Spain Deepening PDF

Machine Translated by Google SPAIN DEEPENING Machine Translated by Google Subject: Spain The student must: knew the country's location in the 30/50 zone and could place the country g...

Machine Translated by Google SPAIN DEEPENING Machine Translated by Google Subject: Spain The student must: knew the country's location in the 30/50 zone and could place the country geographically the world map. know where the most important wine regions in the country are located and have an overview of their typical wine styles. understand the historical development, and be able to explain Spain's role in the world wine history. have an overview of the most used grape varieties in the country. understand the structure of the Spanish wine law. know the Spanish storage terms and the differences between them. understand how the mountain ranges in Spain create defined climatic zones in the country, and how the climate changes from a maritime climate to a continental climate and a Mediterranean climate. Machine Translated by Google TODAY'S PROGRAM La Rioja Ribera del Duero Priory Rias Baixas Machine Translated by Google Rioja Machine Translated by Google Content Introduction of region Geography - map and location Climate Peculiarities Grape varieties Subarea Location Soil Wine types and styles Manufacturers Machine Translated by Google Introduction Is both historically and today the most important area for quality wine in Spain. 65811 ha. planted area (2020). Wine has been grown in Rioja for over 2,000 years. The area is developing rapidly and there are ideological differences between young and old, 'modernists' and 'traditionalists' – at the same time way like in Piedmont in Italy. The great river Ebro flows through Rioja, and the best wine houses are along the river (in the same way as Bordeaux with La Gironde). Machine Translated by Google Map and location Rioja is centrally located, in the far north of Spain. The most important river in the region is the Ebro, although the region is named after another river, Rio Oja. Rioja directly borders Navarra in the north. Otherwise, Rioja is bordered by País Vasco to the north, Castilla y León to the south/west, Aragón to the south/east and Catalunya to the east. The area is affected by the Sierra Cantabria mountain range, which limits rain from the Atlantic Ocean. Machine Translated by Google Climate Maritime climate in the west (Alta/Alavesa). Mediterranean influence in the east (Oriental). Almost twice as much rain in the west as in the east. Mild winters and temperate summers in Alta/ Alavesa. Cooler winters and warmer summers in Oriental. The area extends from 300 meters above sea level at Alfaro to up to 900 meters above sea level the sea at the foot of the Cantrabrian Mountains. Drought is often a problem in Rioja Oriental. Machine Translated by Google Peculiarities Barrel storage Although not all wines from the area are barrel-aged, Rioja is known for its distinct barrel-aged styles that can be very ageable. Many people seek less of a barrel and Joven wines, also often seen from Rioja. 225L barrique of traditional American, eventually also French oak. Longer storage requirements for Rioja than for the rest of Spain: Crianza – 2 years aging of which 1 year in barrel Reserva – 3 years aging, of which 1 year in barrel Gran Reserva – 5 years aging of which 2 years in barrels Machine Translated by Google Grape varieties Red grapes Tempranillo is Rioja's most important grape. Accounts for just under 80% of the area's total planting. The grape has medium color intensity. Ruby red when young, brick red when older. In Rioja, it usually gets medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. The best wines from Rioja have a distinct touch of oak. Aromas of cherry, plum, tomato. Gets hints of dried fig, cedar, leather and tobacco when it matures. Garnacha, mazuelo (carignan) and graciano and maturana tinta are used as supporting grapes. garnacha gives more body graciano gives aroma and freshness mazuelo provides tannin and color Ripe tempranillo with its characteristic maturana tinta provides color and freshness blue-black color. Machine Translated by Google Grape varieties White grapes The main white grape is viura (macabeo) followed by malvasia, garnacha blanca, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, verdejo, maturana blanca, tempranillo blanco, torrontés. The traditional style for white wines has been full- bodied wines with long-term oak aging. Today, many wines are produced in a neutral, fruity style as the traditional style declines in popularity. viura (macabeo) Machine Translated by Google Subarea: Rioja Alavesa The smallest sub-area (13178 ha). Extends from Logroño to the north bank of the Ebro River and west of Haro. The Cantabrian mountains provide protection from rain and wind from the north. Here the Atlantic influence is strongest: more humidity and lower temperature than the other two sub-areas. The vineyards are planted on terraces facing south-east or south-west - which guarantees maximum sun exposure. 