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Spanish Wine Scholar > La Rioja > Flashcards

La Rioja Flashcards

1
Q

How long is wine believed to have been produced in La Rioja?

A

~3,000years

Ever since the Phoenicians inhabited the Iberian Peninsula.

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2
Q

Where is La Rioja located?

A

This autonomous region is in north-central Spain and is bordered by Pais Vasco and Navarra to the north and east, Aragon to the southeast, and Castilla y Leon to the south and west.

It encompasses much of the Ebro River Valley, sitting at the western end. The Sierra de la Demanda range (part of the Sistema Iberico) forms its southern border.

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3
Q

Where is DOCa Rioja located?

A

This wine region is located in the northern half of La Rioja(69%).
Portions of it spills over into the neighboring communitites of Pais Vasco(20%) & Navarra(11%).
This wine region stretches northwest to southeast along the Ebro River for ~62mi/100km.

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4
Q

What is the purpose of the Real Sociedad Economica de Cosecheros de Rioja?

A

The Royal Economic Society of Rioja Winegrowers was created in 1787 in order to continue protecting Rioja’s reputation. The group monitored and regulated vine cultivation, wine production, and wine exportation.

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5
Q

What are the origins of Castilian Spanish?

A

Spanish evolved from a dialect of spoken Latin brought to the Iberian Peninsula by the Romans.
It continued to evolve in the north-central part of the peninsula after the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century CE.
It later became the basis for the written standard and due, in part, to the prestige of Castile, spread south during the Reconquista.
Spanish first appeard around the mid-11th century as written notes on Latin texts, referred to as “glosses.”

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6
Q

Who is Gonzalo de Berceo?

A

A secular priest who was educated and lived at the Monastery of Yuso in the 13th century. This writer/poet is credited with the earliest evidence of prose available in Castilian Spanish.

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7
Q

When did Castillian Spanish become the official language of Spain?

A

In the late 15th century, after the unification of Castilla y Leon.

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8
Q

Why were the monasteries of San Millan de la Cogolla in La Rioja awarded “World Heritage” status by UNESCO in 1997?

A

It is the birthplace of the modern written and spoken Spanish language.

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9
Q

What qualitative and quantitative controls were introduced by Rioja’s Consejo Regulador?

A
  • monitoring harvest yields
  • monitoring production volume
  • tracking of aging/barrel regimens for each vintage
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10
Q

How does the size of La Rioja compare to other autonomous regions in Spain?

A

This is the second-smallest autonomous region.

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11
Q

What is the capitol of La Rioja?

A

Logrono

(Almost 50% of the region’s population lives here)

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12
Q

Name the 3 zones of DOCa Rioja.

A
  1. Rioja Alavesa (21% of total vineyard area)
  2. Rioja Alta (42%)
  3. Rioja Oriental (formerly Rioja Baja) (37%)
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13
Q

What is the overall climate in La Rioja?

A

Continental
* summer: hot, dry with ample sun
* autumn: mild
* winter: cold
* spring: frost is common

Note: the valley is much drier than the surrounding mountains and experiences more extreme temperatures.

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14
Q

What is the climate in Rioja Alavesa & Rioja Alta?

A

Continental
* maritime influence from the Bay of Biscay
* slightly more humid than Rioja Oriental
* lower average temperatures
* cooler & wetter than Rioja Oriental
* higher rainfall (12-24in/300-600mm annually) with mountainous areas receiving more

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15
Q

What is the climate in Rioja Oriental?

A

Continental
* the warmest zone
* influenced somewhat by the Mediterranean Sea
* tends to be slightly more arid than the other 2 zones.

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16
Q

Name the mountain ranges surrounding La Rioja.

A

To the north:
* Montes Obarenes
* Sierra de Tolono: part of the larger Sierra de Cantabria, the foothills of the Pyrenean-Cantabrian mountain range

To the south:
* Sierra de la Demanda: the western end of the Sistema Iberico
* Sierra de Cameros: situated in south-central La Rioja

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17
Q

How do the mountain ranges of La Rioja contribute to the mesoclimate of the area?

A

The northern mountains protect the area from the cold & rainy winds blowing inland from the northern coast.

The southern mountains serve to separate the region from the severe climate & warm winds of the Meseta.

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18
Q

Name the higheast mountain peak in La Rioja.

A

Monte San Lorenzo of the Sierra de la Demanda (7,451ft/2,271m)

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19
Q

Which mountain range does many of the Ebro river’s tributaries originate from?

