Spanish Wine Scholar - Green Spain

Chapter 2 of SWS: Green Spain

What are the provinces of Galcia?

A Coruna, Lugo, Pontevedra and Ourense.

Santiago de Compostela is the capital while Vigo is the largest city.

Describe Galicia’s climate.

Mild winters accompanied by heavy rainfall. Snow is very rare, with an average winter temperature of 58 degrees. Summers are also moderate, averaging temperatures in the high 70s.

Describe Galicia’s topography

“Country of a thousand rivers,” characterized by numerous rias (Mino and Sil rivers are the 2 most important).

Vineyards are planted en espaldera if on steep hillside overseeing rivers, or parrals if on a flatter site.

Describe Galicia’s soils

Varied terrain and several different soil types.

Along coast, predominantly granite based, tending to be sandy, shallow and slightly acidic.

In the river valleys granite coupled with clay predominates.

Further inland, the soil turns to shallow slate, shale and granitic sand.

List Galicia’s major grape varieties

Weather encourages early ripening varieties

White > Red by production

Mostly domestic varieties

Albarino is the star of Rias Baixas (90% of plantings), followed by Godello. Treixadura and Loureira are also common.

For red grapes, grapes, Mencia is common.

List the DOPs of Galicia

DO Monterrei

DO Rias Baixas

DO Ribeira Sacra

DO Ribeiro

DO Valdeorras

List the other Quality Wine Regions of Galicia

VT Barbanza e Iria

VT Betanzos

VT Ribeiras do Morrazo

VT Val do Mino-Ourense

How was wine traditionally served in Galicia?

In a ceramic cup called a “cunca”

Describe DO Monterrei

DO Awarded: 1996

Wine Styles: 63% White, 37% Red

Soils: Varied, slate & shale, sandy granite, sedimentary soils and clay

Climate/Rainfall: Maritime with continental influences; drier than rest of Galicia

Elevation: 1312-1640 ft / 300-400 m

Area Under Vine: 1,399 ac / 566 ha

List the white grape varieties of DO Monterrei

[Preferred]: Godello, Dona Branca/Dona Blanca, Treixadura

[Authorized]: Albarino, Caino Blanco, Loureira, Blanca d Monterrei

List the red grape varieties of DO Monterrei

[Preferred]: Mencia, Meranzao

[Authorized]: Arauxa (Tempranillo), Caino Tinto, Souson

What is the geography of DO Monterrei?

Sides of the Tamega river valley in eastern Galicia. There are 2 subregions:

1) Valle de Monterrei (valley floor)

2) Ladera de Monterrei (hillside vineyards)

What are the special DO Monterrei awards, if any?

Monterrei Superior label is available with a minimum of 85% of any native variety.

What are the subregions of DO Rias Baixas?

From North to Southwest

1) Ribera do Ulla

2) Val do Salnes

3) Soutomaior

4) Candado do Tea

5) O Rosal

Describe DO Rias Baixas

DO Awarded: 1998

Wine Styles: 99% white, 1% red, <1% sparkling

Soils: shallow, sandy soils with some granite and alluvial soils along Mino river

Climate: Maritime, annual rainfall of 67 inches

Elevation: Up to 984 ft / 300 m

Area under vine: 9,936 ac / 4,021 ha

List the white grape varieties of Rias Baixas

[Preferred]: Albarino, Loureira/Loureiro Blanco/Marques, Treixadura, Caino Blanco

[Authorized]: Torrontes, Godello

List the red grape varieties of Rias Baixas

[Preferred]: Caino Tinto, Espadeiro, Loureira Tinta, Souson

[Authorized]: Mencia, Pedral, Brancellao

Describe the Val do Salnes subregion of Rias Baixas

Oldest sub-zone and known as the birthplace of Albarino.

Located in lower reaches of the Umia River

Overall, this is the flattest of the sub-zones, and also the coolest

50% of Rias Baixas’ vines are here

Describe the Condado do Tea sub-zone of Rias Baixas

Furthest inland. On Northern Bank of the Mino River. Second-largest subzone, with most mountainous terrain. Most continental and also the warmest.

Describe the O Rosal subzone of Rias Baixas

On the right bank of the Mino River where it meets the Atlantic. Vineyards are planted on terraces flanking the waterways.

