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Spanish Wine Scholar > The Duero River Valley > Flashcards

The Duero River Valley Flashcards

1
Q

Where is the Duero River Valley located?

A

This river lies within the autonomous community of Castilla y Leon. It begins amongst the peaks of the Sierra de Urbion within the Sistema Iberico near the border with La Rioja. It weaves its way throughout the region as it makes its 556mile/895km journey to the Atlantic, entering and exiting Portugal as the Douro.

It is one of Spain’s most important and remains one of the most significant historical & viticultural territories in the country.

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2
Q

Which autonomous region is the largest in Spain?

A

Castilla y Leon

It occupies ~1/5th of the mainland

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3
Q

Where is Castilla y Leon located?

A

This autonomous region is in northwestern Spain and is bordered by Portugal to the west and 9 of Spain’s autonomous communitites:
* Asturias, Cantabria, & Pais Vasco to the north;
* La Rioja & Aragon to the east;
* Castilla-La Mancha, Comunidad de Madrid, & Extremadura to the south;
* Galicia to the west.

It is completely landlocked and occupies the northern part of the Meseta.

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4
Q

What is the capital of Castilla y Leon?

A

This autonomous regions doesn’t have a capital city, but Valladolid holds the title unofficially. It is also the most populous.

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5
Q

What are the provinces of Castilla y Leon?

A
  1. Avila
  2. Burgos
  3. Leon
  4. Palencia
  5. Salamanca
  6. Segovia
  7. Soria
  8. Valladolid
  9. Zamora
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6
Q

What is the climate in Castilla y Leon?

A

Continental
* extreme temperatures are the norm
* areas in the north experience some slightly moderating maritime influences from the Atlantic Ocean
* the 3 coldest provincial capitals are here
* frost period extends from October to May; late frost being a recurring hazard
* 14-20in/350-500mm annual rainfall in the plains
* 20-59in/500-1500mm annual rainfall in the mountains

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7
Q

Name the 3 coldest provincial capitals in Spain.

A
  1. Avila
  2. Soria
  3. Burgos
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8
Q

Castilla y Leon consists of what 2 primary topographic components?

A
  1. Duero River Basin
  2. Mountain ranges surrounding it
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9
Q

What mountain ranges surround Castilla y Leon?

A
  1. Montes de Leon: to the northwest
  2. Cordillera Cantabrica: to the north, creating a border with Asturias & Cantabria
  3. Sistema Iberico: to the east
  4. Sistema Central: to the south, separating the region from Castilla-La Mancha & Madrid
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10
Q

Name the highest peak in Castilla y Leon.

A

Torrecerredo (8,688ft/2,648m) in the Picos de Europa, which is on the northern border with Asturias.

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11
Q

There are miniscule portions of the Duero River Basin that occupy space in regions other than Castilla y Leon. What are they?

A
  • Galicia
  • Cantabria
  • La Rioja
  • Castilla-La Mancha
  • Extremadura
  • Comunidad de Madrid
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12
Q

Where in Castilla y Leon are most vineyards planted?

A

On or near the Duero River or one of its many tributaries.

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13
Q

What soil types are found in Castilla y Leon?

A

River valleys generally consist of clay, alluvium, or sandy-stony soils with some limestone. They are mineral-laden but generally not water-retentive unless clay is present.
The plains are largely comprised of brown limestone with clay loam & sand.
Some parts of the region have slate, quartz & granite.
While others have such sandy soils that pre-phylloxera vines are still alive & thriving.

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14
Q

Which grape variety is dominant in Castilla y Leon?

A

Tempranillo

This thick-skinned, early-ripening variety is well-suited for the extreme temperatures of this region.
It is authorized in 12 of the 13 appellations here.

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15
Q

What synonyms is the Tempranillo variety known by in Castilla y Leon?

A
  • Tinto Fino
  • Tinta del Pais
  • Tinta de Toro
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16
Q

Which 3 wine growing regions in the northwestern part of Castilla y Leon make vinos tintos from grapes other than Tempranillo?

A
  • DO Bierzo: Mencia is the primary grape
  • DO Tierra de Leon: Prieto Picudo
  • VC Valles de Benavente: Prieto Picudo
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17
Q

Which winegrowing area in Castilla y Leon is the only one where vinos blancos is the prominent wine style?

A

DO Rueda

White wines made from Verdejo. It is commonly blended with Sauvignon Blanc & creates fresh, lively, fruit-forward wines.

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18
Q

Why is Verdejo the dominant variety in DO Rueda?

A

This variety thrives in the high-elevation Meseta.

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19
Q

How are vines trained in Castilla y Leon?