A

Sierra de La Demanda

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20
Q

What is Spain’s longest river?

A

Ebro River

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21
Q

Where is the Ebro River located?

A

This river originates in Cantabria and flows east through Castilla y Leon before entering La Rioja via a narrow gorge between the Montes Obarenes and Sierra de Tolono, forming a natural border between much of Pais Vasco and La Rioja.
From there, it continues for 75mi/120km on its way to the Mediterranean Sea passing through some of the most important cities in DOCa Rioja, including:
* Haro & Logrono (Rioja Alta)
* Calahorra & Alfaro (Rioja Oriental)

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22
Q

Why is La Rioja sometimes called the “Zone of the Seven Valleys”?

A

This name signifies the 7 tributaries which flow from the Sistema Iberico into the Ebro River.
They form small, individual river valleys which collectively become the larger Ebro River Valley.

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23
Q

Name the 7 river valleys that are the tributaries of the Ebro River.

A
  1. Oja
  2. Najerilla
  3. Iregua
  4. Leza
  5. Jubera
  6. Cidacos
  7. Alhama
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24
Q

What is the Cierzo?

A

A powerful wind that pummels La Rioja.
It originates when there is an anticyclone over the Bay of Biscay and blows from the north or northwest through the Ebro River Valley reaching speeds of up to 62mph/100kmh.
It usually appears during autumn and/or winter and is most dominant in Rioja Oriental.

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25
Q

How does La Rioja benefit from the Cierzo?

A

This wind benefits the vineyards by chasing away humidity & moderating temperatures. This allows the grapes to ripen more gradually and with less disease pressure.

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26
Q

Which are the 3 classifications of soil types in Rioja?

A
  • Calcareous (chalky) clay (30%): found on steep terraces extending from the Cordillera Cantabrica to the banks of the Ebro River; throughout the whole of Rioja Alavesa and sections of Rioja Alta nearest the river.
  • Ferrous clay (25%): found on the low mountains on the right bank of the Ebro River and on lower hillsides in both Rioja Alta & Rioja Oriental
  • Alluviums (45%): found throughout Rioja Alta & Rioja Oriental along the banks of the Ebro River & its tributaries.
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27
Q

Why are the vines planted on alluvial soils in La Rioja susceptible to both drought and water-logging?

A

Vines planted here are able to root to just over 3.3ft/1m before hitting a layer of limestone hardpan which prevents the roots from going any deeper.

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28
Q

Where do recent studies show to be Tempranillo’s origin?

A

The upper Ebro River Valley

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29
Q

What is the most widely planted grape variety in La Rioja?

A

Tempranillo
* 75% of total area under vine
* 88% of all red plantings

Note: as recent as the early 1970s, it occupied a mere 30% of vineyard land; Garnacha Tinta occupied almost 40%!

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30
Q

Why is Tempranillo typically blended with other varieties? Which varieties?

A

This grape produces lower-alcohol wine when vinified as a varietal.
Varieties commonly blended with it are:
* Garnacha Tinta (preferred)
* Mazuelo (Carinena)
* Graciano

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31
Q

What characteristics do other authorized red grapes add to Tempranillo-based blends?

A
  • Garnacha Tinta: red fruit character & alcohol
  • Mazuelo & Graciano: color, tannin, acidity, & spicy notes
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32
Q

Where in La Rioja are most Garnacha Tinta vines planted?

A

Rioja Oriental

This variety is late-ripening, so it benefits from warmer areas.

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33
Q

What percentage of which grape varieties comprise a typical Riojan blend?

A
  • 60-80% Tempranillo
  • 20% Garnacha Tinta
  • Lesser amounts of Mazuelo & Graciano
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34
Q

Name the primary white grape of La Rioja.

A

Viura (Macabeo)

Note: accounts for 69% of all white grapes.

35
Q

What styles of wine are produced in La Rioja?

A
  • vinos tinta (90%): Tempranillo-based blends, Garnach Tinta varietals
  • vinos blancos (5%): Viura & other indigenous varieties
  • vinos rosados (5%): predominantly Garnacha Tinta with some indigenous white varieties & must contain min. 25% red varieties
  • Espumoso (<1%)
36
Q

Name some of the additional white grapes that were authorized by the Consejo Regulador in La Rioja in 2007.

A
  • Chardonnay
  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Verdejo

Note: there are 9 authorized white grapes that may be used to make single-varietal wine, however they may be blended as well.

