Spain

Question 1

How many ha under the vine in Spain?

Answer 1

0.95 million ha; 50 million hl; country with biggest acreage under the vine

Question 2

What is Vino de la Tierra; VT or VdT?

Answer 2

“Wine of the country”. The quality level just above Vino de Mesa, this designation emulates France’s Vins de Pays and offers a wine of a particular place, but with few requirements of grape varieties, yields, site, or, especially, aging. As of 2012, there are 46 VTs.

Question 3

What are Vinos de Pagos?

Answer 3

Top quality wines from single estates but are not necessarily higher quality than DO or DOCa wines. These wines must be from single estates and produced on the estate; so producers who buy in grapes or whose winery is not on this estate cannot use this categorization; these rules out a large number of the top quality wines.

Question 4

What is mean Joven?

Answer 4

Joven means no cask aging; or less than the legal minimum for Crianza wines.

Question 5

What is mean Crianza?

Answer 5

Red wines must be matured for two calendar years following the harvest; including a minimum of six months in barricas (225 liter oak casks); which means a 2004 vintage may be sold from January 1 2007.
White and rose must be matured for one calendar year; of which six months must be in barricas.
Rioja; Ribera del Duero; and Navarra require one year in barrel for reds.

Question 6

What is mean Reserva?

Answer 6

Red wines must be matured for three calendar years following the harvest; including a minimum of one year in barricas.
White and rose must be matured for two calendar years; of which six months must be in barricas.

Question 7

What is mean Gran Reserva?

Answer 7

Red wines must be matured for five calendar years following the harvest; including a minimum of 18 months in barricas.
White and rose must be matured for four calendar years; of which six months must be in barricas.
Rioja; Ribera del Duero; and Navarra require two years in barrel for reds.

Question 8

What is mean Noble?

Answer 8

Noble wine has been matured 18 months in cask (min size 60 liters).
The term can be applied only to a Vino de la Tierra wine or better.

Question 9

What is mean Añejo?

Answer 9

Añejo wine has been aged 24 months in cask (min size 60 liters).
The term can be applied only to a Vino de la Tierra wine or better.

Question 10

What is mean Viejo?

Answer 10

Viejo wine must undergo 36 months aging in cask (min size 60 liters) and the wines must show an oxidative character.
The term can be applied only to a Vino de la Tierra wine or better.

Question 11

Name three towns where production of Sherry occurs?

Answer 11

Jerez de la Frontera is the home of Sherry; other two towns are Puerto de Santa Maria and Sanlucar de Barrameda.

Question 12

Name most common Malaga Styles?

Answer 12

The most common styles are as follows: Lágrima; Moscatel; and Pedro Ximénez.

Question 13

What is the name of Spanish appellation which produce similar wines as Sherry?

Answer 13

Montilla-Moriles DO. Wine-making practices in Montilla parallel those for Sherry; however in the hot climate of Montilla-Moriles; far removed from the cooling winds of the Atlantic; the flor is usually less thick than in Jerez and the wines tend to have less finesse as a result.

Question 14

Name Montilla-Moriles DO varieties?

Answer 14

Pedro Ximénez (70%); Lairén (Airén) and Muscat of Alexandria.

Question 15

Name Balearic Islands two official DO?

Answer 15

Pla i Llevant (introduced in 2001) and Binissalem-Mallorca; both of which are on the island of Majorca. The latter was the islands’ first DO title; and the first ever granted outside the Spanish mainland.

Question 16

Basque Country?

Answer 16

Basque: Euskadi; Spanish: País Vasco; French: Pays Basque.

Question 17

What is the most important wine in Basque Country?

Answer 17

Pais Vasco wine is synonymous with Txakoli; Like Vinho Verde it is strongly Atlantic influenced and is usually sold young; very slightly sparkling; and low in alcohol.
The high trained Hondarribi Zuri white grape variety accounts for 85 per cent of Txakoli;;
Hondarribi Beltza makes light reds for local consumption.

Question 18

What are the most important Canary Islands varieties?

Answer 18

Most important varieties are Listán Negro and Negramoll for reds; whites from Listán Blanco and sweet Malvasías.

Question 19

What is the largest delimited wine region in Spain?

Answer 19

La Mancha DO is the largest delimited wine region not only in Spain; but in the whole of Europe; with more than 500;000 acres (202;350ha) of vineyard here.
The finest vineyards are those with high limestone and chalk content in the sub-soil. These semi-porous stones retain precious moisture and help to even out the vines’ water supply.

