Spain Flashcards
(334 cards)
1
Q
Who established the value of viticulture in Spain? Where?
A
1100 BCE by the Phoenicians in Gadir (modern Cadiz)
The Phoenicians, one of the first great maritime trading cultures, founded the city of Gadir (modern Cádiz) on the coast of southern Spain around 1100 BCE and established the value of viticulture and wine as a commodity in Andalucía.
Vines grew wild and were harvested before the Phoenicians, but the Phoenicians progressed the vine in greatly in Spain
2
Q
In the late 15th century, what event opened the markets for Spanish wine?
A
The discovery of America and thus the export market.
The inherently heavy wines of Spain were often made in a deliberately rancio style, or they nonetheless arrived in the West Indies that way.
Sherry also had an expanding export market in Great Britain, despite a deteriorating relationship between the two nations that culminated in the English defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588.
3
Q
What happened in the 1850’s and 1860’s that shifted the state of Spanish wine, particularly in Rioja?
A
Oidium and phylloxera struck France in the 1850s and 1860s, an abrupt change occurred, particularly in Rioja, where a sudden influx of French winemakers and merchants sought to bridge the interruption of their own disease-ridden vineyards with Spanish wine.
During this period the Bordeaux-trained Marqués de Riscal and Marqués de Murrieta returned to Rioja with grape varieties and lessons from the Médoc, including barrique aging (called barricas in Spain) and estate bottling (performed at their newly constructed bodegas).
One big difference, however was that, for economic reasons, American oak (Quercus alba) rather than French was used.
4
Q
What is Quercus Alba?
A
American Oak
5
Q
Many of today’s great traditionalist Rioja wineries got their start in the latter half of the 19th century, such as?
A
López de Heredia
CVNE
La Rioja Alta
Berceo
6
Q
When did phylloxera hit Spain?
A
Late 1880s
7
Q
In the 1930’s governing bodies were established for 3 Spanish regions. Which regions and what is the name of the governing bodies?
A
In the 1930’s Consejos Reguladores were established in Rioja, Malaga, and Jerez
Consejos Reguladores are the governing bodies
8
Q
What hindered Spanish winemaking between 1930 and 1975?
A
WWII and Fascism under Franco
9
Q
Who brought stainless steel and temperature-controlled fermentations to Catalonia in the 1960s?
A
Miguel Torres
10
Q
When were Spain’s DO regulations finally approved?
A
1970
11
Q
Compared to other winemaking countries in Europe, are Spains wine laws for more rigid or more adaptable?
A
More adaptable
12
Q
What are the levels of Spanish wine?
A
Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa)
Denominación de Origen (DO)
Vinos de Calidad con Indicación Geográfica (VCIG)
Vino de la Tierra (VdlT)
13
Q
What is a DO Pago (Vinos de Pago)?
A
DO Pagos are estates that represent a theoretically superior appellation to the basic DO.
An estate within an existing DO must surpass the basic DO requirements in DO Pago legislation, typically through lowered yields and other measures suggestive of quality winemaking.
In order to apply for DO Pago status, an estate should show international critical praise and a decade’s worth of quality production, although some young Pagos have sped through official channels with astonishing speed.
14
Q
What do the following aging terms indicate?
Noble
Añejo
Viejo
A
Noble: 18 months aging in a cask of less than 600 L or bottle
Añejo: 24 months aging in a cask of less than 600 L or bottle
Viejo: 36 months aging, demonstrates marked oxidative character
15
Q
What are the general aging requirements for:
Crianza
Reserva
Grand Reserva
A
Crianza: 2yrs total, 6 mos in barrel
Reserva: 3yrs total, 1 yr in barrel
Grand Reserva: 5 years total, 18 mos in barrel
16
Q
What are the aging requirements in Rioja for:
Crianza
Reserva
Grand Reserva
A
Crianza: 2 yrs total, 1 year in barrel
Reserva: 3 years total, 1 year barrel, 6 mos bottle
Grand Reserva: 5 years total, 2 years barrel, 2 yrs bottle
17
Q
What are the aging requirements in Ribero de Duero for:
Crianza
Reserva
Grand Reserva
A
Crianza: 2 yrs total, 1 year in barrel
Reserva: 3 yrs total, 1 years in barrel
Grand Reserva: 5 yrs total, 3 years barrel, 2 years bottle
18
Q
Which mountains lie to the northeast of Rioja?
A
The Pyrenees which divide Spain from France
19
Q
Which mountains lie to the northwest of Rioja?
A
The Cantabrian Mountains
20
Q
North-Central Spain is essentially comprised of which three autonomías?
A
North-Central Spain essentially comprises the three autonomías of Navarra, La Rioja, and Aragón
21
Q
What river flows through the Rioja DOCa?
A
The Ebro river
It begins in the Cantabrian mountains and flows southeast to the Mediterranean
22
Q
Which was the first Spanish DOCa? When?
A
Rioja. 1991
23
Q
How long has wine been produced in the Rioja region?
A
3000 years
24
Q
Who guided viticulture in Spain in the Middle Ages?
A
Christian Monks (like many other major winegrowing regions in Europe)
25
Who is Gonzalo de Berceo?
Gonzalo de Berceo is a 13th century Benedictine clergyman whose name is commemorated in Berceo’s reserva and gran reserva bottlings.
de Berceo extolled the virtues of Rioja wine in verse. Although he penned his theological works in Latin, he preferred to write his poetry in the “vulgar vernacular” of Spanish, hoping to reach the less educated peasantry.
His short verses represent the first Spanish poetry committed to paper, more than a century after the king’s legal recognition of Rioja in 1102.
26
In the later half of the 19th century what changed to shift the Rioja winemaking style?
The French influence - many winemakers came to Rioja to leave behind the phylloxera that had ravaged their vineyards.
Economically, aging in American oak made more sense and aging in American oak barrels became a standard, and the red wines started to resemble what is now considered the classic style: soft, with muted red fruit, firm acidity and the unmistakable oak aromas of dill, vanilla and cedar.
27
Tempranillo is the primary grape of Rioja. What are its traditional blending partners?
Mazuelo (Carignan), Graciano, and Garnacha.
Together, these four grapes (along with Maturana Tinta, authorized for Rioja in 2007) must comprise a minimum 85% of the red Rioja blend, or 95% if destemmed. “Experimental” grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon may make up the remainder.
28
The 5 grapes authorized for Rioja: Tempranillo, Mazuelo, Graciano, Garnacha and Mautrana Tinta must account for what percent of the Rioja blend?
85% of the blend
| 95% if destemmed
29
What is a synonym for Mazuelo?
Carignan
30
What is a synonym for Viura?
Macabeo
31
What is the dominant white grape in Rioja?
Viura
Followed by Garnacha Blanca, Malvasía Riojano, and Maturana Blanca.
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Verdejo, along with Viura, are the only grapes permitted beyond 50% of white blends.
32
What percentage of red grapes do Rioja Rosado wines require?
25%
33
What size must a Rioja cask be?
225L - the size of a barrique
34
What are the aging requirements for Rioja whites and rosados?
Crianza: 6 mos cask or stainless steel, 2 years total
Reserva: 6 mos must be in cask, 2 year total
Gran Reserva: 6mos cask, 4 years total
35
Rioja follows the path of the Ebro through which three climatically distinct subzones?
Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Oriental (formerly Rioja Baja.)
36
Which is the smallest of Rioja's three sub zones?
Rioja Alavesa is the smallest, northernmost zone (it is located within Basque country) and Tempranillo here often produces vino joven wines for early consumption.
Carbonic maceration may be employed for such wines.
37
What is the soil type in Rioja Oriental
Rioja Oriental, the hottest subregion, contains more alluvial soils and ferrous clay
38
What is the soil type in Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta?
Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa share a similar soil structure, with a high proportion of calcareous clay
39
Do producers ever source grapes from all three Rioja regions?
Yes.
