Spanish Wine Scholar (SWS) fundamentals Flashcards
Name the clay jars that historically were used to ferment grape must
Tinajas
To be considered for a promotion to DOCa/ DOQ, how long must the region be a DO?
Min. 10 years
Name the only DO exclusively dedicated to the production of vino dulce
DO Málaga
What are the four primary quality standards set by a Consejo Regulator to become a DO?
1) Use of authorized grape varieties
2) production levels
3) winemaking methods
4) aging times
Name the three primary vine training systems used in Spain
1) Parral/ Pergola
2) En Vaso/ Gobelet
3) Espaldera/ Vertical Shoot Positioning
Spanish name for the mixture of yeast & sugar used to initiate a second fermentation in a vino espumoso
Licor de tiraje
What’re the two significant lowland areas in Spain?
Ebro Basin
Andalusian Plain
What’s longest river on the Iberian Peninsula?
Tajo river
What is the climate of Las Islas Canarias?
Subtropical
What additional piece of information must be present on a label for a sparkling wine compared to a still wine?
sugar content
What’re Spain’s three most-populated cities?
Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia
When was the Spanish Denominación de Origen system established by the wine statue?
1932
What’re the three main climate types on mainland Spain?
Maritime
Continental
Mediterranean
What is the “time before release” for a reserva rosado under “Traditional” aging requirements
24 months
Which major river flows eastward towards the Mediterranean Sea rather than westward towards the Atlantic?
The Ebro river
How many autonomous communities are there in Spain?
17 autonomous communities
True of False: Under Vino de Pago (VP), a Pago has the ability to set it’s own production rules & standards.
True
What’re the two primary grapes used for vinos rosados?
Garnacha tinta
Tempranillo
Who started Vega Sicilia with cuttings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, & Merlot? (what year)
Eloy Lecanda y Chaves (1864)
What’s the “Time in Barrel” for a Gran Reserva vino Tinto utilizing “Traditional” aging requirements?
18 months
Where was the use of drip irrigation pioneered in the 1970s?
Estate of Marqués de Griñón (VP Dominio de Valdepusa)
What’s Spain’s highest peak?
Pico del teide (Tenerife, Las Islas Canarias)
Which three autonomous regions in Spain produce approximately 60% of the country’s total wine production?
Castilla- La Mancha
Cataluña
Which three autonomous regions in Spain produce approximately 60% of the country’s total wine production?
Castilla- La Mancha
Cataluña
Rioja
What are Spain’s five most-planted varieties, which represent 60% of Spain’s vineyard area?
Tempranillo
Airén
Bobal
Garnacha Tinta
Macabeo/Viura
Which trellising method allows for the installation of drip irrigation?
Espaldera/ VSP
What vine planting method utilizes a chessboard-like pattern in the warmest parts of the country?
Marco Real
How many years must a Vino de Calidad con Indicación Geográfica (VC) exist before applying for promotion to DO status?
Five years
