id tUCEVALPO

PONTIFICAL UNIVERSITY
CATHOLIC OF VALPARAÍSO

WINES OF
THE
THE OLD WORLD
France, Italy, Spain,
Portugal and Germany.

International gastronomy

Carlos Olmedo Valencia

Carlos Olmedo Valencia Teacher: Pablo Medina

Quillota, November 2017

Index

WINES.....................................................................................................................................1
OF THE....................................................................................................................................1
THE OLD WORLD.................................................................................................................1
Index.....................................................................................................................................2
Introduction..........................................................................................................................3
Wines of France...................................................................................................................5
The origins of wine in France...........................................................................................5
The great French wine regions.........................................................................................6
1. Bordeaux...................................................................................................................7
2. Burgundy...................................................................................................................8
The origins of wine in Italy............................................................................................12
Main wine regions of Italy..............................................................................................13
Most notable Italian varieties.........................................................................................13
Appellation of origin......................................................................................................15
Italian sparkling wines....................................................................................................15
Wines of Spain...................................................................................................................17
The origin of wine in Spain............................................................................................17
Planted varieties..............................................................................................................18
Main wine regions of Spain............................................................................................19
Appellation of origin......................................................................................................20
1. DOCa Rioja.............................................................................................................20
2. DOCa Priorat...........................................................................................................21
3. Digging....................................................................................................................22
Portuguese Wines...............................................................................................................22
The origin of wine in Portugal........................................................................................22
Wine regions of Portugal................................................................................................23
THE NORTH..................................................................................................................24
THE CENTRAL AREA (RIBATEJO)...........................................................................24
THE SOUTH..................................................................................................................24
Portuguese Varieties.......................................................................................................26
Appellations of origin.....................................................................................................27

2
 Port..................................................................................................................................27
Madeira...........................................................................................................................28
German wines.....................................................................................................................28
Origins of wine in Germany...........................................................................................28
Wine regions...................................................................................................................29
Main white varieties from Germany...............................................................................30
Denomination of origin in Germany..............................................................................31
Conclusion..........................................................................................................................31
Information sources............................................................................................................33

Introduction

When talking about Old World wines, it refers to wine made in classical European
countries, where grape growing and processing dates back to Roman times, when the first
wine production, storage and distribution techniques were developed. . Since then,
generations of wine-growing families have dedicated themselves to its production.

This is the cradle of wine, the place where over 6,000 years it slowly developed, adapting to
local foods, local and foreign tastes, becoming along this long path, from a religious symbol
to a healing elixir. For all this, their techniques and their wines are today the model to
follow.

Created in Asia 6,000 years BC, it was taken to Africa and Egypt and reached Europe
around 3,000 years BC, via ancient Greece, and spread to surrounding areas.

France is where techniques are developed that will lead their wines to be recognized and
demanded throughout the planet. Among the most important areas are Bordeaux,
Champagne and Burgundy.

In Italy, almost the same amount of wine is produced throughout the country, and they
evolve to adapt to their foods. In Italy all meals occur with wine on the table.

Of equal importance and volume are the wines of Spain, among which there is very good
quality, always coupled with local foods. Some areas of origin are Rioja, the first
appellation in Spain, Priorat and Cava, a designation of origin for sparkling wines.

3
In addition to these three countries, there are other smaller players that make exceptional
wines, such as Portugal and its famous Port, or Germany and its white wines.

4
Wines of France

The words wine and France go hand in hand. Tradition defines this country, its strains and
winemaking methods have created a school throughout the world. France has an advantage
that other countries do not have: its geographical and climatic diversity. These
characteristics allow us to produce everything from light whites with personality to silky
and aromatically inimitable reds. Each French region has its typical wines in close
relationship with local gastronomy.

The origins of wine in France.

About the year 600 BC The Greeks, fleeing the Persian invasion, settled in Corsica and
founded Massalia (today Marseille), controlling important river routes. Massalia produced
its own wine, as well as amphorae to export it. Thus the Roman historian Justinian stated
that “the Gauls learned from the Greeks a civilized way of life, cultivating the olive tree and
the vine.”