Question 20

What are the most important La Mancha DO red varieties?

Answer 20

Tempranillo (known locally as Cencibel) is by far the most popular red-wine variety; often accompanied by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Spanish varieties such as Graciano; Bobal and Monastrell and international varieties Grenache; Syrah and Petit Verdot.

Question 21

Name Ribera del Duero DO Varieties?

Answer 21

According to DO regulations; Tempranillo must make up a minimum of 75% while the balance is made up of Cabernet Sauvignon; Merlot and Malbec (varieties that were introduced by Vega Sicilia well over a century ago) or up to 5% of Albillo or Garnacha (used for rose). Only red and rosé wines are covered by the DO.

Question 22

Name best Ribera del Duero Producers?

Answer 22

The leading local producer is Bodegas Vega Sicilia; which took the wine world by storm with its ‘Unico’ wine.
Tinto Pesquera is another renowned brand; created by the region’s best-known winemaker; Alejandro Fernández.
Other prominent producers include Dominio de Pingus and Emilio Moro.

Question 23

What is Ribera del Duero Climate?

Answer 23

The region’s inland location; coupled with the sheltering effects of the nearby Sierra de la Demanda and Sierra de Guadarrama mountain ranges; creates an extreme climate in which hot and dry summers are followed by harsh winters.
Layers of limestone; marl and chalk under silt and clay topsoil.

Question 24

What is Rueda Climate?

Answer 24

The climate here is clearly continental; which means hot; harsh summers; and cold winters when temperatures often drop below freezing; high diurnal variations. The region is deprived of any maritime influence by the Cordillera Cantábrica; the mountain range that separates it from the Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic Ocean beyond; on the other side of them lie Asturias and Cantabria - regions with relatively cool; fresh climates and fertile green landscapes. Same effect as Vosges in Alsace.

Question 25

Name Rueda DO Varieties?

Answer 25

Verdejo vines occupy an impressive 90% of this land; Viura and Sauvignon Blanc together constitute just 5%. Tempranillo and Garnacha with a little help from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are responsible for red and rose which are now permitted for Rueda DO.

Question 26

Name Toro DO Varieties?

Answer 26

Tinta de Toro (locally adapted strain of the Tempranillo grape) is by far the dominant grape variety; a tiny amount of Garnacha is also grown; mostly for use in Toro Rosado alongside small quantities of Malvasia Blanca and Verdejo for use in white Toro Blanco. Merlot and Cabernet-Sauvignon are being grown experimentally.

Question 27

Name Bierzo DO red Varieties?

Answer 27

Mencía occupies 70% of the vineyards; Garnacha is another important red grape primarily used in blends while Merlot; Cabernet-Sauvignon and Tempranillo are experimental red grapes. Rose wine need at lest 50% Mencía in blend.

Question 28

What is Bierzo Climate?

Answer 28

Bierzo's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean has a profound effect on its overall climate; with average temperatures during the growing season much cooler than in Castilla y Leon's more inland areas; making it rather mild. Average rainfall is around 28 inches (720mm) comparing to 320mm in Toro.

Question 29

What is Aranda de Duero?

Answer 29

The capital of Ribera del Duero is the historic town of Aranda de Duero.

Question 30

What is Castilla-La Mancha Climate?

Answer 30

At altitudes between 500 and 700 m above sea level; this is Spain at her most extreme. Winters are long and cold; in summer the heat is grueling; and little if any rain falls between May and September.

Question 31

Name Spanish Region that produces the most wine?

Answer 31

Castilla-La Mancha is a large region which lies south and east of the Spanish capital Madrid. Its capital city is Toledo; and its most populous city is Albacete. Despite very harsh climate; Castilla-La Mancha produces half of all the wine made in Spain but significant proportion goes into the inexpensive mass-produced sector and distillation into brandy.

Question 32

What is Vinest (formerly Vinum Est)?

Answer 32

Program backed by the European Union that promotes small wine-growing areas based on their individuality and distinctiveness.

Question 33

What kind of grape is Listan Blanco?

Answer 33

Listan Blanco is Palomino from Andalucia; grape variety used to make Sherry.

Question 34

What kind of grape is Listan Negro?

