Week 5a: Spain - Vino de Pago Flashcards
Main goal of Spanish winemakers in the 21st century?
Embrace more finite classification methods
Make higher-quality vineyards more visible
This effort aims to enhance the recognition of the Iberian Peninsula’s wines.
What is the ‘Vino de Pago’ system?
Established in 2003
Functions independently of DOs
Similar to the French Grand Cru system.
What separate Vino de Pago classification exists in Catalonia for wines?
‘Vi de Finca’ is a classification system in Catalonia that operates similarly to ‘Vino de Pago’
It is specifically for wines produced in that region.
What does the term ‘pago’ refer to in the context of wine?
‘Pago’ refers to a defined area or ‘single vineyard’ related to grapes
It can also mean ‘payment’ in Spanish.
What are the requirements for a vineyard to become a certified pago?
To become a certified pago, the vineyard must:
* Be owned by the winery producing the wines
* Be within a registered DO
* Demonstrate unique characteristics worthy of the status
These requirements ensure the quality and distinctiveness of the wines.
What happens once a vineyard is certified as a pago?
A new DO is created for the certified pago and it enters the official list
There are currently 17 certified pagos, with more pending approval.
Who has the final approval in awarding the pago certification?
The Ministerio de Agricultura y Pesca, Alimentación y Medio Ambiente (Ministry of Agriculture) has the final approval
This body oversees the qualifications under national DO regulations.
What advantage does the Vino de Pago certification provide to wineries?
It allows wineries to state on the label a higher qualification of quality than DO or DOCa
DOCa status is currently held only by Rioja and Priorat.
Which regions have dominated the Vino de Pago classifications?
Castilla-La Mancha and Navarra have largely dominated the Vino de Pago classifications
This serves to elevate wine production recognition in less known regions.
Which well-known wine regions do not have Vino de Pago certified vineyards?
Rioja, Bierzo, and Priorat do not have Vino de Pago certified vineyards
These regions have opted for local definitions of high-quality vineyards.
Fill in the blank: The Vino de Pagos system allows winemakers to define and promote top wines from one of the world’s largest wine producers, Spain, through _______.
[various qualification systems]
List some of the vineyards certified under the Vino de Pago system.
- Campo de la Guardia
- Casa del Blanco
- Dehesa del Carrizal
- Dominio de Valdepusa
- Finca Élez
- Pago Guijoso
- Pago Florentino
- Pago de Arínzano
- Pago de Otazu
- Prado de Irache
- Pago de Aylés
- Pago El Terrerazo
- Los Balagueses
- Pago Chozas Carrascal
- Pago Calzadilla
- Pago Finca Bolandín
- Pago Vera de Estenas
This list highlights the diversity of vineyards recognized under the Vino de Pago system.
