Spain Flashcards

1
Q

Spain is the … largest producer of wine in the world

A

Third

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2
Q

Is irrigation allowed? If so, who controls it?

A

-yes
-Consejo Regulador
-different regulations on when irrigation is allowed, depends on region

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3
Q

There is a significant amount of …. planted. Is this seen as a negative or positive?

A

-Old bush vines
-positive because they produce high quality fruit
-not desired to pull them out and replant at higher densities

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4
Q

What rot is common in Spain, why?

A

-Mildew
-very little rain during the growing season but with storms and temperatures rising quickly after storms =risk of mildew

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5
Q

What rot is common in Spain, why?

A

-Mildew
-very little rain during the growing season but with storms and temperatures rising quickly after storms =risk of mildew

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6
Q

What is a weather hazard common in Spain? In what type of climates does this occur?

A

-Spring frosts
- Continental climates

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7
Q

Which areas in Spain are not affected by Phylloxera? Why?

A

-Toro& Rueda
-Due to sandy soils

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8
Q

Is organic viticulture widely practised? explain

A

-Yes
-Not certified because growers believe that consumers are not willing to pay more money for organic wines

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9
Q

Are vineyard holdings small or big in Spain? What does this mean?

A

-Small (66% under 0,5 ha)
-level of vineyard mechanisation limited

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10
Q

What is the most planted white grape variety?

A

Airen

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11
Q

What is the most planted red grape variety?

A
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12
Q

Airen:
-Where is it planted?
-What type of still wine does it make?
-Where is it also used for?

A

-Castilla-La Mancha
-inexpensive neutral white wine
-most of it distilled into Brandy de Jerez

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13
Q

Tempranillo:
-In what styles can it be made?
-What are the leading regions for Tempranillo?
-What is its yielding?
-What is its ripening?

A

-inexpensive fruity style or structured expensive wines
-Rioja, Ribera, Toro
-Medium to high yields -> popular for grape growers
-Early ripener, thrives well in warm climates with cooling influences
-Single varietal & blended

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14
Q

Monastrell:
-What are the leading regions?
-What climate is it suitable for?
-What is its ripening?

A

-Valencia and Murcia
-Warm mediterranean
- climate due to late ripening, needs heat to become fully ripe

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15
Q

How many ha under vine does Rias Baixas have?

A

4000 ha

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16
Q

How many grape growers does Rias Baixas have?

A

5500 growers

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17
Q

What are the leading traders in Rias Baixas?

A

Co-operatives

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18
Q

With what variety was Rias Baixas planted after Phylloxera?

A

-High yielding palomino
-growers would sell their grapes to local producers:small scale production

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19
Q

What happened in the 1970s&1980s in Rias Baixas?

A

-Incentives to grow other varieties&modernize winery equipment = quality improvement
- Quickly become popular, first domestically and then export

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20
Q

What is the climate of Rias Baixas?

A

Maritime

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21
Q

Is there high or low rainfall in Rias Baixas?

A

-high
-Atlantic moderates annual temperatures= warm summers, mild winters
-1700 mm throughout the year

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22
Q

What does the high rainfall mean in Rias Baixas? This can lead to..

A

-Fungal disease pressure
-Rain prior to harvest
-vintage variation

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23
Q

What is the soil type in Rias Baixas?

A

-sand over granite bedrock
-free draining so that soil does not get clogged

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24
Q

Explain the features of Albariño

A

-Thick skins, well suited to a damp climate making it less prone to damage from rot
-Early to mid-ripening -> can become fully ripe in most years

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25
Q

What kind of style does Albariño produces?

A

-high acidity
-medium (-) body
-medium levels of alcohol and aromas of apple,lemon,grapefruit,peach and sometimes floral
-mostly single varietal

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26
Q

What style does Loureira produce in Rias Baixas

A

-Early ripening
-medium (+) acidity
-citrus, pear,floral and herbal notes

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27
Q

What style does Treixadura produce in Rias Baixas?

A

-mid-ripening
- low acidity
-apple&peach

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28
Q

What style does Caiño Blanco produce in Rias Baixas?

A

-late ripening
-high acidity
-citrus flavours

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29
Q

What is unusual for a DO but common in Rias Baixas?

A

-5 non contiguous subzones

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30
Q

What is the oldest subzone of Rias Baixas? Where is it located?

A

-Val do Salnes is oldest -> greatest plantings and concentration of wineries
- Near the coast -> wettest and coolest area producing wines with high acidity

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31
Q

Where is the subzone or Rias Baixas ‘o rosal’ located? what type of wines does it produce?

A

-Along river miño close to Portuguese border
-albariño blended with loureiro, treixadura and caiño blanco
-South-facing sites on northbank of river -> warmer than val do salnes
-lower acidities

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32
Q

What type does candado do tea produces in Rias Baixas? Why?

A

-riper in style, more peach fruit, lower acidity
-drink when young
-inland from O Rosal -> warmer

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33
Q

What is the newest sub-zone of Rias Baixas called?

A

-Ribeira do Ulla
-inexpensive and mid-priced wines

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34
Q

What is the smallest sub-zone of Rias Baixas?

A

Sautomaior

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35
Q

How can a wine from Rias Baixas be described?

A
  • High acidity
    -med(-) acidity, med(-) body, med alc
    -peach, melon,lemon,
    -good-very good
    -mid-priced to premium priced
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36
Q

Which training system is commonly used in Rias Baixas? Why?

