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Wines of Spain FT > WSET3-C30 Spain > Flashcards

WSET3-C30 Spain Flashcards

Learn Wines of Spain to the "WSET-3 award" level, an advanced level qualification for professionals working in the wine industry. Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) is generally regarded as the world's leading provider of wine education.

1
Q

How many broad climatic zones does Spain have?

A

Three

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2
Q

Describe Spain’s northernmost climatic zone

A

The north and north-west coast of Spain has a moderate maritime climate, dominated by Atlantic weather systems
Rainfall and associated risks is high

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3
Q

Describe Spain’s middle climatic zone

A

The east coast from Catalunya in the north to Levante further south, has a warm Mediterranean climate
Many of the vineyards are moderated by sea or altitude
Climate becomes increasingly hot the further south it goes

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4
Q

Describe the climate of central Spain

A

The Meseta Central is cut off by mountains from the cooling effects of the sea and has a hot continental climate
Winter temperatures below freezing and summers are very hot and dry
Summer temperatures can be moderated by altitude in certain sites

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5
Q

What are the biggest challenges to grape growing in Spain? What’s the exception?

A

Heat and lack of water

North-west Spain

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6
Q

What is the benefit of the lack of water for grape-growing in Spain?

A

The incidence of fungal disease is low

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7
Q

What is the main disadvantage of lack of water for grape growing in Spain?

A

It places a heavy stress on the vine

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8
Q

What is the best way of managing the heat and lack of water availability in Spain? Explain

A

Low density, bush-trained vineyards

By maximising the amount of water available to each vine and shading the fruit from excessive heat

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9
Q

What is slowly being introduced to Spanish vineyards? For what purpose?

A

Wire training

To facilitate machine harvesting

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10
Q

Summarise the inexpensive red wines of Spain

A

Often made without Oak

Semi-carbonic maceration is used to enhance the fruity nature of these wines

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11
Q

What is the role of oak in Spain’s best red wines?

A

They almost always see oak maturation, usually with at least a proportion of new oak

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12
Q

What is the most used type of oak for Spanish reds?

A

Traditionally American oak, but now French oak is also common

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13
Q

What is Spain’s premier red grape variety?

A

Tempranillo

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14
Q

Where in Spain is Tempranillo grown most widely?

A

Throughout northern and central Spain

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15
Q

What are Tempranillo’s key grape characteristics?

A

It’s thick-skinned with a medium acidity

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16
Q

What is the key viticultural challenge relating to Tempranillo?

A

Due to its medium acidity, hot growing areas without a high diurnal range can cause the wine to lack the necessary acidity for an ideal balance

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17
Q

Where is Tempranillo at its best in Spain?

A

In areas where summer temperatures are moderated by sea and/or altitude

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18
Q

What is often the case with Tempranillo when fermented on its own in Spain?

A

It’s fermented using semi-carbonic maceration

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19
Q

What kind of wine can Tempranillo produce when fermented on its own?

A

An early drinking style

A fresh, strawberry scented Joven wine

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20
Q

What other broad style does Tempranillo play an important role in in Spain?

A

More concentrated, age worthy, oaked blends

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21
Q

With which grapes is Tempranillo most commonly blended in Spain?

A

Garnacha
Graciano
Cariñena/Mazuelo
International varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon

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22
Q

Garnacha Tinta is the Spanish name for…

A

Grenache

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23
Q

Describe the general profile of Garnacha Tinta

A 
High alcohol
Early ripening (with some exceptions)
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24
Q

For which Spanish wines is Garnacha Tinta most important?

A

Rosados and Priorat

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25
Q

What are the wines of Priorat? How do they achieve this style?

A

Intense, complex, full-bodied reds from Garnacha Tinta

From low-yielding, old vines

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26
Q

What is the better known name for Monastrell?

A

Mourvedre

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27
Q

What makes Monastrell suitable for Spain’s climate?