Many producers will source blends from all three subregions to create a base style, combining the freshness of Rioja Alavesa, the extract and alcoholic warmth of Rioja Oriental, and the acidity and structure of Rioja Alta.
40
Do some producers in Rioja produce from single regions?
Yes
Some producers prefer the typicity that results from single region and single vineyard bottlings: staunch traditionalist López de Heredia produces single vineyard wines from estate vineyards such as Bosconia and Tondonia
Ysios a modern winery renowned for its avant-garde architectural design—produces pure Tempranillo from its estate vineyards in the Rioja Alavesa region.
41
Which region in Rioja does Garnacha perform best?
Garnacha performs best in Rioja Oriental's hot climate
42
Modern bodega design is sweeping through Rioja. Name a couple estates that have modernist bodegas
Ysios, Marqués de Riscal, de Heredia
Architecturally, Ysios is at the forefront of a new movement in spectacular modern bodega design sweeping through Rioja. Marqués de Riscal’s estate now includes an impressive new structure designed by Frank Gehry, famed architect of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, and even de Heredia, the oldest winery in Haro, now features a sleek new visitors’ boutique designed by Zaha Hadid.
43
As of 2018, producers may register their Viñedos Singulares and print official single vineyard names on their labels. What are the requirements for a single vineyard?
To be a single vineyard:
- The vineyard's soil must be assessed
- The vines must be at least 35 years old
- The estate must have proof that it has been working with the vineyard for at least 10 years
- The wine must pass a tasting panel.
- The grapes must also be hand-harvested at a yield of at least 20 hectoliters per hectare less than what is typically required of regional wines.
44
In 2018, the Vino Espumoso de Calidad category was added in Rioja for traditional method sparkling wine. What are the requirements to be labeled as such?
-The grapes must be hand-harvested
-The entire winemaking process must take place at the same facility (that is, it cannot be moved at any stage of the process).
-Brut Nature, Extra Brut, and Brut styles are allowed.
-Vino Espumoso requires a minimum of 15 months lees aging.
Reserve and Gran Reserve require 24 and 36 months, respectively.
45
What type of bottlings is Navarra DO famous for?
Rosado
46
Where is Navarra DO located?
Northeast of Rioja. Borders with Rioja
47
What percentage of red wine is produced in Navarro?
60%
| Only 25% of production is rosado
48
What are the major red varieties in the Navarra DO?
Garnacha and Tempranillo
Red grapes of French origin, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir, are on the rise
49
Which is Navarra DO's most planted white varietal?
Chardonnay
White grapes only account for 6% of plantings in Navarra
50
What are the five subregions of Navarra DO?
The higher altitude Valdizarbe, Baja Montaña and Tierra Estella in the north
Ribera Alta in the center of the zone
Ribera Baja in the hot southern sector.
51
What 3 Navarra estates have recently reached Pago DO status?
Señorio de Arínzano in Tierra Estella
Prado Irache in Tierra Estella
Bodegas Otazu in Valdizarbe.
52
Where is the autonomía of Aragon located?
The autonomía of Aragon, to the east of Rioja and Navarra
53
What are the autonomía of Aragon's 4 DO's?
Campo de Borja
Calatayud
Cariñena
Somontano.
54
Which grape dominates vineyard acreage in Campo de Borja DO?
Granacha
It accounts for 2/3 of vineyard acreage
Garnacha also dominates the vineyards of Calatayud DO and Cariñena DO to the south
55
What styles of wine are produced in Campo de Borja DO?
Red and rosado wines are produced, principally from Garnacha and Tempranillo, and white wines are based on Viura.
56
The up-and-coming Somontano DO (“beneath the mountain”) lies in the foothills of the Pyrenees near Catalonia, what varietals and types of wine does it produce?
It produces wines from local grapes such as the white Alcañón and red Parraleta, as well as a larger compliment of Spanish and international varietals.
57
When was Cariñena DO delimited?
1932
Cariñena, one of Spain’s longstanding delimited zones (dating to 1932) is the ancestral home of the Carignan/Mazuelo grape, but today the grape is a secondary player in the region’s blends.
58
What are the 5 DO's within Galicia?
```
Rías Baixas
Ribeiro
Valdeorras
Ribeira Sacra
Monterrei.
```
59
Which autonomía are part of Green Spain?
Galicia, Austrias, Cantabria, Pais Vasco
Green Spain includes the autonomía of Galicia, which borders Portugal in the northwestern corner of the country, and the autonomías of Asturias, Cantabria, and País Vasco (Basque Country) along the northern Costa Verde, or green coast.
60
What is a synonym for Pais Vasco?
Basque Country
61
Rías Baixas DO (the “low estuaries”) borders Portugal on the coast and contains which five subzones?
```
Val do Salnés
Ribeira do Ulla
Soutomaior
O Rosal
Condado do Tea
```
62
Will a wine labeled Rías Baixas Albariño contain any blending grapes?
No
63
If a wine is instead labeled with one of the northern subzones (Val do Salnés or Ribeira do Ulla) instead of Rias Baixas, it must contain a minimum of 70% of which grape?
Albariño
Loureiro
Treixadura
Caiño Blanco
64
What are the varietal requirements for the southern subzones of O Rosal and Condado do Tea?
minimum 70% of Albariño combined with, respectively, either Loureira or Treixadura—the favored white grapes in Portugal’s neighboring Vinho Verde—in any combination
65
What are classic Albarino tasting notes?
classic Albariño wines tend to show stone fruit and citrus flowers, with the suggestion of bubble gum and an undercurrent of minerality.
66
Which grapes are Rias Baixas red wines produced from?
Red wines are produced from grapes such as Caiño, Espadeiro and Mencía, but nearly 90% of the vineyard acreage in Rías Baixas is devoted to Albariño.
67
What percentage of Rias Baixas vineyard acreage is devoted to Albarino?
90%
68
What river is the Ribeiro DO located on?
Miño River
69
What grapes does the Ribeiro DO produce from?
Treixadura (white)
Caino (Red)
The region produces red and white wines based on Galician varietals—Treixadura is the favored white grape, gradually replacing the neutral, heavier Palomino, and Caiño is preferred for reds.
70
What is Viño Tostado?
A dried grape wine that is a local speciality of the Ribeiro DO.
71
What are the 5 subregions of the Ribeira Sacra DO?
```
Amandi
Chantada
Quiroga-Bibei
Riberas do Sil
Riberas do Miño
```
72
What is the Ribeira Sacra DO "sacred bank" named for?
Its large concentration of churches.
The remote region’s better red and white wines are based on Mencía, Treixadura, and Godello
73
Valdeorras DO is Galicia’s easternmost zone and produces which varietals in which styles?
Red and rosé wines are produced, the region’s best wines are clean, fruit-driven, high-acid Godello whites.
74
What is the southernmost DO in Galicia?
Monterrei DO
75
How many DO's are there between Asturias and Cantabria?
Zero
76
What are País Vasco's principal DO zones?
Getariako Txakolina
Bizkaiko Txakolina
Arabako Txakolina
Wines from all three DOs may be white, red, or rosado, but the white wines, produced from the native Ondarrabi Zuri grape, are predominant.
In Getariako alone, Ondarrabi Zuri (Hondarribi Zuri) accounts for 95% of vineyard acreage, with the remaining acreage planted to Ondarrabi Beltza, the preferred local red variety.
The rare rosado wines, traditionally known as Ojo de Gallo, are often blends of the two grapes. The white wines, a perfect compliment to oily seafood, are low in alcohol, high in lemony acidity, and retain a light effervescence
77
Which is Spains largest autonomia?
Castilla y Leon.
“The land of castles” includes a number of such fortifications built to repel the Moors in the early Middle Ages, and the dynastic union of Castilla y León and Aragon through marriage in the 15th century led to the birth of the Kingdom of Spain. Castilian Spanish was the only official dialect in Spain for two centuries prior to the ratification of the Spanish constitution in 1978
78
What is Castilla y León's climate like?