A

-Pergola for agriculture to grow beneath
-To promote air circulation under canopy, reducing likelyhood fungal diseases
-Big producers: VSP to allow mechanisation

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37
Q

What are winemaking options in Rias Baixas?

A

-Protective winemaking to retain fresh fruit flavours
-grapes can be macerated -> enhance intensity flavours, greater texture
-cool fermentation in SS
-some producers: partial malo to reduce malic acidity in cool years rather than buttery notes

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38
Q

What is the difference between inexpensive and higher quality wines in Rias Baixas?

A

-inexpensive released early from winery
-higher quality: stored on lees (sobre lias) -> not stirred can introduce oxygen for more body and texture
-most expensive: ferment in oak, new (vanilla and toast) or big barrels for texture

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39
Q

how much of Rias Baixas wine is exported?

A

25%

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40
Q

Do the other regions in Galicia have more or less rainfall than Rias Baixas?

A

Less, further from atlantic ocean

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41
Q

What is the climate of Ribeira do?

A

Maritime, still lot of rainfall

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42
Q

What grape variety is most common in Ribeira? Name a winemaking option

A

-Treixadura
-Ferment/mature on oak for expensive wines

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43
Q

What is the location of Ribeira Sacra?

A

-Further inland in Galicia
-follows valley of river miño

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44
Q

What is the climate of Ribeira Sacra? Which other climate can it have and why?

A

-Continental, depending on exposure of site can be maritime influences

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45
Q

What are the sites of Ribeira Sacra?

A

-very steep valley sides at various altitudes and aspects
-making viticulture very labour intensive

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46
Q

What type of soil does Ribeira Sacra have? What are its features?

A

-stony soils
-good drainage, restore heat during the day

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47
Q

What is the main red grape variety in Ribeira Sacra? What style does it produce?

A

-Mencia
-red cherry and raspberry
-med body, med tannins, med(+) acidity
-mid-priced, fresh, early drinking styles

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48
Q

Where is Valdeorras located?

A

-Most easterly region of Galicia
-further up river Sil

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49
Q

What is the climate of Valdeorras?

A

-Continental with still plentiful rain (700-1000 mm)
-higher planted vineyards: 300 m

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50
Q

Which grape is popular in Valdeorras? Which style and quality does it produce?

A

-Godello
-good-very good
- citrus and stonefruit can have herbal/wetstone character, med(+) acidity
-premium: fermented and/or matured on oak: texture and toasty,spicy complexity

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51
Q

What is the location of Monterrei? How does this affect the climate?

A

-South of Ribeira Sacra close to Portuguese border
-inland, sheltered from ocean due to Sierra Larouca mountains: continental climate (hot summers), low rainfall

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52
Q

What style of wine does Monterrei produce?

A

-inexpensive in bulk
-some producers more quality focussed
-riper style of Mencia and fruitier Godello compared to Ribeira Sacra

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53
Q

Where is Castilla y leon located? describe its location

A

-In the North of Spain
-high altitude plateau north of the Meseta
-mountains to the North and South

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54
Q

What is generally speaking the climate of Castilla y Leon?

A

-due to mountains that partially block maritime influences = continental(apart from Bierzo)

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55
Q

Name the DOs of Castilla y Leon

A

Bierzo
Toro
Ribera del Duero
Rueda
Castilla y Leon VT

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56
Q

Where is Bierzo located?

A

North west of Castilla y Leon on the border with Galicia

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57
Q

What is Bierzo’s climate?

A

-maritime with continental influences due to more inland location
-warm summers and cooler winters
-low but adequate rainfall (720 mm)

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58
Q

What is Bierzo’s topography?

A

-Mountains and hills on 3 sides but open to the west (lets maritime influences through)
-vintage variation
-between 450-850 m on hillsides, quite high but lower than elsewhere in Castilla

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59
Q

Where is grapegrowing found in Bierzo? Name 2 and its soiltypes

A

-Terraced vineyards around sil river (manual labour, steep slopes) -> altitude brings cooling influence and thus larger diurnal range
soils: granitic and slate = good drainage and shallow soils = low vigour
- flat fertile plains in the middle of the DO = silty loam -> cheaper wines with often carbonic maceration, early drinking

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60
Q

What about old bush vines in Bierzo?

A

-Common
-80% of vines are 60 years or older

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61
Q

What is the main grape variety of Bierzo? Explain its features

A

-Mencia
-early to mid ripening, ripening too long = high alcohol, looses acidity thus without freshness, important to take care of the variety
-thin skinned: pale colour, med intensity, also prone to botrytis, rot, mildew and wind

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62
Q

What is the typical style of Mencia when grown in the central part of Bierzo?

A

-fertile soils = light to med - body, raspberry,cherry
-for early drinking and domestic market
-no oak, often semi carbonic maceration
-good quality, mid-priced

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63
Q

What is the style of Mencia in Bierzo when grown on terraced vineyards?

A

-longer growing season thus higher tannins and more concentration
-med(+) body and tannins, higher alcohol
-ripe red cherry, plum, herbal, floral:violet and lavender
-can be oaked: spicy character, but not too long, can mask fruitiness
-very good to outstanding

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64
Q

How many ha does Bierzo have?

A

3000 ha

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65
Q

How much of Mencia does a blend need to contain?

A

-70% minimum, often 100%
-can be blended with alicante bouschet for darker colour and bramble

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66
Q

What are the tiers of the clasification system of Bierzo?