A

It’s drought tolerant and needs hot sunny conditions to ripen

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28
Q

Where is Monastrell most commonly grown in Spain?

A

In south-eastern DOs such as Yecla and Jumilla

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29
Q

Describe Monastrell wines from south-eastern Spain

A 
Full-bodied
Deeply coloured
High tannins
High alcohol
Low to medium acidity
Flavours of ripe blackberry fruit
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30
Q

Where in Spain is Graciano mostly cultivated?

A

Rioja

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31
Q

How is Graciano used in Rioja?

A

As part of the blend in many of the best wines

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32
Q

What does Graciano add to a blend?

A

Tannins, acidity and concentrated black fruit aromas

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33
Q

What is the Spanish name for Carignan?

A

Cariñena

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34
Q

What else is Carignan called in Spain other than Cariñena? Where is it called this?

A

Mazuelo

Rioja

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35
Q

What kinds of wine does Cariñena make?

A

Wines that are high in tannin, colour and acidity

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36
Q

How is Cariñena/Mazuelo used in Spain?

A

As a blending partner for Tempranillo

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37
Q

Where other than Rioja is Cariñena grown?

A

Priorat

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38
Q

What is the role of Cariñena in Priorat?

A

To add tannic structure

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39
Q

Which local black variety is coming to prominence in Spain?

A

Mencia

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40
Q

To what climate is Mencia best suited?

A

Moderate climates

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41
Q

Describe wines made from Mencia

A

Medium to high acidity
Fresh fruit flavours
Sometimes a hint of herbaceousness

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42
Q

How can most of Spain’s white varieties be described?

A

Fresh and fruity

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43
Q

How are the intended fresh fruit aromas for Spanish whites retained?

A

Harvesting at night or early morning

Fermenting in temperature-controlled stainless steel

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44
Q

T or F: Spanish whites are only fermented in steel

A

False; Oak fermentation and maturation are used as well as lees stirring for the addition of texture and flavours

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45
Q

What is the challenge with grape variety Verdejo?

A

It is particularly susceptible to oxidation

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46
Q

What was Verdejo used to make?

A

Sherry-like wines

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47
Q

Describe Verdejo when made protectively

A

Light-bodied
High acid
Melon and peach flavour

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48
Q

Which Spanish grape is seen as similar to Sauvignon Blanc?

A

Verdejo

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49
Q

With which grape is Verdejo often blended?

A

Sauvignon Blanc

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50
Q

Other than the ‘Sauvignon style’, what other style can Verdejo be made into? How?

A

Richer, fuller-bodied style

It undergoes skin contact and barrel fermentation

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51
Q

Where in Spain is Albariño grown?

A

North-west of Spain

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52
Q

What is Albariño’s best viticultural trait?

A

It’s thick-skinned and thus able to resist fungal disease

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53
Q

Why is fungal resistance so important for Albariño?

A

North-western Spain is a damp climate

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54
Q

Describe wines from Albariño

A

Naturally high in acidity
Citrus and stone fruit flavours
Can be made into a richer, fuller-bodied style

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55
Q

What is the most widely planted variety in Spain?

A

Airén

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56
Q

Where is the vast majority of Airén planted?

A

La Mancha in central Spain

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57
Q

Name one of the few varieties able to cope with the extreme heat and drought conditions of the Meseta Central

A

Airén

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58
Q

What is Airén mostly used for?

A

Production of Brandy de Jerez

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59
Q

Which local varieties are planted widely in Catalunya? These are the main varieties used in…

A

Parellada, Xarel-lo and Macabeo

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60
Q

How else is Macabeo known? Where?

A

Viura

Rioja

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61
Q

Which of Cava’s main varieties is also often used for still wine production?

A

Macabeo/Viura

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62
Q

Describe the aromas of unoaked Viura

A

Subtle herb and spice aromas

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63
Q

What is Viura’s traditional role?

A

As the mainstay of heavily oaked white Riojas

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64
Q

Which international varieties are successful in Spain?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay

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65
Q

Where are international varieties most successful in Spain?

