D3 - Portugal Flashcards
Examines the regions, grapes, method of production, and styles of Portugal. (104 cards)
1
Q
In which regions are schist and granite commonly found in Portugal?
A
- Vinho Verde;
- Douro;
- Dão;
- Alentejo (hilly outcrops).
2
Q
Which regions in Portugal have more varied soils (clay, limestone, and sandy)?
A
- Bairrada;
- Lisboa;
- Tejo;
- Península de Setúbal.
These are wine regions further south and near the coast.
3
Q
In Portugal, a great number of high-producing vineyards on the most fertile alluvial soils have been grubbed up since it joined the European Union in 1986 (particularly in Tejo and Vinho Verde).
What has been the focus of replanting?
A
Higher quality sites and planting material - it’s also been restricted to avoid surpluses.
4
Q
Why has Alentejo seen significant investment and vineyard growth recently?
A
- Proximity to Lisbon (set up for tourism);
- Warm, sunny and dry climate;
- Flat topography allowing for mechanization;
- It has a high number of estates with large, relatively young, vineyard holdings.
5
Q
What two areas in Portugal are seeing the most notable climate change?
A
- In continental, inland regions such as the Douro, Dão and Alentejo;
- In coast regions where wetter weather can increase the risk of poor fruit set and, later in the season, fungal disease.
6
Q
The majority of old bush vines in Portugal can be found in which areas?
A
- Douro;
- Alentejo;
- Dão and Bairrada to lesser extents.
7
Q
How are the majority of vineyards trained in Portugal?
A
Pruned and trained to either cordon or replacement-cane, and VSP trellised.
Many of these newer vineyards are planted to one or two varieties, not a mixed ‘field blend’ the way old bush vine vineyards were planted.
8
Q
How is irrigation applied in Portugal?
A
It is only to be used where lack of water could jeopardize quality; it cannot be used for boosting yields.
Most areas in Portugal now require irrigation in order to produce healthy grapes.
9
Q
Most Portuguese wines are blends, but there are a few notable grapes commonly bottled as single varieties.
What are they?
A
- Baga in Bairrada;
- Encruzado in Dão;
- Alvarinho in the Monção e Melgaço sub-region of Vinho Verde.
10
Q
What are the most planted red and white grape varieties in Portugal?
A
Red: Tinta Roriz/Aragonez (Tempranillo).
White: Maria Gomes/Fernão Pires.
11
Q
What five kinds of oak are used in Portugal?
A
- French;
- Italian;
- Austrian;
- Portuguese oak and chestnut;
- Brazilian hardwood toneis (traditionally 3,000-6,000L, found mostly in Bairrada).
12
Q
Rising in popularity across Portugal is wines fermenting on the skins in clay amphorae, and there is a DOC in Alentejo that covers wines made only in this way.
What is the name of the DOC?
A
Vinho de Talha DOC (talha is the word for clay amphora).
13
Q
PDO status wines in Portugal use _____.
How many are there?
A
DOP/DOC – there are 31 in Portugal.
14
Q
PGI status wines in Portugal use _____.
How many are there?
A
Vinho Regional (VR) – there are 14 in Portugal.
VRs allow a wider selection of grape varieties, including international varieties.
15
Q
The word “Vinho” on a label of Portuguese wine means _____.
A
The wine is not of PDO or PGI status.
16
Q
What is the biggest wine company in Portugal?
A
Sogrape – it’s a negociant that has acquired vineyards in a move to diversify, increase quality, and compete in non-traditional export markets.
17
Q
What are the physical boundaries of Vinho Verde?
A
- Atlantic Ocean to the west;
- Minho River to the north;
- Mountains of Peneda-Gerês National Park to the east.
18
Q
What is the Vinho Regional (VR, or IGP) of Vinho Verde?
A
Minho.
19
Q
Vinho Verde:
- What is the climate?
- What is the average annual rainfall?
- What is the general soil type?
A
- Moderate maritime climate that turns continental in the east;
- 1500mm/year;
- Granitic bedrock with a shallow topsoil of decomposed granite with a sandy texture that’s naturally low in fertility.
20
Q
Because rain falls in Vinho Verde throughout the year, what problems does that pose?
A
Fungal disease pressure (rot and mildew).
21
Q
How are modern vineyards planted in Vinho Verde?
A
Single or double Guyot (replacement-cane) with VSP, or lyre system.
All are trained relatively high from the ground to increase air circulation and reduce the chance of rot.
22
Q
Name 3 techniques used in Vinho Verde vineyards to help reduce fungal disease pressure, improve air circulation, and enhance fruit ripening.
A
- Removal of lateral shoots;
- Leaf removal;
- Green harvesting.
23
Q
What are the 5 white grape varieties of Vinho Verde?
