Questions and Answers
Spain is the largest producer of wine in the world, after whom?
What are three popular native white varietals to Spain?
Albarino, Verdejo, Macabeo (Viura)
What are four popular native red grapes in Spain?
Tempranillo (Tinto Fino), Garnacha, Monastrell, Carinena
What are two non-native white and three non-native red varietals for Spain?
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The word 'Joven' occasionally appears on a Spanish wine label indicating what?
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What are the two DOCa regions in Spain?
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Name the most important grape(s) from the following Spain regions: Rioja.
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What are the 2 primary red grapes used in Rioja?
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What are the 3 quality levels/aging levels for wines in Rioja?
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What does the term 'Cosecha' mean on some Spanish wine labels?
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Just outside of Barcelona, this region produces sparkling wine Cava.
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What are the 4 major grapes used in Cava production?
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What 4 red grapes are popular in red wine in Penedes?
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What are the 2 best known Spanish sparkling wines in America?
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South of Penedes lies this region that epitomizes the Spanish wine renaissance.
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What are the 2 red native varieties and 3 non-native red varieties used in Priorat red wine production?
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The wines of this region, just northwest of Madrid, were made with the Palomino grape until the 1970s.
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The new style Rueda white wine comes from what 3 grapes?
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Near Santiago de Compostela in Galicia lies this region that prides itself on wines made from the Albarino grape.
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What is the champion grape of the sub-region called Rias Baixas?
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What is the common cuisine in Northwest 'Green' Spain?
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Study Notes
Spain's Wine Production
- Spain ranks as the 3rd largest wine producer globally, following France and Italy.
Native White Varietals
- Prominent native white varietals include Albarino, Verdejo, and Macabeo (also known as Viura).
Native Red Grapes
- Key native red grapes consist of Tempranillo (Tinto Fino), Garnacha, Monastrell, and Carinena.
Non-Native Varietals
- Non-native white varietals: Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
- Non-native red varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah.
Joven Label
- "Joven" on a wine label indicates the wine is unoaked or lightly oaked, meant for early consumption.
Denominacion de Origen (DO)
- Spain established DO laws in 1970, revised in 1982, currently encompasses 69 DO regions including 2 DOCa (Calificada):
- Rioja (qualified in 1991)
- Priorat
Important Grapes by Region
- Rioja: Tempanrillo
- Ribera del Duero: Tinto Fino
- Penedes: Macabeo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carinena, Garnacha
- Priorat: Garnacha, Carinena
- Rueda: Verdejo
- Rias Baixas: Albarino
- Jerez (Sherry): Palomino
Geographic Notes
- Rioja is located in northern Spain, approximately 200 miles southwest of Bordeaux, near the French border.
- After phylloxera devastated Bordeaux wines in the 1870s, many winemakers relocated to Rioja, introducing French varieties and techniques.
Rioja Wine Characteristics
- Primary red grapes in Rioja: Tempranillo and Garnacha.
- Quality/aging levels for Rioja wines:
- Crianza: 2 years total aging with at least 1 year in oak.
- Riserva: 3 years total aging with at least 1 year in oak.
- Gran Riserva: 5-7 years total aging with at least 2 years in oak.
- Rioja wines commonly label by bodega name and region rather than varietal.
Cosecha
- "Cosecha," meaning "harvest" or "vintage," can indicate wines with minimal barrel aging, often used for modern styles.
Penedes Region
- Penedes, located just outside of Barcelona, is known for producing sparkling wine, Cava, using major grapes including Chardonnay, Macabeo, Xarello, and Parellada.
Red and White Grapes in Penedes
- Popular red grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha, Merlot, and Tempranillo.
- Notable white grapes for still wines: Chardonnay, Macabeo, Parellada, Riesling, and Gewurztraminer.
Famous Sparkling Wines
- Freixenet and Codorniu are the two best-known Spanish sparkling wines in the American market.
Priorat Region
- Known for its high status DO, Priorat has become prominent in the Spanish wine renaissance, previously focused on sacramental wines, with vineyards at elevations of 1000-3000 feet.
Priorat Grape Varietals
- Native red grape varieties in Priorat: Garnacha and Carinena.
- Non-native red varieties: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah.
Rueda Region
- Historically known for fortified wines made with Palomino until the 1970s.
- Newer style Rueda white wines are typically crafted from Verdejo, Viura, and occasionally Sauvignon Blanc, showcasing a dry, fresh, and fruity character.
Rias Baixas Region
- Located near Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, famous for wines predominantly made from Albarino grapes.
Green Spain
- Galicia is characterized by lush green valleys and fresh fish cuisine, highlighting Albariño as the champion grape of the Rias Baixas sub-region, known for zesty white wines and aromatic red wines made with Mencía.
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