A

-Bierzo DO
- Vino de Villa
-Vino de Paraje
-Vino de vina clasificada
-gran vino de vina clasificada

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67
Q

Where do the grapes from vino de villa need to come from in Bierzo?

A

-100% from 1 municipality with 20% lower yields than Bierzo DO

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68
Q

Where do the grapes from vino de paraje come from in Bierzo?

A

-one place ‘paraje’
- 25% lower yields than Bierzo DO

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69
Q

Where do grapes come from for vina clasificada and gran vino de vina clasificada in Bierzo?

A
  • same plots or place, max yields are 30% lower than Bierzo DO and 35% for gran vino
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70
Q

Where is Ribera del Duero located?

A

-Upper valley of the river Duero in Castilla y Leon

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71
Q

What is the climate of Ribera del Duero and its problems?

A

-Very continental with extreme temperature differences between summer and winter- > hot summers, cool winters
-frosts in spring and autumn -> less time on vine, serious loss of yields

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72
Q

What about altitude in Ribera del Duero?

A

-High altitudes from 750 to 1000 m in the east of the region

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73
Q

Is there lots of rainfall in Ribera del Duero?

A

No, 400-600 mm, irrigation allowed but not during the ripening period

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74
Q

Which grape variety is mainly grown in Ribera del Duero?

A

-Tempranillo, here called tinto fino

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75
Q

Why is blending executed in Ribera del Duero?

A

The different sites with slightly different aspects and climate can be useful for balance, complexity and consistent yields (Flat floors and North facing vineyards can be prone to frost

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76
Q

Which grape growing systems are used?

A

-Old bush vines up to 100 years old
-newer vineyards trellised to install drip irrigation

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77
Q

Are there large holdings of vineyards in Ribera del Duero?

A

-No, average under 1 ha

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78
Q

What are the main soil types of ribera? Explain

A

-limestone = elegance, freshness and complexity
-clay= water retention thus more structured wines
-stones = no water retention but heat retention = more ripeness and darker fruits in wine

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79
Q

Explain the features of tinto fino

A

-thick skins -> high tannins and anthocyanins, can be dark coloured with long skin maceration
-medium to high yields, also popular for producers producing high yields
-quality focussed: more structured and complex wines
-early budding and ripening, needs warmth but also cooling influences

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80
Q

What is generally speaking the style of a ribera del duero red?

A

-full bodied, dark in colour, high alcohol ripe flavours of blackberry and plum and chocolate from oak

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81
Q

Which wines are allowed to be produced in Ribera del Duero

A

-red & rose
-since 2019 white also permitted from albillo mayor

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82
Q

What about ageing in ribera del duero?

A

-crianza up to gran reserva produced but mainly crianza
-aged in (new) oak. 50 up to 100 %
-french oak dominates (in Rioja American)

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83
Q

What are trends regarding winemaking in Ribera del Duero?

A

-Less skin maceration and less new oak

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84
Q

Where is Rueda located?

A

-East of Toro and west of Ribera del Duero

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85
Q

How many ha of vine plantings does Rueda have?

A

13000 ha

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86
Q

What happened in the 1970s in Rueda?

A

-Pioneer from Marques de Riscal from Rioja started planting verdejo here, more producers followed

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87
Q

What is the climate of Rueda? what can be a problem?

A

-Continental with hot dry symmers and cold winters
-late frosts -> need hardy variety

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88
Q

What about the rainfall in Rueda and altitude?

A

-Low rainfall (420 mm)
-high altitude, 700-800 metres -> cool nights to retain acidity

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89
Q

What is the soil type of Rueda? Explain

A

-limestone with a sandy,clay or stony top soils
-free draining, low organic matter = low vigour
-sandy areas: no phylloxera, ungrafted vines = high quality fruit

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90
Q

Which trellising system is commonly used nowadays in Rueda, why?

A

-VSP trellising
-to allow machine harvest at night

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91
Q

Where is Verdejo resistant to?

A

-Drought, convenient in an area with high summer temperatures

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92
Q

What about the budding and ripening of Verdejo

A

-early to mid ripening and budding, frost can be a problem

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93
Q

What is the style of an inexpensive Verdejo?

A

-medium (+) acidity, medium alcohol, apple pear, white peach, fennel and some bitterness of almond
-quite aromatic, Sauvignon Blanc alike

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94
Q

What is the style of a very good Verdejo?

A

-More herbal characteristics
-concentrated fruit, can have lees ageing barrel fermentation or maturation
-often older vines on sandy soils on altitudes

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95
Q

Which styles of wine are allowed to be produced in Rueda?

A

-White (most common). red and rosé

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96
Q

If the label stated rueda, how much % of verdejo must it contain? and when labelled as Rueda Verdejo/Sauvignon Blanc?

A

-rueda = 50% Verdejo
-With the grape variety: at least 85%

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97
Q

What is Rueda Dorado?

A

Oxidatively aged, can be made from any grape

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98
Q

Which winemaking techniques are used to make an inexpensive Verdejo?

A

-Stainless steel fermentation at cool temperatures
-cultured yeast for reliability
-MLC avoided
-bottled in spring following harvest

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99
Q

Which winemaking techniques can be used to make a mid priced verdejo?

A

-Lees ageing for a few months up to a year to add body and texture

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100
Q

Which winemaking techniques can be used to make top Rueda?

A

-Oak used to add body and texture and to derive aromas from oak
-no mlc, to keep acidity

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101
Q

What is the climate of Toro? What about rainfall?

