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128 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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Describe 3 broad climatic zones of Spain |
1. The north and north-west coast of Spain - moderate maritime climate dominated by Atlantic weather systems. Rainfall, with its associated risks, is high. 2. The east coast from Catalunya in the north to the Levante further south - warm Mediterranean climate. Moderated by the influence of the sea or altitude (depending on the location). The further south the hotter it is. 3. The Meseta Central - this large plateau in the centre of Spain has a hot continental climate, mostly cut off from the influence of the sea by encircling mountains. In winter temp fall below freezing and in the summer are very high and rainfall is limited. Summer temp can be moderated by the cool nights of high altitude sites. |
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The biggest problems for grape growers |
Except for north-west, heat and lack of water. Although incident of fungal disease is low, it places a heavy stress on the vine |
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How vines are trained in regions affected by water stress |
low density, bush-trained vineyards to maximise the amount of water available to each vine and shading the fruit from excessive heat. Where is practical and affordable, wire training is slowly being introduced to facilitate machine harvesting. |
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Usual style of Spanish reds |
1. Inexpensive without oak usually; semi-carbonic maceration is often used to enhance the fruity nature of this wines. 2. The best wines almost always see oak maturation, usually with at least a proportion of new oak. |
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Which oak traditionally was used and which now becomes more common? |
traditionally - American now - French |
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Which is Spanish premier black grape? |
Tempranillo |
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Where is it widely grown? |
Through the vineyards of northern and central Spain |
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Tempranillo characteristic |
Thick skinned Medium acidity needs sufficient warmth to develop its flavours, hot climate without diurnal temp range can result in a wine that lacks necessary acidity for an ideal balance. |
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Where is Tempranillo at its best? |
In areas where summer temperatures are moderated by the sea and/or altitude. |
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Tempranillo Joven |
Fermented on its own, often using semi-carbonic maceration, it can produce a fresh strawberry scented Joven, early drinking style. |
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it plays a key role in more concentrated age worthy oaked blends. with which grapes? |
either with traditional varieties: Garnacha, Graciano and Carinena/Mazuelo and international: Cabernet Sauvignon |
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Garnacha Tinta is Spanish name for which grape? |
Grenache |
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What kind of wines does it give? |
High in abv the tendency to mature early but there are notable exceptions. |
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For what kind of wines Garnacha is widely used? |
rosados |
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Where is it particularly important? |
In Priorat, where low-yielding old vines enable the production of intense, complex, full-bodied reds |
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How is Monastrell often referred to? |
Mourvedre |
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Monastrell characteristic |
Thich skinned Drought tolerant so needs hot, sunny conditions to ripen |
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Where is it widely grown? |
In south-eastern DOs such as Yecla, Jumilla where it can easily reach full ripeness |
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when fully ripen, Monastrell gives wines... |
very deeply in colour, full-bodied, high tannins high abv low to medium acidity flavours of ripe black fruit. |
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Graciano is highly valued grape but... |
challenging to grow. |
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Where is it mainly cultivated? |
In Rioja, where it is used as part of many of the finest wines |
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What does it give to blend? |
Small quantities are used to add concentrated black fruit aromas, acidity and tannins to the structure of the wine to help it age. |
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Carinena/Carignan how is that called in Rioja? |
Mazuelo |
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What kind of wines gives Carinena? |
wines high in acidity, tannin and colour |
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A small proportion of Carinena makes and ideal blend with... |
Tempranillo |
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Where is Carinena blended with Garnacha? |
In Priorat to enhance the tannic structure of the wines |
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Which climate is good for other local variety, Mencia? |
Suits moderate climates |
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What kind of wines does it give? |
With fresh fruit, medium to high acidity, sometimes hint of herbaceousness |
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Most of Spain's whites are fresh and fruity. what helps to retain delicate fruit aromas? |
Harvesting at night or early morning and fermenting in temperature controlled stainless steel vessels. |
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Which techniques are used to add texture and different flavours of whites? |
oak fermentation and maturation, lees stirring |
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To what verdejo grape is highly susceptible? |
to oxidation and was used to make Sherry-like wines |
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If made with protective winemaking Verdejo can be... |
