WSET Spain 1 Flashcards
what are the three broad climate zones?
1) north and north west coast
2) east coast from Catalunya to Levante
3) the mesta central
how is the climate in north and Northwest coast?
moderate maritime climate dominated bu Atlantic weather systems (rain etc)
how is the climate on the east coast?
warm mediterranean climate, influenced bu the altitude and the sea breezes
how is the climate in the central?
hot continental climate, high temperatures in the summer and low rainfall
what are the biggest challenges for grape growing in Spain (except for the north-west Spain?
heat and lack of water
how are the vines trained to manage their hot environment?
Busch-trained to maximize the amount of water for each vine and shading the fruit from to much heat
what is Spains premier black variety?
tempranillo
How is the acidity of Tempranillo and what does it need from the climate to grow properly?
it is medium in acidity which means that it need warmth to develop its flavours but also a high diurnal variation (dygnsvariation) temperature to keep a acidity for ideal balance
what is the fresh semi-carbonic, early drinking fruity wine called?
Joven
how is the character of Garnacha? (Grenache)
high in alcohol, full bodied
how is the character of monastrell? (Mourvèdre)
thick skinned grape variety that needs hot sunny conditions to ripen
where is graciano mainly cultivated?
in rioja
what is the Spanish name for carignan?
cariñena, called mazuelo in rioja
what kind of wines does carignan give?
high in acidity, tannin and colour
what kind of wines does mencia give?
fresh fruit, medium to high acidity, and sometimes a hint of herbaceousness
what helps the farmers to retain the delicate fruit aromas in their white wines?
-harvesting early mornings or nighttime
-temperture controlled stainless steel vessels
which variety is used making starry like wines?
verdejo
what makes Albariño able to resist fungal diseases?
thick skin
which is the most widely planted white variety?
Arién, mostly planted in La Mancha in central Spain
What is the usually output of arién?
Production on Brandy in Jerez
which is the 3 varieties used in the production of cava?
Parellada, Xarel-lo, Macabeo widely planted in Catalunya
what is macabeo called in Rioja?
Viura
what are the international varieties?
Cabarnet sauvignon, merlot, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay
where are the international mostly planted?
in north and north-east Navarra and Penedes