A

-continental, spring frosts can be a problem
-low rainfall (380 mm) one of lowest in castilla y leon, irrigation not allowed during growing season

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102
Q

What about altitude in Toro?

A

-High, 650-825 m, not as high as ribera del duero

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103
Q

What is the soil type of Toro?

A

-Limestone with sandy clay, still some pre phylloxera vines

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104
Q

Where are the highest altitudes found in Toro?

A

-To the west -> slower ripening and higher acidity

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105
Q

Why is site selection important in Toro?

A

To make sure the wines are not too alcoholic, thus cooler sites can be selected (or northerly aspects)

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106
Q

What is the density of Toro?

A

-Low density and low amount of bunches per vine

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107
Q

What is special about tinta de toro?

A

-Thicker skinned than other tempranillo varieties due to intensity of the sun = greater colour and tannin

108
Q

What can be done in Toro if more elegancy is desired?

A

-plantings on higher altitude and less maceration

109
Q

WHhat is the style of Toro?

A

-deep colour, full body, high tannins = black and blueberries, spice due oak and med + to high acidities due to cooler nights

110
Q

A wine of Toro DO must be … % tinta de toro and can be blended with..

A

75%, max 25% garnacha

111
Q

How can inexpensive red wines from Toro be made?

A

carbonic maceration to increase fruitiness and extract less tannins

112
Q

How are premium Toro’s often made?

A

-Matured or fermented in American or French oak = good fruit concentration

113
Q

Where is Castilla y Leon VT located? what is the climate?

A

-Northern part of the Meseta
-protected from any atlantic influences = continental climate

114
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted in Castilla y Leon VT?

A

-lots of varieties, including international

115
Q

What about wine law in Castilla y Leon VT?

A

-Permits producers outside the DOs to produce wine with a geographical indication + allows producers within the DOs which use other grape varieties to label as this

116
Q

how many ha of vines does Castilla y Leon has compared to the DOs in Castilla y Leon?

A

-9000 ha compared to 63000 ha
-often inexpensive or mid-priced wines

117
Q

What is the location of La Rioja?

A

-North of Spain
-South of Bilbao
-Near ebro river
-North east of castilla y leon

118
Q

What is important about Haro?

A

-A city in La Rioja with a train station, lots of famous wineries established here

119
Q

How many ha does La Rioja have?

A

65000 ha

120
Q

What are the 3 main areas of La Rioja?

A

-Rioja Alta
-Rioja Alavesa
-Rioja Oriental

121
Q

Where is Rioja Alta located? explain its climate and altitude

A

-Northwest of Rioja, South of Ebro river
- continental with maritime influences from Cantabria mountains = cooler and wetter conditions in some years, creating vintage variation
-300 to 850 metres

122
Q

What is the annual rainfall of la rioja?

A

-450 and 550 mm which can lead to drought

123
Q

What is the soil types of Rioja?

A

-near ebro river: alluvial fertile soils
-north/west where its cooler = calcareous clays
-Southern area: ferrous clay (rich in iron, comparable to terra rossa)

124
Q

What is the soil type of Rioja Alta?

A

Calcareous clay, ferrous clay and alluvial soils

125
Q

Where is Rioja alavesa located? explain its climate and altitude

A

-North Rioja
-North of Ebro
-continental with maritime influences
-smallest area
- 400-800 metres

126
Q

What are the main soil types of Rioja Alavesa? What does this mean?

A

-calcareous clay = one of brightest wines, highest acidities and ageind potential due to slow ripening

127
Q

Where is Rioja Oriental located? Which grape variety does it mostly produce?

A

-South East Rioja
-mostly South of ebro river
-Garnacha

128
Q

What is the climate of Rioja Oriental?

A

-Continental with mediterranean influences = warmer and drier weather
-also warmer due to lower altitude (300-720 metres)

129
Q

What are the main soil types of Rioja Oriental?

A

-ferrous clay (terra rossa alike) and alluvial soils

130
Q

Which part of La Rioja is the driest?

A

-East

131
Q

What are growers doing in terms of climate change?

A

-Seeking for plantings on higher altitudes, vineyards in rioja oriental most affected by climate change because the warmest area

132
Q

Why is blending important in inexpensive Rioja?

A

-to deal with vintage variation and to be able to create a consistent style from different styles
-for premium producers less important, since the vintage may show its typicity

133
Q

In which parts of La Rioja is tempranillo well suited?

A

-rioja alta and alavesa, thrives well in cooler years on clay soils
-has ageing ability

134
Q

Where is Garnacha widely planted? why?

A

-Rioja Oriental
-good in warmer and drier conditions

135
Q

What does Garnacha add to a blend?

A

-strawberry, lower tannins, more body and spices

136
Q

Name the features of Graciano

A

-Late ripening, drought resistant (good for warmer areas), small yielding

137
Q

What does Graciano add to a blend?

A

Structure, tannin and acidity
-dark fruit and pepper and liquorice
-similar to what petit verdot does

138
Q

What are the features of Mazuelo?

A

-late budding&ripening
-same as carinena
-vigorous and productive

139
Q

What does Mazuelo add to a blend?

A

-similar to Graciano, colour, tannin, dark fruit
-Distinctive floral note

140
Q

What does maturana tinta add to a blend?

A

-adds purple colour, acidity, black fruit and cranberry

141
Q

Which white variety is most planted in Rioja? Name its features

A

-Viura
-late budding and ripening, susceptible to botrytis, needs warmer sites
-neutral variety

142
Q

What is the style of Viura?

