Spain Flashcards
(267 cards)
1
Q
Spain is the … largest producer of wine in the world
A
Third
2
Q
Is irrigation allowed? If so, who controls it?
A
-yes
-Consejo Regulador
-different regulations on when irrigation is allowed, depends on region
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
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
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
6
Q
What is a weather hazard common in Spain? In what type of climates does this occur?
A
-Spring frosts
- Continental climates
7
Q
Which areas in Spain are not affected by Phylloxera? Why?
A
-Toro& Rueda
-Due to sandy soils
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
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
10
Q
What is the most planted white grape variety?
A
Airen
11
Q
What is the most planted red grape variety?
A
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
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
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
15
Q
How many ha under vine does Rias Baixas have?
A
4000 ha
16
Q
How many grape growers does Rias Baixas have?
A
5500 growers
17
Q
What are the leading traders in Rias Baixas?
A
Co-operatives
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
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
20
Q
What is the climate of Rias Baixas?
A
Maritime
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
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
23
Q
What is the soil type in Rias Baixas?
A
-sand over granite bedrock
-free draining so that soil does not get clogged
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
25
What kind of style does Albariño produces?
-high acidity
-medium (-) body
-medium levels of alcohol and aromas of apple,lemon,grapefruit,peach and sometimes floral
-mostly single varietal
26
What style does Loureira produce in Rias Baixas
-Early ripening
-medium (+) acidity
-citrus, pear,floral and herbal notes
27
What style does Treixadura produce in Rias Baixas?
-mid-ripening
- low acidity
-apple&peach
28
What style does Caiño Blanco produce in Rias Baixas?
-late ripening
-high acidity
-citrus flavours
29
What is unusual for a DO but common in Rias Baixas?
-5 non contiguous subzones
30
What is the oldest subzone of Rias Baixas? Where is it located?
-Val do Salnes is oldest -> greatest plantings and concentration of wineries
- Near the coast -> wettest and coolest area producing wines with high acidity
31
Where is the subzone or Rias Baixas 'o rosal' located? what type of wines does it produce?
-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
32
What type does candado do tea produces in Rias Baixas? Why?
-riper in style, more peach fruit, lower acidity
-drink when young
-inland from O Rosal -> warmer
33
What is the newest sub-zone of Rias Baixas called?
-Ribeira do Ulla
-inexpensive and mid-priced wines
34
What is the smallest sub-zone of Rias Baixas?
Sautomaior
35
How can a wine from Rias Baixas be described?
- High acidity
-med(-) acidity, med(-) body, med alc
-peach, melon,lemon,
-good-very good
-mid-priced to premium priced
36
Which training system is commonly used in Rias Baixas? Why?
-Pergola for agriculture to grow beneath
-To promote air circulation under canopy, reducing likelyhood fungal diseases
-Big producers: VSP to allow mechanisation
37
What are winemaking options in Rias Baixas?
-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
38
What is the difference between inexpensive and higher quality wines in Rias Baixas?
-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
39
how much of Rias Baixas wine is exported?
25%
40
Do the other regions in Galicia have more or less rainfall than Rias Baixas?
Less, further from atlantic ocean
41
What is the climate of Ribeira do?
Maritime, still lot of rainfall
42
What grape variety is most common in Ribeira? Name a winemaking option
-Treixadura
-Ferment/mature on oak for expensive wines
43
What is the location of Ribeira Sacra?
-Further inland in Galicia
-follows valley of river miño
44
What is the climate of Ribeira Sacra? Which other climate can it have and why?
-Continental, depending on exposure of site can be maritime influences
45
What are the sites of Ribeira Sacra?
-very steep valley sides at various altitudes and aspects
-making viticulture very labour intensive
46
What type of soil does Ribeira Sacra have? What are its features?
-stony soils
-good drainage, restore heat during the day
47
What is the main red grape variety in Ribeira Sacra? What style does it produce?
-Mencia
-red cherry and raspberry
-med body, med tannins, med(+) acidity
-mid-priced, fresh, early drinking styles
48
Where is Valdeorras located?