37
Q

Where in La Rioja are the vineyards planted?

A
  • along the Ebro River
  • on the hillsides of the various mountain ranges flanking the wine region
38
Q

What is vara y pulgar?

A

“Stick and thumb” is a unique pruning method used in La Rioja & Andalucia.
Each vine grows from a single trunk with two arms and production alternates between them. In one year, the left arm is cut back to a single spur with 1-2 buds. This spur is known as a pulgar (“thumb).
The right branch is left with a cane of 7-8 buds. This is the vara (“stick”) that produces fruit-bearing shoots during the growing season, one from each bud.
One of the shoots that grow from the pulgar will become next year’s vara. The right arm is then removed leaving only a spur or pulgar. This process alternates from year to year allowing one side to grow while the other rests.

39
Q

What is cosecheros?

A

This is an old tradition in which grape growers produce a young red wine using a method similar to semi-carbonic maceration.
Whole grapes are put into either wooden or cement vats. An enzymatic fermentation takes place within the berry until the grapes burst and release their juice. An alcoholic fermentation then takes over thanks to the wild yeasts present on the grape skins. Once this fermentation finishes, the must is trampled by foot, filtered, and bottled.
This wine used to be made for commercial wine, but many growers produce it for personal consumption now.
Rioja Alavesa is particularly well-suited for this wine style.

40
Q

What are the grape requirements for red wine produced in La Rioja?

A
  • min. 95% of red grapes if grapes are destemmed
  • min. 85% of red grapes if whole bunches are used.
41
Q

What are the common winemaking methods being used in La Rioja?

A
  • fermentation in stainless steel
  • carbonic maceration for younger wines
  • American oak barrel are the primary choice for aging
  • French oak is being used as well
42
Q

Which of the 3 zones in La Rioja is the smallest?

A

Rioja Alavesa

43
Q

Where is Rioja Alavesa located?

A

This zone in La Rioja is northwest of Logrono and lies completely within the southernmost part of the Alava Province of Pais Vasco. It is bordered by the foothills of the Sierra de Tolono range of the Sierra de Cantabria mountains to the north and by the left bank of the Ebro River to the south.

44
Q

Where are vineyards planted in Rioja Alavesa?

A

In small plots in valleys and on terraces at some of the highest elevations in Rioja.
Vines can be found growing between 1,312-2,625ft/400-800m.
Tempranillo is mostly south-facing.

45
Q

What soil types are found in Rioja Alavesa?

A

Calcareous (chalky) clay with high limestone content.

46
Q

What grape varieties are grown in Rioja Alavesa?

A
  • Tempranillo: these wines are highly prized for their aging potential
  • Garnacha: small quantities are grown at lower elevations
  • Graciano: small quantities are grown at lower elevations
47
Q

Which is the most historic zone of La Rioja?

A

Rioja Alta

48
Q

Where is Rioja Alta located?

A

This zone is situated in the northwestern part of La Rioja. The Ebro River forms much of its northern boundary while the Sierra de la Demanda range of the Sistema Iberico serves as its southern border.

49
Q

Where can some of the highest mountain peaks in Rioja Alta be found?

A

The Oja Valley, framed by the Sierra de la Demanda.

50
Q

Where are vineyards planted in Rioja Alta?

A

Primarily to the south of the Ebro River in the river valleys and on terraces built into the hillsides of the Sierra de la Demanda.
Vineyards are planted at elevations of 984-2,789ft/300-850m with most situated at 1,640-1,804ft/500-550m.

51
Q

What soil types are found in Rioja Alta?

A

This zone has the most diverse soil makeup within Rioja.
North of the Ebro River, there is a concentration of calcareous clays, but alluvial deposits and ferrous clay are found throughout.

52
Q

Where in Rioja Alta can most of Rioja’s oldest wineries be found?

A

Barrio de la Estacion in Haro.

Many are more than 150-years-old and produce some of Rioja’s finest age-worthy wines.

53
Q

Name the principal grape variety grown in Rioja Alta.

A

Tempranillo

54
Q

Which zone in La Rioja has vineyards planted at the lowest elevations?

A

Rioja Oriental

55
Q

Why was Rioja Baja renamed Rioja Oriental?

A

Many producers took issue with the name, Rioja Baja (“lower Rioja”), because they felt the word “baja” (“low”) lessened the image of the wines produced here.
As a result, the Consejo Regulador voted to change the name of the zone to “Rioja Oriental” in 2018. “Oriental” references its eastern location relative to Rioja Alavesa & Rioja Alta.