A
- Loureiro;
- Alvarinho;
- Pedernã;
- Avesso;
- Trajadura.
24
Q
What is the most planted red grape variety in Vinho Verde?
A
Vinhão
(aka Sousão in the Douro and Sousón in Galicia)
25
Describe the inexpensive, high-volume white Vinho Verde wine.
* Usually a blend;
* Spritzy from CO2 being added;
* Low in alcohol;
* M+ to H acidity;
* Apple, citrus, peach notes;
* Some may have RS;
* Typically made by one of the region's co-ops or wine merchants.
26
1. Vinho Verde wines that do not mention a subregion have a minimum abv of \_\_\_%.
2. Vinho Verde wines that do mention a subregion have a minimum abv of \_\_\_%.
3. Single variety Alvarinho from Monção e Melgaço must have a minimum abv of \_\_\_%.
1. 8% abv;
2. 9% abv;
3. 11.5% abv.
27
In Vinho Verde subregions outside of Monção e Melgaço, if a producer wants to label their Alvarinho as a single variety what appellation must it take?
Minho VR.
28
# Select the correct answer.
In Vinho Verde, on average every grower owns:
a. Less than one hectare
b. About 10 hectares
c. About 100 hectares
a. **Less than one hectare**
## Footnote
Land ownership in Vinho Verde is very fragmented – only ~400 growers bottle their own wines out of the 17,250 grape growers.
29
Name an important producer from Vinho Verde.
* Anselmo Mendes
* Quinta de Soalheiro
30
In what year was the Douro DOC established?
1982
31
What was the first still red wine to come out of the Douro?
Barca Velha.
## Footnote
First vintage 1952.
32
How was the modern generation of unfortified Douro wines kickstarted?
* Portugal joined the EU in 1986 which increased investment in modern winemaking equipment;
* Some Douro estate owners won a court case allowing wines to be directly exported from estates (rather than being exported from Vila Nova de Gaia).
33
What are the three regions of the Douro?
1. Douro Superior (Upper Douro) in the east;
2. Cima Corgo in the middle;
3. Baixo Corgo in the west.
34
The Douro is protected from damp Atlantic weather by the \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ in the far western portion of the region.
Serra do Marão
35
What is the overall climate of the Douro?
Warm continental.
36
Go through the three Douro subregions and their rainfall and how hot/warm/cool they are.
1. Douro Superior – hot and arid, 450mm rain/year;
2. Cima Corgo – warm and dry, 700mm rain/year;
3. Baixo Corgo – coolest and wettest, 900mm rain/year.
37
What is the general soil of the Douro?
Schist with a shallow topsoil made up of decomposed schist (low in organic matter); the schist splits vertically which allows vine roots to break through easily to search for water.
38
# Select the correct answer.
Red Douro wines are typically:
a. Single variety wines
b. Blends
b. Blends made from Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca and Tinto Cão
39
What are the four white grape varieties grown in the Douro?
Where do they tend to be grown?
* Viosinho;
* Rabigato;
* Gouveio;
* Moscatel Galego Branco (often used to enhance aroma intensity).
Tend to be grown at the highest altitudes to take advantage of the diurnal range.
40
Why is blending such an important aspect in Douro wines?
The wines are typically made from a range of sites and varieties to create a balanced wine.
Aspect, elevation, and distance from the coast can all influence site climate with north facing aspects, higher altitude sites and vineyards to the west of the region all giving cooler conditions which can be advantageous in hot years.
41
Name an important Douro producer that makes still wine.
* Prats & Symington;
* Niepoort.
42
Why are red grapes usually destemmed in Douro?
* High tannin levels in many Douro grape varieties means that additional tannin is rarely needed;
* Producers do not want to risk green, unripe flavors.
43
Primary fermentation in the Douro -- in what vessels does it occur and at what temperature(s)?
* Temperature controlled stainless steel (24–28°C / 75–82°F);
* Lagares.
44
When will early drinking Douro reds be pressed off the skins?
**Once fermentation is complete**; some producers who make more serious wines will do some post-fermentation maceration.
45
What is the Vinho Regional (VR/IGP) for the Douro?
VR Duriense – it's an option for producers who choose to use non-local varieties in their blends (Chardonnay, Riesling and Syrah).
46
What is the Vinho Regional (VR/IGP) of Dão?
VR Terras do Dão.
47
# Select the correct answer.
The Dão is:
a. On the Atlantic
b. On the Douro River and shares a border with Spain
c. Landlocked, surrounded by mountains
c. Landlocked, surrounded by mountains
48
The mountains surrounding Dão protect them from what?
* Cool maritime weather from the west, and;
* Warmer, more arid conditions from the east and south.