-Most easterly region of Galicia
-further up river Sil
49
What is the climate of Valdeorras?
-Continental with still plentiful rain (700-1000 mm)
-higher planted vineyards: 300 m
50
Which grape is popular in Valdeorras? Which style and quality does it produce?
-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
51
What is the location of Monterrei? How does this affect the climate?
-South of Ribeira Sacra close to Portuguese border
-inland, sheltered from ocean due to Sierra Larouca mountains: continental climate (hot summers), low rainfall
52
What style of wine does Monterrei produce?
-inexpensive in bulk
-some producers more quality focussed
-riper style of Mencia and fruitier Godello compared to Ribeira Sacra
53
Where is Castilla y leon located? describe its location
-In the North of Spain
-high altitude plateau north of the Meseta
-mountains to the North and South
54
What is generally speaking the climate of Castilla y Leon?
-due to mountains that partially block maritime influences = continental(apart from Bierzo)
55
Name the DOs of Castilla y Leon
Bierzo
Toro
Ribera del Duero
Rueda
Castilla y Leon VT
56
Where is Bierzo located?
North west of Castilla y Leon on the border with Galicia
57
What is Bierzo's climate?
-maritime with continental influences due to more inland location
-warm summers and cooler winters
-low but adequate rainfall (720 mm)
58
What is Bierzo's topography?
-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
59
Where is grapegrowing found in Bierzo? Name 2 and its soiltypes
-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
60
What about old bush vines in Bierzo?
-Common
-80% of vines are 60 years or older
61
What is the main grape variety of Bierzo? Explain its features
-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
62
What is the typical style of Mencia when grown in the central part of Bierzo?
-fertile soils = light to med - body, raspberry,cherry
-for early drinking and domestic market
-no oak, often semi carbonic maceration
-good quality, mid-priced
63
What is the style of Mencia in Bierzo when grown on terraced vineyards?
-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
64
How many ha does Bierzo have?
3000 ha
65
How much of Mencia does a blend need to contain?
-70% minimum, often 100%
-can be blended with alicante bouschet for darker colour and bramble
66
What are the tiers of the clasification system of Bierzo?
-Bierzo DO
- Vino de Villa
-Vino de Paraje
-Vino de vina clasificada
-gran vino de vina clasificada
67
Where do the grapes from vino de villa need to come from in Bierzo?
-100% from 1 municipality with 20% lower yields than Bierzo DO
68
Where do the grapes from vino de paraje come from in Bierzo?
-one place 'paraje'
- 25% lower yields than Bierzo DO
69
Where do grapes come from for vina clasificada and gran vino de vina clasificada in Bierzo?
- same plots or place, max yields are 30% lower than Bierzo DO and 35% for gran vino
70
Where is Ribera del Duero located?
-Upper valley of the river Duero in Castilla y Leon
71
What is the climate of Ribera del Duero and its problems?
-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
72
What about altitude in Ribera del Duero?
-High altitudes from 750 to 1000 m in the east of the region
73
Is there lots of rainfall in Ribera del Duero?
No, 400-600 mm, irrigation allowed but not during the ripening period
74
Which grape variety is mainly grown in Ribera del Duero?
-Tempranillo, here called tinto fino
75
Why is blending executed in Ribera del Duero?
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
76
Which grape growing systems are used?
-Old bush vines up to 100 years old
-newer vineyards trellised to install drip irrigation
77
Are there large holdings of vineyards in Ribera del Duero?
-No, average under 1 ha
78
What are the main soil types of ribera? Explain
-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
79
Explain the features of tinto fino
-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
80
What is generally speaking the style of a ribera del duero red?
-full bodied, dark in colour, high alcohol ripe flavours of blackberry and plum and chocolate from oak
81
Which wines are allowed to be produced in Ribera del Duero
-red & rose
-since 2019 white also permitted from albillo mayor
82
What about ageing in ribera del duero?
-crianza up to gran reserva produced but mainly crianza
-aged in (new) oak. 50 up to 100 %
-french oak dominates (in Rioja American)
83
What are trends regarding winemaking in Ribera del Duero?