Historians believe that the first wine drunk in Burgundy was surely brought from Marseille,
or perhaps even from Greece. In 1952, in the city of Vix, located between Paris and
Burgundy, an immense Greek jug of fine bronze dating back to 600 BC was discovered,
nearly two meters high and with a capacity for 1,200 liters of wine.

Marseille later became part of the Roman Empire in 125 BC. although for a long time it
continued to be considered a Greek city.

The first true Roman colony in France was founded years later on the western coast: Narbo
(now Narbonne) became the capital of the province Narbonensis and, indeed, of all of so-
called 'Transalpine Gaul'.

Starting from Provence, the Romans ascended the Rhône Valley and later, in the reign of
Caesar, they headed westward, reaching the region of Bordeaux.

They began growing vines on the slopes of the river valleys, which were also natural lines
of communication since boats were the only means of transporting anything.
as heavy as wine. For this they had to cut down the forests that covered these slopes, where
in turn more vineyards were planted.

Thus, they soon discovered that the vineyards had a settling and civilizing effect on the
population, and they also had to observe the beneficial effect that the proximity of a river
has on the quality of the wines.

Bordeaux, Burgundy and Trier probably emerged as wine import centres, later planting their
own vineyards that surpassed imported wines.

In the 2nd century AD there were vineyards in Burgundy, in the 3rd century in the Loire
Valley and in the 4th century in the regions of Paris, Champagne and Moselle. The
vineyards of Alsace do not have Roman origins, as they were not started until the 9th
century.

The great French wine regions.

Many types of wines are

produced in France and
within that variety we will
find in some regions
sparkling wine and also
the red,
white and rosé, while in
others we will find a greater
specialization in the so-called
mistelas and sweet wines.

There are thirteen large

Alsace, Beaujolais, Wine producing areas in France:
Bourgogne, Bourdeaux,
Corse, Champagne, Jura, Languedoc-Rousillon,
Loire, Provence, Savoy, Sud-Ouest and Vallee du Rhone.
Within these areas we will refer to three that are of great importance among the wines of
France: Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne.

1. Bordeaux
The Bordeaux region (Bordeaux in French) is located in the Geronde Department in
southwestern France. There are more than 10,000 wine producers, of which around 7,000
produce wines called “Château”, which is the name by which the vineyards are identified.

Bordeaux produces the finest wines in the world, both in quantity and quality. There is no
other region in the world that matches the potential of this French wine-growing area. It has
100,000 hectares of vineyards planted and covers the generic designation of Bordeaux and
56 other communal ones, for a total of 57. It has a classification, generally formal, for
exceptional wines, known as Grand Cru, and at the second level Cru Bourgeois. Within
these appellations we find Bordeaux, Bordeaux Superior and Entre Deux Mers. The
varieties for red wines are Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, complementary Malbec, Petit
Verdot and Cabernet Franc. In Whites, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, complementary
Muscadel. The wines are assembled, meaning that the strains are mixed in different
proportions, which gives it an unmatched complexity. In the reds, the aromas are of red
fruits, currants and violets. The Merlot gives it fruit and velvety texture and the Cabernet
gives it tannic structure and seasoning. In whites, Sauvignon gives it citrus and exotic fruit
aromas, the others give it a floral character, power and sweetness.
The Bordeaux DOC It is produced throughout the wine-growing area of the Gironde
department. Obeys qualitative standards defined by the INAO (National Institute of
Denominations of Origin). Thus, to claim the right to the designation, the yield per hectare
cannot exceed 55 hectoliters and an alcohol level between 10% and 13% of the volume.
Average annual production of 2,500,000 hl, and a declared area of 44,000 Ha. The
Bordeaux Superior DOC, only for reds, is produced throughout the wine-growing area of
the Gironde department. It shares the geographical area of Bordeaux. However, they
respond to even more rigorous qualitative criteria, in particular, mandatory aging or aging of
a minimum of 12 months before marketing. Average annual production: 530,000 hl with a
declared area of 10,000 Ha. The Entre-Deux-Mers DOC, only white, extends over the island
formed by the Dordogne and the Garonne, hence its name (Between Two Seas). They are
either small producers or small plots with winemaking in cooperatives, the producers can
thus caress their vines. 97,500 hl are produced on an area of 1,400 Ha.