A

-stainless steel = simple for early consumption
-chamomile, apple, honey suckle
-can loose acidity quickly
-in oak: complex wines with ageing potential

143
Q

What features does Tempranillo blanco have?

A

-late budding and ripening
-susceptible to botrytis
-high acidity

144
Q

What is the style of tempranillo blanco?

A

-lemon, grapefruit, pineapple, honey, higher alcohol and good structure

145
Q

What are the features of Garnacha Blanca?

A

-mid budding and ripening
-drought resistant, not resistant to fungal disease

146
Q

What is the style of Garnacha Blanca?

A

-can bring a greater range of aromas to a blend
-when matured in oak: low intensity of green fruit and floral
-when on calcareous claus: decent acidity

147
Q

Name the features of Malvasia in Rioja

A

-Very different than other Malvasia
-outstanding quality
-late budding and ripening, can be affected by botrytis
-apple,pear,lemon, peach, nuttiness and vanilla when oak aged

148
Q

What are the features of Maturana Blanca and its style?

A

-Early budding and ripening = spring frost& rot
-style: high alc, good fresh acidity, citrus&tropical fruit, banana and herbal

149
Q

What is a confusion amongst customers about quality of Rioja?

A

That Gran Reserva is the best, does not have to be, some producers produce under Generico for more flexibility and modernisation

150
Q

Are there size requirements for barrels in Rioja?

A

-Yes, have to be 225 litres

151
Q

What is a trend regarding red wine making in Rioja?

A

-Earlier harvest dates, more gentle extraction and older oak or other alternatives such as amphoras

152
Q

Which oak is more common in Rioja?

A

-Now French, traditionally American

153
Q

Which grape variety is mainly used for inexpensive white Rioja?

A

-Viura, is neutral
-can be blended with for example Malvasia and Garnacha Blanca for more complexity and diverse aromas

154
Q

How can mid to premium white Rioja be made?

A

-Oak for fermentation or maturation = less fruit and more acidity and more nutty and toasty notes
-Now a shift from heavily oxidative styles to more delicate oak aged wines with lower yields, full body and good acidity

155
Q

How is pink wine made in Rioja?

A

-Called ‘clarete’
-in stainless steel or premium examples: tempranillo/garnacha or blended with white varieties: macerated (deeper colour), pressed, fermented together and than oak aged = less primary fruit but more secundary and tertiary notes for super-premium prices

156
Q

What are the ageing requirements for red and white Crianza?

A

-Red: 24 months total ageing of which 12 in oak
-White: 24 months total ageing og which 6 months in oak

157
Q

What are the ageing requirements for generic Rioja? What does this mean for producers?

A

-No ageing requirements
-greater flexibility for producers, can lead to very good quality wines

158
Q

What are the ageing requirements for a reserva red and white?

A

-red: 36 total ageing of which 12 months barrel ageing and 6 months bottle
-white: 24 total ageing of which 6 months in barrel

159
Q

What are the ageing requirements for a gran reserva red and white?

A

-Red: 60 months total ageing of which 24 in barrel and 24 in bottle
-white: 48 months of total ageing of which min 6 months in barrel

160
Q

What is the fairly new classification system called in Rioja?

A

-ABRA = Asociasion de Bodegas de Rioja Alavesa
-since 2018

161
Q

What are the tiers of ABRA?

A

-Rioja DO/DOP
-Zonas
-Municipios
-Vinedo singular

162
Q

Explain the zona tier of Rioja

A

-rioja alta, alavesa and oriental
-all grapes must be sourced from 1 out of 3 regions
-may come 15% outside the region of vineyard borders the zone
-vinification,maturation,bottling etc must take place in that zone

163
Q

Explain the Municipios tier of Rioja

A

-Village wines
-one of 145 municipalities
-must have winery here, difficult if a winemakers makes different wines from different villages

164
Q

Explain the Vinedo Singular tier

A

-Highest ranking
-single vineyards
-vinification, ageing etc must take place at the same winery
-producers must own vineyard for at least 10 years and the winery for at least 35 years
-must be hand harvested and in a sustainable way
-tasted by tasting pannel

165
Q

How many growers does Rioja have?

A

-15000 growers
-40% sell their grapes to co-operatives

166
Q

What about exports of Rioja

A

-37% by sales volume
-UK,Germany,USA

167
Q

Which type of Rioja wine is most popular within the domestic market? and in terms of export?

A

-domestic=crianza
-exports: (gran) reserva

168
Q

Why is Rioja wine relatively cheap compared to French and Italian wine?

A

-cheaper vineyard land
-cheaper grapes
-warm, fertile flat areas = inexpensive good quality rioja = good value for money

169
Q

Where is Navarra located? how many ha?

A

-North East of Rioja
-11000 ha

170
Q

What is the climate of Navarra?

A

-continental with northern subzones being cooler and wetter (valdizarbe, tierra estella, baja montana) due to influences from atlantic and pyranees
-southern subzones (ribera alta&baja) = warmer, drier and flatter

171
Q

What are the soil types of Navarra?

A

-alluvial = around rivers
-clay = around ebro
-limestone= near sierra

172
Q

What about the grape varieties of Navarra?

A

-Diversity of grapes, mainly red: tempranillo (often single varietal), cs&merlot -> blended

173
Q

What are the 2 main red styles of Navarra?