light-bodied high-acid melon and peach flavour similar to Sauvignon Blanc, with which it is often blended. |
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If Verdejo has undergone skin contact and barrel fermentation can be... |
richer, fuller in body style |
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Where is Albarino mostly grown? |
In the north-west of Spain |
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Albarino characteristic |
It is thick-skinned and thus able to resist fungal disease (which is useful in the damp climate where it is grown) naturally high in acid can give refreshing wines with citrus and stone fruit flavours but can be made in a richer, fuller-bodied style |
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Which is the most widely planted variety in Spain? |
Airen |
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Where is planted the vast majority of Airen? |
In La Mancha, in central Spain |
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Why? |
as it is one of the few varieties that is able to cope with extreme heat and drought conditions of Meseta Central |
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What kind of wines does it give? |
Now, can be made into acceptable white wine but still much of its output continues to be used in the production of Brandy de Jerez. |
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Which white varieties are widely planted in Catalunya and what for are they used? |
Parellada, Xarel-lo and Macabeo. They are main varieties used in Cava production |
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How Macabeo is called in Rioja? |
Viura |
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Viura wines |
Still, can be made in an unoaked style with subtle herb and spice aromas. Traditionally it was the mainstay of heavily oaked white Riojas |
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Which international varieties are planted in Spain (especially in the north-east) |
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay |
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Name the 6 principal DO regions |
The Upper Ebro Catalunya The Duero Valley The North West The Levante Castilla-La Mancha |
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Which is the most extensive region designated for the production of Vino de la Tierra |
Castilla y Leon, towards the north of the Meseta Central |
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What includes the region of the Upper Ebro |
Rioja, Navarra, Carinena and Calatayud |
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Which is the principal city of Rioja? |
Logrono |
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Name the 3 sub-regions of Rioja |
1. Rioja Alavesa situated to the west of Logrono, on the north bank of the Ebro in the foothills of the Cantabrian Mountains 2. The larger Rioja Alta is also to the west of Logrono, but lies mainly to the south of Ebro 3. Rioja Baja is situated to the east of Logrono, mainly on the south bank |
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Climate of Rioja |
1+2 Alavesa and Alta - vineyards are planted at the range of altitude from 500 to 800 m. and their climates are moderated by the Atlantic Ocean, although the Cantabrian Mountains shield Rioja from the worst of the Atlantic weather. 3. Baja - here the climate is less maritime, with hotter summers and more severe winters. Annual rainfall can be low, making drought an issue for growers |
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Which region produces the lightest wines of Rioja and with the most finesse? |
Rioja Alavesa |
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Which grape dominate plantings? |
Black, among them mostly Tempranillo |
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Where Tempranillo does the best? |
In the cooler western sub-regions |
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What kind of wines does it give? |
Firstly, it is the main component of most blends, secondly, gives red fruit flavours and a medium level of tannins. |
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Tempranillo benefits from Garnacha that gives to the blend.... |
body and alcohol |
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Where is Garnacha mostly grown? |
In Rioja Baja |
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What are other grapes less widely planted? |
Mazuelo and Graciano - provide supporting role to the blends |
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Styles of Rioja |
Reds designated for early drinking may undergo semi-carbonic maceration to give vibrant red fruit flavours and low levels of smooth tannin. Wines designated for long-term maturation are usually destemmed and crushed and undergo a traditional fermentation. To produce heavily extracted wines, deep in colour and full of fruit flavours vigorous cap management is used and extended maceration - but many are making more subtle elegant styles |
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What has a defining role in Rioja? |
Oak maturation |
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Oak ageing traditionally and now |
Traditionally, the wines were aged in American oak and often had pronounced aromas of vanilla. Now, many producers use French or other European oak for at least some of their wine, giving more subtle spicy aromas |
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How many white varieties are approved for white Rioja? |
Eight - the most widely planted is Viura |
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White Rioja traditionally and now |
Traditionally were aged for an extended period of time in American oak, and developed deep golden colour and nutty flavours. Now, minimal contact with oxygen in order to preserve the maximum amount of fruit. Some bodegas do barrel-fermented whites, but in a less oxidative style than traditional ones. |
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Where are the vineyards of Navarra DO? |
Stretch from the northern and eastern borders of Rioja into foothills of the Pyrenees |
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Navarra's climate |
