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109 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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What are the six unofficial regional groupings of Spain? |
- The Upper Ebro - Catalunya - Duero Valley - The Northwest - The Levant - Castilla-La Mancha |
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The Ebro River (2) |
- Has a cut a wide valley plain through the Cantabrian mountains of North-East Spain - Flows into the mediterranean
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What are the principle sub-regions of Rioja? (3) |
- Rioja Alavesa - Rioja Alta - Rioja Baja
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Describe the general viticultural practices of Rioja (4)
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- Small growers who sell their grapes to merchants or co-operative cellars
- Planted on Bush Vines - Wire training is becoming more common - Dominated by black grapes |
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What is the principal city in Rioja? |
Logroño |
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Rioja Alavesa (4) |
- Chalky solis - Planted 800 M into the foothills of the Cantabrian Mountains - Lightest reds of Rioja - Wines with the most finesse |
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Rioja Alta (3) |
- Planted at a range of Altitdes 500-800M - Soils are limestone based clay; but they are reddish with a high iron-content - Lighter reds than Baja
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Describe the climate of Rioja Alta and Alavesa (3) |
- Continental heat is moderated by proximity to the Atlantic - Continental extremes are moderated by the altitude of the Cantabrian mountain foothills, where lots of the vineyards are planted - Mountains act as a filter, removing most of the rainfall and allowing only the cool winds from the Atlantic to come through
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Rioja Baja |
- Principle grape is Garnacha - Increasingly continental climate - Soil is heavy clay - Rainfall can be as low as 300 millilitres; drought can be a problem - Can ripen Graciano fully
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Decribe the role of Graciano in Rioja Baja (4)
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- Graciano is priced for it's ability to adds structure, black ruits and aging potential to a blend
- Fully ripens in Baja - Blended into the lighter tempranillos from Alavesa and Alta - Increasing vineyard space is being devoted to Graciano |
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What are the principle white varieties in Rioja? (4) |
- Viura (Macabeo). Rising popularity. - Malvasia. Falling popularity - Chardonnay. New and rare. Rising popularity - Sauvignon Blanc. New and Rare. Rising popularity. |
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How many white varieties are permitted in Rioja? |
8
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Why is the demand for Malvasia falling in Rioja? |
Malvasia is great at making the older style, full bodied, oaked whites. The wines are not as popular anymore |
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Describe the vinification methods for an old Rioja? (3) Describe the resulting wine (1) |
- Defined by maturation and blending - Wines were made from all three subregions - Saw very long periods of oxidative aging in old oak - Resulting wines had a smoothness of structure and texture, but lacked fruit
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What are the additional requirements enforced by the Consejo Regulador in Rioja? |
Additional time spent in barrel for some wines. Most producers making old fashioned Rioja age much longer than required. |
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Describe the vinification methods for a new Rioja (4) Describe the resulting wine (1) |
- Still blended - Longer maceration times - Shorter periods of oak aging - Greater emphasis on new oak, some new producers are even using French oak - Resulting wine is more deeply coloured, tannic wine with more primary fruit and oak characteristics.
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Describe the recent trend in Rioja blending |
q- Recently there has been a demand for less blending and an increasing demand for single varietal and single vineyard wines |
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Describe a traditional/old white Rioja (4) |
- Aged for extended periods of time in American oak -developed a deep golden colour - developed nutty oxidative aromas - An acquired taste that has fallen out of style with consumers |
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Describe a modern white Rioja (3) |
- Fermented in stainless steel - Fermented at low temperatures to preserve the aromatic freshness - Some new producers are barrel fermenting in new French oak, instead of old American oak |
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Historically, what was Navarra known for? (3) |
- Rosés - made from Garnacha - that oxidized easily |
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What were some of the Narvarra institutions that helped vineyards switch over to red production? (2) |
- Conejo Regulador - A very dynamic publicly owned viticultural research station
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What are some basic geographical facts about Navarra? (4) |
- Consists of five sub-zones - Subzones each their own climate depending on the relative altitude - Subzones in the plain are similar to Rioja Baha - Subzones in the foothills are wetter and cooler |
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What are the leading red grapes in Navarra? (4) |
1. Tempranillo 2. Garnacha 3. Cabernet 4. Merlot |
