WINES OF THE WORLD 🇪🇸 Spain Flashcards
Main sub-regions of Spain
Galicia, Castilla y León, Rioja, Navarra, Aragon, Catalunya, Valencia and Murcia, Castilla-La Mancha.
Key elements in the topography of Spain
High plateau (meseta) tilted from NE (Pyrenees) to SW (Andalucia), with lower ground formed by several major rivers. Extensive coastline (E-S). Several mountains range.
Climate of Spain
Generally warm. NW is maritime (influence by the Atlantic), high rainfall. N and NE is more continental due the shelter by mountains. Some Mediterranean in NE. S and E is Mediterranean. The meseta in the centre of Spain (600-900 m) is continental (altitude moderates the heat).
Hazards in Spain
Drought in some parts. Heavy storms and mildew in many regions. Spring frost especially in continental areas. European grape moth (combatted using pheromone traps).
Main grape varieties of Spain
Airén (mainly in Castilla-La Mancha, used for brandy), Tempranillo (top wines from Rioja, Ribera del Duero and Toro), Garnacha Tinta (Rioja, Navarra, Catalunya, Aragon for red and rosé), Bobal (E coast for red and rosé), Macabeo (Catalunya), Monastrell (Valencia and Murcia).
Main training systems in Spain
Many bush vines at low density (the largest vineyard plantings but the third largest producer), especially in the areas with low rainfall. Irrigation was legalised in 1996 (law regulations by Consejo Regulador). Also some old bush vines. Old ungrafted vines especially in Toro and Rueda (sandy soils). Organic practices. Low mechanisation.
Key winemaking operations for premium wines in Spain
Many use temperature control and stainless steel. Some use concrete or eggs, also amphorae.
Key winemaking operations for rosé wines in Spain
Stainless steel and bottled soon for inexpensive, while those more premium stay also in oak.
Key winemaking operations for youthful and fruity wines in Spain
Stainless steel, temperature control, inert gas, cultured yeast, fining and/or filtration. Possibility of carbonic or semi-carbonic maceration for inexpensive and mid-priced.
Key maturation practices in Spain
Oak is common for red, also top whites. Possibility of storing on the lees (more texture).
American oak is common (historical reasons and cheaper), French increased especially in Penedès, Priorat and Ribera del Duero.
Ageing categories, according to the Spanish legislation
- Generic
- Crianza
- Reserva
- Gran Reserva
Requirements about the “Generic” wine in the Spanish legislation for the ageing
No requirements.
Requirements about the “Crianza” wine in the Spanish legislation for the ageing
24+ months for reds (6+ oak) and 18+ months for whites (6+ in oak).
Requirements about the “Reserva” wine in the Spanish legislation for the ageing
36+ months for reds (12+ oak) and 24+ months for whites (6+ in oak).
Requirements about the “Gran Reserva” wine in the Spanish legislation for the ageing
60+ months for reds (18+ oak) and 48+ months for whites (6+ in oak).
Maximum capacity of the ageing vessels according to the Spanish legislation
330 L
Roble
Labelling term for Spanish wines. Oak ageing (usually less than Crianza).
Joven
Labelling term for Spanish wines. Young wine, with no or minimal oak ageing.
DO
Denominación de Origen. PDO wines, 70 DOs.
DOCa or DOQ
Denominación de Origen Calificada or Denominació d’Origen Qualificada. Only Rioja and Priorat. After 10 years of DO. All wines bottled at the producer’s own property. Denomination must have many quality regulations including tasting panel and a process to audit the extra restrictions and regulations.
VP
Vino de Pago. Category for some single estates with high reputations, mainly in Castilla-La Mancha, Navarra, Valencia and Aragon. Use of only own grapes (vinification and maturation in the estate). Wines are within PDO category.
VT
Vino de la Tierra. PGI wines, 40 VTs (Castilla the largest).
Types of wines made in Spain
In the past, there was a great interest in fortified wines (Sherry, Fondillón) and raisined wines from Malaga. Now, a large proportion of inexpensive wine. A few super-premium wines (lower prices than France and Italy). Rosé from many regions (a lot is inexpensive and sold in bulk, increase of very good wines in recent years).
Climate of Galicia
Maritime with many rainfall in Rías Baixas, while in the other parts is warmer with less rainfall.
