20 - Spain Flashcards
Describe the recent history of wine production in Spain (8)
c19th - Civil wars force some winemakers e.g. Marques de Murrieta into exile in Bordeaux where they pick up expertise such as barrel maturation
c19th - Phylloxera in France results in rising demand for Spanish wine especially Rioja shipped via station in Haro
c20th - Phylloxera devastates Spain; demand falls due to recovery in France and lost of Spanish colonies –> many indigenous grapes go extinct
1907-1926 - Exports Syndicate and then regulatory council established in Rioja
c20th - Civil war and economic isolation prevent investment in Spanish winemaking and limit export markets –> wine production continues but through co-ops
1960s - Miguel Torres returns from abroad to plant int’l varieties and implement temp controlled SST, wine lab
1970/80s - end of Franco and greater econ freedom; joining EU meant more foreign investment and greater mkt opportunities
1996 - legalisation of some irrigation –> large expansion in viable vineyard area
Outline the three broad climates that exist in Spain
Generally warm due to latitude with:
- Maritime NW - Atlantic influence, high rainfall, mountains can help shield and provide more continental climate RIAS BAIXAS, RIBEIRA SACRA, BIERZO
- Continental centre - meseta covering central Spain, 600-900m, hot days but cold nights LA MANCHA, TORO, RUEDA, RIBERA, RIOJA, NAVARRA, CALATAYUD, CARIENEA
- Mediterranean South/East - climate moderates by sea breezes; warm, dry summers with mild winters CATALUNYA, VALENCIA, ALICANTE, YECLA, JUMILLA
Where does Spain sit in the global rankings of vineyard area, production volume and export price.
Vineyard area - 969,000ha - largest in the world
Production (volume) - 39mn hL - #3
Export (price) - lowest of any major exporter - 1/2 Italy and 1/5 France
What kind of planting density is common is Spain and why? (3)
Low density - often as low as 1,000 VPH
Dry + hot climate - water scarce - low density to reduce competition
This explain why vineyard area is largest but production is #3
Under what circumstances is irrigation allowed? (3)
Varies regionally, usually allowed for:
- Establishment of young vines
- Extreme drought
- Beginning of growing season while prohibited in ripening period
Why is mildew a concern nationally despite the dry climate?
Heavy storms + warm temps afterwards create mildew risk
Where is spring frost a concern?
Areas with a continental climate
What is the most common vineyard pest in Spain?
What impact do they have?
What is the most common way of dealing with them?
European grapevine moths - attack flowers/grapes –> reduces yield and wounds create opportunity for fungal and bacteria disease
Pheromone traps
To what extent is organic viticulture practised in Spain?
High % of certified organic - 12% but proportion much higher if including practising organic
What is the average size of vineyard holdings in Spain?
What is the implication of this for vineyard management?
<0.5ha = 66%
0.5-3ha = 22%
Limited mechanisation
Why is Spain’s rank in terms of production by volume much lower than its rank by vineyard area?
- Low density planting due to dry, warm conditions
- Prevalence of old vines prized for their quality fruit
What are the six most widely planted grape varieties in Spain?
N.B. as of 2021, Tempranillo is now the most widely planted
Describe where Airen is planted and what it is used for.
Planted in central Castilla-La Mancha
Used to make neutral white wines and distilled to produce Brandy de Jerez
Where is Tempranillo planted, what is it used for and what climates does it prefer? How does it yield?
Planted widely especially in Rioja as well as Ribera del Duero and Toro
Used for red wine of varying quality depending on yield and climatic conditions; blended or single varietal
Climates Early ripening so best in warm climates with cooling influence
Yield are medium-high –> popularity
Describe the characteristics of Bobal including:
Why it is suited to warm climates
Difficulties cultivating the variety
Yield
Colour
Flavour
Styles of wine production
Quality Price
Warm climates drought tolerant and able to retain acidity (also mid-late budding –> continental climates)
Difficulties uneven ripening, vigour
Yields high
Colour deep –> popular for blending in inexpensive wine
Flavour Blackberry, blackcherry, chocolate
Styles:
- Deeply coloured rosé
- High acid, med tannin, light-bodied red made with semi-carbo
- High acid, med(+) tannin, med(+)-full body made from old vines and oak
Quality-Price Acceptable-VG/Inexpensive-mid-priced
Outline the national legislation for oak ageing for reds and whites/rose. Plus the size of barrels stipulated.
Hint:
- Reds: x4, x3, x3.3
- Whites/Rose: x3, x4, x8
Max barrel size is 330L