A

-inexpensive for early drinking, fresh, fruity, light bodied style
-full-bodied, oak with crianza or reserva = merlot/cs=french oak, temp=american

174
Q

What is the main white variety of Navarra? Explain its style

A

-Chardonnay
-citrus, peach, med alc, med(+) acidity, ripe style
-unoaked or oaked

175
Q

What is the style of pink wines in Navarra?

A

-significant volume
-med to deep coloured, dry, often from garnacha or temp,cs,merlot
-grapes come from cooler northerly regions
-NO direct pressing but made with short maceration on skins for 3-12 hours (depending on colour desired), fermented in SS

176
Q

Navarra has .. vino de pagos

A

3= otazu, prado irache and arinzano

177
Q

Where is Aragon located?

A

-France to the north and Catalunya and Valencia to the east

178
Q

Which DOs are located within Aragon?

A

-DO Calatayud
-DO Campo de Borja
-Do Carinena
-DO Somontano

179
Q

explain the climate, rainfall and altitude of DO Calatayud

A

-3500 ha
- foothills of sistema Iberico
-warm continental climate = 450-500 mm rainfall
-high alti from 550 up to 1050 metres on slopes = moderating day time temperatures

180
Q

What are the soil types in all 4 DOs?

A

-clay, slate and sand

181
Q

What are the features of Campo de Borja?

A

-6800 ha
-lower rainfall than calatayud = 350-450 mm and lower altitude (350-700 metres)

182
Q

What are the features of DO carinena?

A

-14500 ha = largest and one of oldest winegrowing regions of Spain
-rainfall = 450-500 mm
-alti= 400-800 metres

183
Q

What do these 3 DOs in Aragon have in common?

A

-Mainly black grape varieties: garnacha, old bush vines
-low disease pressure but risk of frosts
-dominated by co-operatives = high volume, inexpensive red wines

184
Q

Explain the features of Somontano DO

A

-Located in Aragon
-Most North DO of Aragon
-4000 ha, foothills of pyrenees
-warm continental climate with slightly higher rainfall than others (500 mm)
-350-1000 metres altitude, cold breezes drom cierzo and pyrenees result in higher diurnal range
-diversity of grape varieties

185
Q

Where is Catalunya located?

A

-North east of Spain
-to the east the mediterranean sea

186
Q

What is the overall climate of Catalunya?

A

-hot mediterranean with dry summers and cool winters
-coastal areas: humid conditions
-north: cooler due to pyrenees
-rain tends to fall in spring and autumn

187
Q

What are the soil types of Catalunya?

A

-between cordilleras and sea: alluvium,limestone and clay
-between mountain ranges = slate & granite

188
Q

What is a popular soil type in Catalunya? Where can it be found?

A

-Llicorella = decomposed slate/shale, shallow top soil, low in organic matter -> priorat, montsant, conca de barbera

189
Q

Where is DO penedes located? how many ha?

A

-in Catalunya
-18000 ha

190
Q

Which grape varieties are mostly planted in DO Penedes?

A

-80% white varieties of xarel-lo, macabeo and parellada
-also merlot etc.

191
Q

What is the main climate of DO Penedes?

A

-Warm mediterranean
-diversity in climate -> wide range of grape varieties

192
Q

What about rainfall in Penedes?

A

-low, 500 mm, irrigation permitted

193
Q

What are the main soil types of Penedes?

A

-loamy (sand, silt&clay), some calcareous clay = good water retention during ripening period

194
Q

In which 3 zones can Penedes be divided?

A

-Penedes Maritim
-Penedes Central
-Penedes Superior

195
Q

Explain the features of Penedes Maritim

A

-Between sea and coastal hills
-warm climate with low altitude vineyards
-inexpensive full body red wine (monastrell)

196
Q

Explain the features of Penedes Central

A

-flat plains at higher altitudes (up to 500 metres)
-some cooling influences = white varieties but also red

197
Q

Explain the features of Penedes Superior

A

-higher altitudes (500-800 metres)
-cooling influences, longer growing season, higher diurnal range = whites
-risk:spring frost

198
Q

Why was DO Catalunya created?

A

-As an umbrella
-44000 ha
- red and white, great diversity

199
Q

Where is Costers del Segre DO located? how many ha?

A

-North of Priorat
-4000 ha, used to be more, but due to climate change and water availability = less

200
Q

What about the establishment of Costers del Segre?

A

-Was difficult due to correcting saline soils and establishments of irrigation channels

201
Q

What about rainfall in Costers del Segre?

A

-Low (400 mm) thus irrigation needed
-own sustainable programme, viable due to low disease pressure (not a lot of rain, no humidity from coast)

202
Q

What is the climate of Costers del Segre?

A

-Continental (away from sea)
-variation in altitude: 200-700 metres
-highest alti= cava and white wine production

203
Q

What is the soil type of Costers del Segre?

A

sandy free-draining soils thus irrigation needed

204
Q

Which wine style is produced in Costers del Segre?

A

-Blending typical
-mostly fresh fruity styles

205
Q

How many ha does priorat have?

A

2010 ha of which 535 grape growers who sell mainly to co-operatives

206
Q

What is the climate of priorat?

A

-Warm continental
-relatively low rainfall: 500-600 mm
-but high diurnal range thus cooler nights
-issues: drought, spring frosts and rain storms in spring or winters
-irrigation = permitted

207
Q

What is the topography of Priorat?

