Spain - Navarra Flashcards
Where is Navarra located, how large is it, whats the area under vine, and whats the general climate?
Directly NE of La Rioja.
The wine region, Navarra DO, covers around half this area, extending 100km south of Pamplona, although the actual vineyard area is much lower than Rioja, at 11,000ha.
Its location and size means it has a range of climatic influences, from the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea to the Pyrenees to the NE.
What are the 5 sub regions of Navarra, and their general climate?
In the North of the DO, the hilly sub regions of Baja Montaña, Valdizarbe and Tierra Estella run E to W, these are cooler and wetter with influences from Atlantic (though somewhat diffused by mountains to the north) and from the Pyrenees in the NE. Ribera Alta in the middle of the region, and Ribera Baja in the south are progressively warmer, drier and flatter.
Which varieties are grown in Navarra? How has this changed in recent years?
When compared to other Spanish regions, it grows a wide range.
This is relatively recent as, until around 40 years ago, by far the most planted variety was Garnacha, generally used to produce deep coloured rosé wines.
On the back of a government funded research programme in the 1970s, it was decided the DO should promote red wines from Tempranillo (now the most planted variety), and later, in the 1980s, the Consejo Regulador permitted international varieties such as Cab Sauv, Merlot and Chardonnay.
What is the general summary of how varieties are used in Navarra?
Tempranillo is often a single varietal, whereas Cab Suv and Merlot are often part of a red blend with Tempranillo and Garnacha.
Chardonnay is the principle white grape, and tends to show citrus and peach fruit, medium alcohol and medium to (+) acidity, being made in unoaked and oaked styles.
Moscatel de Grano Menudo (Blanc a PG), Sauv B, Viura and Malvasia are also grown.
What is typical winemaking for reds?
A range of styles are produced from fruity, lighter bodied styles to more fuller bodied, concentrated wines typically aged in barrels for a year or more.
Ageing categories are widely used.
Both French and American oak is used, French for French varieties, and American for Spanish.
How are the styles of wine produced criticised?
Views are mixed on whether such diversity is a benefit, or whether Navarra should focus on a signature grape.
A number of critics and producers feel Garnacha is the grape with the most potential, especially from old bush vines.
What is the general profile of red Garnacha from Navarra?
Lighter bodied, with red berry and medium (+) acidity in the cooler Baja Montaña, Valdizarbe and Tierra Estella to fuller bodied more tannin examples in the Ribera Baja.
What is the typical winemaking profile of rosés from Navarra?
Medium to deep coloured, dry, often produced from Garnacha but sometimes with Tempranillo, Cab Sauv, and Merlot, with the grapes mainly sourced from cooler northern sub regions.
DO states must be made from.short maceration, direct pressing is not permitted.
This maceration may typically last 3-4 hours for paler wines and 6-12 hours for more deeply coloured versions.
Fermented in steel and bottled soon after to retain red berry flavours.
Some ferment or mature in barrel.
What is the typical quality and price of Navarra?
Good to very good, and occasionally outstanding.
Without the prestige of Rioja/del Duero, prices tend to be inexpensive to mid, with some premium
Who are significant producers?
Domaines Lupier and Bodegas J. Chivite.
What is the division of plantings in Navarra?
A region of small holdings (though not as small as Rias Baixas), and many growers sell to co-operatives.