90% tempranillo. Soil: clay-limestone. At the foot of the mountains: Rioja Alavesa is characterized by the Sierra Cantabrica mountain range. In terms of quality, wines similar to R. Alta. Medium+ to high acidity and tannin. Machine Translated by Google Subarea: Rioja Alta The largest sub-area (27871 ha). The vineyards are planted along the hillside with the river and out onto the lower hills and deletes. Extends from Logroño on the south the bank of the Ebro River to the western border of the DOCa. Crosses the Ebro river with vineyards on the river northern latitude. Soil is a mix of clay-limestone, ferruginous clay and alluvial soil. The area's best wines come from here. The railway was very important for the development of Rioja. Quality wines with medium+ to high acidity and In 1970, Bodegas Muga moved its headquarters from tannin. downtown Haro to Barrio de la Estación (pictured Machine Translated by Google Subregion: Rioja Oriental 25191 ha. The region starts in Logroño and lies furthest east of the 3 sub-areas. The region is flatter than the other two, since The Ebro valley opens up east of Logroño. Mediterranean winds characterize the region as the mountain ranges open to the sea. The highest percentage of garnacha is planted here. Soil: ferruginous clay and alluvial soil. Warmest of the three sub-areas. Higher alcohol and softer wines, less acid and tannin than the previous two. Machine Translated by Google 2017 "NEW RIOJA" Vinedos Singulares Vinos de Zona Must come from a specific, defined Wines from one of the three sub-regions of Rioja plot. (Alta, Alavesa, Oriental). Production, maturation and bottling must take My. 35 year old vines place in the specified zone handpicked grapes Espumosos de Rioja – sparkling wines Vinos de Municipio Generico – trad. method. All grapes Municipal wines from the quality regulations Act Min. 15 months in bottle. Must come from one of 144 municipalities Espumoso Reserva – trad. method. Either harvesting at night or by hand. My. 24 Production, maturation and bottling in the months in bottle. municipality Espumoso Gran Añada – trad. method. Harvested by hand. My. 36 months in bottle. Machine Translated by Google Castile and León Ribera del Duero Machine Translated by Google Content Introduction of region Geography - map and location Climate Subarea Location Grapes Soil Wine types Wine style Manufacturers Machine Translated by Google Main region: Castilla y León Topography: Large parts on the central plateau of La Meseta, 400 to 1000 m above sea level. High mountains and plains. The Duero River flows west into Portugal. In the far west, the area includes the region of Bierzo, which has similar conditions to Galicia. Climate: Continental climate, short and hot summer, long and cold winter. Large differences in day/night temperatures. The area can experience temperature differences from + 40 to - 20 during the year. Spring frosts are common. The height provides fresh air and relatively intense light. Viti/Vini: A vaso/bush vines and trellis (guyot). Dry conditions so it is planted well apart. Harvest preferably late in October. Machine Translated by Google Machine Translated by Google Subregion: Ribera del Duero Topography: Stretches east to west from the town of Aranda del Duero to Valladolid. Most places flat, gently rolling and rocky with heights between about 650 to about 850 meters above sea level. Climate: Continental with short, hot summers with up to 40 degrees and large temperature drops at night. Cold winters. Little precipitation. Viti/vini: Most of the vineyards are bushvines/en vaso and there is a large proportion of old vines. Vines in Ribera del Duero, pruned like a tapestry. Machine Translated by Google Geology and soils R. del Duero is located on the great northern plateau of the Iberian Peninsula. 32 different soils, but the most important are 3 which are described below: Clay formed from fine reddish-brown grains that Clay retain water. These soils give structure and character to the wine. Limestone, white in color and rich in calcareous salts. These dry limestone soils add elegance and complexity to the wine. Larger stones of all sizes, which do not hold Limestone water. These soils bring maturity and sweetness. There are also layers of limestone, slate, marl and some pure lime. Larger stone Machine Translated by Google Subregion: Ribera del Duero Wine types: Red, rosé and white (from 2019, min. 75% albillo mayor). Red wines have min. 75% Tempranillo. Wine style: Known for its powerful red wines with finesse and elegance despite the somewhat higher alcohol than in Rioja. Often fresher acid due to the temperature differences day/night. Grapes: Tempranillo (tinto fino/tinta del pais locally), garnacha, malbec, cabernet sauvignon, albillo mayor. Machine Translated by Google Worth knowing The DO was established in 1982 and today consists of approx. 