A

-To the north: Serra de Montsant -> protection from cold north winds
-To the south: Serra de llaberia = protection from mediterranean influence
-middle: river siurana which carved valleys and results in different altitude and aspects (north-facing, not too much sunlight interception)

208
Q

What are the altitudes of Priorat?

A

Between 100 en 750 metres

209
Q

Where are most vineyards planted? Why?

A

-On slopes (Costers) between 5-60% gradient
-terraces that follow the contour of he land which reduces soil erosion and allows rainwater to penetrate soils
-machine labour not possible

210
Q

What is the soil type of Priorat?

A

-slate (llicorella) and clay -> low in nutrients but radiates heat back into the canopy
-slate has vertical layers -> roots can penetrate deep for water

211
Q

What makes priorat an expensive wines?

A

-Naturally very low yields due to low nutrients want water levels (5 hl/ha but max. 39 hl/ha allowed)
-high production costs (manual labour and oak ageing)
results in mid to super premium priced wines

212
Q

What are the 2 key black grape varieties of Priorat?

A

-Garnacha Tinta
-Carinena (a.k.a. samso)

213
Q

What are the features of Garnacha in Priorat?

A

-high yielding, needs warm climate
-does best in terms of vigour on low fertile and dry soils
-early budding and late ripening = long, warm growing season
-high alcohol
-drought and wind tolerant

214
Q

What style does Garnacha produce in Priorat compared to other regions?

A

-bright, ripe and sometimes jammy red fruit: strawberry,plum, clove, cinnamon, high alcohol
-can produce brighter acidity in priorat due to llicorella soils

215
Q

What are the features of Carinena in priorat?

A

-late budding and very late ripening = perfect for warm mediterranean climate
-high yielding, needs to be managed, due to climate priorat it is natural low yielding
-style: brings colour, tannin and dark fruit and floral aromas to a blend

216
Q

What is the main white grape variety of Priorat? explain its style

A

-Garnacha Blanca
-also resistant to drought
-mid budding and ripening
-high alcohol, often oaked with low to medium intensity of green and floral fruit
-skin contact -> cold maceration to add freshness

217
Q

Why is cultured yeast preferred in Priorat?

A

-to ferment reliable to dryness
-ambient yeast might be slow due to high alcohol or even get stuck

218
Q

due to investments what is more seen in Priorat?

A

-optical sorting machines and stainless steel tanks

219
Q

Which maturation vessels are used in Priorat?

A

-Often french oak for 1-2 years

220
Q

What are the tiers of the classification system in priorat?

A
  • DOQ priorat
    -Vi de Vila
    -Vi de Paratge
    -Vinya Classificada
    -Gran vinya Classificada
221
Q

explain the rules of Vi de Vila

A
  • must come from 1 of the 12 subzones
    -as from the 2007 vintage
    -60% garnacha or samso
    -90% vines should be at least 10 years old, 10% at least 5 years old
222
Q

Explain the rules of Vi de Paratge

A

-from one of 459 paratge vineyards
-as from 2017
-60% garnacha or samso
-90% of vines should be 15 y/o en 10% 5 y/o

223
Q

Explain the rules of Vinya Classificada

A

-single vineyard (similar to cru)
-as from 2017
-60% garnacha/samso
-80% vines older than 20 years
-vineyard must already exist for 5 years

224
Q

Explain the rules of Gran Vinya Classificada

A

-single vineyard within paratge (grand cru)
- min. 90% garnacha/samso
-80% vines 35 y/o and 20% at least 10 y/o

225
Q

What about old vines in Priorat

A

-Are allowed on the label
-must be at least 75 years old

226
Q

Where is DO Montsant located?

A

-Catalunya
-around priorat

227
Q

Where are most vineyards planted in Montsant?

A

-to the south, flatter vineyards near ebro
-north = mountaineous -> 300-700 metres

228
Q

What is the climate of Montsant?

A

-More mediterranean than priorat due to proximity to coast
-warm&dry summers
-rain falls in winter&spring

229
Q

What are the soil types of Montsant?

A

-Mainly clay, sand and limestone = more fertile than priorat thus higher yields
-just some llicorella to the south

230
Q

What is the topography of Montsant?

A

-Less extreme than priorat
-trellised vineyards on slopes, mechanisation possible in some parts

231
Q

What is the style of wine in Montsant?

A

-Often blend of garnacha en carinena
-1-2 years maturation in French OR AMERICAN oak
-ripe fruit, full bodied, high alcohol and can have good acidities, especially when grown in cooler parts in the north

232
Q

What is the climate of Valencia DO?

A

-Warm Mediterranean
-cooling influence = coast or altitude
-Low rainfall = 450 mm, irrigation needed

233
Q

Name a sub-zone of Valencia DO, where is it located and what is the climate?

A

-Alto Turia
-Southern foothills of sistema iberico mountain range
-700-1100 metres = coolest

234
Q

What wine does alto turia produces?

A

-almost all white
-Moscatel de Alexandria and Merseguera
-merseguera not controlled? low intensity and often blended

235
Q

Which subzone is warmer than Alto Turia, why? what are the grape varieties?

A

-Valentino
-200-650 metres = lower altitude but cooled somewhat by sea breezes
-Garnacha T, temp,CS& monastrell for both red and rose

236
Q

What style of wine does DO Valencia produce

A

-made by co-operatives
-fruity style for immediate consumption

237
Q

Where is Utiel-Requena DO located? how many ha?

A

-Inland from the northern part of Valencia DO
34000 ha

238
Q

What is the climate and topography of Utiel-Requena?