Main grape varieties of Galicia
Albariño, Godello and Mencía.
Main appellations within Galicia
- Rías Baixas DO
- Ribeiro DO
- Ribeira Sacra DO
- Valdeorras DO
- Monterrei DO
Ribeiro DO
Appellation within Galicia. E of southern Rías Baixas, more sheltered, maritime climate, high rainfall. Mainly whites from Treixadura. Oak for premium wines.
Ribeira Sacra DO
Appellation within Galicia. Inland, following the valleys of the River Miño and River Sil, mainly continental climate, some maritime influence. Stony slopes (hard work), reds from Mencía.
Valdeorras DO
Appellation within Galicia. Up the River Sil, continental with high rainfall. Vineyards at 300 m. Slate soils but also others. Mainly Godello, premium wines in oak.
Monterrei DO
Appellation within Galicia. Close to Portugal, inland, continental climate. Mainly bulk wines, but started good quality with Mencía (riper fruit) and fruity Godello.
Type of soils in Rías Baixas
Free draining soils, sand over granite bedrock.
Climate of Rías Baixas
Maritime, influence by the Atlantic. High rainfall.
Hazards in Rías Baixas
Fungal diseases and rain during harvest.
Main grape varieties of Rías Baixas
95% Albariño. Loureira, Treixadura and Caiño Blanco. 1% reds (Sousón and Caiño Tinto).
Main training systems in Rías Baixas
Mainly pergola (parral), using granite stone to support. Bigger growers use VSP trellising (mechanisation).
Key winemaking operations for wines in Rías Baixas
Protective winemaking. Short maceration, cool fermentation in stainless steel, partial malo in cooler years. Oak fermentation for a few producers, large, old, or new.
Key maturation practices for wines in Rías Baixas
Ageing on the lees (sobre lias) for more expensive wines. One or two years. No stirring in order to avoid oxygen contact.
Sub-zones within Rías Baixas
- Val do Salnés
- O Rosal
- Condado do Tea
- Ribeira do Ulla
- Soutomaior
Types of wines made in Rías Baixas
Mainly Albariño as single varietal.
Types of businesses that operate in Rías Baixas
170 wineries, from small to very large. Mainly co-operatives (Bodegas Martín Códax).
Main appellations within Castilla y León
- Bierzo DO
- Toro DO
- Ribera del Duero DO
- Rueda DO
Climate of Bierzo
Similar to Galician wine regions, continental, but warmer summers, cooler winters and lower but adequate rainfalls. Maritime influence from W.
Type of soils in Bierzo
Fertile silty loam soils for the flat plain and the lower slopes. Mountain slopes at 500-850 m with good drainage, shallow, poor slate soils.
Main grape varieties of Bierzo
Mencía (75%), Godello, Alicante Bouschet (2%).
Key maturation practices for premium wines in Bierzo
Oak ageing.
Types of businesses that operate in Bierzo
Very small vineyard holdings. 50% growers are associated with one of the region’s co-operatives. 75 wineries. Descendientes de J. Palacios and Raul Perez as significant producers.
Key winemaking operations for inexpensive wines in Bierzo
Carbonic or semi-carbonic maceration. No oak.
Types of wines made in Bierzo
Inexpensive/mid- wines for early consumption. Premium and concentrated wines.
Climate of Toro
Continental, low rainfall.
Hazards in Toro
Spring frost.
Main grape varieties of Toro
Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo).
Main training systems in Toro
Low density, mainly bush vines, also ungrafted and old (100+ years).
Key winemaking operations for inexpensive wines in Toro
Carbonic or semi-carbonic maceration.
Key maturation practices for premium wines in Toro
Oak, both American and French.
Types of wines made in Toro
Mainly reds (early drinking or more concentrated style made from Tinta de Toro), also whites (Malvasia or Verdejo) and rosés (Tinta de Toro or Garnacha).
Types of businesses that operate in Toro
Many investors in recent years, so the number of wineries increased. Teso La Monja and Numanthia as significant producers.
Climate of Ribera del Duero
Similar to Toro and Rueda, continental, slightly hotter summers and colder winters. Low rainfall.
Hazards in Ribera del Duero
Frost in spring and autumn.
Main grape varieties of Ribera del Duero
Tinto Fino (Tempranillo), Albillo Mayor.