Similar to Rioja but becomes cooler and wetter nearer the mountains |
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Which is the most planted variety? |
Tempranillo - it is either blended with the other Rioja varieties to make a wine in a similar style or increasingly with Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. Wines styles range from good value Joven to top quality premium Gran Reservas |
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When is picked Garnacha used for rose production? |
picked earlier when acid levels are higher and sugar lower. They are then handled protectively to create refreshing, fruity wines with medium levels of alcohol. |
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Whites are usually made of... |
Viura, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. |
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Where are Carinena and Calatayud and what is their climate? |
They are neighbouring DOs, located to the south of Ebro. Overall both regions have warm continental climates and low rainfall |
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What is the main variety of Carinena and Calatayud? |
Garnacha Inexpensive wines are made in a fruity, early-drinking style. Higher quality tend to be made from old vine Garnacha and Carinena and display greater flavour intensity and structure |
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Where is Catalunya |
In the north-east corner of Spain. The wast majority of the vineyards are concentrated in an area that lies to the south of Barcelona and comprises the coastal plain and hills immediately to the west |
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Does Catalunya have generic DO for still wines that cover entire region? |
Yes - wines from different areas are blended together |
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Where lies large DO of Penedes? |
Immediately to the south-west of Barcelona and stretches from Meditteranean coast up into the hills. |
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Describe 3 distinct climatic zones of Penedes? |
1. The hottest is on the coastal plain where the climate is Mediterranean. 2. Inland, in the valleys, the climate is slightly cooler but still warm. 3. Further, into the hills (up to 800m) the climate is moderate |
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Which are the most planted white grapes? |
These that are used for Cava production, but there are also wide plantings of international varieties: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Gewurztraminer |
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Which are the most planted red varieties? |
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo (Ull de Llebre) Pinot Noir |
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Where lie vineyards of Priorat? |
Within the hills inland from the city of Tarragona. |
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Weather in Priorat |
Summers are long, hot and dry annual rainfall is very low |
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Priorat's climate has ideal condition for which varieties? |
Garnacha and Carinena - both late ripening. |
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How is called the best soil of Priorat and of what consists? |
Llicorella - consists of layers of red slate with small particles of mica that sparkle in the sun. |
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What gives Llicorella? |
Help ripening by reflecting and conserving heat and, because of their depth they are able to retain sufficient water throughout growing season. |
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What provides some relief from the heat of the day? |
cool night-time temperatures |
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Why mechanisation is almost impossible? |
because of bush trained vines and steep slopes (vineyards are expensive and time-consuming |
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What else contribute to the complexity and intensity of Priorat? (and high prices) |
The low nutrient soil and age of the vines that produce very small yields of grapes. |
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Red Priorat is usually... |
deeply coloured high tannins medium to high alcohol concentrated black fruit often accompanied by toasty aromas from new French oak. |
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Which international variety is specially added to the blend? |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
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Does Priorat produce white and rose wines? |
Yes, but they are rarely seen. |
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Where is the Duero Valley? |
Starts in the mountains south of Rioja and flows through Spain into Portugal (Douro) |
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What belongs to the Duero Valley? |
Ribera del Duero Toro Rueda |
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Ribera del Duero conditions |
is cut off from any maritime influence by a ring of mountains. short, hot and dry summers very cold winters |
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Where are situated the vineyards of the Ribera del Duero? |
On the highest part of the Meseta Central, with some plantings at over 850 metres. - this altitude ensures the region experiences cool night-time temperatures through the year which help to retain acidity and fresh fruit flavour. |
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Ribera del Duero is DO for which wines? |
red and rose only |
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Which grape is dominant? |
Tempranillo - and is the only variety in most of the best reds, which are typically dark in colour with high tannins. |
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Which other varieties are also permitted but rarely used? |
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec Garnacha (mostly made into rose) |
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How winemakers accentuate the concentrated fruit flavours and tannins? |
By undertaking long macerations and ageing the wines for relatively short period of time in new oak barrels (increasingly French instead American) |