A

North-east

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66
Q

How many geographical regions may the principal DO regions be grouped into?

A

Six

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67
Q

What are the six geographical DO regions of Spain?

A 
The Upper Ebro
Catalunya
The Duero Valley
The North-West
The Levante
Castilla-La Mancha
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68
Q

What is the most extensive Spanish region designated for the production of Vino de la Tierra

A

Castilla y León

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69
Q

Where is Castilla y León?

A

Towards the north of the Meseta Central

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70
Q

What is Rioja’s principal city?

A

Logroño

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71
Q

How many sub-regions comprise Rioja?

A

Three

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72
Q

What are the three sub-regions of Rioja?

A

Rioja Alavesa
Rioja Alta
Rioja Baja

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73
Q

Where is Rioja Alavesa?

A

To the west of Logroño on the north bank of the Ebro in the foothills of the Cantabrian Mountains

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74
Q

Describe the wines of Rioja Alavesa

A

The lightest of Rioja; they often have the most finesse

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75
Q

How is Rioja Alta located?

A

To the west of Logroño and south of the Ebro river

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76
Q

List the sub-regions of Rioja in descending order

A

Rioja Baja
Rioja Alta
Rioja Alavesa

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77
Q

What is the topography of Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta?

A

Both sub-regions are planted at a range of altitudes from 500 to 800 metres

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78
Q

How are the climates of Rioja moderated?

A

By altitude and the Atlantic Ocean

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79
Q

What shields Rioja from the worst of the Atlantic weather?

A

The Cantabrian Mountains

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80
Q

Where is Rioja Baja?

A

To the east of Logroño, mainly on the south bank of the Ebro

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81
Q

What is the climate in Rioja Baja?

A

Less maritime
Hotter summers and more severe winters
Low annual rainfall

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82
Q

What is an issue for growers in Rioja?

A

Drought

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83
Q

What is the most widely planted variety in Rioja?

A

Tempranillo

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84
Q

Where does Tempranillo do best in Rioja?

A

In the cooler western sub-regions

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85
Q

Describe the general features of Tempranillo in Rioja

A

Medium tannins

Red fruit flavours

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86
Q

How does the addition of Garnacha benefit a Tempranillo-based blend?

A

Garnacha adds body and alcohol

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87
Q

Where in Rioja does Garnacha grow best?

A

Rioja Baja

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88
Q

What are the less planted/supporting varieties of Rioja?

A

Mazuelo and Graciano

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89
Q

Describe how an early-drinking style of red Rioja may be made. What kind of result will this have on the wines?

A

Using semi-carbonic maceration
Wines with vibrant red-fruit flavours
Low levels of smooth tannins

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90
Q

Outline the processes used in making a red Rioja designed for ageing

A

Usually destemmed and crushed

Undergo traditional fermentation

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91
Q

How may some Rioja producers produce heavily extracted wines? What will the result be?

A

Vigorous cap-management techniques
Extended periods of maceration
Deep colour and full of fruit flavours

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92
Q

What style of Rioja are many makers now producing?

A

More subtle, elegant styles

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93
Q

What is the traditional role of oak in Rioja?

A

Wines were aged in American oak, giving pronounced aromas of vanilla

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94
Q

What is the emerging role of oak in Rioja? What is the result on wine?

A

Many producers now use oak from France or other European countries for at least some of their wine
More subtle, spicy aromas

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95
Q

How many varieties are permitted for use in white Rioja?

A

Eight

96
Q

What is the most widely planted white variety in Rioja?

A

Viura

97
Q

Describe traditional white Rioja-making and wines

A

Aged for extended periods in American oak
Developed a deep golden colour and nutty flavours
Deliberately oxidised

98
Q

Describe how modern white Riojas are made and the reasoning

A

Made with minimal oxygen contact to preserve the maximum amount of fruit

99
Q

What is the ‘in between’ style of white Rioja now being produced by some Bodegas?

