Cataluna: part 2 Flashcards

1
Q

Where is DO Montsant located?

A

This DOP almost completely encircles DOQ Priorat in southern Cataluna.
The growing area encompasses:
* Serra de Montsant (Cordillera Prelitoral): in the north (largest)
* Serra de La Figuera: to the west
* Serra de Llaberia: in the southeast

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2
Q

Name the rivers that flow through DO Montsant.

A
  • Siurana River
  • Montsant River

These rivers flow through this region & converge in the southern part of DOQ Priorat en route to the Ebro. Both are used as a water source when irrigation is deemed necessary.

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3
Q

Prior to attaining its own DO status, which DOP did the area of DO Montsant previously belong to?

A

DO Tarragona

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4
Q

What is the climate in DO Montsant?

A

Mediterranean with continental influences
* rainfall mostly in spring & autumn
* 16-28in/400-700mm average rainfall

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5
Q

What soil types are found in DO Montsant?

A

3 primary types:
* silty-loam (panal)
* limey clay w/ some granitic sand (saulo)
* slate (llicorella)

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6
Q

What led the Consejo Regulador to initiate a zoning project in DO Montsant in 2008?

A

The range of soil types as well as distinct topographical & climatic conditions within the DO.

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7
Q

Name the 6 divisions of DO Montsant.

A
  1. Pradell de la Teixeta-La Torre de Fontaubella: to the southeast
  2. Falset: to the south
  3. Marca-Capcanes-Els Guiamets-La Serra: to the south
  4. El Molar-El Masroig-Darmos: to the southwest
  5. La Figuera-Cabaces-La Bisbal-Margalef: to the west
  6. Cornudella de Montsant-Ulldemolins: to the northeast

Positions are in clockwise order.

NOT NTK

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8
Q

What styles of wine are produced in DO Montsant?

A
  • Tinto (90%): blends of Garnatxa Negra & Samsa w/ small %s of other native and/or international varieties
  • Blanco (6%)
  • Rosado (3%)
  • Other (1%)
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9
Q

Name the white varieties planted in DO Montsant.

A

Authorized:
* Chardonnay
* Garnacha Blanca
* Macabeo
* Moscatel de Grano Menudo
* Pansal (Xarel.lo)
* Parellada

White varieties account for only 5% of total plantings.

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10
Q

Name the red varieties planted in DO Montsant.

A

Authorized:
* Samso/Mazuela/Carignane (Carinena)
* Garnacha Negra/Tinta
* Cabernet Sauvignon
* Garnacha Peluda
* Merlot
* Monastrell
* Picapoll Tinto
* Syrah
* Ull de Llebre (Tempranillo

Almost 95% of all vineyards are planted to red grapes. Samso & Garnacha Negra account for more than 65% of all red grapes planted.

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11
Q

What are the characteristics of wines from DO Montsant?

A

These wines are typified by concentrated red fruits laced with alcohol, yet the finish is refreshing with a mineral/stony edge.
They are similar to wines of DOQ Priorat but generally are lighter & less complex.

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12
Q

Where is DO Penedes located?

A

This DOP is in central Cataluna, along the coast and extending inland.

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13
Q

Name the 3 subzones of DO Penedes.

A
  1. Penedes Superior (previously Alt Penedes): located in the central plain; largest area of production
  2. Penedes Central: : contains regional capital Vilafranca del Penedes; is home to one of Spain’s largest wineries, Bodegas Torres; center of cava production, Sant Sadurni d’Anoia, is here
  3. Penedes Maritim (previously Baix Penedes): largely coastal
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14
Q

Name the 10 unique & newly delineated growing areas in DO Penedes.

A
  1. Alts d’Ancosa
  2. Conca del Foix
  3. Costers de l’Anoia
  4. Costers de Laverno
  5. Costers del Montmell
  6. Marina del Garraf
  7. Massis del Garraf
  8. Muntanyes d’Ordal
  9. Turons de Vilafranca
  10. Vall Bitlles-Anoia

This delineation was meant to identify distinctive mesoclimates w/in the DO.