Main training systems in Ribera del Duero
50% bush vines (25% old). Trellising system for new vineyards.
Key winemaking operations for wines in Ribera del Duero
Trend in less extraction from skins post-fermentation and/or new oak.
Key maturation practices for wines in Ribera del Duero
French or American oak. Premium and super-premium use 50-100 new oak.
Types of businesses that operate in Ribera del Duero
Many investors recently. Vineyard holdings < 1 ha. Vega Sicilia, Dominio de Pingus and Bodegas Aalto as significant producers.
Types of wines made in Ribera del Duero
Mainly reds. Also rosés and whites (2019).
Type of soils in Rueda
Limestone bedrock, with sandy clay sub-layer and a topsoil of stones, free draining and poor.
Climate of Rueda
Similar to Toro and Ribera del Duero, continental.
Main grape varieties of Rueda
Verdejo, Sauvignon Blanc.
Main training systems in Rueda
New plantings are VSP trellised. Also some very old bush vines (10%).
Key winemaking operations for inexpensive wines in Rueda
Protective winemaking, cool fermentation, stainless steel, no ageing, cultured yeasts.
Key winemaking operations for premium wines in Rueda
Oak fermentation.
Key maturation practices for mid-priced wines in Rueda
Lees ageing, possibility of lees stirring.
Key maturation practices for premium wines in Rueda
Oak ageing.
Types of businesses that operate in Rueda
60% local producers, significant % from companies that are based outside (Rioja and Ribera del Duero). Ossian and Bodega Belondrade y Lurton as significant producers.
Types of wines made in Rueda
Mainly whites, small proportion of reds and rosés.
Castilla y León VT
Spanish PGI appellation. N part of the meseta, protection from Atlantic by mountains, continental climate, many varieties. Ideal for many producers outside DOs. Large area but low vineyard plantings. Mainly inexpensive/mid, some premium.
Climate of Rioja
Sierra de Cantabria to the N protects from Atlantic influence while Sierra de la Demanda (Iberian System) to the S protects from the warmer Spanish centre. Continental climate with some Mediterranean influence from the E.
Hazards in Rioja
Drought in the lowest part of Rioja Oriental (climate change).
Main grape varieties of Rioja
90% blacks. Tempranillo (88%), Garnacha, Graciano, Mazuelo, Maturana Tinta, Cabernet Sauvignon. Viura, Tempranillo Blanco (white mutation of Tempranillo, 1988), Malvasia, Garnacha Blanca, Verdejo, Sauvignon Blanc.
Main training systems in Rioja
VSP trellised after Spain joined the EU. Many old bush vines (100+ years).
Key winemaking operations for red wines in Rioja
Gentle extraction, old or large oak (French is more common than American), also concrete and amphorae, shorter ageing. Blending from different areas (volume, style, grapes suitability).
Key winemaking operations for white wines in Rioja
Early consumption wines are made in protective winemaking. Mid and premium are usually made in an unoaked style, a small part in oak (more oxidative style in the past, Castillo Ygay from Marqués de Murrieta and Viña Tondonia Gran Reserva from López de Heredia).
Key winemaking operations for rosé wines in Rioja
According to main Spanish winemaking techniques.
Main sub-regions of Rioja
- Rioja Alta
- Rioja Alavesa
- Rioja Oriental
Rioja Alta
Sub-region of Rioja. The largest, S of the River Ebro and W of Logroño. Continental with some maritime influences. Low altitude around the Ebro, warmer, alluvial soils. NW is cooler and wetter, calcareous clay soils. S is cool and wet, high altitude, ferrous clay soils. Better for Tempranillo.
Rioja Alavesa
Sub-region of Rioja. The smallest, N of the River Ebro and W of Logroño, vineyards in the Basque country. Vineyards at up to 700 m, calcareous clay soils. Better for Tempranillo.
Rioja Oriental
Sub-region of Rioja. Slightly smaller than Rioja Alta. N and S of the River Ebro and E of Logroño. N is low altitude, the warmest and driest. S is high altitude (500-1000 m), cool temperatures. Calcareous clay and ferrous clay soils. Better for Garnacha.
