WSET Spain 1

Question 1

what are the three broad climate zones?

Answer 1

1) north and north west coast
2) east coast from Catalunya to Levante
3) the mesta central

Question 2

how is the climate in north and Northwest coast?

Answer 2

moderate maritime climate dominated bu Atlantic weather systems (rain etc)

Question 3

how is the climate on the east coast?

Answer 3

warm mediterranean climate, influenced bu the altitude and the sea breezes

Question 4

how is the climate in the central?

Answer 4

hot continental climate, high temperatures in the summer and low rainfall

Question 5

what are the biggest challenges for grape growing in Spain (except for the north-west Spain?

Answer 5

heat and lack of water

Question 6

how are the vines trained to manage their hot environment?

Answer 6

Busch-trained to maximize the amount of water for each vine and shading the fruit from to much heat

Question 7

what is Spains premier black variety?

Answer 7

tempranillo

Question 8

How is the acidity of Tempranillo and what does it need from the climate to grow properly?

Answer 8

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

Question 9

what is the fresh semi-carbonic, early drinking fruity wine called?

Answer 9

Joven

Question 10

how is the character of Garnacha? (Grenache)

Answer 10

high in alcohol, full bodied

Question 11

how is the character of monastrell? (Mourvèdre)

Answer 11

thick skinned grape variety that needs hot sunny conditions to ripen

Question 12

where is graciano mainly cultivated?

Answer 12

in rioja

Question 13

what is the Spanish name for carignan?

Answer 13

cariñena, called mazuelo in rioja

Question 14

what kind of wines does carignan give?

Answer 14

high in acidity, tannin and colour

Question 15

what kind of wines does mencia give?

Answer 15

fresh fruit, medium to high acidity, and sometimes a hint of herbaceousness

Question 16

what helps the farmers to retain the delicate fruit aromas in their white wines?

Answer 16

-harvesting early mornings or nighttime
-temperture controlled stainless steel vessels

Question 17

which variety is used making starry like wines?

Answer 17

verdejo

Question 18

what makes Albariño able to resist fungal diseases?

Answer 18

thick skin

Question 19

which is the most widely planted white variety?

Answer 19

Arién, mostly planted in La Mancha in central Spain

Question 20

What is the usually output of arién?

Answer 20

Production on Brandy in Jerez

Question 21

which is the 3 varieties used in the production of cava?

Answer 21

Parellada, Xarel-lo, Macabeo widely planted in Catalunya

Question 22

what is macabeo called in Rioja?

Answer 22

Viura

Question 23

what are the international varieties?

Answer 23

Cabarnet sauvignon, merlot, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay

Question 24

where are the international mostly planted?

Answer 24

in north and north-east Navarra and Penedes

Question 25

which regions include upper Ebro?

Answer 25

Rias Baixas, Navarra, cariñena and calatayud

Question 26

what three sub-regions is Rioja split into?

Answer 26

Rioja alavesa
Rioja Alta
Rioja Oriental

Question 27

what character does the wines from alavesa have?

Answer 27

lightest of Rioja and often have most finesse

Question 28

how is the terrain and climate in Rioja Alta?

Answer 28

mostly altitudes and influences from the Atlantic Ocean

Question 29

how are Rioja oriental in comparison to Alta?

Answer 29

less maritime with hotter summers and harder (severe, hårdare) winters

Question 30

what does Tempranillo give to the blend?

Answer 30

red fruit and medium tannins

Question 31

what are Tempranillo usually blend with in Rioja and why?

Answer 31

garnacha, to give it higher alcohol and more body

Question 32

what can you do to make a vibrant red fruit wine?

Answer 32

semi-carbonation

Question 33

how are the wines traditionally aged in Rioja?

Answer 33

American oak with pronounced aromas of vanilla

Question 34

where is Navarra located?

Answer 34

between Rioja and the foothills of Pyrenees

Question 35

what varities is most common in Navarra?

Answer 35

tempranillo, blended with rioja varietes or increasingly (alltmer) with cabaret sauvignon or merlot

Question 36

how is the climate in cariñena and calatayud?

Answer 36

warm continental with low rainfall

Question 37

which is the main variety in Cariñena an calatayud?

Answer 37

Garnacha