-Less skin maceration and less new oak
84
Where is Rueda located?
-East of Toro and west of Ribera del Duero
85
How many ha of vine plantings does Rueda have?
13000 ha
86
What happened in the 1970s in Rueda?
-Pioneer from Marques de Riscal from Rioja started planting verdejo here, more producers followed
87
What is the climate of Rueda? what can be a problem?
-Continental with hot dry symmers and cold winters
-late frosts -> need hardy variety
88
What about the rainfall in Rueda and altitude?
-Low rainfall (420 mm)
-high altitude, 700-800 metres -> cool nights to retain acidity
89
What is the soil type of Rueda? Explain
-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
90
Which trellising system is commonly used nowadays in Rueda, why?
-VSP trellising
-to allow machine harvest at night
91
Where is Verdejo resistant to?
-Drought, convenient in an area with high summer temperatures
92
What about the budding and ripening of Verdejo
-early to mid ripening and budding, frost can be a problem
93
What is the style of an inexpensive Verdejo?
-medium (+) acidity, medium alcohol, apple pear, white peach, fennel and some bitterness of almond
-quite aromatic, Sauvignon Blanc alike
94
What is the style of a very good Verdejo?
-More herbal characteristics
-concentrated fruit, can have lees ageing barrel fermentation or maturation
-often older vines on sandy soils on altitudes
95
Which styles of wine are allowed to be produced in Rueda?
-White (most common). red and rosé
96
If the label stated rueda, how much % of verdejo must it contain? and when labelled as Rueda Verdejo/Sauvignon Blanc?
-rueda = 50% Verdejo
-With the grape variety: at least 85%
97
What is Rueda Dorado?
Oxidatively aged, can be made from any grape
98
Which winemaking techniques are used to make an inexpensive Verdejo?
-Stainless steel fermentation at cool temperatures
-cultured yeast for reliability
-MLC avoided
-bottled in spring following harvest
99
Which winemaking techniques can be used to make a mid priced verdejo?
-Lees ageing for a few months up to a year to add body and texture
100
Which winemaking techniques can be used to make top Rueda?
-Oak used to add body and texture and to derive aromas from oak
-no mlc, to keep acidity
101
What is the climate of Toro? What about rainfall?
-continental, spring frosts can be a problem
-low rainfall (380 mm) one of lowest in castilla y leon, irrigation not allowed during growing season
102
What about altitude in Toro?
-High, 650-825 m, not as high as ribera del duero
103
What is the soil type of Toro?
-Limestone with sandy clay, still some pre phylloxera vines
104
Where are the highest altitudes found in Toro?
-To the west -> slower ripening and higher acidity
105
Why is site selection important in Toro?
To make sure the wines are not too alcoholic, thus cooler sites can be selected (or northerly aspects)
106
What is the density of Toro?
-Low density and low amount of bunches per vine
107
What is special about tinta de toro?
-Thicker skinned than other tempranillo varieties due to intensity of the sun = greater colour and tannin
108
What can be done in Toro if more elegancy is desired?
-plantings on higher altitude and less maceration
109
WHhat is the style of Toro?
-deep colour, full body, high tannins = black and blueberries, spice due oak and med + to high acidities due to cooler nights
110
A wine of Toro DO must be ... % tinta de toro and can be blended with..
75%, max 25% garnacha
111
How can inexpensive red wines from Toro be made?
carbonic maceration to increase fruitiness and extract less tannins
112
How are premium Toro's often made?
-Matured or fermented in American or French oak = good fruit concentration
113
Where is Castilla y Leon VT located? what is the climate?
-Northern part of the Meseta
-protected from any atlantic influences = continental climate
114
Which grape varieties are permitted in Castilla y Leon VT?
-lots of varieties, including international
115
What about wine law in Castilla y Leon VT?
-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
how many ha of vines does Castilla y Leon has compared to the DOs in Castilla y Leon?
-9000 ha compared to 63000 ha
-often inexpensive or mid-priced wines
117
What is the location of La Rioja?
-North of Spain
-South of Bilbao
-Near ebro river
-North east of castilla y leon
118
What is important about Haro?