Vino de Zona
Labelling term for wines from Rioja. All grapes from a single zone named, exception for max 15% outside providing that vineyard borders the zone mentioned and producer sources grapes from that vineyard from 10 consecutive years. Vinification, ageing and bottling within the zone. Possibility of production zone on the label.
Vino de Municipio
Labelling term for wines from Rioja. All grapes from a single municipality named, exception for max 15% outside providing that vineyard borders the municipality mentioned and producer sources grapes from that vineyard from 10 consecutive years. Vinification, ageing and bottling within the municipality. Possibility of production zone on the label.
Viñedo Singular (Single Vineyard)
Labelling term for wines from Rioja. All grapes from particular vineyards or estates that constitute the formal Viñedo Singular. Vinification, ageing, storage and bottling in the same winery. Owning of the vineyard from 10+ years, age of the vines 35+ years. Hand harvest and sustainable agriculture, some restrictions on pruning. Check on traceability, tasting panel. Possibility of municipality, zone, vineyard/estate, and phrase Viñedo Singular on the label.
Ageing categories, according to the Rioja legislation
- Generic
- Crianza
- Reserva
- Gran Reserva
Requirements about the “Generic” wine in the Rioja legislation for the ageing
No requirements.
Requirements about the “Crianza” wine in the Rioja legislation for the ageing
24+ months for reds (12+ oak) and 24+ months for whites (6+ in oak). Ageing starts from 1 October of year of harvest.
Requirements about the “Reserva” wine in the Rioja legislation for the ageing
36+ months for reds (12+ oak, 6+ bottle) and 24+ months for whites (6+ in oak).
Requirements about the “Gran Reserva” wine in the Rioja legislation for the ageing
60+ months for reds (24+ oak, 24+ bottle) and 48+ months for whites (6+ in oak).
Types of businesses that operate in Rioja
Many small growers (40% sell grapes to co-operatives), a few wineries (many sizes) and many co-operatives. 50% vineyard holdings is 1 ha (75% is max 2 ha).
Types of wines made in Rioja
White is mainly inexpensive. Small amount of rosés (from here those of the highest quality in Spain). Crianza is the most popular for reds, Reserva and Gran Reserva are sold on export markets as well as whites and rosés.
Climate of Navarra
N is cooler and wetter (influence from the Atlantic and the Pyrenees), while C and S are warmer and drier.
Main grape varieties of Navarra
Tempranillo and Garnacha. International varieties since 1980s. Chardonnay, Moscatel de Grano Menudo, Sauvignon Blanc, Viura, Malvasía.
Key winemaking operations for wines in Navarra
Short maceration is needed, direct press is not allowed. Stainless steel for most rosés.
Key maturation practices for wines in Navarra
1+ year in oak barrels for more concentrated wines. Both French (Cabernet and Merlot) and American oak (Tempranillo).
Main sub-regions of Navarra
- Baja Montaña, Valdizarbe and Tierra Estella (N)
- Ribera Alta (C)
- Ribera Baja (S)
Types of businesses that operate in Navarra
Small vineyard holdings, many growers sell to co-operatives. Domaines Lupier and Bodegas J. Chivite as significant producers.
Types of wines made in Navarra
Reds - Tempranillo as single-variety or blended with international varieties. From fruity and early drinking style to fuller bodied and more concentrated.
Rosé - Garnacha (as tradition), also blended with Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Whites - Chardonnay.
Key maturation practices for wines in Rioja
225 L barriques for wines in the ageing categories (Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva).
Main appellations of Aragon
- Campo de Borja DO
- Calatayud DO
- Cariñena DO
- Somontano DO
Climate of Aragon
Warm continental
W - Low rainfall. Cierzo (cold wind) from the N.
NE - Higher rainfall. Cool breezes from the Pyrenees.
Hazards in Aragon
W - Spring frost.
Main grape varieties of Aragon
W - Garnacha.
NE - Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer.
Main training systems in Aragon
W - Many old vines. Bush vines at low density.
Key winemaking operations for wines in Aragon
W - Protective winemaking for early drinking. Limited use of oak (large or old) for old Garnacha.
Types of businesses that operate in Aragon
W - Small vineyard holding, a few wineries, many co-operatives.
NE - Investors in recent years (Viñas del Vero by González Byass of Jerez, the largest producer; Barbadillo own major share of co-operative).