The region is generally characterized by a continental climate, slightly moderated by its proximity to the Atlantic and Mediterranean but still subject to extreme highs and lows.
The terrain of Castilla y León consists of the northern part of the Meseta Central—the arid central plateau of Spain—and the mountains that encircle it.
79
What river flows through Casilla y Leon?
The Duero.
The Duero River flows westward through the center of the region and passes the DOs of Ribera del Duero, Rueda, Toro, Tierra del Vino de Zamora, and finally Arribes on its path toward Portugal.
80
What territory does Bierzo border?
Bierzo borders Valdeorras in Galicia.
81
Which river tributaries are located in the Bierzo DO
The Sil River and its tributaries are located in the Bierzo DO
82
Which is the major red grape in the Bierzo DO?
The Mencía grape
The grape comprises a minimum 70% of red wines and 50% of rosé wines, although many of the region’s newer and more serious reds are solely produced from Mencía
83
Descendientes de José Palacios was founded in Bierzo in 1999 by who?
Alvaro Palacios
Alvaro Palacios, already a marquee name in Priorat, founded Descendientes de José Palacios with his nephew Ricardo Palacios in 1999, and achieved instant recognition for Bierzo with their biodynamic “Corullón” bottlings: extracted, old-vine Mencía-based wines sourced from mountainside schist soils.
The project, along with other modern trailblazers such as Dominio de Tares and Pittacum, is commanding top dollar for its wines.
84
Who makes the "Corullón" bottling? Where? From which grapes.
The Corullón bottling is made from extracted old-vine Mencia-based wines sourced from mountainside schist soils.
It is produced by the estate of Alvaro Palacios and his cousin Ricardo Palacios: Descendientes de José Palacios in Bierzo DO
85
Which white grape dominates the vineyards of Bierzo?
Palomino
Although Godello and Doña Blanca show more promise
86
When did the Tierra de León DO get upgraded? What wines does it produce?
2007
It produces reds, whites, and rosados. Recommended red grapes include Mencía and the local Prieto Picudo.
87
Ribera de Duero DO surround which towns in the Duero River Valley?
Aranda de Duero and Peñafiel
Ribera del Duero DO is considered one of Spain's top red wine producing regions
88
What has long been the flagship bodega in Ribera del Duero DO?
Vega Sicilia
Vega Sicilia was founded in by Don Eloy Lecanda y Chaves, who in 1864 planted a number of Bordeaux varietals and—curiously—a little Pinot Noir alongside Tinto del País (Tempranillo) in order to make brandy.
In 1929, following an ownership change and a transition to estate-bottled table wines, new winemaker Domingo Txomin achieved international acclaim at the Barcelona World’s Fair with his 1917 and 1918 vintages of Único, Vega Sicilia’s benchmark wine.
89
What is Vega Sicilia's benchmark wine?
Unico
Único, blended from Tinto del País, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot and aged, often for a decade or more in American and French oak barrels, has long commanded extravagantly high prices, even as a simple vino de mesa
90
When was Vega Sicilia founded?
1864
91
When did Ribero del Duero achieve DO status?
1982
92
Before 1982, under which classification was Unico released as?
vino de mesa
93
What are some other boutique wineries in Ribero del Duero?
Pesquera
Dominio de Pingus
Aalto
94
Which white wine are produced in the Ribera del Duero?
Zero.
White wines are not allowed HOWEVER the white Albillo grapes is permitted to use as a blending grape for Rosados.
95
Red and Rosado wines in the Ribera del Duero are produced from which grapes?
Tempranillo, Garnacha, Cab Sauv, Merlot, Albillo
Tempranillo, variously known as Tinto del País and Tinto Fino, is the region’s premier grape and enjoys a near monopoly on its vineyards.
Small amounts of Garnacha and international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are also cultivated, as is the early-ripening white Albillo grape, permitted for freshness in the rosado wines.
96
Rosados and red wines that do not fulfill the minimum aging requirement for crianza in the Ribera del Duero are called?
Vino Joven
Most rosados fall into this characterization
97
When did Rueda receive its DO?
1980
98
What white grapes are cultivated in Rueda?
The white Verdejo grape, easily prone to oxidation, through careful handling, controlled temperatures and an anaerobic environment, Verdejo could provide delicate, aromatic wines, rather than the oxidative, sherry-style wines of the past.
99
If a white wine is labeled Rueda, what % of Verdejo must be in the bottle?
50%
White wines simply labeled as Rueda now require a minimum 50% of the grape, often blended with Viura. Wines may also be varietally labeled as either Verdejo or Sauvignon Blanc.
In line with the European standard, 85% of the stated grape is required for varietal wines.
100
Rueda DO red wines are dominated by which grape?
Tempranillo
101
Rueda DO rosado wines must contain what percentage of red grapes?
50%
102
What is Dorado wine?
A dry, fortified, oxidized wine
The occasional dry fortified, oxidized Dorado wine is still encountered, although these wines are a dying style in a region energized by freshness, and are not often encountered outside Spain.
103
In which styles are Ruedo DO Espumoso wines produced?
Espumoso, or sparkling wines, are produced in both rosado and white styles.
Brut and Brut Nature Espumoso wines require a minimum 85% Verdejo.
104
In Brut and Brut Nature Espumoso wines of the Rueda DO what percentage must include the Verdejo grape?
85%
105
Toro DO produces what kind of wines from which grapes?
Toro DO produces red, white and rosado wines, although it is the region’s red wines that have attracted the most international interest.
Red wines require a minimum 75% Tinta de Toro. However, they are often produced solely from the grape, a local strain of Tempranillo, which ripens easily in the extremely hot, dry continental summers of Toro.
White wines may be made with Verdejo or Malvasia, and rosados are either saignée blends of Tinto de Toro and Garnacha, or 100% Garnacha.
106
What percentage of Tinto de Toro must be in Toro DO red wines?
75%
107
Tino de Toro is related to which grape?
It is a local strain of Tempranillo
108
Who is behind Bodegas Pintia in Toro DO?
Vega Sicilia
109
Name two prominent producers in the Toro DO
Bodegas Pintia
Fariña
Numanthia-Termes
110
Tierra del Vino de Zamora DO lies to the west of Toro, and produces which type of wines?
red, white, rosado, and the lighter clarete (rosé) wines from similar grapes as Toro DO (Tempranillo, Verdejo, Malvasia). Reds require a minimum 75% Tempranillo.
111
The Dehesa la Granja estate was founded by who? Where?
Alejándro Fernández of Pesquera (Vegas Sicilia's Ribera de Duero rival) staked his claim in Zamora, with the founding of the Dehesa la Granja estate.
112
At the border of Portugal, west of Toro DO, lies Arribes DO. What type of wine is produced there?
Red: Rufete, Tempranillo
White: Malvasia, Verdejo, Albilla
Rufete—reflecting the region’s proximity to Portugal—and several other red grapes join Tempranillo in the appellation's vineyards; white wines are produced from Malvasia, Verdejo, and Albilla.
113
Cigales DO is located to the north of old capital city of Valladolid, and to the northwest of Ribera del Duero, what type of wine is it specifically known for?
Rosado and nuevo (primeur) rosado production.
It also produces reds principally from Garnacha Tinta and Tinto del País (Tempranillo)
114
Arlanza DO, to the east of Cigales and directly north of Ribera del Duero, is one of Spain’s newest DOs, dating to 2007 - what do wineries produce here?
A small core of wineries produces reds and whites from a complement of Duero Valley and Bordeaux varieties.
115
Where is Catalonia located?
On the Mediterranean coast of Spain, south or France (the Pyrenees divide the two)
A stone’s throw (and a trek over the Pyrenees) from Roussillon in France, a region with which it shares a common culture and lineage. Catalonia and Roussillon split in the 17th century, when the king of Spain ceded Roussillon to France, a political division that has existed to this day.