49
Dão:
1. What is the overall climate?
2. What is the average annual rainfall?
3. When does the rain fall?
1. Mediterranean climate;
2. 1600mm in the west/1100mm in the east;
3. Autumn and winter.
50
What type of forests surround the Dão, which some say lend their flavor to the wines?
Eucalyptus and pine forests.
51
# Which answer is correct?
The Dão region is:
* Mixed topography with a number of hills, valleys and mountain sides, giving a range of aspects and elevations
* Flat land on an alluvial plant that has rich, fertile soils
Mixed topography with a number of
hills, valleys and mountain sides, giving a range of aspects and elevations.
52
What are the elevations of vineyards in the Dão?
Most are at 400-500m, but the overall range is 200-900m (high diurnal range!).
53
What are the general soils of the Dão?
* Mainly weathered granite with a sandy/loamy texture;
* Low in organic matter and free draining, constraining vigor, so water stress can be an issue during ripening.
54
The Dão's natural hazards include:
\_\_\_\_\_ in the spring and \_\_\_\_\_\_ in the summer.
**Frost** in the spring and **hail** in the summer.
55
Like most of the Iberian peninsula, there are many old bush vines in Portugal but modern vine plantings are \_\_\_\_\_\_ trained with \_\_\_\_\_\_ trellising.
**Double or single Guyot** (replacement-cane pruned) **or cordon-trained** with **VSP** trellising.
56
Most of the wines made in Dão are red and the four key grapes used are:
1. Touriga Nacional;
2. Tinta Roriz;
3. Jaen (Mencía in Spain);
4. Alfrocheiro.
57
* The key white grape in Dão used for high quality wines is \_\_\_\_\_\_.
* Other white grapes include these three.
* Key: **Encruzado**
* Others: Malvasia Fina, Bical and Fernão Pires
58
# Select the correct answer.
Dão is an area that has:
* Small vineyard holdings (<0.5ha) farmed by ~30,000 grape growers
* Large vineyard holdings (>50ha) farmed by fewer than 10 grape growers
Small vineyard holdings (<0.5ha) farmed by ~30,000 grape growers
59
Name an important Dão producer.
* Vinha Paz
* Quinta da Pellada
60
* What is the climate of Bairrada?
* How much rainfall does it see on average per year?
* Maritime
* ~800-1200mm rain/year (though some see more in some years)
## Footnote
This amount of rainfall can be problematic for late-ripening Baga.
61
What are some of the soil types found in Bairrada (in the west and in the south)?
West: fertile alluvial soils and limestone-clay slopes
South: limestone-clay soils
62
In Bairrada older vines are \_\_\_\_ trained and newer vines are \_\_\_\_ with \_\_\_\_.
**Older** vines: **Bush** trained
**Newer** vines: **Guyot** system (replacement-cane pruned) with VSP
63
The dominant red grape in Bairrada is \_\_\_\_.
Baga.
64
1. Baga Clássico must contain a minimum of \_\_\_% Baga.
2. It must also contain a minimum of \_\_\_% of any blend of what grapes?
1. Minimum 50% Baga;
2. Minimum 85% blend of Baga, Alfrocheiro, Touriga Nacional, Jaen and Camarate.
65
1. Baga fermentation takes place in what type(s) of vessels?
2. What are the maturation vessels used in Bairrada?
1. Fermentation vessels are **mixed: stainless steel tanks, open concrete vats, and traditional** ***lagares**;*
2. Maturation **most common in large French oak barrels (500–650 L)**;
1. Traditional producers still use large *toneis* made from Portuguese oak or Brazilian hardwood;
2. Other producers use *foudres* made from French, Italian or Austrian oak.
66
Besides Baga, other grape varieties allowed in Bairrada include:
* Touriga Nacional;
* Alfrocheiro;
* Jaen;
* Camarate;
* Cabernet Sauvignon;
* Merlot.
67
The four key white grape varieties in Bairrada are:
1. Maria Gomes;
2. Bical;
3. Arinto;
4. Cercial.
68
Why is Maria Gomes well suited to Bairrada?
* It's early ripening, which is favorable in Bairrada’s damp climate;
* Can produce high yields.
## Footnote
Maria Gomes' acidity can drop quickly so it's important to harvest it at just the right time.
69
Name an important Bairrada producer.
* Quinta das Bágeiras;
* Filipa Pato.
70
# Select the correct answer.
In Portugal, Bairrada is the lead producer of:
a. Traditional method sparkling wines
b. Tank method sparkling wines
c. Pét-Nats
a. Traditional method sparkling wines
71
What is the Vinho Regional (VR/IGP) of Bairrada?
Beira Atlântico.
72
* The Vinho Regional (VR/IGP) of Alentejo is \_\_\_\_\_.