Types of wines made in Aragon
W - Mainly reds for early drinking. Small amount of premium wines from old Garnacha.
NE - From international varieties.
Cariñena DO
Appellation of Aragon, at W.
Campo de Borja DO
Appellation of Aragon, at W.
Calatayud DO
Appellation of Aragon, at W.
Somontano DO
Appellation of Aragon, at NE.
The number of appellations within Catalunya
11 DOs and 1 DOQ
Main appellations of Catalunya
- Catalunya DO
- Penedès DO
- Priorat DOQ
- Montsant DO
- Costers del Segre DO
Catalunya DO
Appellation of Catalunya. Grapes from all the region, especially used by the largest producers for inexpensive/mid wines. More freedom in regulations and more recognised in international markets.
Costers del Segre DO
Appellation of Catalunya. N of the Catalunya, composed of seven not entirely contiguos sub-zones. Continental climate, low rainfall. First planted in the 1900s by Manuel Raventós, decades of work to support the vines (saline soil). Vineyards at 200-700 m, the highest for Cava. Sandy and free draining soils. Many varieties (Macabeo, Parellada, Xarel-lo, Chardonnay, Garnacha Blanca and Sauvignon for whites and Garnacha, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot for rosés and reds). Mainly blend wines. Fresh and fruity style, early drinking. Oak ageing for reds and some Chardonnay. 1/3 of vineyards are owned by Ramat. Also Castell d’Encus as significant producer. Sustainability program.
Vi de Finca
Labelling term for wines from Catalunya. Exceptional wines from single estates, strict regulations (yields, min ageing, etc).
Type of soils in Penedès
Loamy soils with calcareous components and good water retention.
Climate of Penedès
Warm Mediterranean. Low rainfall (very low in summer).
Main grape varieties of Penedès
80% whites. Xarel-lo, Macabeo, Parellada, Chardonnay. Also Moscatel, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer and Riesling.
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Pinot Noir and Syrah.
Types of wines made in Penedès
Many styles, also Cava.
Main sub-regions of Penedès
- Penedès Marítim
- Penedès Central
- Penedès Superior
Penedès Marítim
Sub-regions of Penedès. Between the sea and the coastal hills. Warm climate. Full bodied red wines from late ripening grapes. Some whites inexpensive.
Penedès Central
Sub-regions of Penedès. On the flat plains between the coastal and inland mountains (Pre-Costal Depression). Some cooling influence (higher altitudes). Mainly Xarel-lo, Macabeo, Parellada, also Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo and Chardonnay.
Penedès Superior
Sub-regions of Penedès. Inland mountains (the highest part). Cooling influence, high diurnal range, spring frost. Mainly Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, also Riesling and Gewurztraminer. Pinot Noir as red.
Main training systems in Penedès
Vineyards are mainly trellised, also bush vines.
Key winemaking operations for wines in Penedès
Temperature control.
Key maturation practices for wines in Penedès
Oak for more expensive reds and some Chardonnays.
Type of soils in Priorat
Soils are largely poor and stony with some outcrops of clay. Llicorella is the more common (slate-based), resulting in thin, rocky, low in nutrients, with mica particles that reflect light and heat. Vertical layers for the bedrock (roots go deep in search of nutrients and water).
Climate of Priorat
Warm continental. Protection from cold winds by Serra de Montsant in the N and from the Mediterranean influence by the Serra de Llaberia to the S. High diurnal range.
Hazards in Priorat
Spring frost, heavy storms in winter and spring.
Main grape varieties of Priorat
Mainly Garnacha and Cariñena. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot.
6% whites, Garnacha Blanca and Macabeo.
Main training systems in Priorat
Terraces due to slopes (reducing erosion, helping water infiltration). Old vineyards with bush vines.
Key winemaking operations for wines in Priorat
From traditional (old basket presses and large oak fermentation vats) to modern (stainless steel, optical sorting machine). Cultured yeast (better for high alcohol potential).
Key winemaking operations for wines in Priorat
Oak ageing for reds (French), 1-2 years.
Wine classification of Priorat
- Vi de Vila
- Vi de Paratage
- Vinya Classificada
- Gran Vinya Classificada
Vi de Vila
Priorat classification. Grapes from one of Priorat’s 12 sub-zones. Name of the sub-zone and Vi de Vila on the label. Producer must own the vineyard or have rented the vineyard for 7+ years. Regulations for % in the blend, vine age, max yields.
