Meseta: Extremadura Flashcards
(51 cards)
What is the Via de la Plata?
The “Silver Way” was an ancient Roman trade route in western Spain. It was used to transfer goods & precious metals: gold from the mines of Las Medulas in El Bierzo, Castilla y Leon and copper from the Rio Tinto in Andaluica.
The route begins in the north and moves south:
* Astorga
* Salamanca
* Caceres
* Merida
The route has also been a traditional path for pilgrims trekking to Santiago de Compostela and is an alternative to the Camino Frances. It is the longest of these routes, beginning in Sevilla (Andalucia).
Who is Fray Juan Luis de Siruela?
He was the Prior of the Monastery of Guadalupe in Guadalupe, Caceres in 1520. He wrote “Book and Record of the Winery of the Monastery of Guadalupe,” which chronicled vine cultivation practices, grape varieties grown, wine production techniques & provided insight into the wine culture of 16th century Extremadura.
His treatise of 40 chapters includes “recipes” for white & red sweet wines, how to make barrels, and how wine should be consumed depending on its ultimate destination (convent, sacristy, hospital, etc.).
Where is Extremadura located?
This autonomous region is a vast expanse located in southwestern Spain.
Castilla y Leon lies to the north, Castilla-La Mancha to the east, Andalucia to the south, and Portugal to the west.
It is the 5th largest region and ranks 13th in population.
Name the provinces of Extremadura.
- Caceres: in the north
- Badajoz: in the south
What is the capital of Extremadura?
Merida
What is the climate in Extremadura?
Continental
- 16-31in/400-800mm annual rainfall (more in mountainous northeast corner)
- most precipitation in spring
Northern & inland parts:
* hot & dry summers
* cold winters
* drought is common
Southern:
* maritime influence from the Atlantic Ocean
* slightly more temperate
* influenced by the Azores High
What is the Azores High?
This phenomenon is an anticyclone and is a driving force for the weather patterns in southern Extremadura.
It hovers over the Atlantic Ocean just south of the Azores in winter but shifts northward to 35°N in summer, impacting the Iberian Peninsula & points east, typically bringing blue skies, dry air, & hot temperatures.
What is an anticyclone?
This phenomenon is a weather system with high atmospheric pressure at its center and calm rotating winds.
These winds move clockwise in the northern hemisphere & counter-clockwise in the southern hemisphere.
Which mountain ranges frame the Extremadura?
- Sistema Central: to the north; a natural border w/ Castilla y Leon
- Sistema Morena: to the south; separating it from Andalucia
- Sierras Centrales Extremenas: runs parallel to the other 2 systems in the east-central area of this region
- Sierra de Villuercas (a.k.a. Sierra de Guadalupe): westernmost extension of the Montes de Toledo; runs through the center of this region
Name the highest point in Extremadura.
Calviterio (7,887ft/2,404m) in the Sistema Central.
Situated on the border between Extremadura & Castilla y Leon.
Name the rivers of Extremadura.
Tajo River: flows westward through the Caceres province, along part of the Portuguese border, then continues west to empty into the Atlantic Ocean. It is fed by 2 primary tributaries:
* Tietar River
* Alagon River
Guadiana River: located in the Badajoz province; flows westward; augmented by a multitude of smaller tributaries on its way to the Atlantic
Guadalquivir River: a smaller river basin lies in the extreme south on the border with Andalucia
Duero River: lies in the north on the border w/ Castilla y Leon
What soil types are found in Extremadura?
- In the east, near Montes de Toledo: granite, slate, & sand
- near the Sierra Morena in the south: clay, w/ high limestone content
- southern part, near the Guadiana River: mixture of sand & clay
- westernmost part: limestone & sand
Where are many of the vineyards in Extremadura planted?
- at high elevation: near the Montes de Toledo; and the Sierra Morena mountains (up to 2,785ft/849m_
- w/in the Guadiana River basin (948ft/289ft)
- in the southern half of the region
Which red variety dominates wine production in Extremadura?
Tempranillo is a regional favorite.
Which red varieties are grown in substantial quantities in Extremadura?
- Tempranillo
- Garnacha Tinta
- Cabernet Sauvignon
Name the prominent white varieties of Extremadura.
- Cayetana Blanca/Pardina
- Alarije
What is the relationshipe between Cayetana Blanca and Pardina in Extremadura?
These 2 white varieties are grown throughout DO Ribera del Guadiana & VT Extremadura and are recognized as separate varieties and grown/vinified individually.
However, recent DNA analysis has proven that the 2 are one and the same.
Vino tinto dominates wine production in Extremadura. What are the white grapes used for?
Much of the vino blanco produced in this region is distilled and used in the production of spirits.
What vine training method is used in Extremadura?
en vaso
What styles of wine are produced in Extremadura?
Historically (and currently) this region was known for the production of bulk wine.
- vinos blancos
- rosados
- tintos
- espumoso
How many wineries in Extremadura are authorized to produce sparkling wine under DO Cava?
4
Name the only DOP of Extremadura.
DO Ribera del Guadiana (1999)
Where does DO Ribera del Guadiana get its name from?
This wine region is named for the river which weaves its way through the appellation. The name translates to “bank of the Guadiana.”
Name the 6 sub-zones of DO Ribera del Guadiana.
- Canamero
- Montanchez
- Ribera Alta
- Ribera Baja
- Tierra de Barros
- Matanegra
NOT NTK