Describe the Soutomaior subzone of Rias Baixas

The only sub-zone whose sole production is varietal Albarino. The smallest of the five and situated in the hills at the head of the Ria de Vigo

Added as subzone in 1996

Describe Ribeira do Ulla subzone of Rias Baixas

Situated inland along the Ulla River Valley, the northernmost subzone and produces some of the finest red wines in the DO.

Added as a subzone in 2000

What are the DO Rias Baixas White Wine Designations?

Rias Baixas - produced in Rias Baixas DOP

Rias Baixas Albarino - produced in Rias Baixas DOP and 100% Albarino

What is the Condado do Tea designation?

Rias Baixas Candado do Tea - >= 70% Albarino & Treixadura, and produced in Candado do Tea

What is the O Rosal special designation?

Rias Baixas Rosal - >= 70% Albarino & Loureira and produced in O Rosal

What is the Val do Salnes special designation?

Rias Baixas Salnes - >= 70% Albarino, Loureira, Treixadura & Caino Blanco and produced in Val do Salnes

What is the Ribeira do Ulla special designation?

Rias Baixas Ribeira do Ulla - >= 70% Albarino, Loureira, Treixadura & Caino Blanco and produced in Ribeira do Ulla

Describe an Albarino from Rias Baixas

Generally unoaked and best consumed young. Some aging is on the rise.

Pale in color with notes of citrus fruit, peaches and white flowers. Wines are light-bodied with zesty acidity and often carry some salinity.

Pairs well with seafood.

Describe DO Ribeira Sacra

DO Awarded: 1996

Wine Styles: 94% Red, 6% white

Soils: Slate (along Mino river) and granite (along the Sil and Bibei rivers)

Climate: Maritime with continental influence, avg. rainfall of 28-31 in

Elevation: 1,312-1,640 feet

Area Under Vine: 3,067 ac / 1,241 ha

What are the white grape varieties of DO Ribeira Sacra?

[Preferred]: Albarino, Loureira, Treixadura, Godello, Dona Branca/Dona Blanca, Torrontes

What are the red grape varieties of Ribeira Sacra?

[Preferred]: Mencia, Brancellao, Merenzao, Tempranillo, Souson, Caino Tinto

[Authorized]: Garnacha Tintorera, Mouraton

List the 5 subzones of Ribeira Sacra

Chantada (Mino river)

Ribeiras do Mino (Mino river)

Ribeiras do Sil (Sil river)

Amandi (Sil river)

Quiroga-Bibei (Sil river)

Describe a Mencia from Ribeira Sacra

Light, lively, and moderately pigmented with soft tannins.

Notes of fresh red berries, herbs, and a smoky minerality.

Best examples aged in large wooden vats and are extremely elegant.

What are the DO Ribeira Sacra regulations for vinos tintos?

70% of preferred varieties, but most wines are exclusively Mencia grape.

What is Ribeira Sacra Summum?

A special grape-focused designation created by the DO. So-labeled vinos tintos must come from a minimum of 85% preferred varieties, including a minimum of 60% Mencia.

Vinos blancos must be made from 100% preferred varieties

Describe DO Ribeiro

DO Awarded: 1932 (oldest in Galicia)

Wine Styles: 90% white, 9% red, 1% other

Soils: Granite (~70%) rich in organic matter; schist (~20%); sedimentary (~10%)

Climate: Maritime, with risk of spring frost; avg. rainfall of 35 in

Elevation: 328-1,148 ft / 100-350 m

AUV: 5,486 ac / 2,220 ha

List the white varieties of DO Ribeiro

[Preferred]: Treixadura, Torrontes, Godello, Loureira, Albarino, Lado

[Authorized]: Albillo, Macabeo, Palomino, Jerez

List the red varieties of DO Ribeiro

[Preferred]: Caino Longo, Caino Tinto, Caino Bravo, Souson, Ferron, Mencia, Brancellao

[Authorized]: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Tintorera

Describe DO Ribeiro topography

Border the Mino, Avia and Arnoia rivers. The valley floor is very hot, so the rivers are critical to protecting the vines. The best sites are on the hillsides, where the cooler air extends the growing season and adds acidity.

