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WSET 4 Unit 3 > Spain > Flashcards

Spain Flashcards

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1
Q

How long does a Rioja Crianza need to be aged?

A

2 years in total

1 year in oak

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2
Q

How long does a Crianza need to be aged in Spain generally? (Not in Rioja or Ribera de Duero)

A

2 years total, 6 months in oak

For Crianza’s from Rioja and Ribera del Duero Crianza’s need 2 years in total and a minimum of 1 year in oak

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3
Q

How much ageing has a Reserva wine generally in Spain?

A

3 years and one year in oak

In Rioja it is 3 years, 1 year in oak and a min of 6 months in bottle

In Ribera, it is 3 years, and 1 year in oak same as the rest of Spain

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4
Q

How much ageing had Gran Reserva wine in Spain?

A

5 years total minimum aging
18 months min in barrel

In Rioja, it is 5 years minimum ageing, 2 years in barrel and two years in bottle

In Ribera, it is 5 years minimum aging, 2 years in barrel and 3 years in bottle

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5
Q

Why will a Gran Reserva from Ribera del Duero have had more oak influence than a general Gran Reserva from Spain?

A

Because a Gran Reserva from Ribera del Duero will have had a minimum of 2 years in barrel (rather than 18 months for general Spanish wine) and a minimum of 3 years in bottle

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6
Q

What is the difference between a Reserva wine from Rioja compared to the rest of Spain?

A

Rioja Reserva’s must spend 6 months minimum bottle age as well as a year minimum in oak and 3 years total aging.

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7
Q

Where did French winemakers escaping Phylloxera settling when they crossed the Pyrenees in late 19th Century?

A

Rioja, Navarra and Catalonia

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8
Q

When did Phylloxera arrive in La Rioja, Spain?

A

1901 by which time the remedy of grafting European vines into American rootstocks had already been discovered

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9
Q

Why did the Spanish wine industry suffer in the 20th Century?

A

The marked civil and political upheaval.

The Franco Dictatorship only came to an end in 1975 and and Spain entered the EU (then the EEC) in 1986

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10
Q

Why is 1986 a key date in Spanish wine history?

A

It is the year Spain entered the EU (then the EEC)

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11
Q

How much land under vine does Spain have?

A

967,000ha more than any other country

It is the third largest wine producing country after Italy and France and the first wine exporting county by volume

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12
Q

Where is Green Spain, España Verde?

A

North West & North

Rías Baixas where the climate is influenced by the Atlantic

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13
Q

What shelters Rioja and Ribera del Duero from the Atlantic?

A

Cordillera Cantábrica

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14
Q

What are Spain’s five main rivers?

A 
Muño
Duero
Tajo (Tagus)
Guadalquivir
Ebro
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15
Q

How many varieties are cultivated in Spain?

A

Over 600, bit only a score are commercially important

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16
Q

What is the most widely planted grape variety in Spain?

A

The hardy and drought resistant Airén

Important for manufacture of Brandy

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17
Q

What is Spain’s most noble variety?

A

Tempranillo

Known as Cencibel, Tinto Fino, Ull de Llebre (Eye of the Hare)

Widely planted in N Spain.

Early ripening variety

Prefers chalky soil and moderate climate.

Wine produced is strawberry scented and high in acidity. Blends and ages well

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18
Q

What are some key Spanish grape varieties?

A

Airén - drought resistant - brandy

Tempranillo - Northern Spain, Noble, age worthy wines, strawberry scented, high in acidity

Garnacha (Grenache) - one of the most planted black grape, high yields, high alcohol, matures early, used for rosados

Monastrell (Mourvèdre) - Darl, powerful spicy wines

Cariñena /Mazuelo (Carignan) - High in acidity, tannin and colour. Blends well with Tempranillo

Mencía - In Bierzo, dark cherry, spice and earth or soft and fruity

Albariño - grown on Atlantic coast in Galicia - crisp, aromatic wines

Verdejo - mainly in Rueda, oxidises easily but when handled carefully can produce powerful aromatic whites

Graciano - used in Rioja blends, low yielding it has powerful aromas, full body and tannins and ages well

Malvasia - full bodied whites. Used for traditional oak aged Rioja. In a blend with Viura adding richness

Viura (Rioja)/ Macabeo (Catalunya) - Macabeu from southern France. Good fruit and acidity when grown with low yields. Blended in Rioja

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19
Q

What is the density of plantings and training method in much of Spain?

