five most-planted varieties, which represent 60% of Spain’s vineyard area?

Answer 25

Tempranillo
Airén
Bobal
Garnacha Tinta
Macabeo/Viura

Question 26

Which trellising method allows for the installation of drip irrigation?

Answer 26

Espaldera/ VSP

Question 27

What vine planting method utilizes a chessboard-like pattern in the warmest parts of the country?

Answer 27

Marco Real

Question 28

How many years must a Vino de Calidad con Indicación Geográfica (VC) exist before applying for promotion to DO status?

Answer 28

Five years