Here’s a beginner-friendly breakdown of what you need to know about Spain for your Introductory Sommelier Course. I’ve organized the information into key topics to help you focus on the essentials:

Climatic Influences

• Spain has a diverse climate due to its size and geography:

• Northwest (Green Spain): Cool, maritime climate influenced by the Atlantic Ocean.

• Central Plateau (Meseta): Hot, dry continental climate with high altitudes.

• Mediterranean Coast: Warm, sunny Mediterranean climate.

• Southern Spain: Hot, arid climate, especially in regions like Jerez.

Quality Structure for Spain

Spain’s wine classification system is hierarchical:

1. Vino de Mesa (Table Wine): Basic, unclassified wines.

2. Vinos de la Tierra (VT): Similar to France’s Vin de Pays; regional wines with some regulations.

3. Denominación de Origen (DO): Quality wines from specific regions with stricter regulations.

4. Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa): The highest quality level, with only two regions currently:

• Rioja

• Priorat

1. Vinos de Pagos: Single-estate wines with exceptional quality, often outside traditional DO zones.

Wine Districts of Spain and Locations

1. Rioja (DOCa): Northern Spain, known for Tempranillo-based red wines.

2. Priorat (DOCa): Catalonia, famous for powerful red wines made from Garnacha and Cariñena.

3. Ribera del Duero (DO): Central Spain, producing bold reds from Tempranillo.

4. Rías Baixas (DO): Northwest Spain, known for crisp, aromatic Albariño whites.

5. Sherry (Jerez) (DO): Southern Spain, producing fortified wines from Palomino, Pedro Ximénez, and Moscatel.

6. Cava (DO): Sparkling wine from Catalonia, made using the Traditional Method.

7. Penedès (DO): Catalonia, producing a variety of styles, including Cava and still wines.

8. La Mancha (DO): Central Spain, the largest DO, known for affordable wines and Airén (white grape).

Principal Grape Varietals and Synonyms

Red Grapes:

• Tempranillo: Spain’s flagship grape, known for red fruit, spice, and aging potential.

• Synonyms: Tinto Fino (Ribera del Duero), Cencibel (La Mancha).

• Garnacha (Grenache): Fruity, high-alcohol reds, often blended.

• Cariñena (Carignan): Adds structure and acidity to blends.

• Monastrell (Mourvèdre): Rich, full-bodied reds from the Mediterranean coast.

• Mazuelo: Another name for Carignan, often used in Rioja blends.

White Grapes:

• Albariño: Aromatic, crisp whites from Rías Baixas.

• Verdejo: Fresh, herbaceous whites from Rueda.

• Airén: Widely planted but used mostly for bulk wine and brandy.

• Palomino: The primary grape for Sherry production.

Wine Aging Regime and Terms

Spain is known for its strict aging classifications, which appear on wine labels:

1. Joven: Young wines with little to no oak aging.

2. Crianza: Aged for at least 2 years (1 year in oak for reds; 6 months for whites/rosés).

3. Reserva: Aged for at least 3 years (1 year in oak for reds; 6 months for whites/rosés).

4. Gran Reserva: Aged for at least 5 years (2 years in oak for reds; 4 years total for whites/rosés).

Principal Wines of Main Wine Districts

• Rioja: Elegant, oak-aged reds with flavors of red fruit, vanilla, and spice.

• Priorat: Intense, full-bodied reds with black fruit, minerality, and high alcohol.

• Ribera del Duero: Bold, structured reds with dark fruit and earthy notes.

• Rías Baixas: Crisp, aromatic whites with citrus and stone fruit flavors.

• Sherry: A range of fortified wines, from dry Fino to sweet Pedro Ximénez.

• Cava: Sparkling wines with flavors of citrus, green apple, and brioche.

Labelling Terms

• Cosecha: Indicates the vintage year.

• Reserva/Gran Reserva: Indicates aging levels (see above).

• Seco: Dry.

• Dulce: Sweet.

• Espumoso: Sparkling wine.

• Vino de Pago: Estate wine.

Tips for Studying Spain

1. Focus on Rioja and Priorat: These are the most important regions for the exam.

2. Learn the Aging Terms: Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva are key.

3. Understand Sherry: Know the types (Fino, Amontillado, Oloroso, etc.) and production methods.

4. Practice Map Identification: Be able to locate major regions like Rioja, Ribera del Duero, and Rías Baixas.

Tricky Quiz Question Examples

1. Which of the following is NOT a grape used in Sherry production?

• A. Palomino

• B. Pedro Ximénez

• C. Albariño

• D. Moscatel
  (Answer: C. Albariño)

1. True or False: Priorat is one of Spain’s DOCa regions.
   (Answer: True)

2. Fill in the Blank: The principal grape of Rías Baixas is .
   (Answer: Albariño)

3. Match the Region to Its Specialty:

• Rioja →

• Rías Baixas →

• Jerez →
  (Answers: Rioja → Tempranillo, Rías Baixas → Albariño, Jerez → Sherry)

By focusing on these key points, you’ll build a strong foundation for understanding Spanish wines. Let me know if you’d like more quizzes or notes on specific regions!