Answer 34

DNA profiling identified Listan Negro as a genetic match to the Mission grape of North America. However; the Mission grape of the New World has mutated significantly enough that it is now considered a distinct variety.

Question 35

What kind of grape is Albillo?

Answer 35

Albillo is the only white grape grown in Ribera del Duero; producing wines for local consumption that don't qualify for the Ribera del Duero DO title. Only red and rosé wines are covered by the DO.

Question 36

What is the most important variety in Utiel-Requena DO?

Answer 36

Climate is between Mediterranean and continental; the higher-altitude vineyards. Bobal; a native red-wine variety; dominates plantings plus in recent years Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon. Traditional doble pasta wines from Bobal. Region is Valencia.

Question 37

Name Jumilla DO red varieties?

Answer 37

Jumilla specializes in wines based on the Monastrell which accounts for more than 80% of vines and it is well suited to the harsh conditions here. Syrah; Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot have steadily increased in recent years mainly to add body and character to the Monastrell-based reds. Region is Murcia.

Question 38

Name Navarra DO most important red varieties?

Answer 38

Traditionally known for rose wines produced from Granacha; now move to production of red wines mostly from Tempranillo. Also more plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Question 39

Grape varieties used for Rueda white wines?

Answer 39

Standard Rueda Blanco must be made from at least 50% Verdejo; Rueda Superior must contain at least 85 per cent Verdejo. Relatively recent additions to the region's wine portfolio are the varietal wines 'Rueda Verdejo' and 'Rueda Sauvignon'; which must be made from at least 85% of the stated variety.

Question 40

Name most famous Sardon de Duero winery?

Answer 40

Sardon de Duero is home to the award-winning Abadia Retuerta winery; one of Spain's most high-tech producers. They have been critical in raising the profile of the area and have encouraged other growers to establish themselves here. Its highly regarded red wines are classified as Vino de la Tierra Castilla y Leon.

Question 41

Most important Catalonia red varieties?

Answer 41

Tempranillo (known in Catalan as Ull de Llebre); Garnacha and Monastrell (France's Mourvedre). Red Bordeaux varieties also play an important role in some of the top-quality blends; as well as in varietal wines.

Question 42

What is like climate in Priorat DOC or DOQ?

Answer 42

The climate here is remarkably continental; given its relative proximity to the Mediterranean; summers are long; hot and dry; and annual rainfall averages 500mm.

Question 43

What kind of soil is in Priorat DOC or DOQ?

Answer 43

The region's flagship soil type is llicorella; a free-draining; nutrient-poor soil made up of partially-decomposed slate and quartz ('llicorella' is the Catalan name for slate).

Question 44

What are ageing requirements for Priorat DOC or DOQ?

Answer 44

Crianza spends one year in oak; followed by a year in bottle before release; Reserva spends one year in oak then two years in bottle; Gran Reserva spends two years in oak and three years in bottle. The wines must reach a minimum alcoholic strength of 13.5 per cent to qualify as Priorat.

Question 45

Name Priorat red varieties?

Answer 45

The classic Priorat wine is made from old-vine Garnacha and Cariñena but a number of winemakers are using the 'international' grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon; Merlot and Syrah alongside.

Question 46

Name Priorat white varieties?

Answer 46

The region's white wines are made from the four authorized white varieties; Garnacha Blanca; Macabeo; Pedro Ximénez and Chenin Blanc.

Question 47

What is Priorat vino de guarda?

Answer 47

Majority of the aged wines spend some eighteen months in new; preferably French oak barrels; 4-6 months in bottles and then are released for sale. They are known as 'vino de guarda' (wine to keep); as they will reach their perfection some two years later.

Question 48

Name most famous Priorat Producers?

Answer 48

The wines of René Barbier (Clos Mogador); Costers del Siurana (Clos de l'Obac); Álvaro Palacios (Finca Dofí; L'Ermita); Mas Martinet (Clos Martinet); and Clos & Terrasses (Clos Erasmus) had won worldwide acclaim by the late 1990s. Scala Dei.

Question 49

Most important varieties in Montsant DO?

Answer 49

Catalonia. Montsant has earned a reputation for its high-quality red wines; particularly those based on old Garnatxa (Garnacha) and Carinena vines. Ull de Llebre and international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon; Merlot and Syrah also perform very well here.

Question 50

What is so unique about Penedes Espumoso?

Answer 50

From the 2017 vintage onwards; they will be made exclusively from organically grown grapes.

