Sparkling Wine Spain, Germany Flashcards
Who is Jose Raventos?
Jose Raventos began making sparkling wine by traditional method in Cataluna region in early 1870s in Sant Sadurni d’Anoia
Founded the Codorniue firm
Promoted the Cava region
What is Codorniu?
One of world’s largest producers of traditional method sparkling wine
Incorporates Spanish Cava brand Codorniu and Masia Bach and Raimat
Claims to have established Cava industry
First to use Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
Where is cava produced?
Mainly in Cataluna, but also parts of Rioja, Aragon and Valencia
What is the climate for where cava is produced?
Warm Mediterranean
What white grape varieties are used to make cava?
Macabeo
Xarel-lo
Parellada
Chardonnay
What red grape varieties are used to make cava?
Trepat
Garnacha
Pinot Noir
Describe Macabeo used in cava
Most widely planted; on plains and at low altitude in Cataluna
Late budding, early ripening
Green apple aromas
Typically 50% of blend
Describe Xarel-lo used in cava
Green, gooseberry flavours–become earthy when grapes are over ripe
Planted at low-mid altitude in Cataluna
* Vegetal smell of Xarel-lo can help distinguish cava from other traditional method sparkling wines
Describe Parellada used in cava
Adds finesse and floral aromas
Planted at highest altitude in Cataluna
Low body
Grown almost exclusively around San Sadurn’I d’Anoia
Least planted in Penedes of three cava varieties
Large, loose bunches
Early budding, late ripening
Describe Chardonnay used in cava
Adds body, finesse and peachy flavours
Ripens early
Choice of clone and rootstock is important
Describe Trepat used in cava
Raspberry flavours, refreshing acidity
Can only be used in rose
Describe Garnacha used in cava
Strawberry flavours; low acidity
Can oxidise quickly
Describe Pinot Noir used in cava
Adds delicacy and perfume
Choice of clone and rootstock is important
Why has grape quality used in cava improved recently?
Research on clones and rootstock
Research on more natural ways of working vineyard–integrated pest control
Earlier harvesting
Improvement in canopy management
How is cava made?
Traditional method
What is max juice yield for cava?
Similar to Champagne
What is min lees ageing for cava?
9 months
What improvements have been make to cava production recently?
Research into different yeast strains that flocculate easily