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Toro DO climate |
Similar to its neighbouring Ribera del Duero ( is cut off from any maritime influence by a ring of mountains. short, hot and dry summers very cold winters) |
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Wines are predominantly made from Tempranillo and tends to be... |
full-bodied intense fruit flavours high abv - a result of the high daytime temperatures sunny conditions and often low-yielding bush vines |
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Proportion of which grape is usually found in Joven? |
Garnacha |
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reservas and gran reservas |
can be exceptionally deeply in colour and tannic when young, have ability to age well. |
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Is rose and white made in Toro? |
Yes, but in small quantities? |
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Where is Rueda DO? |
Is situated in between Toro and Ribera del Duero and differs from these two as it focuses on white wine production. |
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What climate has Rueda? to which grape it is ideal? |
continental climate with cool summer nights, ideal for its traditional variety Verdejo |
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Which is other important variety of this region? |
Sauvignon Blanc |
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sauvignon and Verdejo can be made as single varietal. Blended wines have to... |
be made at least 50 per cent of verdejo. Styles range from simple and fruity to richer, barrel fermented versions. |
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Which regions encompasses The North West? |
Rias Baixas and Bierzo |
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the North West climate |
Due to the Atlantic influence is cooler and wetter than the rest of Spain so its home of best whites |
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Which white of North West is most celebrated? |
Albarino from Rias Baixas |
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Rias Baixas climate |
moderate, damp climate. Humid conditions - mildew and rot are common problem |
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How and why the wines are trained? |
On pergolas to encourage air circulation (some use other training and trellising systems that are easier to maintain) |
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Style of Albarino |
Most is made in refreshing, unoaked style taking advantage of the grapes naturally high acidity and ripe stone fruit flavours. Some are made in richer style, occasionally with a touch of oak or lees stirring. |
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Is red wine produce there? |
yes, but remains minority |
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Where lie Bierzo DO? (mostly reds) |
In the mountains that mark boundary between Galicia and Meseta Central |
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Bierzo climate |
Is moderate and benefits from a cooling maritime influence. |
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Which is the key grape variety? |
Mencia - Can produce elegant reds with naturally high acidity and red fruit aromas |
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From where come many of the best wines? |
From old vines grown on the region's steep stony slopes |
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is oak widely used? |
Many use new oak to add toasty aromas but some make unoaked style to retain the perfumed red fruit of the variety |
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Where is located Levante DO? |
On the Mediterranean coast south of Catalunya - trade is centred round the port of Valencia (distribution hub for wines from Levante and La Mancha) |
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Valencia DO |
Is a large spread-out DO that is a source value for money wines. |
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Which grapes are planted in Valencia? |
Different local and international grapes. Monastrell is the mostly planted White plantings are dominated by local Merseguera but Muscat of Alexandria is also widely planted. |
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What is produced from Muscat of Alexandria? |
Moscatel de Valencia - sweet fortified wine. |
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Where are Jumilla and Yecla located and what is their climate? |
Further inland, have hot, arid climates, perfect for dominat local grape variety - Monastrell The majority of wines of youthful and fruity in style. |
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From where comes almost half of Spain's total wine production? |
From Castilla-La Mancha, the vast central area of the Meseta Central that lies to the south of Madrid. |
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Is La Mancha the largest DO in Spain? |
Yes |
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Which is the most widely planted grape? |
Airen - used to produce neutral, fresh whites. |
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Why the planting of Airen are in decline? |
Authorities have encouraged producers to plant Tempranillo, locally known as Cencibel and other international varieties as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. |
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Is La Mancha an excellent source of inexpensive well-made reds and whites? |
yes |
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Which trend started in La Mancha? |
For top quality pagos wines and is still the home of the majority of the estates that have been awarded the appellation Vinos de Pago. |
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Where lies Valdepenas DO? |
Immediately to the south of La Mancha |
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Does it have higher quality than La Mancha? |
Yes |
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Which grapes are mostly planted there? |
Airen Tempranillo (Cencibel) either as varietal or blended with international varieties. The wines range from fruity to more concentrated and oak matured. |