MEDOC
BORDEAUX

BDAYE
BORDEAUX
7c-
SAUTERNES
BOR Di AUX

2. Burgundy
Burgundy is a region that produces the best Pinot Noirs and Chardonnay in the world. Here
the concept of Terroir acquires its maximum significance. The burguiñones proudly display
their relationship with the land, with the vineyard and with the tradition of making their
wines. The Burgundy appellation extends over 26,000 hectares, with its sub-regions
Chablis, Côte de Beaune, Côte de Nuits (these two form the Côte d'Or), Côte Chalonnaise
and the Côte Mâconnais.

To understand Burgundy you have to know that in this single appellation (appellation) there
are 100 appellations spread across the five areas listed above. It is further divided into an
internal classification that obeys the Grand Cru criteria (1.5% of the total

8
appellation) with 34 plots (climats) all in the Côte d'Or and one in Chablis, for example Le
Corton Grand Cru; Premier Cru (10% of the total appellation) which in principle represent a
single appellation, but with 562 parcels (climats) classified, for example Nuits Saint
Georges Premier Cru les Cailles; a third level, Communal or Village denominations (34% of
the total denomination) in 44 denominations, for example Mercurey; a fourth level,
Regional appellations (54.5% of the total appellation) in 23 appellations, for example
Burgundy.

Wine-growing Burgundy is divided into six regions:

Chablis and Yonne: Borders Champagne and is not far from the Loire Valley to the west.
Chardonnay-based wines are made in a style close to the Côte d'Or, but drier. Some Yonne
vineyards produce prized reds.

Côte d'Or: Its vineyards, on east-facing slopes, extend between Dijon and Santenay.
Renowned center for red and white wines, the most complex, most expensive and longest-
lasting wines are made here.

Hautes Côtes: Region located west of the main slope of the Côte d'Or. The wines are
somewhat simpler than the Côte d'Or.

Côte Chalonnaise: Formed by the extension of the Côte d'Or vineyards towards the south.
Red and white wines are produced, some excellent.

Mâconnais: Area located west of the city of Mâcon. It offers medium-level red wines and
high-quality white wines.

In Burgundy, two types of grapes stand out: Pinot Noir for red wines and Chardonnay for
white wines. Pinot Noir is the queen of the great Burgundy wine grapes. It is used above all
in the great wines of the Côte de Nuits, where they reveal finesse, elegance and a unique
aromatic range. The Chardonnay grape is at the origin of the great white wines of Burgundy:
Puligny-Montrachet, Corton-Charlemagne, Meursault, Chablis, etc.

The appellations of the Burgundy region are very numerous: each region, each town, each
payment has its AOC. It also has a quite complicated hierarchy of appellations: regional
AOCs, village AOCs, premiers crus and grands crus.
Some of the
Regional appellations are:
Bourgogne, Bourgogne-Aligoté,
Bourgogne
Passetoutgrain, Bourgogne
(Grand) ordinaire, Mâcon,
Chablis, Côtes de Nuîts, Hautes
Côtes de Nuîts, Côtes de
Beaune, Hautes Côtes de
Beaune and Côte Chalonnaise.

3. Champagne
Champagne is located in the northeast
of France. It is a flat area dotted with
small mountainous areas. The capital
is Reims, although we must also
highlight the beautiful town of
Épernay, home of many of the big
brands. One of the great sparkling
wines in the world is born here:
champagne (we will use the name

French champagne from now on). It is the wine of celebrations of any kind
considered: weddings, anniversaries, boat launches, Formula I awards,
coronations of kings, etc.

The vineyards occupy more than 30,000 hectares distributed in several subzones: Reims
Mountain, the Côte de Blancs, the Côte de Bar, the Marne Valley and Montgueux. The first
two are the most important on a qualitative level.

