Wines of Spain Essay Example

these wines obtained distinct floral and fruity scents and flavors, as well as a highly regarded smoky undertone.

The arrival of the Arabs in the 8th century hindered winemaking due to the prohibition on alcoholic and fermented drinks in the Koran. However, vineyard cultivation continued, particularly in monasteries where some dynasties were tolerant towards Christians and permitted them to make wine. Spanish winemaking thrived after being conquered by the Catholic Kings, with religious monasteries and communities playing a vital part in its growth.

Following the phylloxera epidemic in the late 19th century, France had to import wine from Spain, but it did not meet their expectations. To solve this issue, French winemakers visited Spain and shared their techniques, such as aging in oak barrels. Interestingly, Spanish winemakers chose American oak barrels instead of French ones, giving the wine a more pronounced flavor profile. In recent times, Spanish winemakers have been working hard to improve their winemaking processes and compete with well-known Italian and French counterparts.

In Spain, the current per capita wine consumption is 22 liters. Nevertheless, it is predicted that domestic consumption will decline as producers prioritize boosting sales in export markets. According to a study by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Affairs, which surveyed 12,000 households, there was a 7% rise in wine consumption within households from November 2011 to November 2012. However, the overall expenditure on wine products by households only increased by 2%.

The economic crisis has resulted in more people buying wine from supermarkets and drinking it at home, according to wine industry experts. Consumers are also being more careful with their finances and

opting for cheaper alternatives. Chart 2 shows the changes in wine consumption among Spanish households between 2011 and 2012, while Chart 3 illustrates the monetary value of wine consumption by these households. Spain is famous for its rich wine culture, which includes over 146 recognized grape varieties, making it one of the most diverse in the world.

Listed below are some of the most common Spanish grape varieties, both red and white. The red grape varieties include Alicante, Bobal, Callet, Carinena, Cencibel, Garnacha, Graciano, Juan Garcia, Listan Negro, Manto Negro, Mazuelo, Mencia, Monastrell, Moristel, Prieto Picudo,Tempranillo,and Trepat. On the other hand,the white grape varieties consist of Airen ,Albarino ,Albillo,Caino,Dona Blanca,Garnacha Blanca,Godello,Hondarribi,Listan,Loureira ,Macabeo,Malvasia,Moscatel de Alejandria,
Palomino,Parellada,Pedro Ximenez,Torrontes,Treixadura,
Verdejo,Viu ra,and Xarel-lo . It is also important to note that there exists an Ageing Classification System for Spanish Wines.

Wines are categorized based on their ageing period in the winery, ensuring they are sold only when ready for consumption. When a bottle includes the term "Crianza" on its label (the Spanish word for 'ageing'), it signifies that the wines have undergone at least two years of ageing in the winery, with a minimum of one year spent in oak barrels. Crianza wines can be recognized by their cherry red back label and exhibit the youthful characteristics of freshness and juiciness, accompanied by cherry and strawberry flavors commonly associated with Tempranillo grapes. These wines also feature hints of vanilla and spice derived from their time in oak barrels.

The Reserva wines are crafted from carefully selected grapes and undergo a longer ageing process at the winery compared to Crianza wines. They are aged for at least one year

in oak barrels and a further two years at the winery before being released for sale, ensuring their optimal maturity. These wines can be identified by their deep red back label. They offer a more complex flavor profile with multiple layers and greater depth. The aroma and taste sensations of Reserva wines often explode in the mouth and continue to evolve. On the other hand, Gran Reserva wines are exclusively produced in exceptional vintages using the finest grapes.

They must spend a minimum of five years in the winery, with two years in oak barrels and three years of maturation in the bottle. Gran Reserva wines are distinguished by a teal blue back label (previously brown red) and are considered the classic and most traditional Rioja wines, renowned as some of the finest wines in the world. The Quality Classification System of Spanish Wines includes Denominaciones de Origen (similar to French Appellations) as the main quality wine regions, where wine production is regulated for quality by specific laws. These regions also include Estate Wines (Vinos de Pago).

The Vineyard and Wine Act introduces the concept of the highest established category for wine. This category includes wines made from grapes cultivated in specific 'place' or 'rural site' with distinct climate and soil conditions. To qualify for this category, the production and promotion of these wines must follow a comprehensive quality control system that meets the requirements of a Qualified Denomination of Origin. Furthermore, these wines must be produced and bottled within the winery located in the specific vineyard or within the associated municipal area.

A vineyard that is registered under a Qualified Denomination

of Origin and located entirely within that denomination can be called a "qualified vineyard". The wines produced in these vineyards will have the label of "qualified vineyard wines". This classification, known as QDO (Vinos de Denominacion de Origen Calificada - DOCa), is only given to wines that have consistently shown exceptional quality over a long period. In April 1991, Rioja became the first wine to receive this prestigious classification.

To achieve this status, specific criteria must be fulfilled. These criteria involve possessing the Denomination of Origin (DO) designation for a minimum of 10 years and guaranteeing that all products are bottled in wineries situated within the production region or adhere to an appropriate quality control system mandated by the overseeing regulatory body. Denomination of Origin Wines, commonly referred to as DO Wines (Vinos de Denominacion de Origen - DO), are esteemed Spanish wines crafted within a designated area and manufactured in accordance with regulations pertaining to quality and varietal.

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