A

Some are being barrel-fermented but in a less oxidative style than traditional white Riojas

100
Q

Where in Spain is Navarra DO?

A

From the northern and eastern borders of Rioja into the foothills of the Pyrenees

101
Q

What is the climate of Navarra?

A

Similar to that of Rioja, but cooler and wetter nearer the mountains

102
Q

What is the most widely planted variety of Navarra?

A

Tempranillo

103
Q

What kind of wine does Navarra production focus on?

A

Red wine

104
Q

How is Tempranillo typically blended in Navarra?

A

With other Rioja grapes, or increasingly with Cabernet or Merlot

105
Q

What is the range of red wine styles in Navarra?

A

From good value Joven wines to top quality, premium Gran Reservas

106
Q

Describe winemaking for Garnacha-based rosés in Navarra

A

Garnacha is picked earlier when acid levels are higher and sugar levels are lower
They are handled protectively to create refreshing, fruity wines with medium levels of alcohol

107
Q

What is the role of white wine in Navarra?

A

It only accounts for a very small proportion of the total output of the region

108
Q

What do Navarra’s whites tend to be made from?

A

Viura, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc

109
Q

What are the neighbouring DOs to the south of the Ebro?

A

Cariñena and Catalyud

110
Q

What are the climates of Cariñena and Catalyud?

A

Warm continental

Low rainfall

111
Q

What are the main varieties in Cariñena and Catalyud?

A

Garnacha in both

112
Q

Describe the inexpensive wines of Cariñena and Catalyud

A

Fruity and early-drinking

113
Q

Describe the higher quality wines of Cariñena and Catalyud

A

Made from old-vine Garnacha and Cariñena

Great flavour intensity and structure

114
Q

T or F: Cariñena is the most planted variety in Cariñena

A

False

115
Q

Where is Catalunya?

A

In the north-east corner of Spain

116
Q

Where are the vast majority of vineyards in Catalunya?

A

In an area to the south-west of Barcelona, on the coastal plain and hills

117
Q

What is different about Catalunya as an administrative region when relating to wine?

A

It is the only administrative region of Spain that has a generic DO for still wines that covers the entire region

118
Q

Why did Catalunya’s generic DO come into existence?

A

Largely to enable the blending of wines from the various areas to provide the opportunity to create significant volumes of branded wine

119
Q

Where in Spain is nearly all Cava made?

A

In Catalunya

120
Q

Where is Penedès?

A

Immediately to the south-west of Barcelona

From the Mediterranean coast up into the hills

121
Q

How many distinct climatic zones are there in Penedès?

A

Three

122
Q

What are the three climatic zones of Penedès?

A

The hot coastal plain - the climate here is Mediterranean
The valleys inland - the climate is still warm, but slightly cooler
Further into the hills where vines are grown up to 800m asl - the climate is moderate

123
Q

Why is there such a wide variety of styles and grapes in Penedès?

A

As a result of the three different climatic zones

124
Q

What are the most widely planted varieties of Penedès?

A

Those used for Cava

125
Q

Besides Cava varieties, what are other significant plantings in Penedès?

A

International varieties, such as Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc
Also Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo and Pinot Noir

126
Q

What is Tempranillo called in Penedès?

A

Ull de Llebre

127
Q

Where are the vineyards of Priorat?

A

In Catalunya, within the hills inland from the city of Tarragona

128
Q

Describe the climate of Priorat

A

Summers are long, hot and dry

Annual rainfall is very low

129
Q

For which grapes is the climate of Priorat ideal?

A

Garnacha and Cariñena

130
Q

Describe the Cariñena and Garnacha vines of Priorat

A

They are mostly old vines

131
Q

What are the best soils of Priorat called? Describe them

A

Llicorella

Layers of red slate with small particles of mica that sparkle in the sun

132
Q

Why are Llicorella soils considered as ‘good soils’?