22,000 ha. vineyard. The area has 4 subzones: Valladolid, Burgos, Soria and Segovia which are rarely seen on labels. A large Roman mosaic (pictured) found in 1972 confirms that there has been wine production in the area for over 2,500 years. Some of Spain's most expensive wines, such as Pingus, Vega Sicilia and Pesquera come from Ribera del Duero. Has, together with e.g. Rioja and Navarra stricter storage regulations for Crianza than the Spanish wine law requires. The rules for Reserva and Gran Reserva are the same in Ribera del Duero as nationally. Uses French oak to a greater extent, while Rioja tends more towards American oak. Machine Translated by Google Machine Translated by Google Catalonia Priory Machine Translated by Google Main region: Cataluña Topography: Long coastline to the Mediterranean. The Pyrenees border the area from France in the north. The Montserrat mountains lie northwest of Barcelona, and the Ebro river from Rioja flows into the sea in the south of the region. Climate: Mediterranean climate along the coast warm with moderate rainfall. Continental and drier inland, and considerably cooler up in the mountains. Viti/Vini: Cataluña has 36 different permitted grape varieties and is known for a wide variety of wine styles, from powerful reds to sparkling wines made using the traditional method. Source: vineyards.com Machine Translated by Google Subarea: Priorat Machine Translated by Google Subarea: Priorat Topography: Wine is produced from 100 m above sea level in the lower-lying parts of Bellmunt del Priorat and el Molar - up to 750 m in the higher- lying parts of La Morera de Monsant and Porrera. The viticulture is characterized by hillsides with slopes of 15 degrees and in some places up to 60 degrees. Gratallops is the most important town in the area, with many of the best vineyards. Climate: Continental climate with long hot and dry summers and cold winters - and with the risk of frost, hail and drought. Affected by cold winds from the north and the warm Mistral wind from the east. Geology/soil: The soil is dominated by slate and quartz, which is locally called 'llicorella'. Llicorella soils. Machine Translated by Google Subarea: Priorat Red grapes: garnacha, carinena, garnacha peluda, tempranillo, picapoll negro, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, pinot noir, merlot, syrah White grapes: garnacha blanca, macabeo, Pedro Ximénes, chenin blanc, moscatel de Alejandría, moscatel de grano menudo, blanquilla, picapoll blanc and vigonier. Wine types: Despite the fact that many white grapes are allowed, over 90% of the grapes (and thus most of the wines) produced are red wines. Wine style: Rich and at the same time fresh red wines made mainly from blends of garnacha, with aromas of raspberry, black cherry and thyme - and carinena, with aromas of cranberry, licorice and garrigue. The best wines are considered among Spain's very best. Machine Translated by Google Vinification and viticulture The steepest vineyards are terraced and must be harvested by hand. Here, the yield from the vineyard is also very low. Long harvest period, from mid-September in the low-lying areas to the beginning of November in the highest-lying areas. Unlike most other quality areas, which have a southern exposure, many of Priorat's vineyards have a north-easterly exposure, which means they are in the shade in the afternoon. Sufficient sun and heat are never a challenge in Priorat. Here it is about limiting the sun's intensity. Extremely steep, terraced vineyards in Priorat. Machine Translated by Google Classification In 2019, Priorat introduced a classification system based on the model from Burgundy: Regional wines can come from all over the appellation. Spruce vinya we de vilas (municipalities) must come from the specified classification municipalities Vinya named parajes (vineyards) are wines from individual classification vineyards Requirements for at least 60% garnacha and/or carinena. Paradise Stricter requirements for vineyard age - and yield. We rest In addition, wines can be classified as Vinya Clasificada and Gran Vinya Classificada Regional (based on the model from premier and grand cru in Burgundy). Machine Translated by Google Worth knowing One of two DOCas in Spain, along with Rioja. Consists today of just over 2,000 ha. vineyard. The name Priorat – which means monastery – arose because a monastery was built around 1,000 years ago on the site where a shepherd had experienced a vision: a flock of angels in full regalia ascending a staircase towards heaven. The monastery was called the Priorat de Scala Dei. The village has preserved the