Although the two regions fly a similar flag of red and yellow stripes as a reminder of an intertwined history, a shared interest in heavier, fortified and sweet red wines has ceded ground in the Catalonia
116
Who introduced stainless steel fermentation to Spain? Where and when?
1960, Miguel Torres introduced stainless steel fermentation to Catalonia.
117
What did René Barbier come to Catalonia to plant?
René Barbier sought to create a bold new Spanish red wine in 1979, he planted his grapes in Catalonia.
Priorat DOCa (DOQ in Catalan) in the southwest of Catalonia is the site of René Barbier’s project and home to some of Spain’s richest, most concentrated red wines.
The region of Catalonia exemplifies the modern face of Spanish winemaking and technological innovation; however, amidst the new is a backbone of tradition and older styles—wines produced in the same fashion for generations.
118
Which are Spains 2 DOCa's?
Priorat DOCa & Rioja DOCa
119
How is Priorat referred to in Catalan?
What is Priorat named after?
Priorat DOQ
Priorat derives its name from Priorato de Scala Dei, a Carthusian monastery (priory) founded on the site of a boy’s vision of angels ascending to heaven.
120
What type of wine is Priorat dedicated to?
The region is overwhelmingly devoted to RED WINE production, although some white and rosado wine is produced.
Garnacha and Cariñena are the traditional varietals of Priorat, struggling to achieve even small yields in the rock-strewn schist soils of the region.
Llicorella, a mix of black slate and quartzite, characterizes the best vineyards, requiring vines to dig deeply for water.
121
What is Llicorella?
Llicorella is a mix of black slate and quartzite, that characterizes the best vineyards in Priorat, requiring vines to dig deeply for water.
122
Who cooperatively produced the first wine of Priorat?
In 1979 Barbier, a winemaker for Alvaro Palacios, planted a mix of local and French vines in the llicorella soils of Gratallops, and convinced Palacios and several others to join him.
In 1989 they cooperatively produced a first effort—a single red wine bottled under five different labels—and turned the eyes of the wine world towards Priorat.
The five original “Clos” wines of Priorat, commonly acknowledged as Barbier’s Clos Mogador, Palacios' Clos Dofi, Clos Erasmus, Clos de l’Obac, and Clos Martinet, were released as vino de mesa, yet they represented a new pinnacle of quality for the region.
123
What is the significance of Barbiers' Clos Mogador?
It is one of the five Clos to collectively produce and release Priorat red wine.
124
What were the first five Clos of Priorat?
```
Barbier's: Clos Mogador
Palacios' : Clos Dofi
Clos Erasmus
Clos de l’Obac
Clos Martinet
```
125
When did the Barbier project split and winemakers made their own individual wines?
1992
After the 1991 vintage, the project split and the wines moved forward in separate production.
126
Today, what are some of the top bodegas in Priorat?
```
Clos Mogador
Alvaro Palacios
Clos Erasmus
Costers del Siurana (whose founder, Carles Pastrana produced Clos de l’Obac)
Mas Martinet
Vall Llach
Scala Dei
```
127
What varieties typically dominate Priorat's best red wines?
Priorat’s best red wines are usually dominated by Garnacha or blended from Spanish and French varietals, and subject to varying shades of French barrique treatment.
128
What component of Priorat wines needs to be closely managed in the vinification process?
High ABV, Priorat wines can easily reach up to 18% ABV
129
What is "Vino de Pueblo" in Priorat?
In 2009, Priorat established a village category (Vino de Pueblo) for estate-grown wines from twelve villages, including Gratallops.
130
Which DO almost entirely surrounds Priorat?
The Montsant DO, a ring-shaped region that was until 2002 a subzone of Tarragona.
Like Priorat, Garnacha and Cariñena are dominant, and the region seems poised to offer a value alternative as Priorat’s prices continue to rise.
131
Which market represents the most substantial market for Tarragona DO wines?
Communion wines for Christian churches.
Tarragona DO is much larger, encompassing a swath of the Catalan coast to the west of Penedès DO. Historically, Tarragona wines were generally fortified rancio or mistela, the Spanish version of vin de liqueur. Today, much of the vineyard area has been converted to white varieties for Cava, but these old styles are still made in small quantities. Communion wines for Christian churches now represent the most substantial market for Tarragona’s wines.
132
The Costers del Segre DO spans several noncontiguous sub zones between Tarragona and Somontano, what are they?
```
Pallars Jussà
Artesa de Segre
Valls du Riucorb
Segrià
Garrigues
Urgell
Raïmat
```
133
What is significant about Raïmat?
Raïmat is the smallest subzone of Costers de Segre DO, houses an estate of the same name that was integral to the formation of the zone.
With far-reaching foresight, Manuel Raventós purchased arid, infertile land in the region for his Raïmat estate in 1914; over sixty years later, after a transformation of the parched land through canal construction and agricultural restoration, his estate produced its first commercial vintage.
134
What coast does the Penedès DO lie on?
The Catalan coast
135
Which 3 distinct altitude zones is Penedes divided into?
Baix-Penedès
Medio-Penedès
Alt-Penedès
136
The Alt-Penedès is particularly suited to which Cava grape?
The Alt-Penedès, one of Europe’s highest altitude winegrowing regions, is perfectly suited to cultivation of the white PARELLADA grape, one of the principal grapes in the Cava sparkling blend.
137
Although Cava has its own DO, what percentage of Cava is produced in Penedes DO?
95%
138
What red grape thrives in Medio-Penedès?
Ull de Llebre (Tempranillo)
139
What is a synonym for Ull de Llebre?
Tempranillo
140
What grapes are planted in Baix-Penedès?
Sturdier Mediterranean red grapes like Garnacha (Garnatxa) and Monastrell are planted in the lower vineyards of the Baix-Penedès, producing high-alcohol red and rosado wines, which have replaced the sweet fortified reds popular in the past—and across the border in Roussillon.
141
Although red grapes dominate in the Baix-Penedès, two producers—Vega de Ribes and the charity Hospital de Sant Joan Baptista—are perpetuating which grape variety?
Malvasia de Sitges
Malvasia de Sitges recently received the coveted Slow Food “presidia” status, helping to insure its future survival as a unique product of the region.
142
Do red or white grapes dominate Baix-Penedès?
Red
143
Where is the birthplace of Cava?
San Sadurní d’Anoia in the Alt-Penedès
144
Who is the worlds largest producers of sparkling wine?
Freixenet
145
Who introduced método tradicional sparkling winemaking to Spain?
Jose Raventós
Jose Raventós of Codorníu introduced método tradicional sparkling winemaking to Spain, in 1872. Today, Codorníu is second in size only to the competing house of Freixenet, the world’s largest producer of sparkling wines
146
What have been Spain's contribution to sparkling wine? Particularly its influence on Champagne.
The idea for the gyropalette originated in Spain, and Champagne has refined its dosage levels to those already in place in the Cava DO.
147
What grapes may be used in Cava DO wines?
```
Parellada
Xarel-lo
Macabeu
Chardonnay
Pinot Noir
Garnacha Tinta
Monastrell
Trepat
Malvasia (Subirat)
```
148
What are the recommended Cava grapes the are the traditional grapes for the wine?
Macabeu, Xarel-lo and Parellada
The recommended grapes Macabeu, Xarel-lo and Parellada provide the traditional blend for the wine; with new plantings and more appropriate viticultural practices they are providing better wines, deferring past criticisms aimed at the blowsy, broad, neutral character of the wines.
149
What are the lees aging requirements for Cava?
Normal: 9 months
Reserve: 15 months
Gran reserva: 30 months
150
True or False:
| The Cava DO is the only Spanish Denominación de Origen that covers a style, rather than a region.
True
Technically, Spain mapped and delimited the regions of Cava production in order to comply with EU regulations—the region just happened to coincide with the vineyards of many producers throughout Spain who were already making the wine.
