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
which regions include upper Ebro?
Rias Baixas, Navarra, cariñena and calatayud
what three sub-regions is Rioja split into?
Rioja alavesa
Rioja Alta
Rioja Oriental
what character does the wines from alavesa have?
lightest of Rioja and often have most finesse
how is the terrain and climate in Rioja Alta?
mostly altitudes and influences from the Atlantic Ocean
how are Rioja oriental in comparison to Alta?
less maritime with hotter summers and harder (severe, hårdare) winters
what does Tempranillo give to the blend?
red fruit and medium tannins
what are Tempranillo usually blend with in Rioja and why?
garnacha, to give it higher alcohol and more body
what can you do to make a vibrant red fruit wine?
semi-carbonation
how are the wines traditionally aged in Rioja?
American oak with pronounced aromas of vanilla
where is Navarra located?
between Rioja and the foothills of Pyrenees
what varities is most common in Navarra?
tempranillo, blended with rioja varietes or increasingly (alltmer) with cabaret sauvignon or merlot
how is the climate in cariñena and calatayud?
warm continental with low rainfall
which is the main variety in Cariñena an calatayud?
Garnacha
