General: History, Wine Law, Grapes Flashcards
(41 cards)
Where and when did the vine arrive in Spain?
The Phoenicians in 1100BC when they landed in Cadiz.
Under Moorish rule, what was viticultures role in society?
While selling wine was ‘illegal’ in Arabic society, grapes were grown for consumption and to be used as distillate for medicine, perfumes, and other goods.
When were the Moors pushed out of Iberia? What influence led the development of viticulture in Spain as Arabic influence was pushed out?
While it took 8 centuries, the Catholic church slowly and methodically regained influence. The marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella in 1469 would eventually unify Spain in 1479. The Moors were pushed out in 1492.
What was the major export market for Spanish wine early on? What was exported?
English influence in the Port and Sherry markets drove Spanish exports for a couple hundered years.
What did the English call Port/Sherry back in the 16th and 17th century? What was it a cheaper alternative to?
Sack
Italian Vin Santo, oxidized wines of Greece and Italy.
What Spanish region would see the first modern innovative changes in viticulture on the peninsula? Around what time did this occur, and where did the knowledge come from?
Rioja, beginning in the late 1700’s. Bordeaux viticultural practice would slowly be brought to Rioja over the next 100 years.
Which two Rioja Bodegas were started by Spaniards, exiled to Bordeaux in the mid 1800’s?
Marques de Murrieta - Luciano de Murrieta Garcia Lemoine
Marques de Riscal - Camilo Hurtado de Amezaga y Balmaseda
How did phylloxera affect Spain?
At first, it helped. Out of work French farmers migrated to Rioja bringing with them knowledge. Production soared 40%, until the louse eventually made its way to Spain in the 1890’s, decimating the industry as it had elsewhere in Europe.
After Phylloxera, when would the modern Spanish wine industry finally emerge?
Not until the 1970’s, Franco’s dictatorship lasted until 1975 when he died. World Wars and the facist government, led to widespread poverty and necessitated co-ops for wine production.
Where does the Spanish wine industry rank today in terms of acreage, production, and exports?
1st in acreage
3rd in production
1st in exports (bulk wine is a big sector)
What are the two lowest quality tiers for Spanish wine? What are the major stipulations to use them?
Vino de Mesa - can be blended from various regions of the country. no region allowed on the label, only vintage and variety.
Vino de la Tierra - can come from a collection of villages, or just one. 85% of grapes come from a given area. IGT level.
What are the 4 Levels of quality of Spanish wine?
VCIG - Vino de Calidad con Indicacion Geografia
DO - Denominacion de Origen
DOCa - Denominacion de Origen Calificada
DO Pago -
Who regulates the DO wines and producers?
Consejo(s) Regulador(es)
Producers must submit samples every year, and the consejo ensures compliance with all viticultural standards and practices.
Which two regions have the highest ranking, DOCa or DOQ? When did they achieve this ranking?
Rioja DOCa (1991) and Priorat DOQ (2000 by the Catalan gov’t, 2009 by the Spanish gov’t)
When did the DO Pago category come around?
Who were the first? And in which region are they?
2003
Dominio de Valdepusa
Finca Elez
Castilla La Mancha
What does a producer have to do in order to qualify for DO Pago?
Estate bottled and the vineyard is estate owned, with the winery on site.
Estate must be in production for at least 10 years.
How many DO Pago estates are there as of 2023?
24
What general label terms exist for designating the ageing of a wine under Spanish law for red wine?
Crianza - 2 years, 6 months oak
Reserva - 3 years, 12 months oak
Gran Reserva - 5 years, 18 months oak
all require barrels smaller than 330L
What general label terms exist for designating the ageing of a wine under Spanish law for white wine?
Crianza - 18 months, 6 months oak
Reserva - 2 years, 6 months oak
Gran Reserva - 4 years, 6 months oak
all require barrels smaller than 330L
What is it important to remember about the age designations on Spanish wines?
That many producers far exceed, or don’t use these designations at all. Ribeira and Rioja have their own stricter guidelines.
What is a producer telling you with the following terms?
Joven
Noble
Anejo
Viejo
Joven - ‘young’ little to no oak influence
Noble - 18 months in oak or bottle
Anejo - 2 years in oak or bottle
Viejo - 3 years in oak or bottle w/ oxidative notes evident
size of oak vessel is key. max 600L for these rules. crianza, reserva, etc require max 330L or less
In what region are the DO Pago wineries of Guijoso and Dehesa del Carrizal?
Castilla La Mancha
In what region are the DO Pago wineries of Arinzano, and Prado de Irache?
Navarra
In what region are the DO Pago wineries of Otazu and Bolandin?
Navarra