Describe DO Ribeiro wines

Medium-bodied, unoaked and Treixadura-dominant. Best consumed young and exhibit fresh acidity with notes of lime, stone fruit, and a hint of cucumber.

What is a colleiteiro?

A boutique winery unique to DO Ribeiro, with no more than 15,850 gal / 60,000 liters of wine in production annually. The winery owners must manage the entire winemaking production cycle.

As of 2016, there were 115 colleiteiros in the DO.

Describe DO Valdeorras

DO Awarded: 1945

Wine Styles: 55% white, 45% tinto, <1% sparkling, <1% other

Soils: primarily shallow slate topsoil atop quartzite and schist bedrock

Climate: maritime with some continental influence, avg rainfall of 33-39 in, risk of late frost and hailstorms in spring

Elevation: 984-2,297 ft, 300-700m

AUV: 2,921 ac / 1,182 ha

What are the white varieties of DO Valdeorras

[Preferred]: Godello, Dona Branca/Dona Blanca, Loureira, Treixadura, Albarino, Torrontes, Lado

[Authorized]: Palomino

What are the red varieties of DO Valdeorras

[Preferred]: Mencia, Tempranillo, Brancellao, Souson, Caino Tinto, Espadeiro, Ferron, Merenzao

[Authorized]: Gran Negro, Garnacha Tintorera, Mouraton

What are the 8 subzones of Valdeorras?

A Rua

Carballeda de Valdeorras

Larouco

O Barco

O Bolo

Petin

Rubia

Vilamartin

What are the labeling requirements of Valdeorras?

Valdeorras Godello = 100% Godello

Valdeorras Mencia = 85%+ Mencia

Vinos espumosos = 85%+ Godello

What is Valdeorras Castas Nobles?

Wines produced within DO Valdeorras which have at least 85% preferred varieties

Describe a Valdeorras Godello

Ripe yellow apple fruit and a hint of thyme. Best have a stony minerality and are aged in barriques for added complexity.

Describe VT Barbanza e Iria

VT Awarded: 2006

Wine Styles: 88% white, 12% red

Location: NW Galicia on the coast

List the white varieties of VT Barbanza e Iria

[Authorized]: Albarino, Caino Blanco, Godello, Loureira/Loureiro Blanco/Marques, Treixadura, Branco Lexitimo/Albarin Blanco, Agudelo/Chenin Blanc, Torrontes

List the red varieties of VT Barbanza e Iria

[Authorized]: Brancellao, Caino Tinto, Espadeiro, Loureiro Tinto, Mencia, Souson

Describe VT Betanzos

VT Awarded: 2000

Wine Styles: 80% white, 20% red

Location: Northern Galicia; Northernmost wine region in Galicia

List the white varieties of VT Betanzos

[Preferred]: Godello, Branco Lexitimo/Albarin Blanco, Agudelo/Chenin Blanc

[Authorized]: Palomino

List the red varieties of VT Betanzos

[Preferred]: Mencia, Brancellao, Merenzao

[Authorized]: Gran Negro, Garnacha Tintorera

Describe VT Ribeiras do Morrazo

VT Awarded: 2018

Wine Styles: ?

Location: SW Galicia, surrounded by 4 of 5 Rias Baixas subzones

List the white varieties of VT Ribeiras do Morrazo

[Authorized]: Albarino, Caino Blanco, Goello, Loureira, Treixadura, Branco Lexitimo/Albarin Blanco, Torrontes

List the red varieties of VT Ribeiras do Morrazo

[Authorized]: Brancellao, Ciano Tinto, Pedral, Espadeiro, Loureiro Tinto, Mencia, Souson

Describe VT Val do Mino-Ourense

VT Awarded: 1987

Wine Styles: 80% white, 20% red

Location: Central Galicia along the Mino river between DO Ribeiro and DO Ribeira Sacra

List the white varieties of VT Val do Mino-Ourense

[Preferred]: Treixadura, Torrontes, Godello, Albarino, Loureira

[Authorized]: Palomino

List the red varieties of Val do Mino-Ourense

[Preferred]: Mencia, Brancellao, Mouraton, Souson, Caino Bravo, Caino Longo, Caino Tinto

[Authorized]: Garnacha Tintorera

What happened in the late 1800s to the Asturian and Cantabrian wine regions and what was the impact?