A
  • en vaso: traditionally, to help provide the grapes some relief from the severe summer heat
  • trellising (espaldera??): many growers are experimenting with this system in an effort to increase yields & allow for mechanization
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20
Q

What is the prominent style of vinos tintos produced in Castilla y Leon?

A

Red wines made from Tempranillo. Despite experimentation with international varieties the vast majority of winemakers come back to this native variety.
Full-bodied, tannic wines irrespective of oak-aging.
Today, younger winemakers are experimenting with more extracted, concentrated wines that spend more time in new oak.

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21
Q

How would the vinos tintos made from international varieties in Castilla y Leon usually be labeled?

A

VT Castilla y Leon

Production requirements are less restrictive under this designation.

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22
Q

What winemaking methods are used in DO Rueda?

A
  • Stainless steel fermentation: producing crisp & fresh wines meant to be drunk young
  • Oak regimen: some winemakers are experimenting
  • Blending: Verdejo has often been blended with Sauvignon Blanc and/or Viura over the past 2 decades
  • Varietal: some winemakers are creating a more traditional & pure expression of Verdejo
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23
Q

What winemaking methods are used to produce the vinos rosados of Castilla y Leon?

A
  • direct press: most
  • saignee: some
  • clarete: a method used in DO Cigales; normally labeled VT Castilla y Leon
  • stainless steel: for immediate consumption
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24
Q

How are clarete wines made?

A

This winemaking method of producing vinos rosados involves crushing both red & white varieties together & vinifying the must as a vino tinto. The juice ferments on the skins for a short period of time.

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25
Q

Name the DOPs of Castilla y Leon.

A
  1. DO Bierzo (1989)
  2. DO Cigales (1991)
  3. DO Ribera del Duero (1982)
  4. DO Rueda (1980)
  5. DO Toro (1987)
  6. DO Arlanza (2007)
  7. DO Arribes (2007)
  8. DO Tierra de Leon (2007)
  9. DO Tierra del Vino de Zamora (2007)
  10. VC Cebreros (2019)
  11. VC Sierra de Salamanca (2010)
  12. VC Valles de Benavente (2004)
  13. VC Valtiendas (2004)
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26
Q

Which wine region is the home of Mencia?

A

DO Bierzo

75% of vines planted in this wine region belong to this variety.

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27
Q

Where is DO Bierzo located?

A

This wine region is in the northwest part of Castilla y Leon and borders parts of Galicia.
It is shielded from they Atlantic Ocean by the Cordillera Cantabrica.

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28
Q

What styles of wine are produced in DO Bierzo?

A
  • Tinto (83%): from young & fresh to oak-aged
  • Blanco (12%)
  • Rosado (5%)
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29
Q

What is the climate in DO Bierzo?

A

Continental with significant maritime influence
* growing seasons are milder than the rest of Castilla y Leon
* higher rain & humidity than rest of Castilla y Leon
* low elevation protects against frost
* markedly dry summers (due to location in Meseta)
* 28in/721 average annual rainfall

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30
Q

What soil types are found in DO Bierzo?

A
  • granite
  • limestone
  • quartzite
  • slate
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31
Q

Name the white varieties of DO Bierzo.

A

Preferred:
* Godello
* Malvasia Castellana/Dona Blanca (Siria)

Authorized:
* Malvasia
* Palomino

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32
Q

Name the red varieties of DO Bierzo.

A

Preferred:
* Mencia

Authorized:
* Garnacha Tintorera

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33
Q

Where in DO Bierzo are vineyards planted?

A

These vines are planted at lower elevation than most of Castilla y Leon.
They are planted on slopes & rolling hills.

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34
Q

What vine-training method is used in DO Bierzo?

A

en vaso

Farming in this wine region is still wildly traditional.

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35
Q

What are the grape requirements of wines produced in DO Bierzo?

A
  • Vino tinto: min. 70% Mencia
  • Vino rosado: min. 50% Mencia
36
Q

What are the characteristics of Mencia wines from DO Bierzo?

A

Bright acidity, moderate tannin & moderate pigmentation with notes of raspberries, red plums, rosemary & thyme.

37
Q

Where is DO Cigales located?

A

This wine region is in the center of Castilla y Leon & straddles the Pisuerga River, the Duero River’s second-largest tributary.

38
Q

What styles of wine are produced in DO Cigales?

A
  • Rosado (64%)
  • Tinto (34%)
  • Blanco (2%)
  • Espumoso (<1%)
  • Other (<1%)
39
Q

What is the climate in DO Cigales?

A

Continental
* irregular rainfall
* drought is an annual concern
* high summer temperatures (up to102F/39C)
* 16in/407mm average annual rainfall

40
Q

What soil types are found in DO Cigales?