A

They help ripening by reflecting and conserving heat
Because of their depth, they are able to retain sufficient water throughout the growing season
They are cool at night

133
Q

Describe the role of mechanisation in Priorat

A

Bush vines and steep slopes mean that mechanisation is nearly impossible in Priorat

134
Q

What are the impracticalities of winemaking in Priorat?

A

The virtual impossibility of mechanisation makes vineyards here expensive and time-consuming to manage

135
Q

What is grape yield like in Priorat? Explain…

A

Low

Contributed to by low nutrient soils and old vines

136
Q

What is the result on Priorat’s wines of its low-yielding vines?

A

High complexity and intensity

137
Q

What is the average price of Priorat’s wines? List reasons why

A

High
Mechanisation is impossible; vineyards are expensive and time-consuming to manage
Yields are low

138
Q

Describe wines of Priorat

A

High tannins
Deeply coloured
Medium to high alcohol
Concentrated black fruit with toasty aromas from new French oak

139
Q

What varieties can be added to wines of Priorat (besides Garnacha and Cariñena)

A

Some international varieties, especially Cabernet Sauvignon

140
Q

Can white and rosé wines be made in Priorat?

A

Yes, though they are rarely seen

141
Q

Where is the Duero Valley?

A

It starts in the mountains south of Rioja and flows through Spain into Portugal

142
Q

What is the Portuguese name for the River Duero?

A

The Douro

143
Q

What is the climate of Ribera del Duero?

A

Short, hot and dry summers and very cold winters

Cut off from any maritime influence by a ring of mountains

144
Q

Describe the vineyards of Ribera del Duero

A

They are situated on the highest part of the Meseta Central
Some vineyards are at over 850 metres
Due to altitude, night-time temperatures are cool

145
Q

What is the effect of cool night-time temperatures in Ribera?

A

Acidity and fresh fruit flavours are retained in the grapes

146
Q

What colours of wine are made in Ribera?

A

Red and rosé only

147
Q

What style is the vast majority of wine in Ribera?

A

Red

148
Q

What is the dominant grape variety of Ribera?

A

Tempranillo

149
Q

What is the varietal make-up of Ribera del Duero’s best wines?

A

Usually just Tempranillo

150
Q

Describe a typical red wine from Ribera del Duero

A

Dark with high levels of tannins

151
Q

Which international grapes are permitted in Ribera?

A

Cabernet, Merlot and Malbec

152
Q

Which grape of Ribera is permitted and often used for dry rosé production?

A

Garnacha

153
Q

What aspects of grapes are modern winemakers in Ribera trying to accentuate? How are they doing this?

A

Concentrated fruit flavours and tannins

Long macerations and short ageing periods in new oak

154
Q

Describe oak barrels in Ribera

A

Typically new French oak rather than American

155
Q

Describe the climate of Toro DO

A

Similar to that of its neighbour, Ribera del Duero

156
Q

What are the wines of Toro DO predominantly made from?

A

Tempranillo

157
Q

Describe the typical red wines of Toro DO

A

Full-bodied
Intense fruit flavours
High alcohol

158
Q

What causes the full body and high alcohol in Toro DO?

A

High daytime temperatures, sunny conditions and often low-yielding bush vines

159
Q

What is different about the Joven wines of Toro DO compared with its other wines?

A

There is often a proportion of Garnacha

160
Q

Describe Reservas and Gran Reservas of Toro

A

Exceptionally deeply coloured and tannic when young

Ability to age well

161
Q

What wines other than reds can be made in Toro?

A

Rosé and white wines in small quantities

162
Q

Where in Spain is Rueda?

A

In-between Toro and Ribera del Duero

163
Q

How does Rueda differ from its neighbours?

A

It focuses on white wine production

164
Q

Outline the climate of Rueda

A

Continental

Cool summer nights

165
Q

What is Rueda’s traditional grape variety?

A

Verdejo

166
Q

What is the second important grape variety in Rueda?

A

Sauvignon Blanc

167
Q

How may wines be labelled in Rueda?