Vi de Paratage
Priorat classification. Grapes from single paratage (459 in Priorat) or named site (lieu dit). Producer must own the vineyard or have rented the vineyard for 7+ years. Regulations for % in the blend, vine age, max yields.
Vinya Classificada
Priorat classification. Wine from single vineyard of particular merit within a Paratje (cru). Producer must own the vineyard or have rented the vineyard for 7+ years. Regulations for % in the blend, vine age, max yields. Critical recognition from 5+ years.
Gran Vinya Classificada
Priorat classification. Wine from single vineyard of exceptional merit within a Paratje (grand cru). Producer must own the vineyard or have rented the vineyard for 7+ years. Regulations for % in the blend, vine age, max yields. Critical recognition from 5+ years.
Types of wines made in Priorat
Mainly reds, small amount of whites.
Type of soils in Montsant
From clay-based to sandy. Llicorella towards S, higher limestone in N and E. More fertile than Priorat.
Types of wines made in Montsant
Mainly reds from blend, also single varietal from Garnacha and Cariñena. A few whites.
Climate of Montsant
More Mediterranean influence than Priorat.
Main grape varieties of Montsant
94% blacks. Garnacha and Cariñena. Tempranillo, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Garnacha Blanca and Macabeo.
Main training systems in Montsant
Terraced vineyards on the slopes. Trellising vineyards are common, also bush vines.
Key maturation practices for wines in Montsant
1-2 years in French or American oak.
Types of businesses that operate in Montsant
Vineyard holdings < 3 ha. Most production from co-operatives. Espectacle and Celler de Capçanes as significant producers.
Climate of Valencia and Murcia
Mediterranean or continental, according to the site. Low rainfall.
Main appellations within Valencia and Murcia
- Valencia DO
- Utiel-Requena DO
- Alicante DO
- Jumilla DO
- Yecla DO
Valencia DO
The largest within Valencia and Murcia, two non-contiguous areas and a number of smaller sub-zones (Alto Turia, Valentino, Moscatel de Valencia, and Clariano). Warm Mediterranean, irrigation is used. Alto Turia sub-zone in the S foothills of the Sistema Ibérico mountain, high altitude (700-1100 m), mainly whites from Moscatel de Alejandría and Merseguera. VP El Terrerazo (Bodega Mustiguillo). The Valentino sub-zone is warmer, lower altitude (250-650 m), sea breezes. Both local and international varieties. Similar range of varieties for the Clariano sub-zone, S of Valencia. Moscatel sub-zone is inland from Valentino, production of sweet wines Moscatel de Valencia and vino de licor (unfermented grape must, fortified with grape spirit) from Moscatel de Alejandria. Mainly co-operatives.
Utiel-Requena DO
Appellation within Valencia and Murcia. Inland, bordering La Mancha. Continental, high altitude (750 m), spring frost. Mainly black varieties, Bobal is the main.
Alicante DO
Appellation within Valencia and Murcia. Non-contiguous DO, the smallest. Some vineyards in Murcia can be labelled as Alicante DO. Mediterranean, very low rainfall. Vinalopó is the main centre for production (W of DO), Monastrell is the main grape. Marina Alta (NE of DO), humid breezes, higher rainfall, Moscatel de Alejandria for dry and sweet wines. Bush vines at low density. Blend 80+% Monastrell. American oak ageing. Fondillón style: med-sweet red (max 40 mg/L) from late-harvested Monastrell, alcohol 16+% abv, no fortification, 10+ years large oak; either añada or solera, oxidised style.
Jumilla DO
Appellation within Valencia and Murcia. Flat plain in Murcia. Warm continental, very low rainfall. Mid to high slopes (400-800 m), high diurnal range in the higher part. Limestone layer over sand. Mainly reds from Monastrell, also rosés and small amount of whites. Phylloxera in 1989, before inexpensive bulk wines and now improved quality. Bodegas El Nido and Casa Castillo as significant producers.
Yecla DO
Appellation within Valencia and Murcia. Between Jumilla and Alicante, similar to Jumilla but more Mediterranean influence, low rainfall. High altitude vineyards (500-900 m). Monastrell, similar style as Jumilla. 60% of production by one co-operative.