A

Much of Spain is arid and infertile with low density plantings of old bush trained vines

Yields are super small, can be ~20hl/ha compared to day 100hl/ha in Germany

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20
Q

When was irrigation legalised in Spain?

A

1996

Has increased yields (which were as low as 20 hl/ha but potentially decreased quality

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21
Q

What has led to fresher, fruitier styles of wine in Spain?

A

Temperature controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks

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22
Q

How are Spanish wines traditionally aged?

A

Long barrel ageing typically in American Oak

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23
Q

What was the first Denominación de Origen (DO) in Spain?

A

Rioja in 1930s

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24
Q

What are the only two Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa) in Spain?

A

Rioja and Priorat

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25
What is the Spanish equivalent to France’s IGP?
Vino de la Tierra (VT)
26
What is Spain’s equivalent to Vin de France?
Vino de Mesa (VdM)
27
What are the hierarchy of wine classifications in Spain?
Vino de Mesa (VdM) - table wine, no geographical name on the label Vino de la Tierra (VT) - Equivalent to Vin de Pays Vino de Calidad Con Indicación Geográfica (VC) a stepping stone towards DO status, must wait 5 years for consideration for promotion Denominación de Origen (DO) - Equivalent yo AOC - must satisfy a minimum quality. Grape varities, viticultural method, location and style specified. Must wait 10 years for consideration for DOCa Vino de Pago (VP) relatively new category. Outstanding single estates that fall outside or inside DO areas, using only their own grapes to make wine Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOC, DOCa and DOQ). Very high quality regions. Only two areas with this distinction, Rioja and Priorat. DOCa wines are controlled by a Consejo Regulador that test and guarantee quality
28
What is a DO Pago?
A denominación de Origen Pago. Awarded to outstanding single estates that fall outside or inside DO areas, using only their own grapes to make wine
29
What are the four levels of ageing for Spanish wines?
Vino Joven - May or May not have spent time in oak cask. Bottled in year following release. In Rioja, Joven is now being called Generico or Sin Crianza Crianza Aged for at least two years of which six months is in oak. White and rose Crianza aged for at least one year, at least since months in cask Reserva Has been aged for at least three years of which one year is in oak. White and rose Reserva has been aged for at least two years of which six months in cask Gran Reserva Has been aged for at least 5 years of which 18 months in cask and 36 months in bottle. White and rose at least four years and at least six months in cask For Rioja, Ribera del Duero and Navarra reds, Crianza has to spend at last 12 months instead of 6 in cask. And Gran Reserva at least 24 months instead of 18
30
What are the ageing classifications in Spanish wine which don’t call for oak?
Noble - one year Añejo - 2 years Viejo - three years in a distinctly oxidative style This scale recognised that some wines are not improved and may even be harmed by lengthy barrel ageing
31
Why does Spain have the highest area under vine but is not the largest producer of wine?
Due to predominantly low yielding, low density plantings of bush trained vines. New vineyards are planted with wire trained vines Spain has 967,000 ha of vines and is the third largest wine producing country after Italy and France
32
How did Rioja get it’s name?
Named after the Rio Oja, a tributary of the Ebro It extends some 100km along the Ebro as it flows SE to the Mediterranean Sea
33
What enclosed the Rioja region?
Mountains The Cordillera Cantábrica to the North and West protects from the Atlantic The South has the Sierra de la Demanda
34
What is the climate in Rioja?
More continental than Atlantic as the Cordillera Cantábrica protects from Atlantic influence There is also a Mediterranean influence in Rioja Oriéntale which is warmer and drier than Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa
35
How much of Rioja is red?
Approx 90% Traditionally a blend of Tempranillo (typically 60%), Grenache (20%), Graciano and Carignan (Mazuelo).
36
What do each of the traditional grapes in a Rioja blend contribute?