Question 51

The heart of Cava production very much remains in the village of?

Answer 51

Sant Sadurní d'Anoia.

Question 52

Name Cava Varieties?

Answer 52

The traditional grape varieties used in Cava were Macabeo; Parellada and Xarel-lo; but the Champagne grapes Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are also now being used. Monastrell; Grenache; Malvasia and Trepat are also authorized for use in Cava.

Question 53

What is Cava method of production?

Answer 53

All Cava wines must be produced by traditional method; lees aged for a minimum of nine months; and reach a final alcohol level of no less than 10% and no more than 13%.

Question 54

Name Cava DO regions?

Answer 54

Cava DO can come from various parts of Spain: Aragon; Navarra; Rioja; Pais Vasco; Valencia and Extremadura but in reality 90% comes from Catalonia.

Question 55

Name most important Galicia white varieties?

Answer 55

Apart from Albarino; the main white grape varieties are Loureiro; Torrontes; Godello; Treixadura and Caiño Blanco - a Galician obscurity often mistaken for Albarino.

Question 56

Name Sub-zones of Rias Baixas?

Answer 56

Val do Salnes (Soils here are largely granite and rock with alluvial top-soil; the best wines); Condado do Tea (warmest part); Rosal; Soutomaior (smallest); and Ribera do Ulla.

Question 57

Name Rias Baixas white varieties?

Answer 57

For a wine to be labeled Rías Baixas; its varietal composition must be at least 70% Albarino. Depending on the sub-zone it comes from; the other grapes used are Treixadura; Torrontes; Loureiro and Caiño Blanco; a rarely-seen Galician grape which is often mistaken for Albarino.

Question 58

Name Ribeira Sacra DO varieties?

Answer 58

Specializes in the production of dry red wines from the Mencia grape on slate and granite soils. There are three main types of wine here; all of them varietal: red Mencía Joven; and white Albariño and Godello.

Question 59

Name Monterrei DO Wine Types?

Answer 59

Monterrei Blanco; which must contain 60 percent of the preferred varieties (Godello; Treixadura; Doña Blanca); with the remaining 40 percent from other permitted grapes; and Monterrei Tinto; which must contain 60 percent Mencía and/or Merenzao. The Monterrei Superior label is given to wines with 85% of grapes from preferred varieties.

Question 60

Name Navarra DO most important white varieties?

Answer 60

Navarra's small quantity of white wines are mainly based on Chardonnay; Viura and Garnacha Blanca. Natural sweet wines are also permitted to be made from Moscatel.

Question 61

Name three zones of Rioja DOC?

Answer 61

Centred on the regional capital Logroño; Rioja divides into three zones: Rioja Alta (Haro); Rioja Alavesa (Basque); and Rioja Baja (Calahorra and Alfaro).

Question 62

Rioja Alavesa?

Answer 62

Smallest; vineyards lie at high altitudes (1300-3930ft/400-1200m); soil on the slopes and terraces where most of the vines are grown is rich in chalky clay and limestone; rainfall is around 20 inches (500mm) on average.

Question 63

Rioja Alta?

Answer 63

The most important; both in terms of quality and the quantity; higher altitudes; soil; although less rich in limestone than in Rioja Alavesa; has a healthy mix of clay; iron and alluvial components. When compared with Rioja Alavesa; these wines tend to be finer; lighter in body and lower in acid.

Question 64

Rioja Baja?

Answer 64

The largest; low-altitude vineyards; very dry and warm summers; a result of the influence of the Mediterranean Sea; the chalk content is minimal; with larger proportions of silt and alluvial components as well as ferrous-clay. Drought is also a real threat. Co-operatives.

Question 65

Name Rioja red varieties?

Answer 65

Tempranillo (clay and limestone slopes) is most widely planted; Garnacha (gives body if used; rose wines); Graciano (excellent flavor; small crop); Mazuelo (Cariñena; lesser quality); Maturana Tinta; Cabernet Sauvignon (experimental; Marqués de Riscal).

Question 66

Name Rioja white varieties?

Answer 66

Viura (majority); Malvasía (used to be); Garnacha Blanca; Tempranillo Blanco; Maturana Blanca; Turruntés (don`t confuse with Torrontes) and international varieties Verdejo; Sauvignon Blanc; and Chardonnay are also permitted.

Question 67

In Rioja what are Cosecha Wines?