Powdery mildew (1850s) and Phylloxera (1889) reduced the vineyard areas by 50%

When was a request made to delimit “Wine from Cangas” as a region?

1929

What are the two main cities of Asturias?

Capital: Oviedo

Population Center: Gijon

What is Cantabria’s capital and largest city?

Santander

What is the climate of Asturias and Cantabria?

Maritime, similar to Galicia. Cool and damp due to the influence of the Atlantic ocean.

Asturias has mild, rainy winters with avg temps of 55 F, with cool, sunny summers. 40 in annual rainfall.

Cantabria is one of the cloudiest parts of Spain. It is colder, particularly inland. 47 in annual rainfall.

What is the Foehn Effect?

As air is pushed up against mountains, it expands and cools due to decreased pressure. Clouds are formed on the upwind side. The downwind side is heated and drier.

In Cantabria, this extends the growing season in the downwind side.

Describe the topography of Cantabria and Asturias

Spectacular inland mountain ranges and steep coastal cliffs. The Picos de Europa are the highest and most beautiful range within the Cordillera Cantabrica.

The highest peak of the range is Torrecerredo at 8,688 ft.

What are the soils of Asturias?

Limestone mountain ranges give way to slate soils. High amount of rainfall means the slate offers excellent drainage for the vines.

What are the soils of Cantabria?

Limestone in the mountains and shale and sandstone in the valley floors. Soils can be more suited to apple trees (and cidra is popular here).

Describe wines from Asturias

Reds: typically blends and characteristically light, aromatic, fruity, floral and mineral driven with low alcohol.

Whites: clean and bright, with floral and mineral characteristics with balanced acidity.

Red is 2/3rds of production. Wines should be drunk young.

Describe wines from Cantabria

Along coasts: red and whites are young, fresh, high-acid wines meant for early consumption.

Inland: Reds dominate and blends are more common than varietal wines. Wines are fresh, bright, balanced and meant for early consumption.

In 2016, how many winemakers were in the region?

10 in Asturias, 15 in Cantabria

Describe VC Cangas (Asturias)

VC Awarded: 2008

Wine Styles: 78% red, 22% white

Soils: mostly shale with sandstone

Climate: Maritime, avg rainfall of 35 in

Elevation: 1,312-2,297 ft, 400-700m

AUV: 79 ac / 32 ha

List the white varieties of Cangas

[Preferred]: Albarin Blanco

[Authorized]: Albillo Mayor, Godello, Gewurztraminer, Moscatel de Grano Menudo, Picapoll Blanco/Extra

List the red varieties of Cangas

[Preferred]: Albarin Tinto, Mencia, Carrasquin, Verdejo Negro

[Authorized]: Garnacha Tintorera, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah

Describe VT Costa de Cantabria

VT Awarded: 2005

Wine Styles: 96% white, 4% red

Location: Northern Cantabria, spanning the entire coast between Asturias and Pais Vasco

List the white varieties of VT Costa de Cantabria

[Authorized]: Albarino, Chardonnay, Godello, Hondarribi Zuri, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Treixdura

What is the red varieties of VT Costa de Cantabria?

[Authorized]: Hondarribi Beltza

Describe VT Liebana (Cantabria)

VT Awarded: 2005

Wine Styles: 100% red, <1% white

Location: SW corner of Cantabria

What are the white varieties of VT Liebana?

[Authorized]: Palomino, Chardonnay, Godello, Gewurztraminer

What are the red varieties of VT Liebana?

[Authorized]: Mencia, Tempranillo, Garnacha Tinta, Graciano, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon

What were the fueros?

Special privileges granted to the Basques in the Basque Country in exchange for allegiance to the Spanish Kings.

Who was Sabino Arana?

A Basque writer (1865-1903) who was the father of Basque Nationalism. He created the Basque National Party (PNV), eventually leading to the terroristic ETA in 1959.

Describe the geography of Pais Vasco

3 provinces in France and 4 in North-central Spain. The 3 in Pais Vasco are: Alava, Vizcaya (Bizkaia) and Guipuzcoa.

There is no official capital, but Vitoria-Gasteiz in Alava assumes the role.

Bilbao is the largest city, with 345,000 residents (16% of total population).

