L3 - Spain Chap. 30 Flashcards

Question

How many varieties are approved for white rioja? What is the most widely planted? What styles are made?

Answer 1

There are 9 varieties approved for white rioja The most widely planted grape is Viura Traditionally a white rioja was aged for extended periods in oak, deep gold in color with nutty flavors as they were deliberately oxidized Modern white riojas are made with minimal oxygen to preserve fruit flavors. There are also barrel fermented whites made in less oxidative styles than the traditional method.

Answer 2

The region of Navarra DO stretches from the northern and eastern regions of Rioja to the Pyrenees mountains The climate is similar to Rioja but becomes cooler and wetter towards the mountains Styles similar to Rioja blends are made here. Tempranillo is the most widely planted but is increasingly blended iwth international varieties (Cab Sauv and Merlot) Styles can be fruity and young (joven) to top quality Grand Reserva Garnacha is picked earlier to make roses, in order to reserve high acidity and freshness (med alcohol) White wine is a small production (viura, chardonnay, sauv blanc)

Answer 3

Carinena DO and Catalayud DO are neighboring DOs located to the south of the Ebro river. -Both regions have a warm continental climate and low rainfall Garnacha is the main varietal in both regions Inexpensive fruity wines are made HIgher quality wines are made from old vine Garnacha and Carinena displaying flavor intensity and structure. Despite the name Carinena is not the most widely planted

Answer 4

Catalunya is in the North-east corner of Spain , most vineyards are south of Barcelona, the coastal plains the hills to the west. Catalunya has a generic DO for still wines nd came into existence to enable blending of wines from various areas to provide an opportunity for larg volumes of wine. Also the region where most cava is blended

Answer 5

The vineyards of the large DO lie immediately to the southwest of Barcelona and stretches from teh Mediterranean coast up into the hills The three zones are: (1) The Mediterranean climate on teh coastal plain which is the hottest (2) Inland islightly cooler than the coastal plain but still warm (3) further up into the hills-- 800 meters above sea level s a moderate climate, A wide range of grapes grown here and mostly for Cava. Also international varieties (Chardonnay, Sauv Blanc, gewurtztramminer, merlot, cab sauv, and tempranillo, adn pinot noir.

Answer 6

Priorat is located in Catalunya, and inland from the city of Tarragona. Here the climate is hot and dry, as summers are long and rainfall is low. Old Garnacha and Carinena vines do well here, because they are late ripening varieties The best soils are known as "licorella" and consist of red slate with small particles of mica which sparkles in the sun. They help with ripening by reflecting and conserving heat, and because of their depth are able to retain sufficient water throughout the growing season Cool night time temperatures provide relief during the day

Answer 7

In Priorat vines are bush trained which means they must be picked by hand and cannot be mechanized. The old vines and the soil also means the grapes have low yields which increases complexity and intensity of flavors but also means Priorat is never cheap, and usually more expensive.

Answer 8

Red Priorat: -deep color -high tannins -med to high alc -concentrated black fruit -toasty aromas of new French oak -Garnacha and Carinena usually in the blend as well as Cab Sauv

Answer 9

Blocked from a maritime climate by a ring of mountains and set atop the Meseta Central with some vineyards sitting at over 850 meters. -Short, hot, dry summers and very cold winters. The high altitude ensure cool night time temperatures throughout the year to retain acidity and fresh fruit flavors. Tempranillo is the primary grape (Merlot, Malbec and Cab Sauv can also be grown but are rarely used) Many winemakers choose to accentuate the concentrated fruit flavors and tannins by undertaking long macerations and aging wines for a relatively short period of time in new oak barrels (increasingly french as opposed to american)

Answer 10

Toro has a climate similar to Ribera del Duero, short, hot, dry summers and very cold winters. Toro DO is predominantly made from Tempranillo Reds: -full bodied -high alcohol -intense fruit flavors In Joven wines there can be garnacha Reservas and Grand reservas can be exceptionally deep colored and tanninc when young but can age well

Answer 11

Rueda is a cool continental climate which has cool summer nights. Verdejo grows well here, and is the main varietal. Sauv Blanc can also grow and is important to the region Single varietals of either Verdejo or Sauv Blanc can be made. If a blend it must contain at least 50 percent Verdejo Styles range from simple and fruity to richer, barrel fermented versions.

Answer 12

Rias Baixas is located in the northwest of Spain and is cooler and wetter than the rest of Spain. Rias Baixas has a moderate and damp climate. Home to some of the best whites. Mildew and rot are a common problem and vines are trained on pergolas to encourage air circulation. Some producers use traiing and trellises Albarino is the primary grape made in a refreshing unoaked style, taking advantage of the naturally high acidity, and ripe stone fruit flavors. Some wines made in a richer style, with a touch of oak or lees stirring (red is permitted but minority)

Answer 13

Bierzo is located in the mountains that mark the boundary between Galicia and Meseta Central. Climate is moderate and benefits from cooling maritime influences Mencia is the key grape variety Produces elegant red wines with: -High acidity -Red fruit aromas Best wines comes from old vines grown on steep stony slopes Some producers make unoaked wines to retain perfumed red fruit of the grape variety. Many use new oak to add toasty aromas.

Answer 14

Valencia is known for "value for money" wines Monastrell is the most planted grape varietal , but many international varietals White plantings are dominated by Merseguera Significant plantings of Muscat to produce Moscatel de Valencia (a sweet fortified wine)

Answer 15

Climate: hot and arid Primary grape: Monastrell, local variety Style: youthful and fruity

Answer 16

La Mancha is located to the south of Madrid, vast ventral area -La Mancha is the largest DO in Spain -Most widely planted grape is Airen which produces neutral whites -An excellent source for inexpensive reds as local authorities have encouraged planting tempranillo Good quality inexpensive reds can be found here

Answer 17

Valdepena is located south of La Mancha with an identical climate Airen is the most widely planted white Tempranillo (Cencibel) for red Produces wines that are fruity to more concentrated styles.

L3 - Spain Chap. 30 Flashcards

(41 cards)