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What percentage of the total output is white wine in Navarra? What are the white varieties? |
5% - Viura - Chardonnay - Sauvignon Blanc |
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What style of white wine is made in Navarra? (4)
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- Modern
- Fresh - Fruit is preserved - Also, barrel fermented Chardonnays and Viuras are made |
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In what style is modern Rosé made in Navarra? (4) |
- Garnacha - ripened ealy - to preserve acidity - and handled anaerobically to preserve fesh fruit and aromatics |
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How is red wine made in Navarra? (5) |
- Similar to Rioja blends - can be blended with Rioja varieties - or blended with international varieties which gives the wine a black fruit character - often balanced by the vanilla and spice of new oak barrels - Ranges from good value joven, to premium Gran Reserva |
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Describe the climates of Cariñena and Calatyud (4) |
- Warm continental climate - low rainfall - vineyards on the Ebro plain offer continetality - vineyards on he foothills of the Sistema Iberico offer a variety of microclimates
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Describe the grapes of Cariñena and Calatyud (3) |
- Garnacha is the main variety - The use of tempranillo are being promoted - Even though the grape Cariñena share the same name with the region, plantings are relativiely small |
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Describe the wines of Cariñena and Calatyud (3) |
- Most wines are inexpensive - made in the soft, savoury style - However there some deeply coloured, intensely flavoured modern wines made from Garnacha and Cariñena |
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Describe the climates of Somontano (3) |
- A wide range of microclimates - Is cooler than the other areas in the upper ebro because of the cold air coming from the Pyrenees - Drought is less of a problem due to higher rainfall and mountain streams |
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Describe the geography of Somontano (2) |
- Part continental plain - Part Pyrennees foothills |
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Describe the wines of Somontano (2) |
- Climate and rainfall of the area is suited for making international varieties well - Since the eighties Somontano had been transformed from a producer local interest wines to a source of good value reds, whites and rosés serving many markets. |
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What are the appellations are found within the Upper Ebro (5) |
- Rioja - Navarra - Somontano - Cariñena - Catalayud |
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What are the regions contained within Catalunya (3) |
- Penedés - Priorat - Costers del Segre |
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Catalunya |
- Has a generic DO that covers the entire area - Where nearly all the Cava is made - Always at the forefront of changes in the Spanish wine trade |
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Describe the three climates of Penedes (3) What types of grapes grow well in each climate? (3) |
- The climate along the coast is a warm mediterranean climate (Suited for native red varieties) - The climate further inland, in the valleys is cooler than the coast and experiences more continentality (Suited for white varieties) - The climate further into the hills is much cooler, many vineyards are 800m above sea level(international varieties) |
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What varieties are grown in the foothills of Penedes? |
- Reisling - Gewurtztraminer - Pinot Noir |
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What varieties are traditionally grown in the coastal plains of Penedes? |
- Monastrell - Garnacha |
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What varieties are made in the inland valleys of Penedes? (3) |
- Xarel-lo - Parellada - Macabeo |
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What are the international white varieties planted in Penedes? (4) |
- Riesling - Gewurztraminer - Sauvignon Blanc - Chardonnay
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What are the international black varieties planted in Penedes? (4) |
- Pinot Noir - Cabernet Sauvignon - Cabernet Franc - Merlot |
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Penedes (3) |
- Made up of three distinct climates - Broad spectrum of styles and qualities - Innovative use of native and international varieties |
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Describe the history of Priorat (4)
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- The expense of working the steep slopes of Priorat and a lack of investment left lots of the vineyards abandoned
- In the 80's, a group of pioneering winemakers developed a new style of wine. - The new wine was very acclaimed, and prices shot up attracting many investors - Priorat was awarded DOCa status, one of two in Spain. |
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Llicorella (5) |
- Soil of Priorat - Consist of red slate with particles of Mica that sparkle in the sun - Retain warmth - Low in nutrients - Retain water, because of their depth |
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Describe the best vineyards of Priorat (4) |
- Found on steep terraced slopes - Perfect exposure to the sun - Benefits from cool night time temperatures thanks to the - altitude of 500 to 700m |
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Describe a traditional Priorat (4) |
- Opaque wines - High levels of tannin - High alcohol - A raisiny quality to the fruit