The soils are chalk, a white and porous limestone rock. The climate is continental, very
cold, at the limit of the conditions for the vines to survive. Frosts are frequent in winter and
spring.
The appellations of origin ( AOC - Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée ) of the Region
Champagne Winery - Champagne are the following:

• [Link]
• [Link] (white of white)
• [Link] (white of black)
• [Link] (millesime)
• [Link] (sans année)
• [Link] (special cuvées)
• AOC Coteaux-champenois. Denomination that includes still red and white wines far
from the well-known bubbles.
• AOC Rosé-des-riceys. The town of Aube itself produces the particular rosé wines
produced by Pinot Noir.

There are only three varietals that are allowed in Champagne, either in the famous white
sparkling wines and the increasingly varied and even preferred rosés. The percentage of use
varies and sometimes a single type of grape is used, such as blanc de blancs , which
automatically refers to 100% Chardonnay.

• Chardonnay : Elegance and race is the difference between champagne and the drink
effervescent of great occasions. When the grape is somewhat immature, its own
connotations are that of the green apple with its essential accompaniment of acidity.
In colder ripening climates such as Champagne or Burgundy, pears, apples, grapes
and acacias unfold, including a honeyed body of nuts, cookies and popcorn. Traces
of toasting and smoking do not prevent mineral notes that remain on the palate.
While in warmer climates, mango and exotic fruits take precedence.

• Pinot Noir : Body and longevity is what gives the blend austere youth corrected over
the years. Fruit veins and nuances such as leather and roasted flavor. Sparks of
currants and mushrooms can be assimilated into the flavor by integrating into your
mixture.
 • Pinot Meunier : Fruity and aromatic, it lends that famous fruit bouquet to the blend.
This clonal strain of Pinot Noir is less alcoholic and colored than its predecessor.
The veins of aroma and flavor are clearly fruity and denotes their presence, banana,
apple and raspberry.

The origins

Italian wines
of wine in Italy
We are facing a
country with an unparalleled wine tradition. He was the first wine producer and has an
unsurpassed passion for grape cultivation, which is reflected in the great variety of wines
with their own personality that each region produces.

Viticulture in Italy, understood as the practice of vine cultivation, has remote origins, hence
the ancient name of this territorial extension was Enotria, which means "land of wine", a
term related to the enotri, who were inhabitants of the current Basilicata and that since the
year 500 BC. of C. They already practiced the techniques of viticulture, winemaking and
wine conservation.

As we can see, the vine existed on the peninsula for hundreds of years, the plants came
mainly from Greece, or at least that is what the names of some strains from that time
indicate.

In central Italy it was the Etruscan civilization that kept alive the cultivation and production
techniques of wine and then the Romans; During the invasions of Gaul and Britain, they
brought vines and viticulture techniques with them. During the Middle Ages this practice

1
was
 It was kept in force mainly by the monks within the monasteries, where its production was
dedicated to mass wine.

Main wine regions of Italy

1. Veneto (18% DOC production)

2. Tuscany (17% DOC production)

3. Piedmont (11% DOC production)

4. Emilia-Romagna (9% DOC production)

5. Lombardy (7% DOC production)

6. Umbria (7% DOC production)

7. Abruzzo (7% DOC production)

8. Trentino Alto-Adige (6% DOC production)

9. Marche (3% DOC production)

10. Puglia (3% DOC production)

11. Lazio (2% DOC production)

12. Sicily (1% DOC production)

13. Sardinia (1% DOC production)

14. Campania (0.5% DOC production)

15. Liguria (0.2% DOC production)

16. Calabria (0.17% DOC production)

17. Molise (0.1% DOC production)

18. Basilicata (0.1% DOC production)

19. Valle d'Aosta (0.05% DOC production)

Most notable Italian varieties

Inks:
- Barbera: Native to areas such as Asti or Cuneo, which gives rise to the wine of the same
name.
- Dolcetto: Characteristic of Piedmont where it gives rise to the wine of the same name.

1
- Montepulciano: There are references to this vineyard as far back as Roman times. It is
located, among other areas, in Emilia-Romagna and Puglia.

