wines of Spain

Significant areas/DOs of Mediterranean coast

1. Penedés DO - Known for Cava (Spanish sparkling wine)

2. Cava DO - Not a place, but many places that produce the famous sparkling wine

3. Priorat DOQ - highly acclaimed red wine from Garnacha and Carignan

Three varietals that classically make up Cava and others

Macabeo, Parellada, Xarello

Chardonnay

Garnacha (Grenache), Monastrell (Mourvèdre) - rosés

Two Broad categories of Cava

CAVA DE GUARDA

• The youngest entry-level

CAVA DE GUARDA SUPERIOR

Aging requirements for the Cavo classification levels

9-18-30-36

CAVA DE GUARDA

• The youngest entry-level of the Cava range

• aged in the bottle for a minimum of 9 months

CAVA DE GUARDA SUPERIOR

• Cava Reserva is aged a minimum of 18 months in the bottle

• This aging adds depth, aroma and complexity to the product

• Cava Gran Reserva is aged a minimum 30 months in the bottle

• Cava de Paraje Calificada is aged a minimum 36 months in the bottle

3 most common dosage levels for Cava

1. Brut nature: 0-3 g/l (no added sugar)

2. Extra Brut: 0 to 6 g/l

3. Brut: 0 to 12 g/l

What production method is used to make Cava

Methode Traditional

Unique soil type of Priorat DOQ and how does it help the vine

Licorella- slate based black soil like CDP. Absorbs the heat and conserves and reflects it back to the vine

Significant varietals of Priorat DOQ and requirements for the wine

Garnacha and Carignan (Cariñena) - 60% must be one or both

Why are quality wines made in Priorat DOQ, low yields

Old vines, licorella soil (nutrient poor), continental climate (elevation and steep slopes)

Significant grape for Ribera del Duero

Tempranillo, but called Tinto Fino or Tinto del Pais.

What type of oak barrels are mostly used in Ribera del Duero, size requirements

French oak barriques, New World style

Aging requirements for Tempranillo (Ribera del Duero and Rioja)

• Crianza 2 years aging and 1 in wood

• Reserva 3 and 1

• Gran Reserva 5 and 2

In what region is Rioja located?

Ebro River Valley

Describe the traditionalist versus modernist styles of Rioja

Not one true style of Rioja:

* The classic style of Rioja, exemplified by oxidative red, white, and rosé wines

• Emphasizes time in oak (mostly
  American) Color falls out

• Medium to deep color intensity with red to brick red rim

• A/F: red to black, red fruit, vanilla, dill, leaves, and Forrest floor

• Structure: plus to high acidity, medium tan, medium to medium plus body

  The new internationalist school of winemaking is in full effect in Rioja (California-like)

• Emphasizing powerful wines

• More color extraction, due to opaque intensity, and youthful room. Lots of color from skins

• maybe single varietal, mostly from new French oak.

• A/F: riper , fruit, darker fruit, toast, and vanilla, leaves, tobacco

• Structure: medium, plus to high acidity, medium to high 10, medium, plus to full body

What grapes are used in White Riojas

Viura(aka Macabeo), Malvasia and Garnacha Blanca

What is the grape that drives Rioja?

Tempranillo

Where are the common grapes used in a red Rioja?

Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo (Carignan) and Graciano

By law, what size barrels are required for Rioja?

Barriques 59 gallons