Spain Level 2
Welcome to this in-depth exploration of Spanish wine – a topic that is not only fascinating but essential for aspiring certified sommeliers or anyone keen to deepen their understanding of one of the world's premier wine countries. This coverage presents an advanced understanding of the Spanish wine industry, perfect for those already versed in the fundamentals.
However, if you are a novice to Spanish wines, it's recommended that you first read our Intro Level 1 coverage on Spain. Our beginner's guide briefly introduces Spanish wine regions, varietals, and the basics of Spanish wine law. With this foundation, you'll be better equipped to delve into the intricacies and details of the various topics we're about to discuss.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into:
The specific aging requirements for Rioja wines and how this impacts their taste and quality.
The importance of the Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa) – Spain's highest quality level for wine regions.
The quality hierarchy of Spanish wines, with a focus on the renowned regions of Rioja and Priorat.
The key sub-districts of Rias Baixas, Navarra, Penedes, and Priorat and the distinct wines they produce.
An exploration of the location and the wines produced in Ribera del Duero, Montsant, Toro, Rueda, and Bierzo regions.
A comprehensive overview of the factors affecting the climates of Spanish wine regions.
The unique characteristics that define the wines of Spain.
Whether you're studying for your sommelier certification or a wine lover eager to explore the nuanced world of Spanish wine, this guide promises to deepen your appreciation and understanding of this remarkable wine-producing country.
1. Specific Ageing Requirements for Rioja Wines
Wine aging in Rioja is classified into four categories: Joven, Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva. Joven wines are young, with little to no oak aging. Crianza reds require at least two years of aging, with a minimum of one year in oak, while Crianza whites and rosés must age for at least one year, with at least six months in oak.
Reserva wines are aged for at least three years, with at least one year in oak for reds and two years with six months in oak for whites and rosés. The most esteemed category, Gran Reserva, must age for at least five years, with a minimum of two years in oak for reds and four years with six months in oak for whites and rosés.
2. DOCa’s of Spain
The Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa) is the highest quality level for wine regions in Spain, and only two regions have this status: Rioja and Priorat.
3. Quality Hierarchy – Rioja, Priorat
As mentioned, both Rioja and Priorat hold the prestigious DOCa status. Wines from these regions are marked by stringent production and aging standards, leading to high-quality, distinguished wines.
4. Sub Districts of Rias Baixas, Navarra, Penedes & Priorat
Rias Baixas: Located in Galicia, northwest Spain, this area is divided into five sub-regions: Val do Salnés, Condado do Tea, O Rosal, Soutomaior, and Ribera do Ulla. It's renowned for Albariño wines.
Navarra: It's divided into five wine-producing zones: Baja Montaña, Valdizarbe, Tierra Estella, Ribera Alta, and Ribera Baja. It's known for its rosé wines but also produces reds and whites.
Penedes: This region is divided into three zones according to altitude: Bajo Penedés, Medio Penedés, and Alto Penedés. It's known for sparkling Cava and a variety of still wines.
Priorat: 12 official village appellations or "vino de pueblo" exist. Priorat is famous for powerful, full-bodied red wines from Garnacha and Cariñena.
5. Location of and Wines Produced
Ribera del Duero: Located in Spain's northern plateau, this region is known for high-quality Tempranillo-based red wines.
Montsant: Surrounding Priorat, Montsant also produces remarkable reds from Garnacha and Cariñena, often seen as an affordable alternative to pricey Priorat wines.
Toro: This region in Northwestern Spain is known for robust, powerful red wines made primarily from a local clone of Tempranillo, known as Tinta de Toro.
Rueda: Located in northwestern Spain, Rueda is famous for its dry, aromatic white wines, primarily from the Verdejo grape.
Bierzo: In northwest Spain, Bierzo is known for red wines from the Mencía grape and white wines from Godello.