Answer 67

They are also called Joven but this rarely appears on a wine label. The wine is aged less than one year in oak and less than one year in the bottle before release. Some excellent wines produced in modern style such as Vinos de Autor (highly concentrated; high use of French oak) are labeled Cosecha.

Question 68

Name Rioja Colored-coded Guarantee of Origin?

Answer 68

Cosecha - olive green label; Crianza - bright red; Reserva - burgundy; Gran Reserva - royal blue.

Question 69

Name most notable Rioja Alavesa producers?

Answer 69

Notable producers include Marqués de Riscal; Domecq Bodegas; Bodegas Palacio and Remelluri.

Question 70

Name most notable Rioja Alta producers?

Answer 70

Among the most notable producers are Artadi El Pison; Bodegas Muga; Bodegas Marques de Murrieta; La Rioja Alta and Bodegas Marques de Caceres.

Question 71

Name some Traditional Rioja Bodegas?

Answer 71

Campo Viejo; C.V.N.E (Compania Vinicola del Norte de Espana); Dinastia Vivanco; Marques de Murrieta; Marques de Riscal; Ramon Bilbao.

Question 72

Name some New Rioja Bodegas?

Answer 72

Baron de Ley; Breton; Artadi; Baigorri; Muriel.

Question 73

What is mean Vendimia?

Answer 73

Harvest or vintage. Other term is Cosecha.

Question 74

What is mean Doble Pasta?

Answer 74

A powerful wine made using methods similar to Italy's ripasso; that is; the addition of grape skins to a finished or fermenting wine.

Question 75

What is mean Orujo?

Answer 75

The Spanish form of grappa or marc; a distillate made from grape pomace.

Question 76

What is mean Roble?

Answer 76

Literally "oak;" but this term can appear upon a label; most often; of a Joven wine;.It informs the buyer that the wine has spent at least a little time in barrel.

Question 77

What is mean VORS?

Answer 77

"Vinum Optimum Rare Signatum" or "Very Old Rare Sherry" is a new Sherry term used to guarantee that the wine has been aged for a minimum average of 30 years. That long time in oak causes a high degree of evaporation; so the VORS designation suggests that the wine is very expensive to produce. These wines are bottled in very limited quantities.

Question 78

What is mean VOS?

Answer 78

"Vinum Optimum Signatum" or "Very Old Sherry" is a new Sherry term used to guarantee that the wine has been aged for a minimum average of 20 years. That long time in oak causes a high degree of evaporation; so the VOS designation suggests that the wine is expensive to produce.

Question 79

What is mean Vinos de Autor?

Answer 79

Classical wines with an added dimension: wines made from selected grapes (from old vines; from a single vineyard; or from special parcels or plots); usually featuring plenty of new oak; produced in limited quantities; and sold in a special packaging. Also known as High Concept wines; Signature wines; or Flagship wines.

Question 80

Name VP from Navarra?

Answer 80

Pago de Arinzano; Pago de Otazu; Pago Prado de Irache;

Question 81

Name VP from Castilla-La Mancha?

Answer 81

Pago Calzadilla, Pago Campo de la Guardia, Pago Casa del Blanco, Pago Dehesa del Carrizal, Pago Florentino, Pago Dominio de Valdepusa, Pago Finca Élez, Pago Guijoso.

Question 82

Name VP from Utiel-Requena (Valencia)?

Answer 82

Pago de Los Balagueses and Chozas Carrascal.

Question 83

Name two first estates to receive Vino de Pago?

Answer 83

Dominio de Valdepusa was the joint-first estate to receive Spain's prestigious Vinos de Pago status. It received the title in 2002, at the same time as Finca Elez.

Question 84

Who own Pago de Arinzano?

Answer 84

Right in the heart of Navarra, owned by Bodega Chivite that have been producing wine through 11 generations. Bodegas Chivite also produce a line of wines called Colección 125 under Navarra DO, and their Chardonnay is highly prized.

Question 85

What is mean Añada?

Answer 85

Vintage.

Question 86

What is mean Bota?

Answer 86

Oak barrel with a capacity of 550-600 litres and used to age Sherry wines.

Question 87

What is mean Cosecha?

Answer 87

Harvest or vintage, often used on bottle labels in association with the year of harvest/vintage.

Question 88

Who established first Rioja commercial winery?

Answer 88

Marqués de Murrieta established Rioja's first commercial bodega in 1850.