NOT NTK

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15
Q

Which wine region in Spain was the first to adopt the use of temperature-controlled, stainless steel fermentation tanks?

A

DO Penedes

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16
Q

What is the climate in DO Penedes?

A

Mediterranean
* 20in/500mm annual rainfall

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17
Q

What soil types are found in DO Penedes?

A
  • limestone
  • loamy-clay
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18
Q

What styles of wine are produced in DO Penedes?

A
  • Blanco (51%): typically light & crisp; some producers are experimenting with barrel aging to impart complexity
  • Tinto (35%)
  • Rosado (11%)
  • Espumoso (1%)
  • Other (2%)
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19
Q

Name the white varieties permitted in DO Penedes?

A

Authorized:
* Xarel.lo (primary grape)
* Macabeo
* Parellada
* Subirat Parent (Malvasia)
* Garnacha Blanca
* Moscatel de Alejandria
* Moscatel de Grano Menudo
* Malvasia de Sitges
* Chardonnay
* Sauvignon Blanc
* Riesling
* Gewurztraminer
* Chenin Blanc
* Sumoi Blanco (Sumoll Blanco)
* Viognier

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20
Q

Name the red varieties permitted in DO Penedes?

A

Authorized:
* Ull de Llebre (Tempranillo)
* Garnacha Tinta
* Samso (Carinena)
* Monastrell
* Sumoi Tinto (Sumoll Tinto)
* Cabernet Sauvignon
* Merlot
* Pinot Noir
* Syrah
* Cabernet Franc
* Petit Verdot

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21
Q

What are the characteristics of wines made from Xarel.lo in DO Penedes?

A

This grape typically yields simple, light, crisp, and citrusy vinos blancos.

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22
Q

What are the requirement for wines under the Classic Penedes classification?

A
  • grapes must be 100% organic
  • all grapes sourced from w/in Penedes
  • wines produced via metodo tradicional
  • process from tirage to disgorgement must take place in the bottle w/in cellars registered w/ the DO Penedes
  • min. 15 months aging on lees (making them all Reserva)

This is the first 100% organic sparkling classification in the world.

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23
Q

Name the only Denominacion de Origen Calificada within Cataluna.

A

DOQ Priorat

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24
Q

Where is DOQ Priorat located?

A

This wine region is situated in southwestern Cataluna, stretching soutward from the foot of the Serra de Montsant Mountains and is framed by mountain ranges on all sides.

25
Q

What is the climate in DOQ Priorat?

A

Mediterranean w/ continental influences
* mountain peaks surrounding this region protects it from the cold, dry Cierzo winds.
* 16-24in/400-600mm average annual rainfall

26
Q

Name the river that runs through DOQ Priorat.

A

The Siurana River flows southwest bisecting the region & creating a winding depression on its way to the Ebro River.

27
Q

Where in DOQ Priorat are the vineyards planted?

A

These vineyards are planted on steep slopes/riverbanks called costers at elevation (328-2,461ft/100-750m) or on sculpted terraces.
The gradient of these costers ranges from 15-60%.
Some terraces are so narrow there is only space for 2 rows of vines.
This rugged terrain demands heavy labor.

28
Q

What soil types are found in DOQ Priorat?

A

Llicorella: Quartz-rich slate

This copper-colored, decomposed slate/shale soil is shallow and sits just above layers of bedrock.

29
Q

How is llicorella beneficial to the vines and winemaking in DOQ Priorat?

A

Roots struggle to find water & nutrients which results in low-yielding vines that yield small, concentrated berries which produce high-quality wines with concentrated fruit, minerality, elegance, & finesse.

30
Q

What styles of wine are produced in DOQ Priorat?

A
  • Tinto (95%): blends of Garnacha Tinta & Samso and may include other authorized varieties (native/international); these are regularly aged in barrique, some for a significant period of time
  • Blanco (4%)
  • Rosado (1%)
  • Other (<1%)
31
Q

Name the white varieties permitted in DOQ Priorat.