- Nebbiolo: Very common in Piedmont and which produces excellent wines such as Barolo
and also other 'minor' ones such as Barbaresco.

- Sangiovese: Its origin is probably in the region of Tuscany, but it is currently widely
spread, from Piedmont to Campania.

White:
- Cortese: Used in Piedmont for the production of Frizzante or Spumante type wines.
- Trebbiano: Also called Ugni Blanc and whose origin is in Tuscany, in France, where it is
widely disseminated, it is known as Saint-Émilion.

- Vernaccia: We will highlight that this varietal is used to make wines that mature under a
veil, as happens with Sherry types.
Appellation of origin
There are more than two hundred Controlled Denominations of Origin (DOC). In the
production of quality wines, the following stand out:

Piedmont: Italy's main and perhaps best grape is Nebbiolo, which produces the renowned
Barolo and Barbaresco wines. These wines are tannic with smells of violets and wet earth.
Asti Spumante from the Moscato Bianco grape.

Tuscany: The best-known wine of this region is Chianti and is made from San Giovese
grapes, one of whose sub-varieties, San Giovese Grosso, is responsible for producing the
prestigious Brunello di Montalcino. Another representative of this area is Vino Nobile di
Montepulciano. Also the Vin Santo from Trebbiano and Malvasia.

Veneto: This region in the northeast produces very popular wines such as Valpolicella and
Bardolino red wines (both from Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara grapes) and Soave (from
the Gargánega and Trebbiano strains). It also has a sophisticated raisin wine: Amarone della
Valpolicela. The white garganega variety is dominant in the region.

Italian sparkling wines

Italian sparkling wines are known
throughout the world for their quality and
variety. They have traditionally been
produced in the regions of Veneto,
Piedmont, Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy
and Trentino and for which we will take a
tour through their best-known sparkling
wines. Worldwide.

Prosecco

We will start in Veneto. Perhaps the most famous of all Italian sparkling wines is Prosecco,
either in its “spumante” or “frizzante” variant. Prosecco is a Designation of Origin from the
Conegliano - Valdobbiade region and owes its name to the Prosecco grape variety with
which its production began. Among the characteristics of this sparkling wine, its lightness
and the perfect communion between citrus and sweet notes stand out. It is generally served
cold as an aperitif, taking into account its low alcohol content.
Asti

Upon arriving in Piedmont we will surely be welcomed with a toast with Asti. This
sparkling wine with DOCG (Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin) made
from the white Muscat grape should be consumed the year after the harvest to fully
appreciate its delicate sweetness with fruity notes. It is an excellent company for sweets or
fruits.

Lambrusco

All of us who have refreshed ourselves and enjoyed a good Lambrusco sparkling wine
immediately learn to identify the unparalleled flavor of the Emilia-Romagna region. This
sparkling wine, obtained through natural fermentation, gives us its aroma intermingling
fruity and floral notes and its harmonious and soft flavor. Very appropriate to accompany
white meats and fish.

Franciacorta

We continue to Lombardy to appreciate “in situ” the famous Franciacorta sparkling wine,
obtained from the varieties of Pinot white, Pinot noir or Chardonay grapes, you can taste
any of the Franciacorta DOCG, be it Millesimato, Rosé, Satín or the Reserve. Satén is the
only Brut sparkling wine that gives us a silky, fruity flavor and an aroma that sometimes
reminds us of green apples and other times of red fruits. What is undoubted is that in all
variants of the Franciacorta we can appreciate its elegance, purity and balance.

Trent

To finish this short tour we will talk about the sparkling wines of the Trentino region. The
Trento DOC is represented by the white and rosé sparkling wines produced

1
almost entirely with Chardonnay grapes that give it an enveloping and intense aroma with
notes of ripe apple, exotic fruits and honey accompanied by a smooth and fresh flavor.

Wines of Spain

The country with the largest cultivated area of vineyards in the world has a historic
production culture, which proudly endorses the wines of its different regions and
appellations. The varieties are abundant, as are the possibilities of wines that are produced
from them.