151
What symbol on a Cava cork let's you know this is a Cava DO wine?
Bottles of Cava can always be spotted by the mark of a four-pointed star imprinted on the cork.
152
In the Alella DO, northeast of Penedes what is Xarel-lo known as?
Xarel-lo is known locally as Pansà Blanca
153
What DO is located in the northeastern corner of Spain, bordering Banyuls in Roussillon?
Empordà DO
The focus is on Cariñena rosados, although Garnacha and international varietals are enjoying success
154
What does the Catalunya DO encompass?
The Catalunya DO encompasses the entire autonomía, covering wineries not included in more specific DO zones and allowing more freedom of blending and expression from a range of sites and authorized grapes.
155
Where are the The Balearic Islands located?
Off the coast of Catalonia
156
How many DOs are located on The Balearic Islands?
Pla I Llevant DO
Binissalem Mallorca DO
The Balearic Islands are an autonomía closely associated with Catalan culture.
Two DO zones, Pla I Llevant DO and Binissalem Mallorca DO, produce wines from a range of international and indigenous grapes, including Manto Negro and Moll (Prensal Blanc).
157
Valencia is simultaneously a DO, capital city, and autonomia - what wines are produced there?
Valencia focuses on white wines produced from the local Merseguera grape and other varieties.
The wines can be fairly neutral, and the region is better known for its oranges and its paella—Valencia is the birthplace of the famous Spanish rice dish
158
What other DO's exist within Valencia?
Alicante DO and Utiel-Requena DO
159
What is Alicante DO known for?
Alicante DO is known for dessert wines: a local specialty is Fondillón, a solera-style, oxidative dessert wine produced from overripe Monastrell (Mourvèdre) grapes aged for a minimum of ten years.
Unlike Sherry, the famous solera wine of Andalucía, Fondillón is not fortified and it does carry the flavor of wood.
160
What is Fondillion?
A solera-style, oxidatvie dessert wine produced from overripe Monastrell (Mourvedre) grapes, aged for a min of 10 years.
161
Is Fondillón fortified?
NO
162
What grape is used to produce Fondillón?
Monastrell (Mourvedre)
163
What types of wines does Utiel-Requena DO produce?
Utiel-Requena DO red wines are primarily produced from the Bobal grape and doble pasta is a traditional style.
164
What is doble pasta?
Doble Pasta red wines are macerated and fermented with twice the normal amount of grape skins and pulp, resulting in a wine of intense concentration, tannin and color.
Often, doble pasta wines are used to strengthen weaker blends, but this traditional role is ebbing away with the rising production of grape concentrate in Utiel-Requena.
165
What are the 3 DOs of Murcia?
Jumilla DO
Yecla DO
Bullas DO
166
How would you best desscribe Jumilla DO's climate?
Desert-like
167
What grapes are cultivated in Jumilla DO?
Monastrell
Garnacha, Petit Verdot, and other grapes may be used for blending, but Monastrell alone occupies over 80% of the region’s vineyards.
Jumilla resisted phylloxera until the 1980s, nearly one hundred years after the bug entered Spain, and the resulting vineyard decimation allowed the region’s producers to refocus, pivoting away from generic bulk wine production to the cultivation of the drought-resistant, thick-skinned Monastrell.
168
What percentage of Jumilla's output is red or rosado?
Over 95%
169
Which is Europe's single larges demarcated region?
La Mancha DO
La Mancha DO lies within the Castilla-La Mancha autonomía and is Europe’s largest single demarcated wine region. Windmills dot the flat plain, recalling Don Quixote, Cervantes’ delusional knight-errant, whose silhouette adorns the logo of the La Mancha DO Consejo Regulador.
170
What are the primary grapes of La Mancha DO?
The principal grapes of the region are Cencibel (Tempranillo) and Airén, which thrive in La Mancha’s hot, dry environment—an inhospitable region for fungus and mold.
171
What is a synonym for Cencibel?
Tempranillo
172
Where else in the world is the Airén grape found?
Nowhere else
Despite being found only in southern Spain, Airén claims more acreage than any other white grape in the world, due to vast tracts of low-density plantings in La Mancha. The grape is on the decline today, and a significant amount of the vast annual harvest is destined for distillation.
173
Why was the Marqués de Griñon estate in the Méntrida DO a controversial estate?
The Marqués de Griñon estate planted Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Syrah, and Merlot and adopted the illegal practice of drip irrgation, releasing modern, concentrated wines as vino de mesa.
Officials rewarded the estate’s controversial methodology and encépagement in 2003, granting Marques de Griñon an estate appellation: DO Pago Dominio de Valdepusa.
174
What is the DO Pago name for the Marqués de Griñon estate?
Dominio de Valdepusa
175
Do you see DO Pagos in the Castilla-La Mancha region?
Yes.
All of the DO Pagos work with international varieties
176
Which estate enjoys the longest history of any of the La Mancha DO Pagos?
The Marqués de Griñon estate, founded as recently as 1973, enjoys the longest history of any of the La Mancha DO Pagos, and has enlisted both the Pomerol guru Michel Rolland and his mentor, the esteemed Émile Peynaud, in its quest to quickly position itself at the top of Spain’s quality ladder.
177
The Almansa DO in the Castilla-La Mancha region, rely on which red grape for red wine production? What is unique about it?
Garnacha Tintorera grape
It is a a teinturier characterized by red-pigmented flesh and juice
178
What soil type is found in Valdepeñas DO?
Chalk bedrock, which provides better retention of water in the arid environment
179
The Valdepeñas DO produces from which varieties?
Like La Mancha DO Airén is the most planted grape, followed by Cencibel.
Although the climate of the two regions is quite similar, the vines in Valdepeñas benefit from a higher concentration of chalk bedrock, which provides better retention of water in the arid environment.
Valdepeñas DO—the “valley of rocks”—is surrounded by La Mancha, yet the region received formal recognition in 1932, over forty years earlier than its much larger neighbor.
180
Does the Valdepeñas DO produce reserva and/or gran reserva wines?
yes
Reserva and gran reserva wines, often produced exclusively from Cencibel, can be of excellent quality—particularly those sourced from the western sector of Los Llanos and the northern sector of Las Aberturas.
181
To the Northwest of La Mancha is Uclés DO - focusing on which varietals and in which styles?
Red varietals: Cencibel, Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah.
The DO requires vines bearing red grapes to be in their sixth year of age before the fruit may be harvested, and mature vines are divided into three age categories; maximum yields decrease with the vine’s age
White wines, sparkling wines, and sweet, dulce wines are also produced.
182
The Vinos de Madrid DO covers wine produced in which three areas?
San Martín de Valdeiglesias
Navalcarnero
Arganda
Airén, Malvar, Tinto Fino, and Negra de Madrid (Garnacha) are widely planted in the appellation; most of the wines are consumed within the city itself.
183
What is the sole DO of the Extremadura autonomia?
Ribera del Guadiana DO
184
What are the 6 sub-regions of Ribera del Guadiana DO?
```
Ribera Alta de Guadiana
Ribera Baja de Guadiana
Matanegra
Cañamero
Montánchez
Tierra de Barros
```
Although some good value wine is produced, much of the region’s large harvest ends up in the copper stills of Jerez, and the region is overall better known for its contributions to gastronomy: jamón sérrano and the prohibitively expensive jamón ibérico.
185
Of Ribera del Guadiana DO's 6 sub-regions, which is considered superior?
Tierra de Barros
Tierra do Barros, which encompasses nearly 80% of the DO, is the home of Bodegas Inviosa, a longstanding and key proponent of the region’s wines—and the only producer of Cava in southwestern Spain.
186
Who is the only producer of Cava in Southwestern Spain?
Bodegas Inviosa
187
What are Andalicia's DO's?
```
Málaga
Sierras de Málaga
Montilla-Moriles
Condado du Huelva
Jerez-Xérès-Sherry
Manzanilla Sanlúcar de Barrameda
```
188
What does “Sherish” in Arabic refer to?