-A city in La Rioja with a train station, lots of famous wineries established here
119
How many ha does La Rioja have?
65000 ha
120
What are the 3 main areas of La Rioja?
-Rioja Alta
-Rioja Alavesa
-Rioja Oriental
121
Where is Rioja Alta located? explain its climate and altitude
-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
What is the annual rainfall of la rioja?
-450 and 550 mm which can lead to drought
123
What is the soil types of Rioja?
-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
What is the soil type of Rioja Alta?
Calcareous clay, ferrous clay and alluvial soils
125
Where is Rioja alavesa located? explain its climate and altitude
-North Rioja
-North of Ebro
-continental with maritime influences
-smallest area
- 400-800 metres
126
What are the main soil types of Rioja Alavesa? What does this mean?
-calcareous clay = one of brightest wines, highest acidities and ageind potential due to slow ripening
127
Where is Rioja Oriental located? Which grape variety does it mostly produce?
-South East Rioja
-mostly South of ebro river
-Garnacha
128
What is the climate of Rioja Oriental?
-Continental with mediterranean influences = warmer and drier weather
-also warmer due to lower altitude (300-720 metres)
129
What are the main soil types of Rioja Oriental?
-ferrous clay (terra rossa alike) and alluvial soils
130
Which part of La Rioja is the driest?
-East
131
What are growers doing in terms of climate change?
-Seeking for plantings on higher altitudes, vineyards in rioja oriental most affected by climate change because the warmest area
132
Why is blending important in inexpensive Rioja?
-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
In which parts of La Rioja is tempranillo well suited?
-rioja alta and alavesa, thrives well in cooler years on clay soils
-has ageing ability
134
Where is Garnacha widely planted? why?
-Rioja Oriental
-good in warmer and drier conditions
135
What does Garnacha add to a blend?
-strawberry, lower tannins, more body and spices
136
Name the features of Graciano
-Late ripening, drought resistant (good for warmer areas), small yielding
137
What does Graciano add to a blend?
Structure, tannin and acidity
-dark fruit and pepper and liquorice
-similar to what petit verdot does
138
What are the features of Mazuelo?
-late budding&ripening
-same as carinena
-vigorous and productive
139
What does Mazuelo add to a blend?
-similar to Graciano, colour, tannin, dark fruit
-Distinctive floral note
140
What does maturana tinta add to a blend?
-adds purple colour, acidity, black fruit and cranberry
141
Which white variety is most planted in Rioja? Name its features
-Viura
-late budding and ripening, susceptible to botrytis, needs warmer sites
-neutral variety
142
What is the style of Viura?
-stainless steel = simple for early consumption
-chamomile, apple, honey suckle
-can loose acidity quickly
-in oak: complex wines with ageing potential
143
What features does Tempranillo blanco have?
-late budding and ripening
-susceptible to botrytis
-high acidity
144
What is the style of tempranillo blanco?
-lemon, grapefruit, pineapple, honey, higher alcohol and good structure
145
What are the features of Garnacha Blanca?
-mid budding and ripening
-drought resistant, not resistant to fungal disease
146
What is the style of Garnacha Blanca?
-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
Name the features of Malvasia in Rioja
-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
What are the features of Maturana Blanca and its style?
-Early budding and ripening = spring frost& rot
-style: high alc, good fresh acidity, citrus&tropical fruit, banana and herbal
149
What is a confusion amongst customers about quality of Rioja?
That Gran Reserva is the best, does not have to be, some producers produce under Generico for more flexibility and modernisation
150
Are there size requirements for barrels in Rioja?
-Yes, have to be 225 litres
151
What is a trend regarding red wine making in Rioja?
-Earlier harvest dates, more gentle extraction and older oak or other alternatives such as amphoras
152
Which oak is more common in Rioja?
-Now French, traditionally American
153
Which grape variety is mainly used for inexpensive white Rioja?
-Viura, is neutral
-can be blended with for example Malvasia and Garnacha Blanca for more complexity and diverse aromas
154
How can mid to premium white Rioja be made?