Spain represents an icon in wine culture, since its tradition and development in the subject
has allowed it to serve as a model for other producing countries. The extension of planted
vineyards is the largest recorded in a country (almost 1.2 million hectares of vineyards),
with a production that is ranked third in the world, after Italy and France.

The origin of wine in Spain

The abundance of native viniferous varieties in the Iberian Peninsula made possible the
early beginning of viticulture with grape seeds from the Tertiary period. Some
archaeologists believe that these grapes were first cultivated between 4000 and 3000 BC. C.,
long before the Phoenicians founded the city of Cádiz. After the Phoenicians, the
Carthaginians introduced new advances in vine cultivation. The Punic Wars between
Carthage and the emerging republic of Rome led to the Roman conquest of the peninsula,
which they called Hispania.

During Roman rule Spanish wine was widely marketed and exported; At this time, more
Spanish than Italian wine was exported to Gaul.

The need to supply the vast empire and its legions contributed to intensifying the
commercial traffic that Spanish wines had achieved.

After the decline of the Roman Empire, Hispania was invaded by Germanic hordes that
destroyed many vine plantations. Little is known about the progress of viticulture and

1
 winemaking during this period, but it seems evident that some type of wine industry existed
during the Arab occupation of the early 8th century.
With the reconquest, the possibility of exporting Spanish wine was reopened. Bilbao
emerged as a great commercial port, through which Spanish wines were introduced into the
English markets of Bristol, London and Southampton. The quality of some of these exported
wines appears to have been high. In 1364, the court of Edward III established the maximum
price of wine sold in England.

Planted varieties
There may be more than 600 grape varieties planted in Spain, but 20 varieties account for
80% of the country's wine production.

The most planted grape is the white Airén variety. The red Tempranillo grape is the second
most widely planted variety, recently eclipsing Garnacha. Both are used to make full-bodied
red wines associated with Rioja, Ribera del Duero and Penedés.

In the northwest, the white wine varieties of Albariño and Verdejo are popular grapes in
Rías Baixas. The Cava produced in the regions of Catalonia is made with Macabeo,
Parellada and Xarel lo, also used for the production of white wines. In the south, the main
grapes are Palomino and Pedro Ximénez.

Today the presence of international varieties is important, such as Cabernet Sauvignon,

Chardonnay, Syrah and
Sauvignon Blanc. Cariñena,
Godello, Graciano, Mencía,
Loureira and Treixadura are
also cultivated.
Main wine regions of Spain
Penedes

This region specializes in

white wines, Chardonnay,
Xare-lo,
Parellada, Macabeu,
White Sauvignon and
Riesling, being the most
representative of this region.
In red wines, the most
recognized types are Pinot
Noir, Grenache and Syrah,
thanks to this, high quality
wines with good aging and
aromatics are produced.

Utiel-Requena

94% of this region is dedicated to red varieties such as Garnacha Tinta, Garnacha Tintorera,
Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bobal, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The remaining
6% is for white grapes such as Tardana, Macabeo and Merseguera.

Priorat

Its specialty is strong red wines such as Garnacha, which is the main variety of this area,
you can also find Cariñena. In white wines you can find Macabeo, Chenin, Moscatel de
grano Menudo, Moscatel de Alejandría, Pedro Ximénez, Blanquilla, Viognier and Picapoll
Blanco.

The Rioja

75% of the crop area is represented by Tempranillo, another of the varieties that can be
found for red wines is Graciano, Mazuelo, Maturana Tinta and Garnacha. In
 whites we find Viura, Torrontés, white Tempranillo, white Garnacha, Malvasía, Turruntés
and white Maturana.
Ribera del Duero

It is the region where the Tempranillo grape is most grown, 90% of its crops are dedicated
to it. The rest is made up of the grapes, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Albillo and
Garnacha.

Navarre

94% of the grapes are red while 6% are white, 70% of the vineyard is dedicated to Grenache
and Tempranillo and the remaining 30% to international grapes.

Sherry

It has 3 types of white grapes, Moscatel, Palomino and Pedro Ximénez.