A

Sand & limestone topsoil over subsoils of clay & loam.

41
Q

Name the white varieties of DO Cigales.

A

Preferred:
* Verdejo

Authorized:
* Albillo Mayor
* Viura
* Sauvignon Blanc

42
Q

Name the red varieties of DO Cigales.

A

Preferred:
* Tinta del Pais/Tempranillo
* Garnacha Tinta
* Garnacha Gris

Authorized:
* Syrah
* Merlot
* Cabernet Sauvignon

43
Q

Which grape is the primary variety grown in DO Cigales?

A

Tinta del Pais (Tempranillo)
* 70% of plantings in this region

44
Q

What are the grape requirements for vino blanco in DO Cigales?

A
  • must be exclusively white grapes
  • min. 50% Verdejo
45
Q

What are the grape requirements for vino rosado in DO Cigales?

A
  • may be made from both red & white grapes
  • min. 50% of preferred varieties (Verdejo, Tinta del Pais (Tempranillo), Garnacha Tinta, Garnacha Gris)
46
Q

What are the grape requirements for vino tinto in DO Cigales?

A

Min. 50% of preferred red grapes
* Tinta del Pais (Tempranillo)
* Garnacha Tinta
* Garnacha Gris

47
Q

What are the grape requirements for vino dulce & vino espumoso in DO Cigales?

A

min. 50% of preferred white and/or red varieties
* Verdejo
* Tinta del Pais (Tempranillo)
* Garnacha Tinta
* Garnacha Gris

48
Q

What are the authorized styles of sparkling wine in DO Cigales?

A
  • Brut Nature
  • Brut
  • Semi-seco
  • Seco
49
Q

What are majuelos?

A

These are family-owned & family-farmed plots within the village.

DO Cigales is one of the most traditional in Castilla y Leon as wine producers still purchase grapes from these plots to produce their wines.

50
Q

What historically traditional method of wine storage is still practiced in DO Cigales?

A

This wine region still stores wine in cellars at a depth of 32.8ft/10m below ground.

51
Q

Where is DO Ribera del Duero located?

A

This wine region is situated squarely along the banks of the Duero River, spanning a length of 71mi/115km from east to west with a width of 22mi/35km.

52
Q

What does the name Ribera del Duero mean?

A

This wine growing regions name means “river bank of the Duero.”

53
Q

What styles of wine are produced in DO Ribera del Duero?

A
  • Tinto (99%)
  • Rosado (1%)
54
Q

What is the climate in DO Ribera del Duero?

A

Continental
* wide seasonal temperature ranges
* spring/autumn frosts are regular threats
* high altitude (2,493-2,789ft/760-850m)
* 18in/460mm average annual rainfall

55
Q

What soil types are found in DO Ribera del Duero?

A

32 different soil types.
Primarily sandy limestone & clay.

56
Q

Name the white varieties of DO Ribera del Duero.

A

Authorized:
* Albillo Mayor

Note: the Consejo Regulador does not permit vino blanco to be produced under this DO. This white grape is primarily used in the productio of vino rosado. Non-DO vino blanco is made for local consumption.

57
Q

Name the red varieties of DO Ribera del Duero

A

Preferred:
* Tinto Fino/Tinta del Pais/Tempranillo

Authorized:
* Cabernet Sauvignon
* Garnacha Tinta
* Malbec
* Merlot

58
Q

Who is Alejandro Fernandez?

A

A winemaker who used grapes around the village of Pesquera de Duero to create single-varietal Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) wines which garnered international success.
It was his wines and the wines of Vega Sicilia that inspired growers to produce their own wines, resulting in the overall improvement of wine production in the region.
In 1982 there were only 8 producers, today there are ~270!

59
Q

How widely planted is Tinto Fino in DO Ribera del Duero?

A

98% of all vineyards.
Some of these vines are more than 100 years old.

60
Q

What are the grape requirements for vino tinto produced under DO Ribera del Duero?

A
  • min. 75% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo)
  • max. 5% Albillo Mayor & Garnacha Tinta

Note: most producers choose to use 100% Tinto Fino.

61
Q

What are the grape requirements for vino rosado produced under DO Ribera del Duero?

A
  • min. 50% authorized red grapes

Note: some producers are opting to use non-indigenous grapes in these blends as well.

62
Q

What type of oak is used to age wines in DO Ribera del Duero?

A
  • American oak
  • French oak
63
Q

What aging designations are used in DO Ribera del Duero?

A

Crianza:
* min. 12 months in barrel
* min. 24 months before release

Reserva:
* min. 12 months in barrel
* min. 36 months before release

Gran Reserva:
* min. 24 months in barrel
* min. 60 months before release

Note: aging requirements in this region are longer than required by Spanish law.