The city of Jerez de la Frontera
The city of Jerez de la Frontera was known as “Sherish” in Arabic—key to a successfully prosecuted case in more recent times contesting British use of the term Sherry.
189
When did the Moorish reign fall in Andalucia?
The Moorish culture persisted longest here, until the fall of Granada in 1492 ended Moorish rule on the Iberian Peninsula.
Eight months later, Columbus set sail from Andalucía to find his ocean route to the East Indies. This event, sparking the race for colonial power and discovery in the Americas, was to have a profound effect on the future of Spanish wine—particularly the fortified wines of Andalucía and the neighboring Canary Islands, which, along with Porto and Madeira, supplied the New World.
190
What does "sack" refer to?
The wines of Jerez were known to English-speakers as "sack".
They found a market in England, France, and Flanders.
191
What are the two DO zones that cover Sherry production?
Jerez-Xérès-Sherry DO and Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda DO
192
Which three towns form "the golden triangle" of sherry production
Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, and El Puerto de Santa Maria
All sherry wines must be shipped from one of the three
193
What is a synonym for the Palomino grape?
Listan
194
What are the tree authorized grapes for Sherry production?
Palomino, Pedro Ximénez and Moscatel
195
What is the preferred varietal for Sherry?
Palomino (aka Listan)
196
What type of soil characterizes the best vineyards in Sherry producing regions?
The white albariza soils
197
Other than the white albariza soils, what soils are common in sherry producing regions?
The lower-lying vineyards usually contain more BARROS (clay), whereas coastal vineyards are characterized by sandy soils called ARENAS, and are principally suitable for Moscatel grapes.
198
What is the principle grape in Montilla-Moriles DO?
Pedro Ximénez (PX) is the zone’s principal grape, and Jerez has received dispensation to import PX must from Montilla-Moriles to compensate for its own declining acreage of the grape.
Wines in the style of sherry—fino, oloroso, and amontillado—are produced in both fortified and unfortified versions.
199
Can wines from Montilla-Moriles DO be labeled "Sherry"
NO
200
How were Málaga DO wines classically made?
Classically, the grapes are dried for a period of up to 20 days on esparto grass mats (a process known as the soleo) prior to fermentation.
Today, the wines of Málaga are either naturally sweet wines—produced either from soleo or simply overripe grapes—or fortified sweet wines.
201
What are the five age categories exist for Málaga?
```
Málaga Pálido - maximum six months of aging in oak
Málaga - six to 24 months
Málaga Noble - two to three years
Málaga Añejo - three to five years
Málaga Transañejo (minimum five years)
```
202
What name is Malago DO table wine released under?
Sierras de Málaga DO
203
Where are the Canary Islands located?
Off the coast of Africa. 700 miles from the Iberian peninsula
204
What is the climate of the Canary Islands?
The archipelago is of volcanic origin and has a sub-tropical climate.
205
How many DO zones are located on the Canary island of Tenerife?
5 DO zones
206
Did phylloxera hit the Canary Islands?
No. Because of this, you can find over 100 year old vines on the island.
207
What grapes are cultivated on the Canary Islands?
```
Red wines are usually produced from:
Listán Negro
Negramoll (Tinta Negra)
Malvasía Rosada
Listán Prieto (Mission)
```
```
Whites may result from a larger combination of grapes, including :
Malvasía
Gual
Forastera Blanca
MoscatelIs
Listán Blanco (Palomino).
```
The fortified wines of the past have ceded ground to the fresh vino joven styles popular with the islands’ tourists.
208
Is the Ondarrabi Zuri grape a white or red grape?
White
209
Ojo de Gallo, a rare and traditional rosada wine in Pais Vasco is produced from which red and which white grape?
Ondarrabi Zuri and Ondarrabi Beltza
210
What is the hottest wine region in Spain?
Jerez
211
What is an almacenista?
An almacenista is a small sherry stockholder. Historically, almacenistas would sell their wines to the big sherry houses where they would be blended into soleras to create the house style. In 1997 laws that prevented almacenistras from bottling their own sherry were changed, making it possible for small producers to sell their own wine.
212
Describe the aging of amontillado sherry
Amontillado sherry is a sherry that starts its aging under a layer of flor, but then loses it, and finishes the aging process oxidatively. The result is a pale brown wine with a nutty aroma.
213
How many liters is in an aroba?
16.6L
214
What is the traditional unit of measurement used in Jerez?
Aroba
215
What is arrope?
Arrope is an ancient method of imparting sweetness and color to a base wine made by reducing unfermented grape must to 20% of its original volume
216
What is an aspilla?
An aspilla is a dipstick used to measure how much liquid there is in a barrel
217
What is the name used for "barrel" in Sherry country
Bota
218
What is the name of a sherry cellarmaster?
Capataz
219
What are the tiers in a solera system called?
Criaderas (translation: nursery)
220
What does "en Rama" indicate on a sherry label?
It indicates the wine is "raw", meaning it was bottled straight from the cask without fining or filtration. While many Sherries claim to be "en rama" few actual are. True en rama is best enjoyed at the bodega, but if bottles must be refrigerated and consumed within 4-6 months of bottling date.
221
Describe the fino style of sherry
Fino is sherry that has been aged entirely under flor and, therefore, is not oxidized. Finos are dry, colder in color and best served cold.
222
In Spain, what is the Levante?
A hot wind from the south-east
223
Describe the manzanilla style of sherry
Manzanilla is a special type of fino that is produced only in the town of Sanlucar de Barrameda
224
What is mosto?
The unfortified base wine before it becomes what is locally considered "wine" after fortification and again. Usually between 11-12.5% ABV.
225
Describe the oloroso style of sherry.
Oloroso sherry ages oxidatively, without any flor. Oloroso's are fortified to around 18% alcohol to kill of any flor that may try to form.
226
What is the poniente.
The poniente is a cool, humid wind from the west, important for the growth of flor.
227
What is the saca?
A bottling of the oldest wine of a solera.
228
What is Rocio?
Rocio is the topping of cases after the saga, refreshed with wine from the previous criadera
229
Is the sherry cellar, what is the sacrista?
The area where the oldest and most precious wines of the bodega are stored.
230
What is the sobretabla?
The youngest wine that feeds the first criadera of a solera. It comes from just one vintage.
231
What is a venencia?
A tool that is used to pull samples of sherry rom carrels without disturbing the flor.
232
Which country has the most ha under vine?
Spain with 969,000 ha undervine as of 2018.
However, it’s the third largest producer of wine behind Italy and France due to a lot of production going to brandy distillation, large spacing between planting in sites and old vines/low yield
Also, it’s the largest exporter of wine at 21.1 million hectoliters, however, the total value of Spain’s wine exports is less than 1/3 of France’s and less than half of Italy’s
233
There are 3 winds that effect Spain and Spains viticulture: The Poniente, the Leveche and the Levante. Describe them
Poniente: Blows cold air from the Atlantic
Leveche: Blows hot, drying wind from the African Desert
Levante: Comes from the east and funnels through Gibraltar and effects Southeastern Spain
234
What are the tiers of Spanish wine (from lowest to highest)
```
VdM (Vino de Mesa)
VdIT (Vino de la Terra)
VCIG (Vino Calidad con Indicacion Geografica)
DO
DOCa
```
235
What is the pliego de conditioners?
The official document that dictates appellation regulations such as wine growing, including yields, vine training, viticultural practices, vilification technique and permitted varieties
236
What is a PDO or Vino de Pago?
A designation awarded to a single estate that may exist within our outside of a DO. First established in Castilla-la-Mancha and not generally seen in prestigious appelllations
237
In which region is Goldello most often featured in Spain?
Galicia - Valdeorras
238
What is Macabeo called in Rioja?
Virua
239
Which Spanish appellation is most know for Verdejo?