Appellation of origin
1. DOCa Rioja
Presumably taking its name from a
tributary of the Ebro, the Oja River: Rioja
is probably one of the largest areas of
international projection both for its quality
and for its historical background, which can
be found and enjoyed in the
panorama of wine from both the New and Old World. In fact, it is considered one of the five
most renowned wine brands in the world according to different published market studies.

Rioja was, in 1991, the first Qualified Denomination of Origin named in Spain, that is, one
that, among other things, has been a Denomination of Origin for a minimum of ten years;
bottle all their qualified production; are committed to a strict management and production
and quality control body where wineries can only buy grapes from producers covered by the
Qualified Designation of Origin; and without ignoring a strict cartographic delimitation.

In general terms, the red wines of Rioja are mainly from the Tempranillo grape (80% of the
red grape vineyard and 60% of the global one) where it reigns absolutely, except in the area
of Rioja Baja where Garnacha has a lot to say and although reviled In the past, today it is
presented as a grape that produces powerfully booming wines.

2. DOCa Priorat
The Priorat Denomination of Origin obtained its Qualified mention in 2009. This
denomination is located in the province of Tarragona and
includes 9 municipalities: Bellmunt del Priorat, Gratallops, El
PRIORAT
Qualified Designation of Origin
-220999-
Lloar, El Molar, La Morera de Montsant Poboleda,
Porrera, Torroja del Priorat, La Vilella Alta and Baixa.

The vineyards sit on Llicorella soils (red and black slate with small particles of mica –
quartzite – that reflect and conserve heat).

With a continental climate, temperatures in the area are very high in summer (very long and
dry) but can reach approximately -4º in winter. The Rainfall ranges between 400mm. and
600 mm and there are about 2600 hours of sunshine annually. The altitude of the vineyards
ranges between approximately 100 and 700 meters.

2
 3. Digging
DO wines Cava have created their own identity in the main
osseous
international markets during the latter part of the 20th century. DIGGING

U
Cava is made in the same way as Champagne, but factors such
as the use of native grapes, a temperate climate and
heterogeneous growing areas have contributed to shaping its
own character. The term Cava comes from the word used to

H
designate the caves where it has traditionally been made in the heart of the production of
this sparkling wine, which is located in the Catalan town of Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, in the
south of the province of Barcelona, where the wineries specialized in its production They
have produced it for commercial purposes since the late 19th century. Currently, this area
still concentrates 85% of all production. However, the permitted cultivation area includes
160 municipal areas located in seven Autonomous Communities spread throughout the
Spanish territory, including Aragón, Navarra, La Rioja, Extremadura and Valencia. As with
champagne, each producer makes their particular cuvée (blend of grapes) from vineyards.
Among the most recent trends, the increase in the planting of Chardonnay grapes stands out,
winemaking in wineries located next to the vineyards and the review of regulations with the
aim of indicating the year of the harvest on the labels of Brut and Brut Nature cavas. .
Excellent sparkling wines are made in Cava, which depending on the residual sugar
provided by the expedition liquor are classified as Brut Nature, Extra Brut, Brut, Dry, Semi-
dry and Sweet. The characteristics of the cavas will depend on the different varietal
combinations, vintages and also the different aging periods.

Portuguese Wines

The origin of wine in Portugal

Portuguese wines are the result of a succession of traditions introduced to Portugal by
various civilizations such as the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Greeks and mainly the
Romans. Also the first exports of Portuguese wines began during the Roman Empire with
the shipment of wines to Rome. More recently, modern exports developed with trade with
the United Kingdom, after the Treaty of Methuen, signed between Great Britain and
Portugal in 1703.

Portugal has the oldest designation of origin system in the world, the Douro Demarcated
Region. On the other hand, it also has two wine-producing regions protected by UNESCO
as a World Heritage Site: the Alto Douro Viñatero Wine Region, which produces the well-
known generous Port Wine, and the Vineyard Culture Landscape of the island. from Pico
(Azores).

The quality and uniqueness of its wines make Portugal a reference among the main
producing countries, with a prominent and growing place among the 10 main producers,
with 4% of the world market (2003). Considered a traditional Old World producer, 8% of
the continent is dedicated to viticulture.