Fondillón style
Historic wine style, protected by the DO. Med-sweet red (max 40 mg/L) from late-harvested Monastrell, alcohol 16+% abv, no fortification, 10+ years large oak; either añada or solera, oxidised style.
Types of wines made in Valencia and Murcia
Many inexpensive wines, often in bulk. Premiums are increasing.
Main appellations within Castilla-La Mancha
- La Mancha DO
- Valdepeñas DO
Valdepeñas DO
Appellation within Castilla-La Mancha. S of La Mancha, continental. Cencibel.
La Mancha DO
Appellation within Castilla-La Mancha. The largest DO in Spain and the largest PDO in Europe. Altitude of 500-700 m. Continental, low rainfall. Limestone and chalk soils, 40% irrigation. Low density, both bush vines and trellised. Airén, stainless steel, early drinking, much for Brandy de Jerez. Cencibel (Tempranillo), fruity stile, all ageing categories. Most production from co-operatives (Virgen de las Viñas is the largest also for Spain). Both bulk and bottled. 40% export (China, Germany, Russia, Netherland).
How many VP in Castilla-La Mancha are
18
Castilla VT
Spanish PGI appellation. A vast area, continental, limestone and chalk soils.
The Basque Country
Along N coast of Spain, vineyards splitted by the Cantabrian cordillera (S Rioja Alavesa and N three DOs that make Txakoli). Txakoli have moderate maritime climate, high rainfall, fungal diseases. Hondarrabi Zuri as main variety, stainless steel. Some apply lees contact and oak. All styles.
Sierra de Gredos
Mountain range W of Madrid, different denominations according to the vineyards’ position (Vinos de Madrid DO, Mentrida DO, Cebreros DO or Castilla y León VT). Continental climate. Inexpensive and high-volume wines. Mainly from Garnacha, ambient yeast, low SO2. Albillo Real as white variety.
Balearic Islands
Two DOs for Mallorca, many VTs; local grapes (Manto Negro and Callet), also Spanish and international varieties, blends.
Canary Islands
Low latitude, tropical influence, mountainous islands, high diurnal range, no mechanisation, no phylloxera; five DOs for Tenerife and one for each island; Listan Negro (mainly carbonic maceration), Malvasía and Listan Bianco. The vines in Valle de Orotava DO (Tenerife) are twisted together to form long ropes, trained on low wires and growing up and down the hillsides. Lanzarote is flat, dark volcanic ash, vines are grown in craters into the ash and partially surrounded by stone walls, very low density, Malvasía for dry and sweet style.
Meseta
The plateau that sits at 600-900m altitude, and covers a vast area of central Spain.
Cierzo
Cool wind that blows from the north over Cariñena, Campo de Borja and Calatayud DOs, moderating the temperatures.
Parral
Local term for the pergola system in Rías Baixas.
Types of businesses that operate in Spain
Small vineyard holdings (66% have less than 0.5 ha and 22% have 0.5-3 ha). Co-operatives dominate many regions. Negociants are common in some regions.
The largest Spanish producers of still and unfortified wines
J. García Carrión, Félix Solís Avantis, Pernod Ricard Groupe, Miguel Torres SA and Bodegas Martín Códax SA.
Val do Salnés
Sub-zone of Rías Baixas. The oldest, the coolest and the wettest (wines with the highest acidity), the greatest plantings and wineries concentration.
O Rosal
Sub-zone of Rías Baixas. Along the River Miño, proximity to Portugal, blend of Albariño, Loureira, Treixadura and Caiño Blanco, south aspects, warmer.
Condado do Tea
Sub-zone of Rías Baixas. Inland and warmer, riper aromas, lower acidity.
Ribeira do Ulla
Sub-zone of Rías Baixas. Newest, inexpensive and mid-priced.
Soutomaior
Sub-zone of Rías Baixas. The smallest.
Bodegas Familiares de Rioja
40 small and medium-sized producers who promote their wines under this heading and campaign on issues that particularly effect small producers.
Rioja ‘n’ Roll
Group of small, first-generation producers in Rioja focused on quality wines from particular vineyard sites.
Vinos de autor
Type of category for wines from Rioja, introduced by some producers in the 1990s, with a focus on concentration, extraction and long ageing.
