Catalonia Flashcards
(22 cards)
The autonomía of Catalonia shares a common culture and lineage with?
Roussillon in France
What separates France from Catalonia?
The Pyrenees
When did Catalonia and Roussillon spit?
17th century
Where did traditional method sparkling wine in Spain debuted?
In Catalonia
When René Barbier sought to create a bold new Spanish red wine in 1979 he planted his grapes where?
Piorat DOCa
What is Spain’s second region to be promoted to DOCa?
Piorat DOCa
What are the main red grapes of Piorat DOCa?
Garnacha and Cariñena
Piorat DOCa makes some of Spain’s richest red wines due to what soils?
The vines struggle to achieve small yields in the rock strewn schist soils. Llicorella, a mix of black slate and quartzite, characterizes the best vineyards.
Who are the pioneers in Piorat and made the region internationally known?
René Barbier and Alvaro Palacio
Which vintage was René Barbier and Alvaro Palacio’s first vintage that was a red wine bottled under five different labels?
1989
Are Piorat usually barrel aged?
Yes, usually subject to varying shades of French barrique treatment
What DO surrounds Piorat DOQ?
Monstant DO
What is the larger, encompassing swath of the Catalan coast to the west of Penedès DO? What are they known for?
Tarragona DO, making Spanish version of vin de liqueur, fortified rancio
Penedès is divided between three distinct altitude zone:
Baix-Penedès, Medio-Penedès, and Alt-Penedès
What are the 5 authorized white grapes of Cava?
Parellada, Xarel-lo, Macabéo, Malvasía, and Chardonnay
In Penedès DO which altitude zone are Cava grapes usually grown in?
The Alt-Penedès, one do Europe’s highest altitude wine growing regions
Who introduced método traditional sparkling winemaking in Spain?
Jose Raventós in 1872
Where is the birthplace of Cava?
Alt-Penedès
How long does Cava need to be on the lees?
9 months. 18 months for Reserva, 30 months for Gran Reserva
What is on the cork of Cava?
Four pointed star
Tell me about Empordà DO
Located on the northeastern corner of Spain, bordering Banyuls in Roussillon. Makes Cariñena rosado and Garnacha red wines.
What is the water and mountain influence of Catalonia?
The Mediterranean and the mountain range to the north is Pyrenees