name Scala Dei - God's Staircase - and so has the company that makes wine in the old monastery. Priorat is one of the few top wines in the world made from garnacha and carinena. The age of the vines and very low yields are important for the strength and intensity of the wines. The appellation Monsant surrounds Priorat - and makes similar wines. Scala Dei Monastery. Machine Translated by Google Galicia Rias Baixas Machine Translated by Google Main region: Galicia Location: Coastline with coves and fjords towards the Atlantic Ocean. Border with Portugal in the south. The landscape rises steeply from the coast to a hilly landscape with low mountains, rivers and green valleys. The river Miño, which flows into the sea at the border with Portugal, is the most important in the region. Climate: Temperate maritime climate, mild and rainy. Hot summer and mild winter. Lots of wind, and the maritime affects just about the entire region. Frost is rare. Viti/Vini: Traditional pergola, with horizontal ties. Machine Translated by Google Subarea: Priorat Machine Translated by Google Subarea: Rias Baixas Topography: Fjord landscape that many compare to more Ireland than the rest of Spain. The wines are mostly planted at between 100 and 300 meters above sea level. Climate: Maritime climate with little difference in seasonal temperatures and day and night temperatures. The proximity to the Atlantic Ocean provides high humidity, which means that fungal diseases and rot are the biggest dangers for wine production, hence the pergola. 1700 mm annual rainfall. Geology/soil: Granite and schist that build up the acidity in the grapes. Some pockets of alluvial soils. There is little organic material but a lot of minerals in the thin topsoil - which provides ideal conditions for albariño. Decomposed granite, locally called xabre, is typical of the Rias Baixas. Machine Translated by Google Vinification and viticulture Traditionally, the vines have been tied up as a pergola to air dry the grapes/plants and thus avoid rotting. Modern vineyards are planted with a more practical, local variant of the Geneva double curtain. Rias Baixas practices its own, stricter rules for albariño than for the other grape varieties. The other white wine grapes are often used as supporting grapes for wines that do not have albariño stated on the label. The grapes are mostly handpicked to preserve freshness. Traditional parrall (pergola) binding in Rias Baixas. Machine Translated by Google Subarea: Rias Baixas White grapes: albariño, treixadura, loureira, caiño blanco, torrontés and godello. Red grapes: caiño tinto, espadeiro, loureiro tinto, sousón, mencía, brancellao and castañal. Wine types: Most of the production is acidic white wines based on the albariño grape, which accounts for 95% of the planted area. Some red wines are also produced as well as sparkling wine made using the traditional method. Wine style: Most white wines are made in a reductive style without the use of oak or malolactic fermentation. There are quite a few wines with extensive use of storage on lees. Albariño gives notes of apricot, citrus and peach and can resemble a grüner veltliner, but without the white pepper. The sparkling wines are made using the traditional It is heavy harvesting work when all the grapes are hanging over your method. The red wines are made in an aromatic, head. acidic and fresh style. Machine Translated by Google Classification Rias Baixas has 5 subzones that can be used on the label. Val do Salnés is the original and oldest, as well as the coolest and wettest. Granite with alluvial topsoil. Long maturation time and salty Albarino. Condado do Tea is the second largest sub-zone, and the furthest inland. Granite and slate - and the warmest area in the Rias Baixas. O Rosal is located along the Miño River where it flows into the Atlantic Ocean, which provides a cooler coastal climate. The vineyards are terraced along the river and planted on alluvial soils over granite. Soutomaior is the smallest subzone. Located along the coast. Light, sandy soils over granite characterize the area. Ribeira do Ulla is the only area completely surrounded by land, although it is divided by the Ulla River. Dominated by alluvial soils. Grape planting by the sea in Rias Baixas. Machine Translated by Google Worth knowing Wine production was relatively widespread at the beginning of the 19th century, but was severely affected by oidium and phylloxera. It was only towards the end of the 80s that the wines from here again began to be in demand. Rias Baixas today produces some of Spain's most sought-after white wines. From 237 ha. in 1987 the area has grown to 4321 ha. in 2022. The term Paso is used today more or less equivalent to the French Chateau. The Pasos originally belonged to the nobility - and many of them still stand today. Machine Translated by Google