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Describe a modern Priorat (5) |
- Deeply coloured -High tannins - Alcohol levels are more restrained - The aromas are of concentrated black fruit - Usually with new french oak |
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Costers del Segre (Basic facts)(2) |
- Close to the town of Leida - A subsidiary of a large Cava company owns most of the plantings
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What is the climate of Costers del Segre |
- Continental climate - Low rainfall - Irrigation is widely used |
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How is the Priorat blend changing? (3) |
- Grenacha and Cariñena still remain at the core of the best blends, - but producers are increasingly adding international varieties - especially Cabernet Sauvignon |
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White Priorat (2) |
- Rosés are also made - Both are extremely rare |
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What grapes are grown in Costers del Segre (3) |
- Cabernet Sauvignon - Tempranillo - Chardonnay
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The Duero Valley (Basic Facts)
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- The Duero River rises in the Iberico System
- Flows into portugal - in Spain wines of international acclaim are made alongside this river |
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What DO's are found in the Duero Valley? (3) |
- Ribero del Deuro - Toro - Rueda
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Ribera del Duero (climate) (6) |
- Full continental - Cut off from any maritime influence - High altitude ensures cool night time temperatures, moderates summer heat - Nights can be 20ºC cooler than daytime highs in the summer(High Diurnal range) - Lots of sunlight - Ideal climate for Tempranillo |
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Ribera del Duero (Terrain) (4) |
- Chalky soils - Located on the highest parts of the Messeta - Vineyards can be planted as high as 850m - Surrounded by Mountains
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Ribera del Duero (History) (4) |
- Has an association with fine wine production dating back to the 19th century - all becuase of one producer, Vega Sicilia - The region only started receiving investment in the 80's - Ambitious young winemakers and investment has resulted in an enormous increase in the quality and quantity of Ribera del Duero Reds |
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Describe the white wines of Ribera del Duero (2) |
- There is no white wines - Red and Rosés only
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What are the principle grapes of Ribera del Duero? (5) Which grape is principally used for Rosés? (1) Which grape is the principle grape used for reds? (1) |
- Tempranillo (Top red grape) - Cabernet Sauvignon - Garnacha (Mainly used for rosés) - Malbec - Merlot |
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Why does Tempranillo do particularly well in Ribera del Duero? (4) |
- High sunlight - High diurnal range ensures that -the grapes ripen with more pigment in their skin and - Acidity and fruit aromas are retained throughout the ripening process |
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Tinto Fino (4) |
- Clone of Tempranillo - Used in Ribero del Duero - Thicker skinned - Well adapted to conditions in Ribera del Duero |
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How do the wines of Ribera del Duero differ from Rioja? (2) |
- Naturally darker in colour - More powerful and astringent tannins |
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How are Vega Sicilia wines aged (2) |
- In stark contrast to most modern Ribera Del Duero - Long periods of time in a mixture of old oak vats and barrels |
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How are the modern Ribera del Duero wines made? (4) |
- To accentuate the dark fruit characteristics - Long macerations - Relatively short periods of time in new oak barrels - Increasingly made from French oak instead of American oak |
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In what ways is Toro similar to Ribera Del Duero (3) |
- Uses their own thicker skinned clone of Tempranillo - Hot Meseta climate - Similar commerce revolution in the 80's
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Describe a red from Toro (2) |
- Full bodied - Harvested late in the ripening cycle, so noticeably high in alcohol
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Describe the Joven wines of Toro (1) Describe the Reservas and Gran Reservas (2) |
- Joven wines are mixed with Garnacha R&GR - Exceptionally deeply coloured and tannic when young - Have the capacity to age well |
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In what way does Toro differ from Ribera del Duero? |
Toro makes a small amount of white and rosé, ribera only makes a small amount of rosé. |
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Rueda |
- Situated in between Toro and Ribera del Duero - Focused primarily on white wine
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Rueda, old style vs. New style (2) |
- Vino generosas were used to be the trademark, but presently it's a dying niche - Since 1972 Rueda has been converting to the modern method of producing fresh aromatic whites anaerobically |
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What attributes help Rueda make it's modern whites? (4) |
- Chalky soils - Cool nights ensures that acidity is retained - High diurnal range helps with aromatics - Continental climate |
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What varieties are permitted in Rueda (2) What are the requirements for blending?