Garnacha - body and alcohol Graciano - aroma Carignan - colour, tannin and acidity Tempranillo - strawberry scented, high in acidity and ages well
37
Where is Rioja Alavesa?
West of Logroño on the River Ebro.
38
What is the smallest of the three Rioja Subregions?
Rioja Alavesa
39
What are the growing conditions in Rioja Alavesa?
Cool maritime influence from the Atlantic, relatively high rainfall
40
What are the soils in Rioja Alavesa?
Chalk & limestone rich soils produce lighter bodied wines with finesse and somewhat higher acidity given cooler conditions
41
What are the soils in Rioja Alta?
Clay soils or red soils with high iron content Viura suited to clay Tempranillo to iron rich soils Malvasia grown on alluvial soils
42
Where is Rioja Alta?
Stretches from Logroño in the East to Haro in the West Owing in part to higher altitudes growing season is shorter
43
Where is Rioja Baja/Oriental?
To the East of Rioja extending north across the Ebro and into Navarra
44
What is the climate in Rioja Baja/Oriental?
Continental climate with hot summers and severe winters Much warmer and drier than Rioja Alta
45
What is the soil in Rioja Baja/Oriental?
Heavy clay soils
46
Which grape dominates in Rioja Baja/Oriental?
Garnacha - largest producer of Vino Joven wines
47
What is the style of Rioja?
👁 Often pale in colour, garnet with a bronzing rim 👃🏼 Dusty, notes of cooked strawberries raspberries, tobacco leaf, game, nuts, leather, spices, vanilla and coconut from American oak 👄 ``` Medium in body Medium to low acidity Medium alcohol Ripe and silky tannins Spicy or savoury finish ```
48
How does international style Rioja compare to traditional Rioja?
International Rioja generally spends less time in oak and is denser in colour and fruit with pronounced fruit character strawberries, plum and blackberry
49
How does Rioja generally compare to Ribera del Duero?
Rioja is generally lighter in colour and body, with lower acidity, alcohol and tannins and red rather than black fruit
50
What terms can be used to describe a single vineyard Rioja from 2017?
Viñedo Singular
51
Where is Navarra DO?
North of Rioja in North East Spain
52
What are the five sub zones in Navarra?
``` Valdizarbe Tierra Estella Ribera Alta Baja Montaña Ribera Baja ```
53
What is the climate in Navarra?
Continental
54
What accounts for 95% of plantings in Navarra?
Black grape varieties Tempranillo, Garnacha, Cab Sav, Merlot, Graciano, Carignan (Mazuelo)
55
Where is cooler and wetter than the rest of Spain?
Galicia in the NW
56
How many DOs are there in Galicia?
5 Rías Baixas Ribeira Sacra (Sacred Shore) Valdeorras Monterrei Douro basin
57
What is Galicia known for?
It’s white wines typically varietal Albariño but also blends and other varietal wines such as Godello (Verdelho a speciality of Valdeorras), Loureiro, Torrontés, and Triexadura Red wines are also made from Mencía the speciality of Ribeira Sacra
58
Which Spanish wine can bear a striking resemblance to Vinho Verde from Monção in Portugal?
Albariño from Rías Baixas
59
What is the classic style of Albariño?
👁 Pale to medium in colour, hints of gold and green 👃🏼 Aromatic Lime, apple, white peach, almonds, honeysuckle and jasmine ``` 👄 Medium body High citrusy acidity Medium alcohol Dry, pithy mineral finish ```
60
How would you arrive at Albariño by exclusion?
Compared to Riesling it is fuller in body and lacks the tartness and petrol or fusel oil notes Compared to Pinot Gris it is drier and higher in acidity Compared to Viognier it is lighter in body and much higher in acidity Compared to Grüner Veltliner it is less acidic and astute and lacks the white pepper note
61
What are the most important DOs in Castilla y León?
Ribera del Duero Toro Rueda Bierzo
62
Which Castilla y León DO is along the Miño River?
Bierzo
63
What grape does Bierzo specialise in?
Mencía
64
What is the climate in Castilla y León?
Continental - hot summers but much cooler nights The Cordillera Cantábrica blocks off the Atlantic
65
What is the altitude of much of Ribera del Duero?
700-900m
66
What is the Tempranillo of Ribera del Duero like compared to that if Rioja?
Tino Fino the Tempranillo of Ribera del Duero has thicker, darker skins than that of Rioja and is higher in acidity. Compared to most Rioja the wines are big and brooding, more full bodied, concentrated, alcoholic and tannic with higher acidity and black rather than red fruit
67
How much Tempranillo must be included in a Ribera del Duero?
At least 75% Balance can be made up of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec Up to 5% of Albillo a white variety can be used to soften the blend