A

For SB and Verdejo, they may be made and labelled as single varietal wines

168
Q

What is the law for blended wines in Rueda?

A

At least 50% of the blend must be Verdejo

169
Q

Describe the range of styles made in Rueda

A

From simple and fruity to richer, barrel-fermented versions

170
Q

Which area of Spain is cooler and wetter than the rest? Why?

A

The north-west

Due to the influence of the Atlantic ocean

171
Q

What is north-west Spain best known for?

A

Many of Spain’s best white wines

172
Q

What is the most celebrated of Spain’s white wines?

A

Albariño from Rías Baixas

173
Q

Where in Spain is Rías Baixas?

A

On Spain’s Atlantic coast

174
Q

What is the climate of Rías Baixas?

A

Moderate and damp

175
Q

What is the problem for Rías Baixas associated with the damp conditions?

A

Vine diseases such as mildew and rot are a common problem

176
Q

How is the problem of vine diseases and mildew combated in Rías Baixas?

A

By training vines onto pergolas to encourage air circulation

Some producers use other training and trellising systems which are easier to maintain

177
Q

Describe the winemaking choice/style for most Rías Baixas Albariño

A

Made into a refreshing unoaked style to take advantage of the grape’s naturally high acidity and ripe stone fruit flavours

178
Q

What other style may Albariño be made into in Rías Baixas?

A

A richer style, occasionally with a touch of oak or lees-stirring

179
Q

Can red wine be made in Rías Baixas?

A

Yes, but it is a minority concern

180
Q

What is the predominant colour of wine from Bierzo?

A

Red

181
Q

Where in Spain is Bierzo?

A

North-west Spain, in the mountains that mark the boundary between Galicia and the Meseta Central

182
Q

What is the climate of Bierzo?

A

Moderate with a cooling maritime influence

183
Q

What is the key grape variety of Bierzo?

A

Mencía

184
Q

Describe the dominant wine style of Bierzo

A

Elegant red wines
Naturally high acidity
Red fruit aromas

185
Q

Where do many of Bierzo’s best wines come from?

A

Old vines, grown on the region’s steep stony slopes

186
Q

What is the other, less popular winemaking choice in Bierzo? What is the thinking?

A

Unoaked wines to retain the perfumed red fruit of Mencía

187
Q

What is the intention of Bierzo winemakers using oak?

A

To add toasty aromas

188
Q

Where in Spain is the Levante?

A

On the Mediterranean coast south of Catalunya

189
Q

Why is the Levante significant within the Spanish wine industry?

A

The port of Valencia is the distribution hub for wines from the Levante and La Mancha

190
Q

Describe Valencia DO

A

It is a large spread-out DO that is a source for value-for-money wines

191
Q

Which grapes are planted in Valencia

A

A large number of local and international varieties

192
Q

What is the most planted red grape of Valencia?

A

Monastrell

193
Q

Which grape variety dominates white plantings in Valencia?

A

Merseguera

194
Q

What is the second most planted wide variety of Valencia?

A

Muscat of Alexandria

195
Q

What is the role of Muscat of Alexandria in Valencia?

A

It is used to produce the local Moscatel de Valencia, a sweet fortified wine

196
Q

Where in Spain are Jumilla and Yecla?

A

In the Levante, further inland

197
Q

What are the climates of Jumilla and Yecla?

A

Hot and arid

198
Q

What is the dominant local variety of Jumilla and Yecla?

A

Monastrell

199
Q

Describes the majority of wines in Jumilla and Yecla

A

Youthful and fruity in style

200
Q

From which region does almost half of Spain’s total wine production originate?

A

Castilla-La Mancha

201
Q

Where is Castilla-La Mancha?

A

A vast central area of the Meseta Central to the south of Madrid

202
Q

What is the largest DO in Spain?

A

La Mancha

203
Q

What is the most widely planted grape variety of La Mancha?

A

Airén

204
Q

What wines are produced from the grape Airén?