Rueda
240
Which is Spain’s most planted varietal?
Airen
241
Which is Spain’s most planted red varietal
Tempranillo
242
What is a synonym for Mazuelo is Spain?
Carinena or Carinyena (Carignan in French)
Also can be Mazeula, Crujillon, and Samso
243
Where is carinena produced as a monovarietal and taken seriously in Spain?
Priorat
244
Where are Carinena and Garnacha indeginous to?
Spain
245
The grape known as Jean in Portugual is which Spanish grape?
Mencia
246
Mencia is successful in all of Galicia’s DO’s but particularly shines in which region?
Riebeira Sacra
247
What is the French synonym for Monastrell?
Mourvedre
248
What is Fondillon and where is it produced?
Fondillon is a hisrtoric oxidative and off-dry late harvest wine of Alicante. It is produced from Monastrell grapes
249
Is Tempranillo and early or late ripened?
Early bud break and early ripener (Temprano)
250
Cencibel, Tinto del Pais, Tinto de Toro, Tinto Fino, Tinto Roriz, Ull de Llebre are all synonyms for which Spanish varietal?
Tempranillo
251
Which river separates Galicia from Portugal?
The Mino
252
In Galicia, what are Pazos?
Local estates
253
When was the Rias Baixas Do established?
1988
254
Xabre dominates much of the Rias Baixas vineyards - what is this soil composed of?
Decomposed granite - sandy. Think “sable” in French
255
Which are Rias Baixas 5 subzones?
```
Val do Salnes
O Rosal
Condado de tea
Ribeira do Ulla
Soutomaior
```
256
How are vines trained in Rias Baixas?
In a parral or “pergola” system.
This creates an overhead canopy that provides grapes with shelter from the region’s marginal weather and accounts for an opportunity to cultivate other crops between the vines.
257
In sparking wine produced in Rias Baixas?
Yes, in very small amounts from Caíño Tinto, Espadeiro, Loureira Tinta, Sousón, Mencía, and Brancellao.
258
Which monk initiated wine making in Galicia?
The Cistercian monks who came from Burgundy.
259
In Rias Baixas, what’s an horreo?
A grainery on the grounds of the pazo (estate) that was hoisted above ground by stone pillars - vines also are hosted high up using the parra or pergola training system
260
What does the name Rias Baixas translate to?
Low Estuaries
261
Which are the five subzones of Rias Baixas?
```
Condado do Tea
O Rosal (Known for it’s perfumed Albarino’s)
Val do Salnes - the largest by production and most historic region
Ribera do Ulla
Soutomaior - smallest region in both size and production
```
262
Which two Rias Baixas subzones border Portugal?
O Rosal and Condado do tea
263
What are minifundias?
Small plots of vineyards owned by independent growers - large scale operations are challenging here.
264
What is vino tostado?
A dried grape wine similar to vino santo. Red or white grapes are left to dry for a minimum of 3 months following harvest.
265
Does Ribeira Sacra produce predominately red or white wines?
Red from Mencia which covers 90% of the vineyards
266
Which varietal is Valdeorras most praised for?
Godello
Though it produces a lot Mencia as well
267
Which are the two primary varietals - red and white in the Basque Country used to produce Txakoli?
```
Hondurrabi Zuri (white)
Hondarrabi Beltza (red)
```
268
Rueda and Ribeira del Duero are located in which autonomia?
Castilla y Leon
269
Where is Bierzo located in Castillo y Leon?
It is located opposite Valdeorras on the Galician border and has more similarities to Valdeorras than to most of the Castilla y Leon wine regions.
270
Which wines are Bierzo known for?
Like Ribeira Sacra in Galicia, they are known for their production of Mencia which must be 70% of the blend, though Garnacha can be blended as well.
They are also successful with their white wine production of Godello
271
Rueda is best known for its production of which grape?
Verdejo
Whites from Rueda have to be at least 50% Verdejo or Sauvignon Blanc and can be blended with Palomina, Vitra, Chardonnay and Viognier.
272
What are Rueda’s soils like?
The vineyard are flat, though at an elevation of around 600-700 meters.
The soil has a high portion of limestone and is very gravelly.
273
In Rueda, what does Palido mean?
Palido is a heritage style of biologically aged and fortified Rueda wine. (Same style as sherry)
274
What was Don Eloy Lecanda y Chaves’ influence on Ribeira del Duero?
In 1864 he founded the winery that would later become Vega Sicilia. He brought the traditional red grapes of Bordeaux as well as Pinot Noir to be planted alongside Tempranillo (though Carmenere and Pinot Noir are no longer cultivated at Vega Sicilia.
275
Vega Sicilia stood alone as an exceptional producer in Ribeira del Duero until when?
In 1972 Alejandro Fernandez established Tinto Pesquera.
And then beginning in the 1980’s there was rapid expansion. (It received DO status in 1982)
In 1995 Peter Sisseck’s Pingus was established.
276
At what elevation is Ribera del Duero planted
Between 700 - 1000 meter, amplifying the region’s diurnal swing and allowing grapes to preserve freshness and acidity through the hottest months.
277
How much vineyard acreage does Tempranillo hold in Ribera del Duero?
~95%
In Ribera del Duero Tempranillo is known as Tinto Fino or Tinta del Pais
278
Which river runs through Rioja?
The Ebro
279
Which town is the heart of the Rioja wine region?
Haro, located in Rioja Alta
280
Which event in the late 1800’s infused Rioja with capital and wine knowledge
Phylloxera in Bordeaux. The Bordealaise traveled to Spain during this time and brought with them money and know-how.
281
When did Rioja receive its DOCa status?
1991
282
Rioja lies among 4 autonomous communities - which are they?
La Rioja, Basque Country, Navarra, Castilla y Leon
283
Rioja vintages can be described as Atlantic or Mediterranean, what odes each refer to?
Atlantic refers to cooler and wetter vintages. Mediterranean refers to warmer and drier.
284
Which are Rioja’s three subzones?
Rioja Alta
Rioja Alavesa (across the river from Rioja Alta)
Rioja Alavesa, east of Rioja Alta
285
Which are the two production hubs (cities) within Rioja Alta
Haro and Logrono
286
Lopez de Heredia, Muga, and CVNE (Compania Vinicola del Norte de España) are all located in which Rioja sub region?
Rioja Alta
287
Which varietals are used as blending partners with Tempranillo in Rioja Alta?
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Granacha
Mazuelo (Carinena)
Graciano
Virua
Maturana Tina (Jura’s Trousseau)
```
288
What are Rioja Alta’s soils?
There’s a large variety of them - a lot of limestone and clay and in some places the soil can be rich in iron or full of pebbles.
289
Which grape is associated most with Rioja Oriental?
Granacha.
Granacha does well in this hotter and drier environment (when compared to Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa)
Rioja Oriental is typically the first subzone to harvest grapes
Rioja Oriental’s vineyards sit at higher elevation in the Yerba Mountains
290
What is Granacha used for in a Rioja blend (when blended with Tempranillo)
It’s used to add alcohol, body and fruitiness.
291
Which is the most prevalent white varietal in Rioja?
Viura (Macabeo)
It is commonly blended with Malvasia for Malvasia’s floral aromas.
Other permitted white varietals include:
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Sauvignon Blanc
Chardonnay
Verdejo
Garnacha Blanca
Maturana Blanca
Tempranillo Blanco
Turruntes
```
292
Are rosado and sparkling styles permitted within Rioja DOCa?
Yes both are permitted.
Sparkling (espumoso) styles are traditional method and must be aged a min of 15 months sure lie
293
According to Rioja regulations, what size barriques must be used?
225 liters
294
What are Rioja’s aging requirements?
How do these requirements differ from other Spanish regions?
