North Central Spain Flashcards
(21 cards)
North-Central Spain comprises the three autonomías of?
Navarra, La Rioja, and Aragón
North Central Spain is sheltered by the _____ to the northeast, which divide France and Spain, and the ______ to the northwest. The region’s highlands are in a _____
Pyrenees Mountains, Cantabrian Mountains, rain shadow effect
Which river emerges from the eastern Cantabrian Mountains, passing through Rioja DOCa?
The Ebro River
What was Spain’s first DOC and when?
Rioja in 1991
What are the main red grapes of Rioja?
Tempranillo, Mazuelo (Carignan), Graciano, and Garnacha. Together they must comprise a minimum 85% of red Rioja blend. Experimental grapes such as Cab Sauv can be the remainder.
What are the dominant white grapes of Rioja?
Viura (Macabéo), Garnacha Blanca, Malvasía Riojano, and Maturana Blanca. The remaining white grapes permitted in blends are Chardonnay, Tempranillo Blanco, Sauv Blanc, Turrhntés and Verdejo
Rosado wines require how much of the 4 primary Rioja red grapes?
25%
From Haro to the Alfaro in the southeast, Rioja followed the path of the Ebro through three climatically distinct subzones:
Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Oriental (formerly Rioja Baja)
Describe wines of Rioja Alavesa
It’s the smallest, northernmost zone, the wines are more fresh and often produced as vino Joven wines for early consumption
Describe Rioja Alta wines
Southwestern zone, slightly warmer climate producing classic, ageworthy Tempranillo. The wines have acidity and structure
Describe Rioja Oriental wines
The hottest subregion, containing more alluvial soils and ferrous clay. Garnacha performs well here and the wines here are generally strong and extracted
What is the oldest winery in Haro?
Lopez de Heredia
Many Rioja producers combine wines from the 3 Rioja subregions but some prefer single region and single vineyard bottlings. Give one example:
López de Heredia produces single vineyard wines from estate vineyards such as Bosconia and Tondonia
In Rioja which estate has a new modern design by Frank Gehry?
Marqués de Riscal
Since 2018, Rioja producers may register their Viñedos Singulares. What qualifies it?
The vineyard’s soil must be assessed, vines must be atleast 35 years old, the estate must have proof that it has been working with the vineyard for atleast 10 years, and the wine must pass a tasting panel. Grapes must be hand harvested.
In 2018 The Vino Espinosa de Calidad category was added in Rioja (traditional method sparkling). What are the aging requirements for Vino Espumoso, Reserva and Gran Añada
Vino Espumoso requires minimum 15 months lees aging, whereas Reserva and Gran Añada require 24 and 36 months. Gran Añada must be single vintage.
What is Navarra DO famous for?
Rosado
What are the main grapes of Navarro DO?
Garnacha, Tempranillo, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir
Where is Navarra DO adjacent to?
Adjacent to the northern and eastern borders of Rioja
What does Aragón, Navarra, and Rioja all have in common?
Their major river is Ebro and they all make Tempranillo
Major villages in Rioja from west to east
Haro, Longroño, Alfaro