A

Authorized:
* Garnacha Blanca
* Macabeo
* Pedro Ximenez
* Chenin Blanc
* Moscatel de Alejandria
* Moscatel de Grano Menudo
* Pansal (Xarl.lo)
* Picapoll Blanco
* Viognier

32
Q

Name the red varieties permitted in DOQ Priorat.

A

Preferred:
* Garnacha Tinta
* Samso (Carinena)

Authorized:
* Garnacha Peluda
* Cabernet Sauvignon
* Cabernet Franc
* Ull de Llebre (Tempranillo)
* Pinot Noir
* Merlot
* Syrah
* Picapoll Tinto

33
Q

What designation system created in DOQ Priorat in 2009 was the first of its kind in Spain?

A

Vi de Vila

34
Q

Why was the Vi de Vila category created in DOQ Priorat?

A

The “Village Wines” category was created in 2009 in an effort to establish a deeper connection to the geographic, environmental, climatic, social, and historical factors which characterize individual vineyards with this DO.
Wineries wishing to use this must adhere to additional control measures administered by the Consejo throughout the production year.

35
Q

Name the 12 Vi de Vila sub-zones of DOQ Priorat.

A
  1. Bellmunt del Priorat
  2. Gratallops
  3. El Lloar
  4. La Morera de Montsant
  5. Poboleda
  6. Porrera
  7. Escaladei
  8. Torroja del Priorat
  9. La Vilella Alta
  10. La Vilella Baixa
  11. Masos de Falset
  12. Solanes del Molar
36
Q

What is the Els Noms de la Terra?

A

“The Names of the Land” is a terroir-based classification system established in DOQ Priorat in 2019 that is available for all non-regional bottlings from the 2017 vintage onward.
It is inspired by Burgundy’s classification system and is heavily monitored by the Consejo Regulador.

37
Q

Name the designations within the Els Noms de la Terra.

A
  • Vi de Paratge (similar to Lieu-dit)
  • Vinya Classificada (Premier Cru)
  • Gran Vinya Classificada (Grand Cru)
38
Q

What classification is superseded by the Els Noms de la Terra?

A

Vi de Finca, which was establish in 2002, used to be the highest rung on the wine quality pyramid in DOQ Priorat.

39
Q

List the DOQ Priorat vineyard classification levels from highest to lowest.

A
  • Gran Vinya Classificada
  • Vinya Classificada
  • Vi de Paratge
  • Vi de Vila
  • DOQ Priorat
40
Q

What are the requirements of wines produced under DOQ Priorat/Regional wine?

A
  • grapes must be sourced from estate-owned or long/term rented vineyards (min. 7 years)
  • grapes may be sourced from anywhere w/in the DOQ
  • min. 60% Garnacha Tinta and/or Samso (Carinena)
41
Q

What are the requirements of wines produced under Vi de Vila?

A
  • grapes must be grown w/in the boundaries of the designated village
  • max. 7,000kg/ha yields for whites
  • max. 5,000kg/ha yields for reds
  • 90% of the vineyards must be min. 10 years old
  • remaining 10% of vineyards must be min. 5 years old
  • min. 60% Garnacha Tinta and/or Samso (Carinena)
42
Q

What are the requirements of wines produced under Vi de Paratge?

A
  • grapes must be grown w/in the designated paratge (single location)
  • max. 6,000kg/ha yields for whites
  • max. 4,000kg/ha yields for reds
  • 90% of vineyards must be min. 15 years old
  • remaining 10% of vineyards must be min. 5 years old
  • min. 60% Garnacha Tinta and/or Samso (Carinena)

There are 459 paratges.

43
Q

What are the requirements of wines produced under Vinya Classificada?

A
  • grapes must be from a single vineyard
  • max. 6,000kg/ha yields for whites
  • max. 4,000kg/ha yields for reds
  • 80% of vineyards must be min. 20 years old
  • remaining 20% of vineyards must be min. 5 years old
  • traceability (min. 5 years)
  • min. 60% Garnacha Tinta and/or Samso (Carinena)
44
Q

Name the 4 wines authorized to carry the Vinya Classificada designation in DOQ Priorat.

