Flashcards in C30 - Spain Deck (237)
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1
How many broad climatic zones does Spain have?
Three
2
Describe Spain's northernmost climatic zone
The north and north-west coast of Spain has a moderate maritime climate, dominated by Atlantic weather systems
Rainfall and associated risks is high
3
Describe Spain's middle climatic zone
The east coast from Catalunya in the north to Levante further south, has a warm Mediterranean climate
Many of the vineyards are moderated by sea or altitude
Climate becomes increasingly hot the further south it goes
4
Describe the climate of central Spain
The Meseta Central is cut off by mountains from the cooling effects of the sea and has a hot continental climate
Winter temperatures below freezing and summers are very hot and dry
Summer temperatures can be moderated by altitude in certain sites
5
What are the biggest challenges to grape growing in Spain? What's the exception?
Heat and lack of water
North-west Spain
6
What is the benefit of the lack of water for grape-growing in Spain?
The incidence of fungal disease is low
7
What is the main disadvantage of lack of water for grape growing in Spain?
It places a heavy stress on the vine
8
What is the best way of managing the heat and lack of water availability in Spain? Explain
Low density, bush-trained vineyards
By maximising the amount of water available to each vine and shading the fruit from excessive heat
9
What is slowly being introduced to Spanish vineyards? For what purpose?
Wire training
To facilitate machine harvesting
10
Summarise the inexpensive red wines of Spain
Often made without Oak
Semi-carbonic maceration is used to enhance the fruity nature of these wines
11
What is the role of oak in Spain's best red wines?
They almost always see oak maturation, usually with at least a proportion of new oak
12
What is the most used type of oak for Spanish reds?
Traditionally American oak, but now French oak is also common
13
What is Spain's premier red grape variety?
Tempranillo
14
Where in Spain is Tempranillo grown most widely?
Throughout northern and central Spain
15
What are Tempranillo's key grape characteristics?
It's thick-skinned with a medium acidity
16
What is the key viticultural challenge relating to Tempranillo?
Due to its medium acidity, hot growing areas without a high diurnal range can cause the wine to lack the necessary acidity for an ideal balance
17
Where is Tempranillo at its best in Spain?
In areas where summer temperatures are moderated by sea and/or altitude
18
What is often the case with Tempranillo when fermented on its own in Spain?
It's fermented using semi-carbonic maceration
19
What kind of wine can Tempranillo produce when fermented on its own?
An early drinking style
A fresh, strawberry scented Joven wine
20
What other broad style does Tempranillo play an important role in in Spain?
More concentrated, age worthy, oaked blends
21
With which grapes is Tempranillo most commonly blended in Spain?
Garnacha
Graciano
Cariñena/Mazuelo
International varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon
22
Garnacha Tinta is the Spanish name for...
Grenache
23
Describe the general profile of Garnacha Tinta
High alcohol
Early ripening (with some exceptions)
24
For which Spanish wines is Garnacha Tinta most important?
Rosados and Priorat
25
What are the wines of Priorat? How do they achieve this style?
Intense, complex, full-bodied reds from Garnacha Tinta
From low-yielding, old vines
26
What is the better known name for Monastrell?
Mourvedre
27
What makes Monastrell suitable for Spain's climate?
It's drought tolerant and needs hot sunny conditions to ripen
28
Where is Monastrell most commonly grown in Spain?
In south-eastern DOs such as Yecla and Jumilla
29
Describe Monastrell wines from south-eastern Spain
Full-bodied
Deeply coloured
High tannins
High alcohol
Low to medium acidity
Flavours of ripe blackberry fruit
30