A

Neutral, fresh white wines

205
Q

Which grape variety is in decline in La Mancha? Why?

A

Airén

Authorities have encouraged producers to plant Tempranillo

206
Q

What is Tempranillo locally known as in La Mancha?

A

Cencibel

207
Q

Name other grape varieties in La Mancha

A 
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Syrah
Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
208
Q

What role does La Mancha now have in Spain? Why/how?

A

It’s an excellent source of inexpensive, well-made reds and whites for the export market
Significant investment in technology and expertise

209
Q

…was where the trend for top-quality pagos wines began

A

La Mancha

210
Q

La Mancha is still the home of the majority of the estates that have been awarded the appellation…

A

Vinos de Pago

211
Q

Which DO lies immediately to the south of La Mancha?

A

Valdepeñas

212
Q

How does the reputation of Valdepeñas compare with that of its neighbour La Mancha?

A

It has a better reputation for quality

213
Q

What is the climate of Valdepeñas?

A

Identical to that of La Mancha

214
Q

What is the most widely planted grape in Valdepeñas?

A

Airén

215
Q

What is the main variety for red wines of Valdepeñas?

A

Cencibel (Tempranillo)

216
Q

How may red wines be made in Valdepeñas?

A

Either as varietal wines or blended with international varieties

217
Q

What is the style range for wines from Valdepeñas?

A

They range from fruity to more concentrated and oak matured

218
Q

Besides offering a hierarchy of PGI and PDO wines, what else can Spanish wine law define?

A

Specific ageing criteria for red and white wines

219
Q

How are wines labelled if they fall outside of Spanish PGI/PDO law?

A

Vino

220
Q

What is the Spanish for PDO?

A

Denominación de Origen Protegida (DOP)

221
Q

What are the three Spanish PDO qualities in ascending order?

A

Denominación de Origen (DO)
Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa)
Vinos de Pago (VP)

222
Q

Loosely, how must a wine achieve DO status in Spain?

A

They should be of a certain minimum quality

They must satisfy specifications covering grape varieties, viticulture and location

223
Q

What must a Spanish DO do/achieve to be awarded DOCa status?

A

Must’ve been a DO for at least ten years

224
Q

How many DOCa are there in Spain? What are they?

A

Two
Priorat
Rioja

225
Q

What is DOCa called in Priorat?

A

Denominació d’Origen Qualificada (DOQ)

226
Q

What is Vinos de Pago?

A

A category applying to only a small number of single estates in Spain with high reputations
Estates may only use their own grapes, which must be grown, vinified and matured on their estate

227
Q

What is the traditional Spanish term for PGI wines?

A

Vino de la Tierra (VdlT)

228
Q

What are the four age categories for wines in Spain?

A

Joven
Crianza
Reserva
Gran Reserva

229
Q

What wines may become Gran Reserva (besides the actual ageing requirements)?

A

Only wines from exceptional vintages

White and rosé wines are rarely made in this style

230
Q

What are the ageing requirements for Joven wines (white and red) in Spain?

A

No ageing required at all

231
Q

What are the ageing requirements for red Crianza wines in Spain?

A

24 months in total

6 months in barrel

232
Q

What are the ageing requirements for red Reserva wines in Spain?

A

36 months in total

12 months in barrel

233
Q

What are the ageing requirements for red Gran Reserva wines in Spain?

A

60 months in total

18 months in barrel

234
Q

What are the ageing requirements for white Gran Reserva wines in Spain?

A

48 months in total

6 months in barrel

235
Q

What are the ageing requirements for white Reserva wines in Spain?

A

24 months in total

6 months in barrel

236
Q

What are the ageing requirements for white Crianza wines in Spain?

A

18 months in total

6 months in barrel

237
Q

When in Spain are there exceptions to the general ageing requirements?

A

In some regions such as Rioja, there are even longer requirements for total ageing and barrel ageing

Wines of Spain FT (24 decks)

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