-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
How is pink wine made in Rioja?
-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
What are the ageing requirements for red and white Crianza?
-Red: 24 months total ageing of which 12 in oak
-White: 24 months total ageing og which 6 months in oak
157
What are the ageing requirements for generic Rioja? What does this mean for producers?
-No ageing requirements
-greater flexibility for producers, can lead to very good quality wines
158
What are the ageing requirements for a reserva red and white?
-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
What are the ageing requirements for a gran reserva red and white?
-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
What is the fairly new classification system called in Rioja?
-ABRA = Asociasion de Bodegas de Rioja Alavesa
-since 2018
161
What are the tiers of ABRA?
-Rioja DO/DOP
-Zonas
-Municipios
-Vinedo singular
162
Explain the zona tier of Rioja
-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
Explain the Municipios tier of Rioja
-Village wines
-one of 145 municipalities
-must have winery here, difficult if a winemakers makes different wines from different villages
164
Explain the Vinedo Singular tier
-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
How many growers does Rioja have?
-15000 growers
-40% sell their grapes to co-operatives
166
What about exports of Rioja
-37% by sales volume
-UK,Germany,USA
167
Which type of Rioja wine is most popular within the domestic market? and in terms of export?
-domestic=crianza
-exports: (gran) reserva
168
Why is Rioja wine relatively cheap compared to French and Italian wine?
-cheaper vineyard land
-cheaper grapes
-warm, fertile flat areas = inexpensive good quality rioja = good value for money
169
Where is Navarra located? how many ha?
-North East of Rioja
-11000 ha
170
What is the climate of Navarra?
-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
What are the soil types of Navarra?
-alluvial = around rivers
-clay = around ebro
-limestone= near sierra
172
What about the grape varieties of Navarra?
-Diversity of grapes, mainly red: tempranillo (often single varietal), cs&merlot -> blended
173
What are the 2 main red styles of Navarra?
-inexpensive for early drinking, fresh, fruity, light bodied style
-full-bodied, oak with crianza or reserva = merlot/cs=french oak, temp=american
174
What is the main white variety of Navarra? Explain its style
-Chardonnay
-citrus, peach, med alc, med(+) acidity, ripe style
-unoaked or oaked
175
What is the style of pink wines in Navarra?
-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
Navarra has .. vino de pagos
3= otazu, prado irache and arinzano
177
Where is Aragon located?
-France to the north and Catalunya and Valencia to the east
178
Which DOs are located within Aragon?
-DO Calatayud
-DO Campo de Borja
-Do Carinena
-DO Somontano
179
explain the climate, rainfall and altitude of DO Calatayud
-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
What are the soil types in all 4 DOs?
-clay, slate and sand
181
What are the features of Campo de Borja?
-6800 ha
-lower rainfall than calatayud = 350-450 mm and lower altitude (350-700 metres)
182
What are the features of DO carinena?
-14500 ha = largest and one of oldest winegrowing regions of Spain
-rainfall = 450-500 mm
-alti= 400-800 metres
183
What do these 3 DOs in Aragon have in common?
-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
Explain the features of Somontano DO
-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
Where is Catalunya located?
-North east of Spain
-to the east the mediterranean sea
186
What is the overall climate of Catalunya?
-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
What are the soil types of Catalunya?
-between cordilleras and sea: alluvium,limestone and clay
-between mountain ranges = slate & granite
188
What is a popular soil type in Catalunya? Where can it be found?
-Llicorella = decomposed slate/shale, shallow top soil, low in organic matter -> priorat, montsant, conca de barbera
189
Where is DO penedes located? how many ha?
-in Catalunya
-18000 ha
190
Which grape varieties are mostly planted in DO Penedes?
-80% white varieties of xarel-lo, macabeo and parellada
-also merlot etc.
191
What is the main climate of DO Penedes?
-Warm mediterranean
-diversity in climate -> wide range of grape varieties
192
What about rainfall in Penedes?
-low, 500 mm, irrigation permitted
193
What are the main soil types of Penedes?
-loamy (sand, silt&clay), some calcareous clay = good water retention during ripening period
194
In which 3 zones can Penedes be divided?