64
Q

What are the characteristics of Joven wines from DO Ribera del Duero?

A

“Young” styles from this wine region are moderate in color & tannin, medium-bodied and full of ripe strawberry & black plum fruit.

65
Q

What are the characteristics of Crianza & Reserva wines from DO Ribera del Duero?

A

This wine style is more concentrated than Joven wines with fuller-body, powerful tannins and a flavor profile that is more savory & spicy vs. fruit-driven.

66
Q

What are the characteristics of Gran Reserva wines from DO Ribera del Duero?

A

Full-bodied with supple polymerized tannins & complex layers of tertiery flavors & aromas.

67
Q

Which DOP is Spain’s largest producer of vino blanco?

A

DO Rueda

This DOP accounts for ~6% of overall white wine production in Spain.

68
Q

Which is the oldest demarcated wine region in Castilla y Leon?

A

DO Rueda

69
Q

Where is DO Rueda located?

A

This wine region is in south-central Castilla y Leon; the Duero River cuts through the northern part of the appellation.

70
Q

What styles of wine are produced in DO Rueda?

A
  • Blanco (99%)
  • Rosado (<1%): min. 50% red grapes
  • Tinto <1%)
  • Espumoso (<1%): must be metodo tradicional w/ min. 9 months sur-lie aging prior to release
  • Other (<1%)
71
Q

What is the climate in DO Rueda?

A

Continental
* late frosts
* unpredictable rainfall
* rainfall concentrated in spring & autumn
* 16-17in/400-430mm average rainfall

72
Q

What soil types are found in DO Rueda?

A
  • gravel & stone
  • sandy limestone
  • limestone
73
Q

Name the white varieties of DO Rueda.

A

Preferred:
* Verdejo

Authorized:
* Sauvignon Blanc
* Palomino Fino
* Viura

74
Q

Name the red varieties of DO Rueda.

A

Preferred:
* Tempranillo

Authorized:
* Cabernet Sauvignon
* Merlot
* Garnacha Tinta

75
Q

What vine-training methods are used in DO Rueda?

A
  • en vaso: for older vines; however labour-intensive
  • espaldera: new plantings; for ease of mechanized harvesting
76
Q

What is the prominent wine style produced in DO Rueda?

A

Varietal Verdejo

77
Q

What are the designations for vino blanco from DO Rueda?

A
  • Rueda: min. 50% Verdejo
  • Rueda Verdejo: min. 85% Verdejo
  • Rueda Sauvignon: min. 85% Sauvignon Blanc
  • Rueda Espumoso: min. 50% Verdejo (Seco/Semi-Seco); 85% Verdejo (Brut/Brut Nature)
  • Rueda Dorado: oxidatively aged using only approved white varieties

Note: many winemakers producing Verdejo wines use 100% of the variety.

78
Q

What are the typical characteristics of vino blanco from DO Rueda?

A

Light & crisp with hints of lemon, lime, & peach coupled with the distinctive note of bay leaf. They are generally best consumed young.

79
Q

Where is DO Toro located?

A

This wine region straddles the Duero River and is bordered by Rueda to the east & Tierra del Vino de Zamora to the south & west.

80
Q

What styles of wine are produced in DO Toro?

A
  • Tinto (93%)
  • Blanco (4%): Malvasia Castellana/Dona Blanca & Verdejo
  • Rosado (3%): may be crafted from any authorized white/red grape; primarily made from Garnach Tinta
81
Q

What is the climate in DO Toro?

A

Continental

  • harsh winters
  • short summers
  • frequent spring frosts
  • 14-16in/350-400mm average rainfall
  • some of the lowest rainfall in Castilla y Leon
82
Q

What soil types are found in DO Toro?

A

Sand & clay with limestone.

83
Q

Name the white varieties of DO Toro.

A

Preferred:
* Malvasia Castellana/Dona Blanca (Siria)
* Verdejo

84
Q

Name the red varieties of DO Toro.

A

Preferred:
* Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo)

Authorized:
* Garnacha Tinta

85
Q

What are the grape requirements of vino tinto from DO Toro?

A
  • min. 75% Tinta de Toro
  • can be blended with Garnacha Tinta

Note: most producers opt to use 100%

86
Q

What are the characteristics of vino tinto from DO Toro?

A

Tinta de Toro in this wine region typically produces fruit-forward, fresh, bold, tannic wines with soft acidity.
The best wines are typically aged in French oak, taming tannins and adding complexity to the wine.

87
Q

What aging requirements are used in DO Toro?

A

Standard aging requirements are used in this DOP.

Spanish Wine Scholar (31 decks)

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