68
Name a top producer in Ribera del Duero?
Vega Sicilia Dominio de Pingus Tinto Pesquera Emilio de Moro
69
What climatic concern is there in Ribera del Duero?
Frosts present a serious threat due to altitude (700-900m) and continental climate
70
Where is Toro wine region?
Castilla y León in Spain In Zamora Downstream from Ribera del Duero West of Rueda
71
Where did Toro export lots of wine too in late 19th Century?
Phylloxera ravaged France
72
What protected Toro from Phylloxera?
Sandy and pebbly limestone soils protected vines from the louse. Many Spanish regions ended up being replanted with Toro vines
73
What is the climate in Toro?
Continental
74
What is Toro known for?
It’s reds which consist of at least 75% Tempranillo (Tinta de Toro) with any balance made up by Grenache
75
What is the style of Toro vs Ribera del Duero?
Similar in style but more exuberant and often more rustic with a signature spicy note
76
Who invested in Rueda in 1970s?
Rioja Winery Marqués de Riscal and acquired a reputation for fine whites based on Verdejo
77
Where is Rueda?
In Castilla y León Immediately East of Toro
78
What is the climate in Rueda?
Continental hot summers, cool winters
79
What is the soil in Rueda?
Stony soil rich in line and iron
80
What helps preserve freshness in which wines from Rueda?
Modern practices such as temperature controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks Mechanical harvesting at night Inert gas blankets to protect grapes from oxidisation
81
What is Rueda known for?
Fine whites made from Verdejo
82
What is the signature style of Rueda?
Aromatic, crisp and elegant 👃🏼 Gooseberry, peach, melon, herbs Fresh citrus acidity 👄 Soft and full Dry
83
What devastated the historic mining and winemaking region of Bierzo?
Phylloxera
84
Why is Bierzo said to combine the best features of Galicia and Ribera del Duero?
It enjoys a climate that is cooler and wetter than those of Ribera del Duero, Toro or Rueda
85
What is the soil in Bierzo Bajo?
Mineral rich soil of slate and granite Mountainous terraced vineyards
86
What are the two styles of Mencía in Bierzo?
Either fruity with soft, supple tannins Or more concentrated and powerful with notes of dark cherry, spice and earth and pronounced minerality
87
Why are the red wines of Bierzo lighter and more refreshing than those from other parts of Castilla y León?
They are made from Mencía Whereas Tempranillo dominates in Ribera del Duero & Toro
88
How many DOs does Cataluña have?
12 Including Cataluña DO which covers the entire region The most important are Priorat, Montsant and Penedès
89
Where is Priorat?
A remote, mountainous region in central southern Tarragona
90
What does Scala Dei translate as?
Ladder of God in Latin
91
Where are vines planted in Priorat?
On terraced slips ranging from 100-700m
92
What is the climate in Priorat?
Extreme continental
93
What is the soil in Priorat?
Priorat has unique licorella soils of red and black slates and mica (quartzite) that reflects the sun’s light while retaining its warmth
94
What grape dominates in Priorat?
Garnacha Other black varieties include Carignan Cab Sav Merlot Syrah
95
What is the style of Priorat wines?
Generally a Grenache dominated blend released after 18 months in 300L french oak casks and a further few months in bottle 👁 Deep 👃🏼 Intense aroma of ripe but savoury black and red fruit, minerals, earth and spice, liquorice, chocolate, and sometimes vanilla from new French Oak ``` 👄 Full bodied High alcohol Crisp acidity Big and chewy tannins Long dry and structured finish ```
96
How does Priorat compare to Ribera del Duero?
Ribera is Tempranillo dominated, Priorat is Grenache dominated Priorat often comes across as more tannic, more acidic and more mineral
97
What makes for powerful, long lived wines that reward cellar ageing in Priorat?
The combination of old vines and tiny yields make for concentrated, powerful and long lived wines
98
Where is Montsant?
An area in Cataluna that entirely surrounds Priorat in Central southern Tarragona
99
What does La Mancha mean?
Patched earth in Arabic As in Castilla-La Mancha south central Spain
100
Where is responsible for more than half of Spain’s crop of grapes?
Castilla-La Mancha
101
Where is Europe’s biggest delimited wine area?
La Mancha DO
102
What is the climate in Castilla-La Mancha?
Extreme continental Summer day time temperatures can reach over 45• Annual rainfall a mere 350mm
103
How are vines trained in Castilla-La Mancha?
Widely spaced trained in bush Generally without irrigation, yields are tiny Principle grapes Airén & Tempranillo
