By Gerd Hirschmann
posted
Feb 14, 2013
Sunday Feb. 17-BRIDGEWATER CORNERS- Discover wines from Spain
from 4-6 p.m. at a tasting at Z Corner's Inn. Here's a bit of
background about the flavors of the region:
One of the most exciting rivers in the wine world flows east to
west on the Iberian Peninsula. From its source near Duruelo de la
Sierra in the north-central mountains of Spain to its outlet to the
Atlantic in Portugal historic city of Porto, the River Douro passes
through the wine regions of Ribera del Duero and Rueda, meanders
through semi-arid plains better suited for wheat than grapes, forms
a long section of the border between Portugal and Spain, before it
enters a region of narrow canyons, that form a historical barrier
for invasions and a cultural/linguistic divide between those two
countries.
Traditionally the wine was taken down river in fast moving and
shallow waters using flat-bottom boats called 'rabelas' to be
stored in Vila Nova de Gaia across the river from the city of
Porto. In the '50's and '60's dams were built mainly for
hydro-electric purposes and the transport of grapes moved into
tanker trucks.
Upriver in Spain Ribera del Duero is one of eleven 'quality
wine' regions within the autonomous region of Castile y León and is
widely recognized for its quality wines. Known almost exclusively
for its red wines the main grape for the area is Tinta del País
(otherwise known as Tempranillo), but Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot,
Malbec, and the more typical Garnacha (or Grenache in French) are
grown and permitted to used in blends. The vineyards are among the
highest in Spain at around 2500 feet with very hot and dry
summers.
The region of Rioja lies practically across the mountains to the
north and is probably the best-known area in Spain. With a long
history of quality wines, Rioja is more regulated and while
Tempranillo is the main grape here as well, other international
varieties are not allowed other than the indigenous Garnacha,
Graciano, Mazuelo (otherwise known as Carignan).
Rioja is also recognized for its white wine made from Viura
grapes (in the rest of Spain known as Macabeo).
Both Ribera del Duero and Rioja classify wines as much for their
longevity as their grape quality, and produce some extremely well
aging wines. The requirements in both areas are the same: Wines
labelled as "Crianza" must age two years with six months in oak.
"Reserva" wines age at least three years with a minimum of 12
months in oak, and "Gran Reserva" wines spend five years aging
prior to release with 18 months in oak.
As the Duero River continues its way west to Portugal, it passes
by the wine region of Rueda, known for its dry, fruity, and
refreshing white wines made almost exclusively from the Verdejo
grape, though small amounts of Viura and Sauvignon Blanc are
allowed to be blended in. Rueda wines are an affordable,
crowd-pleasing choice for white wines excellent for parties.