A

-continental with warm summer days and very cold winters
-average 750 metres = high to promote cooler summer nights
-risk of spring frost
-low rainfall: 450 mm

239
Q

What is the most planted grape variety of Utiel Requena?

A

Bobal

240
Q

Name the features of bobal

A

-often old vines (over 40 y/o)
-well suited to region: mid-late budding avoiding spring frost
-heat and drought tolerant and can retain acidity
-uneven ripeness -> unripe berries -> grippy tannins
-high levels of colour, used as a blending component to inexpensive wines that lack concentration

241
Q

Why was bobal used for rose wines?

A

-due to high acidity and fruity nature
-now used for mainly red

242
Q

What are the main styles for Bobal in Utiel Requena?

A

-light-bodied, med tannins with semi-carbonic to
-concentrated wines med (+) tannins, med(+) to full body, high acidity: blackberry, black cherry, chocolate of old vines and matured in oak to add complexity
-acceptable to very good, inexpensive to mid priced

243
Q

What is the most Southerly Do within Valencia DO?

A

-Alicante DO
-only 9000 ha

244
Q

What is the climate of Alicante DO?

A

-Mediterranean with hot summers and cold winters
-extremely dry: 250 mm rainfall

245
Q

Where is the main centre of Production in Alicante DO? What is the most planted variety?

A

-Zone of Vinalopo to the west
-streches from coast up to 500 metres inland near Sierra de Salinas
-monastrell

246
Q

Where is Moscatel de Alejandria produced in Alicante?

A

-North east on the coast: Marina Alta
-humid breezes and most rain of region

247
Q

What are the features of monastrell in Alicante DO?

A

-late ripening = suitable to dry climate
-able to retain acidities
-tolerant to drought
-75% of plantings, need to be planted as bush vines

248
Q

What is the style of Monastrell in alicante DO?

A

-full body, high alcohol, high tannins, ripe black fruit
-oak maturation in American is common
-often blended with: Alicante Bouschet, Garnacha and bobal
-good to very good, mid priced

249
Q

What is a historic wine style of Alicante DO? explain

A

-Fondillon
-medium-sweet wine, max 40 g/l residual sugar
-late harvested monastrell
-min alc is 16% abv but not fortified
-minimum 10 years! of oak ageing (1200 l)
-made by solera system blending younger and older wines
-oxidised: dried fruits and nuts

250
Q

Where is Jumilla DO located? How many ha?

A

-In Murcia
-Alicante to the east and La Mancha to the west
-25000 ha

251
Q

What is the climate of Jumilla?

A

-warm continental
-alti from 400-800 metres providing cooling influences
-extremely low rainfall= 250-300 mm

252
Q

What is the soiltype of Jumilla? why is it useful?

A

-sand over limestone
-aids retention of ground water, vineyards do not need irrigation

253
Q

What is the main grape variety of Jumilla?

A

-Monastrell (80% of plantings)
-well suited to heat and low rainfall
-inexpensive bulk in the past, after phylloxera, replanted, better quality wines
-still some old vines, low volume of high quality fruit

254
Q

Describe the style of Monastrell in Jumilla

A

-full body, high alcohol, ripe blackberry and cherry
-spice from maturation in oak
-very good= ripe fruit balanced with med+ acidity
-other varieties often blended with monastrell to lower tannin levels

255
Q

Where is Yecla located? How many ha?

A

-Between Jumilla and Alicante
-6000 ha

256
Q

What is the climate of Yecla?

A

-similar to Jumilla: continental
-more moderation from Mediterranean sea than Jumilla
-altitude also cooling influence (500-900m)
-low rainfall = 300 m
-same soil type of sand over limestone as Jumilla, helping in water retention
-

257
Q

What is the main grape variety of Yecla?

A

Monastrell
-similar style as jumilla
-good to very good
-95% of production exported

258
Q

What is the biggest DO of Spain?

A

-La Mancha
-158000 ha

259
Q

What is the topography and climate of La Mancha?

A

-vines planted at 500-700 m on the flat meseta
-continental: extremely hot summers and very cold winters
-rainfall: low (300-400 mm)

260
Q

What about irrigation in La Mancha?

A

-although limestone and chalk retain water
-irrigation needed: drip irrigation, 40% of vineyards

261
Q

What about vine density in La Mancha?

A

-low= 1000 vines per ha for bush vines without irrigation
-irrigated, trellised vineyards: 3000 vines per ha

262
Q

What is the main grape variety of La Mancha? explain the style

A

-Airen, 90000 ha
-neutral grape, fermented in ss, low intensity, med acidity white wine for early consumption
-much used for brandy de jerez

263
Q

What is the most planted black grape variety of la mancha? explain its style

A

-cencibel (tempranillo)
-fruity style, short oak contact,
-crianza - gran reserva can also be found

264
Q

What is the wine business in La Mancha?

A

-dominated by co-operatives
-15000 grape growers and 250 wineries
-bulk or bottled, 40% exported
-china largest export market, also germany and NL

265
Q

Where is valdepenas located? what is its climate?

A

-South of la mancha
-hot continental, similar to la mancha

266
Q

What is the main grape variety of valdepenas? describe the style

A

-cencibel (tempranillo)
-ripe red fruit,soft tannins, med acidity
-spice from oak
-good in quality, inexpensive to mid priced

267
Q

Castilla la mancha is home to … vino de pago

A

9 of 18
-first and most well known= Dominio de Valdepusa
-producing wines from CS,Syrah and petit verdot