6. Factors Affecting Climate
The climate in Spain's wine regions is influenced by several factors, including altitude, proximity to the sea, and the presence of rivers. Most of Spain's wine regions have a continental climate (cold winters, hot summers), but maritime influences can moderate this in coastal regions like Rias Baixas. Altitude can also play a significant role, with cooler temperatures at higher altitudes often leading to a longer growing season and greater acidity in the wines.
7. Specific Characteristics of the Wines
Each region and sub-regions produce distinct wines, reflecting the local terroir, grape varieties, and winemaking traditions. From the light, mineral-driven Albariño wines of Rias Baixas to the robust, full-bodied reds of Priorat, Ribera del Duero, and Toro, the rich diversity of Spanish wines is truly remarkable. Spanish wines are generally known for their excellent aging potential, fruit and earthy notes balance, and good value for money.
20 Facts
1. Fact: The Rioja wine region is divided into three zones: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Oriental.
Question: Can you name the three zones of the Rioja wine region?
2. Fact: "Gran Reserva" Rioja wines require at least 5 years of aging, including 2 in oak barrels.
Question: How many years of aging are required for "Gran Reserva" Rioja wines, and how many must be in oak?
3. Fact: Only two regions in Spain hold the prestigious DOCa status: Rioja and Priorat. Question: Which two Spanish wine regions hold the DOCa status?
4. Fact: The five sub-regions of Rias Baixas are: Val do Salnés, Condado do Tea, O Rosal, Soutomaior, and Ribera do Ulla. Question: What are the five sub-regions of Rias Baixas?
5. Fact: Navarra is known for its rosé wines, produced predominantly from Garnacha grapes. Question: Which type of wine and grape variety is Navarra region known for?
6. Fact: The Penedes wine region is recognized as the birthplace of Cava, Spain's sparkling wine. Question: What type of wine is Penedes region most famous for?
7. Fact: Priorat's red wines are often made from a blend of Garnacha and Cariñena grapes. Question: Which two grape varieties are primarily used in Priorat's red wines?
8. Fact: Ribera del Duero's high-quality red wines are primarily made from the Tempranillo grape. Question: What grape variety is most commonly used in Ribera del Duero?
9. Fact: Montsant is often viewed as an affordable alternative to Priorat, despite being located in the same geographic area. Question: What region is Montsant often compared to, and why?
10. Fact: In Toro, a special clone of Tempranillo called Tinta de Toro is used to produce robust red wines. Question: What is the local clone of Tempranillo used in Toro called?
11. Fact: Rueda is well known for its dry, aromatic white wines, primarily made from the Verdejo grape. Question: What grape variety is predominantly used in Rueda to produce white wines?
12. Fact: In Bierzo, the native grape Mencía is used to produce red wines. Question: Which local grape variety is used for red wines in Bierzo?
13. Fact: The climate in Spain's wine regions is greatly influenced by factors like altitude and proximity to the sea. Question: What are two major factors influencing the climate in Spain's wine regions?
14. Fact: The majority of Spain's wine regions have a continental climate, but maritime influences can be seen in coastal regions like Rias Baixas. Question: Which Spanish wine region is known for its maritime climate?
15. Fact: Spanish wines are often noted for their excellent aging potential. Question: What quality is often associated with Spanish wines due to their production and aging process?
16. Fact: Spanish red wines are typically full-bodied and robust. Question: How would you generally describe the body and flavor intensity of Spanish red wines?
17. Fact: Spain is the third largest wine producer in the world. Question: What is Spain's rank in global wine production?
18. Fact: Rioja Alta is known for producing wines with the fullest body and highest alcohol content in the Rioja region. Question: Which area of Rioja is known for the fullest bodied wines?
19. Fact: Verdejo, the primary grape of Rueda, often produces wines with bright, crisp acidity and fresh, fruity flavors. Question: What are the typical taste profiles of a Verdejo wine from Rueda?
20. Fact: Montsant wines are often characterized by their earthy, mineral qualities due to the region's unique soil composition. Question: What are the typical characteristics of Montsant wines?