* How many subzones does Alentejo have?
* VR Alentejano
* 8
73
_Alentejo_:
* What is the climate?
* What is the average annual rainfall?
* Is drip irrigation used here?
* Mediterranean;
* 500-800mm;
* Yes, drip irrigation is used when there are long periods of dry weather.
74
# Which one is correct?
In Alentejo, the soils are:
* Wide ranging, including granite, schist and limestone with textures that range from sand to clay
* Consistently sandy throughout the region
Wide ranging, including granite, schist and limestone with textures that range from sand to clay.
75
Most vineyards in Alentejo are trellised to:
Double cordon with VSP.
76
# Select the correct answer.
Generally, the subzones of Alentejo that tend to be less hot and dry are the ones:
a. In the north
b. In the south
a. In the north
77
Which Alentejo subregion has vineyards planted over 800m asl?
Portalegre
## Footnote
Its altitude + its more northerly location = wines with fresher fruit and higher acidity.
78
Red blends dominate Alentejo.
What red grapes predominantly go into these blends?
* Aragonez (early ripening, best grown in cooler sites);
* Alicante Bouschet;
* Trincadeira;
* Touriga Nacional;
* Syrah.
79
Name an important producer from Alentejo.
* Cartuxa;
* Mouchão.
80
What are the white grapes of Alentejo?
* Roupeiro;
* Arinto;
* Antão Vaz;
* Chardonnay;
* Viognier;
* Alvarinho.
81
The Portuguese wine region with the largest domestic sales is \_\_\_\_\_.
Alentejo
82
The coastal mountain range that splits the Lisboa region into two distinct areas is called \_\_\_\_\_\_.
Serra de Montejunto
83
The **eastern** side of the Lisboa region is more protected and better suited to the production of \_\_\_\_, \_\_\_\_\_ wines.
Riper, fuller-bodied wines.
84
The **western** side of the Lisboa region makes \_\_\_\_\_, \_\_\_\_\_ styles of wine.
Lighter bodied, fresher styles.
85
The two best-known DOCs in the Lisboa region are \_\_\_\_\_ and \_\_\_\_\_.
Where are they located?
* **Alenquer** and **Bucelas;**
* Eastern side of the Serra de Montejunto mountains.
86
The two red grapes most often found in Alenquer DOC wines are:
**Touriga Nacional** and **Aragonez**.
87
Bucelas DOC is known for its high acid wines made from \_\_\_\_\_.
Arinto.
88
What is the Lisboa DOC that has deep, phylloxera-free sandy soils and a foggy, coastal climate?
Colares DOC.
89
What is the Vinho Regional (VR/IGP) of Lisboa?
VR Lisboa.
90
Name an important producer in Lisboa.
* Quinta de Chocapalha;
* Quinta do Monte d’Oiro.
91
Península de Setúbal is located between the estuaries of which two rivers?
**Tejo** and **Sado** rivers.
92
What is the general climate of Península de Setúbal?
Mediterranean.
93
There are two distinct areas of Península de Setúbal: a mountainous part and a flat part.
What are the soils in each part?
* Mountains: clay-limestone soils (cooler due to elevation!);
* Flat: sandy, with more clay and schist further inland.
94
What are the two DOCs of Península de Setúbal?
1. **Palmela DOC**;
2. **Setúbal DOC** (a DOC for sweet, fortified wines made from Moscatel varieties).
95
Palmela DOC mostly produces \_\_\_\_ wines made from at least 67% \_\_\_\_.
* Red wines;
* Castelão (also known as Periquita).
96
Name an important producer in Península de Setúbal.
* José Maria da Fonseca;
* Bacalhôa Vinhos.
97
What is the Vinho Regional (VR/IGP) of Península de Setúbal?
Península de Setúbal VR.
98
What is the name of the VR and DOC of the Tejo region?
Tejo – it's the same for both.
99
What is the climate of Tejo?
Mediterranean.
100
The Tejo region produces mostly red or white wines?
White.
101
The average annual rainfall of Tejo is \_\_\_\_ mm.
750mm
102
In Tejo, the soils vary from the north to the south and in the area around the river.
In these places, what are the soils like, what is the climate like, and what color wines do they produce?
* **North**: **clay-limestone and schist** soils (slightly higher rainfall, makes more **reds**);
* **South**: poor **sandy** soils (driest and hottest, makes both red and **white**);
* **Around the river**: fertile **alluvial** soils (produces **white** wines).
103
Name an important producer in Tejo.
* Quinta da Alorna;
* Fiuza & Bright.
104
# Select the correct answer.
The majority of wines in Tejo are made in a:
a. Fruity style for early consumption
b. Richer, fuller, oaky style meant for aging
a. Fruity style for early consumption