56
Q

Where is Rioja Oriental located?

A

This zone encompasses the area southeast of the capital city of Logrono; vineyards flank the Ebro River. Those on the left bank fall within the boundaries of Navarra.

57
Q

What soil types are found in Rioja Oriental?

A
  • Alluvial deposits: there is a much larger % of alluvium here than in Rioja Alta
  • Ferrous clay
58
Q

What grape varieties are planted in Rioja Oriental?

A
  • Garnacha Tinta (44%): dominant due to lower elevation
  • Tempranillo (38%)

Note: given their ability to soften high-elevation Tempranillo, Rioja Alavesa & Rioja Alta have long been purchasing Garnacha Tinta & Graciano from Rioja Oriental.

59
Q

What role does the Consejo Regulador play in maintaining quality in the production of Rioja wines?

A

They maintain strict supervision over the viticultural and vinification process:
* terroir-related classifications
* annual harvests are monitored
* production figures are monitored
* output must be in line with the current harvest numbers & existing inventory aging in the winery

60
Q

Name the 4 guarentee labels that align with DOCa Rioja’s aging requirements.

A
  • Generico (40% of all wines produced)
  • Crianza (40%)
  • Reserva (18%)
  • Gran Resera (2%)
61
Q

What are the firm guidelines that wine aging must adhere to in DOCa Rioja?

A
  • oak barrels must be 225L in size (barriques)
  • No oak chips/staves are allowed
  • The time in oak, as specified by the aging category, must be uninterrupted
  • The aging of vino blanco and/or vino rosade must have prior approval from the Consejo Regulador
  • if white grapes are incorporated into the making of red wine, the quantity is limited to a 5% max. for destemmed grapes and a 15% max. for whole clusters
62
Q

What are the requirements of Generico wines in DOCa Rioja?

A

This designation only guarantees:
* origin
* vintage

There is no min. aging requirement.
These wines are normally released in the 1st or 2nd year after harvest to preserve their freshness and fruit
This group also includes wines that do not meet the strict requirements of the other 3 categories.
~40% of wines produced fall into this category.

63
Q

What are the typical characteristics of DOCa Rioja Generico wines?

A

Youthful & fruit driven with fresh acidity & soft, juicy tannins.

64
Q

What were the Generico wines of DOCa Rioja previously called?

A
  • Joven (young)
  • Cosecha (harvest/vintage)

The appellation opted to change the name.

65
Q

What are the requirements of Crianza wines in DOCa Rioja?

A

These wines are released in their 3rd year at earliest. A “min. of 2 calendar years from October 1 of the harvest year.

Vinos tintos:
* min. 1 year in barrel
* a “few months in the bottle” (no min. requirement in bottle)

Vinos blancos & rosados:
* min. 6 months in barrel
* no min. requirement in bottle

66
Q

What are the characteristics of Crianza wines fro DOCa Rioja?

A

Vinos tintos: notes of red & black fruit with hints of toast, leather, & autumn leaves. These wines are generally fuller-bodied and possess firmer tannins than wines in the Generico category.

67
Q

What are the requirements of Reserva wines in DOCa Rioja?

A

Vinos tintos:
* min. 36 months aging
* min. 12 months in barrel
* min. 6 months in bottle

Vinos blancos/rosados:
* min. 24 months aging
* min. 6 months in barrel

68
Q

What are the characteristics of tinto Reserva wines from DOCa Rioja?

A

These red wines show significant signs of age with some primary fruit characteristics but more noticeable tertiery flavors of autumn leaves, cigar box, & dried fruit.
These wines are generally of high quality, concentrated, & full-bodied with ripe tannins.

69
Q

What are the requirements of Gran Reserva wines in DOCa Rioja?

A

Vinos tintos:
* min. 60 months aging
* min. 24 months in oak
* min. 24 months in bottle (reduced from 36 months)

Vinos blancos/rosados:
* min. 48 months aging
* min. 6 months in barrel

Note: these requirements are only mins. set by the Consejo Regulador. Many producers choose to age their wines longer than the requisite mins. The majority of Reserva & Gran Reserva wines are not released until the winemaker feels they are ready to be consumed.

70
Q

What are the characteristics of tinto Gran Reserva wines from DOCa Rioja?

A

Quite mature upon release with extremely complex tertiary flavors.
The best examples are highly elegant & intense with fresh acidity. They will develop further in bottle and can keep for decades.