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- Sauvignon Blanc
- Verdejo Blends must be 50% Verdejo |
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What are the two styles of wine produced in Rueda? (2) |
- Light fruity fresh, best drank young - Fuller bodied, with richer texture, higher complexity due to skin contact and barrel fermentation |
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What regions are include in North Western Spain? (2) |
- Rias Biaxas - Bierzo |
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Describe the climate of North Western Spain (2) What type of wine does this climate help produce? (1) |
- Coolest region in Sapin - Most precipitation in Spain - Fresh white wines from Albariño |
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Rias Biaxas (Terrain) (2) |
- Spread over 48 KM of Atlantic coast - Spread over river valleys as well
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Rias Biaxas (Climate) (3) How does this affect each vintage? (1) |
- Moderate Maritime climate - High rainfall - High humidity
- High vintage variation
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How are vines grown in Rias Biaxas |
- Trained on pergolas instead of bush trained - More up-to-date producers are using big vine training |
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Describe some basic wine laws of Rias Biaxas (2) |
- Albariño can blended with five other varieties, but rarely is - Red wine can be made, but it's a minority concern |
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What is the dominant variety of Rias Biaxas |
Albariño |
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How are white wines made in Rias Biaxas (3) |
- Gentle handling and temperature control preserves delicate fruit character - Popular modern style takes advantage of the grape's natural high acidity - Can be made in a richer style with a touch of oak |
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Can Albariños from Rias Baixas benefit from aging? (2) |
- Most of the light fruity examples won't - but the richer oaked styles will benefit from some aging |
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Describe the commercial challenges of producing Albariño in Rias Biaxas (3) |
- Viticultural challenges posed by the maritime climate (rot & vintage variation) - combined with the global demand for this wine - means that this wine is never cheap |
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Bierzo (terrain) (3) |
- Located further inland than Rias Baixas - On the border of the Meseta - Situated on slopes
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Bierzo (climate) |
- Shares some continental influence from the Meseta - Still receives some cooling from the Atlantic |
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What type of wine is made in Bierzo? (1)What grape is used? (1) |
- Red Wine - Mencia |
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Describe the wines made from Bierzo? (3) |
- Wines were once thought to be all be thin dilute wines. - However, like Priorat a group of enthusiastic young growers took advantage of the vineyards on slopes - Producing more concentrated wines with aromatic fruit with a natural high acidity |
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What are the key wine regions in The Levante? (3) |
- Valencia - Jumilla - Yecia |
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Valencia (Wine history) (3) |
- Used to be an exporter of mass produced bulk red, white & rosé wines - In recent decades there has been a considerable investment in wineries and vineyards - Consequently Valencia has become a region known for value-for-money uncomplicated reds and whites |
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Valencia (Grapes) (4) |
- To suit their various markets, Valencia plants a wide variety of local and international grapes - The region's consejo regulador encourages increased plantings of Tempranillo - Most common variety is Merseguera - Also significant plantings of Muscat of Alexandria |
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What is the fortified wine of Valencia? (1) What grape is made from? (1) Describe the profile. (1) How is it made? (1) |
- Muscatel de Valencia - Muscat of Alexandria - This wine is a highly perfumed sweet wine - That is fortified after little of no fermentation |
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Jumilla and Yecia (5) |
- Both have under went a dramatic change of image - Vineyards are dominated by Monastrell - New fruit driven style is replaced the old tannic style - by using better rootstock - and carbonic maceration |
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Castilla-La Mancha (2) |
- Accounts for almost half of Spain's wine production - Found on the central stretch of the Meseta
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Castilla La-Mancha (Climate) (5)
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- Most extreme continental climate
- Highs get to 40ºC, lows get to freezing - No maritime influence - Wind swept plains - Extremely low annual rainfall |
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Castilla-La Mancha (Viticulture) |
- Vines are grown in low-density bush vines |
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La Mancha (3) |
- Largest DO in Spain - Extremely high output - Very Large region - Home of the first Vino Pago wines |
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Airen (5) |
- Located in LaMancha - World's most widely planted grape variety - Makes some low quality wines for local consumption, - but mostly it's for the Brandy industry - Plantings are in decline |
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Cencibel |
Name for Tempranillo in Castilla-La Mancha |
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La Mancha (grapes(7))(2) |
- Airen leads the way by far - Consejo Regulador is pushing for plantings of Tempranillo and other international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc |
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Valdepeñas (3) |
- Lies immediately south of La Mancha - Experiences identical climate - Has a reputation for quality that exceeds La Mancha - However Airen remains the most widely planted grape
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Describe a quality wine from Valdepeñas (4) |
- Soft rich fruity wines - made from Tempranillo - sometimes blended with international varieties - Often with a vanilla oak influence |
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How are the wines from the upper Ebro priced (6) |
Rioja DOCa(red): Med to Premium + priced Rioja DOCa (White): Med to Premium priced Navarra DO (Red): low to high priced Navarra DO (Rosé): low to medium priced Cariñena (red): Low to med priced Calatayud (red): Low to med priced |
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How are the wines of Catalunya priced? (4) |
Catalunya DO (White and Red) :Low to High priced Penedes DO (White): low to High priced Penedes DO (Red): Low to High Priced Priorat DOC (red): High to Premium + priced |
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How are the wines of the Duero Valley priced? (3) |
Ribera del Duero DO (red): Med to Premium + priced Toro (red): Med to high priced Rueda (white): Low to med priced |
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How are the wines from North Western Spain priced? |
Rias Biaxas DO(White): med to High priced Bierzo DO (Red): High priced |
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How are the Levante wines priced? (2) |
Valencia (Red and White): Low priced Jumilla and Yecia (Red): Low to medium priced |
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How are the wines of Castilla-La Mancha priced? (3) |
La Mancha DO: (White): Low priced La Mancha DO: (red): Low to Med priced Valdepeñas DO: Low priced |
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How are Vino de Pago wines priced? |
High to Premium priced |
