Spain

Question 1

What are the three climates of Spain?

Answer 1

1. North & Northwest Spain = Moderate maritime climate.
2. Eastern Spain = Warm mediterranean climate. Often moderated by the ocean or altitude.
3. Central Spain (Meseta Central) = Hot continental climate. Cooling effects of high altitude in some sites.

Question 2

What are the primary black varieties?

Answer 2

Local varieties:

• Tempranillo
• Garnacha Tinto/Fino/Pais
• Monastrell
• Graciano
• Carinena/Mazuelo/Carignan

International varieties:

• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Merlot

Question 3

What are the primary white varieties?

Answer 3

Local varieties:

• Verdejo
• Albarino
• Airen
• Viura (Macabeo)

International varieties:

• Sauvignon Blanc
• Chardonnay

Question 4

What are the official ageing categories and their ageing requirements for red wines of Spain?

Answer 4

Joven - min. 0 in barrel - min. 0 total
Crianza - min. 6 in barrel - min. 24 total
Reserva - min. 12 in barrel - min. 36 total
Gran Reserva - min. 18 in barrel - min. 60 total
* Some regions have extended ageing criterias, such as Rioja.

Question 5

What are the primary challenges of viticulture in Spain and how can it be managed?

Answer 5

Heat and drought.

Low density, bush-trained vines.
Increases available water and provides shade.

Question 6

What are the official ageing categories and their ageing requirements for white/rose wines?

Answer 6

Joven - min. 0 in barrel - min. 0 total
Crianza - min. 6 in barrel - min. 18 total
Reserva - min. 6 in barrel - min. 24 total
Gran Reserva - min. 6 in barrel - min. 48 total

Question 7

Name the mountain ridge just north of Leon.

Answer 7

Cordillera Cantabria

Question 8

Name three regions of the Douro Valley.

Answer 8

From East to South

• Ribera Del Douro
• Rueda (White)
• Toro

Question 9

Describe Bierzo

• Location
• Primary grape variety
• Type of wine

Answer 9

• Located between Galicia and Meseta Central
• Primarily red wines based on Mencia.
• Elegant reds, high acidity and red fruit flavours.
• Old vines on the steep slopes produce best wines.
• Both oaked and un-oaked wines.

Question 10

Name the three sub-regions of Rioja.

Answer 10

• Rioja Alta
• Rioja Alavesa
• Rioja Baja

Question 11

Name the regions of the Upper Ebro.

Answer 11

• Rioja
• Navarra
• Carinena
• Catalayud

Question 12

Name the regions of the Catalunya.

Answer 12

• Priorat

- Penedés