104
Where is Valdepeñas?
At the southern end of La Mancha DO
105
What are sometimes referred to as a poor man’s Rioja?
Tempranillo wines of Valdepeñas on account of excellent value
106
What is aloque or clarete?
A distinct style of light red or rosé wine made in Valdepeñas
107
What makes up half of plantings in Valdepeñas?
The drought resistant Airén
108
What does Valdepeñas mean?
Valley of Rocks
109
Paragraph style answer to Consejo Regulador with reference to Spain & Portugal?
1. Every Spanish DO and DOCa has a Consejo Regulador (Regulatory council) 2. This is a council that represents the interests of growers, producers and negociants 3. It decides the DO production rules (varieties, extraction levels, training systems, vine density) 4. It also promotes the region on a local and international level 5. Their rules on ageing have etc must be at least as strict as national laws but can be more so eg Rioja 6. NB in Rioja many of these roles have been taking over by Orginacion Interprofessional del Vino de Rioja of which their CRDOCa is a subdivision
110
Paragraph style answer to what is Tempranillo in reference to Spain & Portugal?
List of say 1. Mention its importance in Rioja and Ribera del Duero but also grown in other DOs (Valdepeñas, Cigales, Navarra, Toro, Catalina...) 2. Blends well, sometimes blended with Garnacha, Mazuelo, Graciano and increasing with Cabernet or Merlot and Maturara Tinta from 2007 3. Also grown in Portugal (In the Duoro known as Tina Roriz and elsewhere as Aragonez) 4. Give tasting notes and mention producers. Pale in colour, garnet with rusty rim. Nose can be dusty, cooked strawberries and raspberries, tobacco, game, nuts, leather and spice and vanilla and coconut from American oak traditionally favoured over French. Medium body, medium to low acidity. Medium alcohol and ripe and silky tannins. Modern style spends less time in oak and fender in fruit with more plum and blackberry. Producers Marques de Riscal, Viña Pomal, Muga 5. Early ripening 6. Clone of Tempranillo in Ribera del Duero is Tinto Fino thicker skin, darker than Rioja higher in acidity, more full bodied, concentrated and black rather than red fruit
111
Paragraph style answer re Rosé wines in Portugal and Spain
Key wines to mention include Navarra and Rioja Rosados from Garnacha or Tempranillo And Mateus /Lancers from Portugal Include a tasting note for both, market position (low mid market, UK and US and local And mention some producers for Spanish Rosados Rosé Rioja mainly Garnacha most unaged 15% of production Navarra important region for Rioja, light fresh style Utiel-Requena - produces meaty Rosados from Grenache and Bobal
112
Paragraph style answer on Albariño/Alvarinho
White grape variety Speciality of Rias Baixas, Galicia north west Spain - cool maritime climate wet Atlantic influence Fresh, fruity unoaked style Pale to medium in colour Hints of gold and green Aromatic Notes of lime, apple, white peach, almonds Honeysuckle and jasmine Medium body, high citrusy acidity dry pithy finish Use of Alvarinho in Portugual in Vinho Verdes from Monção only where alcohol is permitted to be higher than for other grapes usually limited to 11.5% Vinhos Regional Minho VR can use Alvarinho in all Vinho Verde areas Great with seafood
113
Paragraph style question Vinhos Regionals
Quality category in Portugal = Table wine with Geographic indication so Vins de Pays Most important ones are Alentejano, Terras do Sado, Ribatejano, Bieras, Tras-os-Montes Allow non traditional styles and labelling by variety International grapes Experimental winemaking Increasing single estates using this category VR Minho same areas as Vinho Verde DOC but permits Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Merlín and use of Alvarinho throughout the region not just in Monção VR Alentejano - covers the whole Alentejo region. Same grape varieties as Alentejo as well as international varieties like Cab Sav, Merlot and Chardonnay
114
Paragraph style answers to Noble with relation to Spain and Portugal
1. Noble is a category for ageing Spanish wines 2. Introduced in 2003 wine laws along with Viejo and Añejo 3. Applies to VdIT as well as DO and DOC wines 4. Requirements are 12 months in cask (600L Max) or in bottle for both red and whites No minimum period of cask ageing just total winery ageing before release CRDOs can insist on longer periods Created as some wines don’t benefit indeed decrease in quality with oak contact

WSET 4 Unit 3 (42 decks)

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