Describe the climate of Pais Vasco

Maritime climate along the 3 wine-growing areas. Moving further inland past the mountains creates a more continental climate with oceanic influences.

Vizcaya and Guipuzcoa are cool and damp, with temps averaging 48F in winter and 68F in summer. There is a significant amount of rain, averaging 47 in annually. There is no dry season.

The mountainous province of Alava has a continental climate with cold winters, warmer summers and significant diurnal swings. Drier than the coast.

Describe the topography of Pais Vasco

3 Distinct areas: Atlantic Basin, inner mountain ranges (Montes Vascos) and the Ebro River Basin

The majority of Txakoli vineyards can be found in the area running from the coastline to the interior hillsides.

Describe the soils of Pais Vasco

In the east, Guipuzcoa has sandy topsoil with alluvial clay subsoils.

In southern Alava, is more alluvial with gravelly clay soil. The area within the DO is predominantly limestone, however.

Soils here are rich in organic matter.

What is the traditional vine training system in Pais Vasco?

Parral which improves airflow in the humid and mildew-prone environments.

Some producers are switching to espaldera due to labor constraints.

What is the wettest wine region in Spain?

Getaria, in Guipuzcoa.

How is Txakoli produced?

With destemmed grapes (primarily Hondarribi Zuri), which first macerate on their skins, and then undergo a two to three week fermentation. This takes place traditionally in large wooden foudres (264 gal / 1,000 liters). The wine is aged on the lees for a few weeks.

What are the 2 labeling requirements in the Pais Vascos DOs?

1) Varietal wine must have at least 85% of the variety stated on the label

2) Vinos rosados must be at least 50% Hondarribi Beltza

Describe DO Arabako Txakolina (Txakoli de Alava / Chacoli de Alava)

DO Awarded: 2001

Wine Styles: 94% white, 6% espumoso, <1% Rosado, <1% Tinto

Soils: limestone with stone and clay

Climate: Maritime; avg rainfall of 35 inc, common spring frosts

Elevation: 328-656 ft, 100-200 m

AUV: 235 ac / 95 ha

Describe the white varities of Arabako Txakolina

[Preferred]: Hondarribi Zuri

[Authorized]: Izkiriota Ttippia (Petit Manseng), Hondarribi Zuri Zerratia (Petit Courbu), Izkiriota (gros Mansing), Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay

Describe the red varieties of Arabako Txakolina

[Preferred]: Hondarribi Beltza

Name other characteristics of DO Arabako Txakolina

Smallest of Basque DOs, and also the driest and most continental of all Basque regions. Winemakers use espaldera training methods here.

5 municipalities: Amurrio, Llodio, Artziniega, Okondo and Aiara

The wines are richer, fuller-bodied than the other two.

Describe DO Bizkaiko Txakolina (Txakoli de Bizkaia / Chacoli de Bizkaia)

DO Awarded: 1994

Wine Styles: 99% white, <1% rose, <1% red, <1% espumoso

Soils: Clay-loam, limestone and marl

Climate: Maritime, avg rainfall of 47 inches

Elevation: 164-656 ft / 50-200 m

AUV: 996 ac / 403 ha

List the white varieties of DO Bizkaiko Txakolina

[Preferred]: Hondarribi Zuri

[Authorized]: Mune Mahatsa (Folle Blanche), Hondarribi Zuri Zerratia (Petit Courbu), Izkiriota (Gros Manseng), Izkiriota Ttippia (Petit Manseng), Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay

List the red varieties of DO Bizkaiko Txakolina

[Preferred]: Hondarribi Beltza

What are other characteristics of DO Bizkaiko Txakolina?

Most vineyards are planted near the coast on low foothills. Plots are small and the parral system is used (due to significant amounts of rainfall)

Inland, the soils are different (limestone/marl) and winemakers use the espaldera systems. They also receive Foehn effect winds due to the Montes Vascos.

6 Municipalities: Encartaciones (coast), Uribe (coast), Urdaibai (coast), Lea-Artibai (coast), Nervion (inland), Duranguesado (inland).

Describe a DO Bizkaiko Txakolina wine

Light and easy-drinking with floral notes and tangy citrus and green apple fruit. Palate is slightly prickly with mouthwatering acidity