-Penedes Maritim
-Penedes Central
-Penedes Superior
195
Explain the features of Penedes Maritim
-Between sea and coastal hills
-warm climate with low altitude vineyards
-inexpensive full body red wine (monastrell)
196
Explain the features of Penedes Central
-flat plains at higher altitudes (up to 500 metres)
-some cooling influences = white varieties but also red
197
Explain the features of Penedes Superior
-higher altitudes (500-800 metres)
-cooling influences, longer growing season, higher diurnal range = whites
-risk:spring frost
198
Why was DO Catalunya created?
-As an umbrella
-44000 ha
- red and white, great diversity
199
Where is Costers del Segre DO located? how many ha?
-North of Priorat
-4000 ha, used to be more, but due to climate change and water availability = less
200
What about the establishment of Costers del Segre?
-Was difficult due to correcting saline soils and establishments of irrigation channels
201
What about rainfall in Costers del Segre?
-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
What is the climate of Costers del Segre?
-Continental (away from sea)
-variation in altitude: 200-700 metres
-highest alti= cava and white wine production
203
What is the soil type of Costers del Segre?
sandy free-draining soils thus irrigation needed
204
Which wine style is produced in Costers del Segre?
-Blending typical
-mostly fresh fruity styles
205
How many ha does priorat have?
2010 ha of which 535 grape growers who sell mainly to co-operatives
206
What is the climate of priorat?
-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
What is the topography of Priorat?
-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
What are the altitudes of Priorat?
Between 100 en 750 metres
209
Where are most vineyards planted? Why?
-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
What is the soil type of Priorat?
-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
What makes priorat an expensive wines?
-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
What are the 2 key black grape varieties of Priorat?
-Garnacha Tinta
-Carinena (a.k.a. samso)
213
What are the features of Garnacha in Priorat?
-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
What style does Garnacha produce in Priorat compared to other regions?
-bright, ripe and sometimes jammy red fruit: strawberry,plum, clove, cinnamon, high alcohol
-can produce brighter acidity in priorat due to llicorella soils
215
What are the features of Carinena in priorat?
-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
What is the main white grape variety of Priorat? explain its style
-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
Why is cultured yeast preferred in Priorat?
-to ferment reliable to dryness
-ambient yeast might be slow due to high alcohol or even get stuck
218
due to investments what is more seen in Priorat?
-optical sorting machines and stainless steel tanks
219
Which maturation vessels are used in Priorat?
-Often french oak for 1-2 years
220
What are the tiers of the classification system in priorat?
- DOQ priorat
-Vi de Vila
-Vi de Paratge
-Vinya Classificada
-Gran vinya Classificada
221
explain the rules of Vi de Vila
- 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
Explain the rules of Vi de Paratge
-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
Explain the rules of Vinya Classificada
-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
Explain the rules of Gran Vinya Classificada
-single vineyard within paratge (grand cru)
- min. 90% garnacha/samso
-80% vines 35 y/o and 20% at least 10 y/o
225
What about old vines in Priorat
-Are allowed on the label
-must be at least 75 years old
226
Where is DO Montsant located?
-Catalunya
-around priorat
227
Where are most vineyards planted in Montsant?
-to the south, flatter vineyards near ebro
-north = mountaineous -> 300-700 metres
228
What is the climate of Montsant?
-More mediterranean than priorat due to proximity to coast
-warm&dry summers
-rain falls in winter&spring
229
What are the soil types of Montsant?
-Mainly clay, sand and limestone = more fertile than priorat thus higher yields
-just some llicorella to the south
230
What is the topography of Montsant?
-Less extreme than priorat
-trellised vineyards on slopes, mechanisation possible in some parts
231
What is the style of wine in Montsant?
-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
What is the climate of Valencia DO?
-Warm Mediterranean
-cooling influence = coast or altitude
-Low rainfall = 450 mm, irrigation needed
233
Name a sub-zone of Valencia DO, where is it located and what is the climate?
-Alto Turia
-Southern foothills of sistema iberico mountain range
-700-1100 metres = coolest
234
What wine does alto turia produces?
