L3: Spain Flashcards
What is the General climate in Spain
Mediterranean
Varies by region
–> Galicia = Maritime
–> Bierzo, Rioja = Continental
–> Coast = Mediterranean (e.g. Priorat)
High altitude
What country has the most area under vine?
Spain
Describe general Spanish wine culture
High levels of production (largest area in world under vine)
Old wine culture–at least as old as France
Price and prestige are lower than other regions
Many native grapes!
New producers are focusing on native varieites
How old are old vines in Spain
60-80 years
Galicia Region (Overview)
Far Northwest Spain, above Portuagal.
Known as “Green Spain”
Climate: Maritime
Albariño (W), Godello (W), Torrontes (W), Mencia (R), Garnacha (R)
This region is located to the north of Portugal on the Iberian Peninsula. Known as “Green Spain”, its maritime climate is perfect for fresh, dry, mineral-driven wine.
Bierza Region (Overview)
Central Spain - North of Madrid, Close to Galicia (technically part of Castilla y Leon)
Continental Climate
Mencia Grape Focus
Though technically part of Castilla y León, Bierzo is closer on a map to Galicia than Castilla. A classified region since 2000, its vineyards are planted mostly with the red grape Mencia. Originally thought to be Cabernet Franc, the latest evidence shows it is its own variety (although possibly a close relative of the French grape). The area has caught the interest of winemakers from Rioja who hope to create an international buzz for Mencia from Bierzo.
Ribera del Duera
Central Spain, North of Madrid (Castilla y Leon)
Red only
Tempranillo focus
Likely next DOCa
The most important of the Duero’s delimited regions, it has experienced tremendous growth since the 1990s. Traditionally known as the home of Spain’s most famous winery, Vega Sicilia, it is anticipated to be named the next DOCa region. A unique strain of Tempranillo exists in the region, where it is known as Tinto Fino or Tinto del Pais. Wines are usually bold, powerful, and ageworthy. White wines are prohibited.
Priorat Region (Overview)
North Mediterranean Coast
Mediterranean Climate
Garnacha and Cariñena Focus
One of only two DoCa / DOQ regions
“New world style” - Spanish interpretation of Napa
Licorella Soil
***Priorat
The second smallest designated zone in Catalonia, it has earned its reputation as a source of serious, age-worthy wines from Garnacha-Cariñena blends. It is one of only two DOC classifications in Spain. Its famous llicorella soil, a unique blend of black slate and quartz, forces the vine to grow deep and develop exceptional concentration of fruit. Plantings of Cabernet, Merlot, and Syrah are more recent stars. Given the steep, terraced slopes at high altitudes, yields are predictably low, occasionally amounting to only 45 gallons per acre. Winemaking here is a labor of love with a big payoff: well-structured wines with power and finesse that become more luscious with time.
Licorela Soil
Slate like soil; blend of slate and quartz Breaks easily. Diamond like properties
Found in Priorat
Returns heat; reflects light; minimal nutrients; good drainage
Montsant
Region surrounding Priorat - also has LIcorella soil
What three common french grapes originated in Spain?
Garnacha –> Granache
Cariñena–> Carnignan
Monastrell –> Mouvedre
What is the hallmark of Rioja
Aging of wines
How did Rioja originate as a major wine region
French wine makers moved to Rioja during the Phylloxera outbreak in Bordeaux and applied French techniques to native spanish grapes (Tempranillo especially)
Rioja Region (Overview)
North spain, near Basque region
Continental Climate
One of Two DoCa / DoQ regions in Spain
Grapes:
Tempranillo (primary)
Garnacha tinta(R)
Mazuelo(R)
Cariñena(R)
Graciano(R)
Viura (W)
Malvasía(W)
Garnacha blanca(W)
**Blend focused
**Aging focused
In the 1850s, as a direct result of the phylloxera devastation in France, Rioja became the new capital of Bordeaux-style wine. The influx of French wine masters to this northern region elevated simple table wines to world class status. Aging in American oak barrels became the standard, and the signature style was for soft red fruit and firm acidity. Rioja was granted the highest level of classification (DOCa) in 1991.
There are three main production zones in this region: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Baja. Each differs in character, soil, and grape varieties. The Alta and Alavesa have higher altitudes with a continental climate where Tempranillo thrives; Cariñena and Garnacha do better in the lower, warmer terrain of Baja. Traditional Rioja is a blend of grapes from the three regions. Among the whites are Viura (Macabeo), Malvasia, and Garnacha Blanca, with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc introduced in more recent plantings.
The current trend to “alta expression” is for single vineyard wines from boutique wineries that employ Cabernet, Syrah, and Merlot in their blends. These modern wines use Tempranillo as a base and reflect a new world approach by employing French oak (instead of American) and minimal aging. Still, La Rioja is one of the last places in the world where a traditional Bordelais-style of winemaking exists.
Aging Requirements (Spain)
Crianza: 6 / 18
Reserva: 12/24
Gran Reserva: 18/42
Months in Barrel / Months in Bottle