A
  1. Clos Mogador
  2. Mas de la Rosa
  3. Coma Blanca
  4. Clos Fonta
45
Q

What are the requirements of wines produced under Gran Vinya Classificada?

A
  • grapes must be from a single vineyard
  • max. 4,000kg/ha yields for whites
  • max. 3,000kg/ha yields for reds
  • 80% of vineyards must be min. 35 years old
  • remaining 20% of vineyards must be min. 10 years old
  • traceability (min. 5 years)
  • min. 90% Garnacha Tinta and/or Samso (Carinena)
46
Q

Name the single wine authorized to carry the Gran Vinya Classificada.

A

L’Ermita

47
Q

What are the requirements for wines labeled as Vinyes Velles in DOQ Priorat?

A

Wines labeled “Old Vines” must be made from grapes coming from plots that are min. 75 years old or were planted prior to 1945.

48
Q

What are the characteristics of wines from DOQ Priorat?

A

These vinos tintos are typically highly concentrated, mineral & complex w/ notes of ripe berry fruit & cured meat.
The palate is rich & intense yet balanced & refreshing.
Some of Spain’s finest wines come from this wine region.

49
Q

Where is DO Terra Alta located?

A

This wine region is situated in southwest Cataluna between the Ebro River and Aragon.

50
Q

Where in DO Terra Alta are the vineyards planted?

A
  • most are on slopes of rolling hills (1,148-1,804ft/350-550m)
  • some are higher (3,281ft/1000m)
  • plains
51
Q

What is the climate in DO Terra Alta?

A

Mediterranean
* 19-23in/485-592mm average annual rainfall

52
Q

What soil types are found in DO Terra Alta?

A

Loamy-clay w/ high limestone content

53
Q

What styles of wine are produced in DO Terra Alta?

A
  • Tinto (72%)
  • Blanco (18%): historically, blancos were the focus
  • Rosado (10%)
  • Espumoso (<1%)
  • Other (<1%): fortified sweet wines, late-harvest wines, & brisats (orange wines)

Note: Cooperatives are responsible for most production.

54
Q

Name the white varieties permitted in DO Terra Alta?

A

Preferred:
* Garnacha Blanca/Garnatxa Blanca
* Macabeo
* Parellada

Authorized:
* Chardonnay
* Chenin Blanc
* Moscatel de Grano Grande/Moscatel de Alejandria
* Moscatel de Grano Menudo/Moscatel de Frontignan
* Pedro Ximenex
* Sauvignon Blanc
* Viognier

55
Q

Name the red varieties permitted in DO Terra Alta?

A

Preferred:
* Garnacha Negra/Garnatxa Negra (Garnacha Tinta)
* Garnacha Peluda/Garnatxa Peluda
* Samso/Mazuelo/Carignan (Carinena)

Authorized:
* Cabernet Franc
* Cabernet Sauvignon
* Garnacha Tintorera
* Merlot
* Syrah
* Ull de Llebre (Tempranillo)

56
Q

Which grape varieties account for 75% of the vineyard plantings in DO Terra Alta?

A
  • Garnacha/Garnatxa Blanca: is of particular significance in this region
  • Garnacha/Garnatxa Negra
  • Garnacha/Garnatxa Peluda
  • Macabeo
  • Parellada
  • Samso (Carinena)
57
Q

What vinos blancos are of particular significance in DO Terra Alta?

A

Terra Alta Garnatxa Blanca
* must meet a min. vintage rating of “very good”
* are labeled assuring their quality by the Consejo Regulador

58
Q

What are the characteristics of wines from DO Terra Alta?

A

These wines are full-bodied with crisp acidity & display delicate aromas & flavors of citrus & ripe pear.

59
Q

What is Tarragona Clasico?

A

Classic Tarragona is a high-alcohol sweet wine crafted from overripe Garnacha grapes that age for 12 years in large oak containers.
Production sometimes incorporates a solera system.
It is crafted in DO Tarragona.