-almost all white
-Moscatel de Alexandria and Merseguera
-merseguera not controlled? low intensity and often blended
235
Which subzone is warmer than Alto Turia, why? what are the grape varieties?
-Valentino
-200-650 metres = lower altitude but cooled somewhat by sea breezes
-Garnacha T, temp,CS& monastrell for both red and rose
236
What style of wine does DO Valencia produce
-made by co-operatives
-fruity style for immediate consumption
237
Where is Utiel-Requena DO located? how many ha?
-Inland from the northern part of Valencia DO
34000 ha
238
What is the climate and topography of Utiel-Requena?
-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
What is the most planted grape variety of Utiel Requena?
Bobal
240
Name the features of bobal
-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
Why was bobal used for rose wines?
-due to high acidity and fruity nature
-now used for mainly red
242
What are the main styles for Bobal in Utiel Requena?
-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
What is the most Southerly Do within Valencia DO?
-Alicante DO
-only 9000 ha
244
What is the climate of Alicante DO?
-Mediterranean with hot summers and cold winters
-extremely dry: 250 mm rainfall
245
Where is the main centre of Production in Alicante DO? What is the most planted variety?
-Zone of Vinalopo to the west
-streches from coast up to 500 metres inland near Sierra de Salinas
-monastrell
246
Where is Moscatel de Alejandria produced in Alicante?
-North east on the coast: Marina Alta
-humid breezes and most rain of region
247
What are the features of monastrell in Alicante DO?
-late ripening = suitable to dry climate
-able to retain acidities
-tolerant to drought
-75% of plantings, need to be planted as bush vines
248
What is the style of Monastrell in alicante DO?
-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
What is a historic wine style of Alicante DO? explain
-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
Where is Jumilla DO located? How many ha?
-In Murcia
-Alicante to the east and La Mancha to the west
-25000 ha
251
What is the climate of Jumilla?
-warm continental
-alti from 400-800 metres providing cooling influences
-extremely low rainfall= 250-300 mm
252
What is the soiltype of Jumilla? why is it useful?
-sand over limestone
-aids retention of ground water, vineyards do not need irrigation
253
What is the main grape variety of Jumilla?
-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
Describe the style of Monastrell in Jumilla
-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
Where is Yecla located? How many ha?
-Between Jumilla and Alicante
-6000 ha
256
What is the climate of Yecla?
-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
What is the main grape variety of Yecla?
Monastrell
-similar style as jumilla
-good to very good
-95% of production exported
258
What is the biggest DO of Spain?
-La Mancha
-158000 ha
259
What is the topography and climate of La Mancha?
-vines planted at 500-700 m on the flat meseta
-continental: extremely hot summers and very cold winters
-rainfall: low (300-400 mm)
260
What about irrigation in La Mancha?
-although limestone and chalk retain water
-irrigation needed: drip irrigation, 40% of vineyards
261
What about vine density in La Mancha?
-low= 1000 vines per ha for bush vines without irrigation
-irrigated, trellised vineyards: 3000 vines per ha
262
What is the main grape variety of La Mancha? explain the style
-Airen, 90000 ha
-neutral grape, fermented in ss, low intensity, med acidity white wine for early consumption
-much used for brandy de jerez
263
What is the most planted black grape variety of la mancha? explain its style
-cencibel (tempranillo)
-fruity style, short oak contact,
-crianza - gran reserva can also be found
264
What is the wine business in La Mancha?
-dominated by co-operatives
-15000 grape growers and 250 wineries
-bulk or bottled, 40% exported
-china largest export market, also germany and NL
265
Where is valdepenas located? what is its climate?
-South of la mancha
-hot continental, similar to la mancha
266
What is the main grape variety of valdepenas? describe the style
-cencibel (tempranillo)
-ripe red fruit,soft tannins, med acidity
-spice from oak
-good in quality, inexpensive to mid priced
267
Castilla la mancha is home to ... vino de pago
9 of 18
-first and most well known= Dominio de Valdepusa
-producing wines from CS,Syrah and petit verdot