71
Q

What “security system” is used as a more advanced guarantee of authenticity and quality for Rioja wines?

A

The “Rioja Trustseal” is the first of its kind in the wine world.
A small metallic-looking strip depicting parts of the DOCa logo and the word “Rioja” is embedded in the color-coded label placed on each bottle.
This system is also meant to discourage counterfeiting.

72
Q

What is Vinedos Singulares?

A

A classification created by the Consejo Regulardor in 2017, in an effort to highligh the diversity of terroir within the Rioja wine region.
For a vineyard to qualify, the following criteria must be met:
* If grapes are purchased, a min. 10-year contract is required between grower & producer
* Vines must be min. 35 years old
* Vines must be well-balanced with limited vigor
* Yields must be at least 20% lower than those required by the Consejo Regulador
* Grapes must be hand-harvested
* Production figures must be transparent & traceable
* Wines must undergo quality assessments

73
Q

What are Vino de Municipio?

A

These are wines labeled with reference to a village name used since 1999.
The requirements for this category are:
* The winery must be located within the village stated on the label
* Up to 15% of the grapes used may come from a neighboring village, but if purchased, a min. 10-year contract between grower & producer is required
* Production figures must be transparent & traceable

74
Q

What is Vinos de Zona?

A

This is a designation that has been allowed in DOCa Rioja since 1998. Wineries in the famed sub-zones can capitalize on their reputations and use this labeling option (e.g. Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa; it is rare to see a producer in Rioja Oriental do the same)

The requirements are:
* max. 15% of the grapes used may come from a neighboring zone, but, if purchased, a min. 10-year contract between grower and producer is required
* Production figures must be transparent & traceable

75
Q

What is Espumosos de Calidad de Rioja?

A

“Quality Sparkling Wines of Rioja” is a new sparkling designation (2017) intended to target the upper-middle end of the sparkling market.
Producers outside DO Cava releasing sparkling wine under this designation have the option to release as a DOCa wine.

76
Q

What are the requirements of a Espumosos de Calidad de Rioja wine?

A
  • between 11-13% abv
  • metodo tradicional must be used
  • min. 25% of authorized red varieties must be used for espumoso rosado
  • min. 15-month sur lie aging for the general espumoso category
  • min. 24-month sur lie aging for Reserva
  • min. 36-month sur lie aging for Gran Anada; must be vintage labeled
77
Q

What sweetness levels are authorized for Espumosos de Calidad de Rioja wines?

A
  • Brut Nature (0-0.3% or 0-3g/l)
  • Extra Brut (0-0.6% or 0-6g/l)
  • Brut (0-1.2% or 0-12g/l)

Note: off-dry & sweet wines are not permitted under this designation

78
Q

Name the DOP and other quality regions of La Rioja.

A
  • DOCa Rioja (1991)
  • VT Valles de Sadacia (2003)
79
Q

Name the authorized white varieties of DOCa Rioja.

A
  • Viura (Macabeo)
  • Malvasia de Rioja
  • Garnacha Blanca
  • Turruntes de Rioja (Albillo Mayor)
  • Chardonnay
  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Verdejo
80
Q

Name the authorized red varieties of DOCa Rioja.

A
  • Tempranillo
  • Garnacha Tinta
  • Graciano
  • Mazuelo (Carinena)
  • Maturana Tinta
81
Q

What style of wine is produced in VT Valles de Sadacia?

A

Blanco (100%)
* Dry
* Semi-dry
* Sweet

NOT NTK

82
Q

Where is VT Valles de Sadacia located?

A

This wine producing region is located in the eastern two-thirds (approx.) of La Rioja.
It encompasses all of Rioja Oriental and a portion of eastern Rioja Alta as well as areas of La Rioja not covered by DOCa Rioja, including Sierra de Cameros.
It covers 4 of the 7 valleys (42 municipalities) of the region:
* Iregua
* Leza
* Cidacos
* Alhama

NOT NTK

83
Q

What are the wine grape requirements of wines produced in VT Valles de Sadacia?

A
  • min. 85% of Moscatel de Grano Menudo and/or Moscatel de Alejandria
  • max. 15% may come from any recommended/authorized grapes within La Rioja

NOT NTK

84
Q

What styles or grapes is VT Valles de Sadacia currently experimenting with?

A
  • vinos espumosos
  • single-varietal wines from Albarino, Viognier, & Riesling

NOT NTK

Spanish Wine Scholar (31 decks)

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