Rioja’s minimum requirements are stricter than those of general Spain, they are:
Crianza Red: Min 2 years total, 1 year in oak
Crianza White: Min 2 years tota, 6 months in oak
Reserva Red: Min 3 years total, 1 year in oak, 6 months in bottle
Reserva white: Min 2 years in, 6 in oak
Gran Reserva Red: Min 5 years, 2 years oak, 2 years in bottle
Gran Reserva White/Rose: Min 5 years, 6 mons in barrel
Gran Anada: (Sparkling) 3 years on the lees, vintage wines must be hand harvested.
295
If a Rioja vineyard uses the labeling “Vinedo Singular” (single vineyard), what requirements does it need to meet?
That the wines are hand-harvested from individual sites where vines are at least 35 years old.
These wines must also achieve 30% lower yields - with whites dropping from 63 to 45 hectolitiers per hectare rand reds moving from 45.5 to 32.5 hectoliters per hectare.
They must also pass a consejo regulador tasting committee.
296
When did the consejo regulador authorize the category Vino Espumoso de Calidad de Rioja?
2017 for Espumoso wines
Crianza: 15 months sur lie
Reserva: 24 months sur lie
Gran Anada: 36 months sur lie
Dosage can be brut, extra brut, and brut natural
297
There are considered to be modernist and traditionalist techniques used in Rioja. What are some of the differences between the two?
Broadly speaking, and some producers produce in both styles...
Traditionalist: Blend from multiple sub-regions, blend varietally, open-top fermentation, rely on 225 liter American oak casks for long, semi-oxidative aging.
Modernist: Monovarietal Tempranillo wines, single-subregion and single-vineyard wines, avoidance of age classification system, cold soaking, temp-controlled fermentation in stainless steel and shorter elevate in newer, often European oak vessels.
298
What is oidium?
A fungal disease that affects vines, causing powdery mildew
299
Which range of mountains sits north of Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa?
The Cantabrian mountains.
300
What types of wines is Navarra permitted to produce?
White, red, rosado, sweet
Sweet wines are made form Moscatel de Grano Menudo
301
Which is Navarra’s most distinct product (what is it most known for)?
Deep colored rosado wines.
The best ones are Garnacha based and only allowed to be produced via the sainted method (that forbids direct pressing)
302
Red wines in Navarra are mad from which varietals?
The best are from old vine granacha.
Tempranillo, Carinena, Graciano, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Pinot Noir are also permitted
303
What are the four DOs housed within Aragon?
Calatayud
Carinena
Campo de Borja
Somontano
304
What is capital of Aragon?
Zaragoza
305
Which varietal is most consistently seen across Aragon’s DOs?
Granacha
306
Which town serves as the industrial center of Spain’s sparkling wine industry?
Sant Saturnin d’Anoia
307
Is Cava a traditional method wine?
yes
308
Who invented the gyropalette and what are its benefits?
The Spanish (Catalonians) invented the gyropalette which allows for mechanized riddling, taking the process down to three days (which would take a hand-riddler six weeks)
309
Does the Cava DO cover only the Catalan region?
No, it is an overarching DO. Though, 95% of Cava originates within Catalonia.
310
Which is the largest cava producer?
Freixenet
It is the largest producer of traditional method sparkling wine worldwide and the largest exporter of Cava.
311
Which are the three primary cava grapes?
All grapes below are white
Xarel-lo - used to strengthen the wine, add earthy flavors, broaden the mid-palate and extend its aging potential
Macabeo (Viura) - the most planted Cava varietal and the foundation and largest component of most Cavas it adds fruity breadth and structure
Parellada - Contributes a floral finesse.
312
Which is the most planted Cava grape?
Macabeo (Viura in Rioja)
313
Besides the 3 major cava grapes, which other varietals are permitted?
Monastrell (Mourvèdre)
Chardonnay
Pinot Noir
314
Which cava varietals are used to produce rosado wines?
Garnacha Tinta
Monastrell (Mourvèdre)
Pinot Noir
Trepat
These grapes must comprise min 25% of the blend in a rosada and can be produced by blending red and white base wines, saignee or a brief mace ration of red skins.
315
What’s the minimum aging requirement of basic cava?
9 months on the lees
316
What are the different quality tears of the Cava DO?
Basic - 9 months min aging on lees
Reserva - 15 months min aging on lees
Gran Reserva - 30 month min aging on lees
Caba De Paraje Calificado - single parcel vineyards that are hand harvested from vines at least ten years old. Wines must be vintage dated, unacidified and aged in bottle for a minimum of 36 months on lees.
317
What are the qualifications of a Corpinnat wine?
The regulations are more stringent than Cavas:
Hand harvested, organically grown grapes, 90% of which are indigenous within a delineated zone. Min bottle agin is 18 months on lees
Corpinnat is a portmanteau translating roughly to “heart of penedes”
318
The Penedes DO can be divided into 3 sub-sections. They are:
Penedes Maritim (or Baix-Penedes) - It lies from sea level to 250 meters. Monastrell, Garnacha and Carinena do well here.
Penedes Central (or Mitja-Penedes) - 250 - 500m above sea level and produces Cava’s three grapes as well as Tempranillo and red Bordeaux varieties.
Penedes Superior (or Alt-Penedes) - between 500-850 meters above Sea Level and ascend into the Montserrat mountain range. There’s increased precipitation here and a more dramatic diurnal swing. It grows cooler climate grapes such as Pinot Noire, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Riesling and Gewurztraminer
319
What does Priorat derive its name from?
Priory - a reference to the monastery founded there in the 12th century.
A Provençal Carthusian order migrated to the region after hearing a story about a ladder used by angel to as he’d to heaven. The monks settled Scalia Dei “Stairway of God”.
Wine is still produced near the site of the original monastery, at Cellers de Scala Dei.
320
Which 5 vitners/producers essentially saved Priorat’s wine industry in the 80’s and set a new standard (and attracted investment) in the region?
```
Rene Barbier (Clos Mogador)
Alvaro Palacios (Finca Dofi)
Daphne Glorian (Clos Erasmus)
Jose Luis Peres (Mas Matinet)
Carlos Pastrana & Mariona Jarque (Clos de l’Obac)
```
321
When did the Spanish government recognize Priorat as a DOCa?
2009
The Catalan government recognized it in 2000.
322
Priorat has a distinctive soil - llicorella - what is it composed of?
Schistose mica and quartize. It allows roots to stretch deep to find water and its reflective black-red surface radiates heat back on the vines. Yields are low and wines are very concentrated because of this.
323
Which are the two most prominent varietals in Priorat?
Granacha (Granatxa)
Carinena (Carinyena)
These are often blended together.
324
What does Vi de Finca and Vi de Paratge indicate in priorat?
These are two classification systems regarding growing zones.
Vi de Finca, established in 2002 recognizes specific signal vineyards
Vi de Paratge established in 2019 recognizes lieux-dits
These are not to be confused with Vi de Vinya which regulates single vineyards with minimum 20 year old vines or Vi de Gran Vinya which recognizes vineyards with a minimum of 35 year old vines
Velles vinyes “old vines” in Priorat refer to vines planted before 1945 or are at least 75 years old
325
Are white wines produced in Priorat?
Yes.
Particularly complex ones are often based on Garnacha Blanca. Though many others are permitted
326
Besides red and white wines, what other types of wines is Priorat permitted to produce?
Rosado
vi dolc natural (usually sweet reds with added brandy)
Rancio
Mistela
327
What is Monstant’s relation to Priorat?
It forms almost a complete ring around Priorat
328
When was Montsant awarded its appellation?
2001
329
What are the primary reds seen in Montsant?
Like Priorat, you see Granacha and Carinena blends
Montsant also bottles an array of fortified sweet wines in both oxidative and reductive styles.
330
Which DO serves as a catch-all for all Catalan vineyards?
Catalunya DO
331
Which is the most planted grape in Navarra?
Tempranillo
332
Which is the most planted grape in Jumilla?
Monastrell
333
Who produces “L’ermita?”
Alvaro Palacios
334
Who produces Castillo y Gay?
Marque de Murrieta