Wine regions of Portugal

Three wine-growing regions are distinguished, delimited by two important rivers: the Duero
(Douro) and the Tagus. Northern Portugal extends over mountain ranges that rise up to
2,000 m high and are bordered by the Douro River. The Central Zone or Ribatejo is located
between the Duero and the Tagus. Finally, the South of Portugal includes the vast plains of
the Alentejo.
THE NORTH

Green Wine

It is the largest delimited region in Portugal, it is located in the northwest of the country and
has approximately 25,000 hectares. The vines grow on special, high-cropped vineyards,
which leaves the ground below free for other types of crops and reduces the risk of

illnesses caused by heat. Vinho Verde is a light, fresh and dry white or red wine.

Porto
Northern region of Portugal. Traditional port producers use modern winemaking techniques
to obtain very fine and elegant red Douro wines from vines normally destined for port. In
this region they also make white, dry and balanced wines.

THE CENTRAL AREA (RIBATEJO)

dao
Dao, one of Portugal's best-known wines, is
named after a small river that flows between the
mountains south of the Douro. Its granite soil is
ideal for vines. Most Dao wines are red. Red Dao
are traditionally firm wines, sometimes somewhat
austere.

Bairrada
Located south of Porto, it stands out for its clay
and fertile soil, between the mountains and the
Atlantic. Almost all of their wines are red, strong
and fruity - made with the “baga” strain. Wines
made in a traditional way have to spend time in
the bottle to soften.

THE SOUTH

Setúbal Peninsula

Located in the south of the country, between the Tagus and the Sado. This region produces a
sweet fortified wine, made mainly from the Muscat strain, which grows on the slopes of the
Serra da Arrábida. In general, two styles of wine are made: the first, very aromatic with
marked notes of spices, is marketed after 5 years of aging. The second, aged about twenty
years, is dark in color and very sweet.

Alentejo
The Alentejo plains occupy a third of Portugal from the Atlantic coast to the
Spanish border. The best reds are a mixture of strains: Tinta Roriz from the Douro, Castelao
Francês, Moreto and Trincadeira.

Portuguese Varieties
The White strains:

Alvariño : thick-skinned grape that produces wines with apple aromas. It grows in the green
vinhos region. Similar to the Albariño that occurs in Galicia, Spain.

Arinto : grown in the south of Portugal, it produces dry and lively white wines, with citrus
notes. Loureiro, typical strain used for the production of vinho verde. It gives these wines
their delicate aromas.

Maria Gomes: native strain used to make Bairrada sparkling wines.

Red strains:

Baga: dark, small-grain grape that grows in the Bairrada region and produces tannic wines,
with a lot of aging potential.

French castelao: it is widely grown in the south.

Ramisco: grown in the Colares region. Firm and aromatic wines are made with this strain.
Tinta Roriz: traditional strain from the Duero
region.

Touriga nacional: one of the best strains for

making port.

Appellations of origin
In Portugal, as in many countries, the
Denomination of Origin designates wines whose characteristics denote individuality and are
inseparable from a certain geographical region, including natural and human factors. To
have the right to a designation of origin, the entire wine production process is strictly
controlled, from the vineyard to the consumer, complying with various standards such as a
selection of authorized varieties for each region, winemaking methods and the particular
organoleptic characteristics of each region. . It is up to the Regional Winemaking
Commissions to carry out this control, guaranteeing authenticity within their regions. (Lei
no. 8/85, June 4).

Port
The must ferments for a few days and then, when the natural sugar level has been reduced
enough, the fermentation process is stopped with the incorporation of brandy (alcohol
obtained by distilling wine), in a proportion of four parts. of wine for one of brandy, leaving
a significant level of residual sugar that could not be transformed. Subsequently, the wine is
placed in oak containers long enough to obtain the type of Port desired.

Port was the first wine in the world whose production process was subject to regulation
between 1758 and 1761. The objective of this regulation was to put a stop to the abuses of
certain English buyers and was key to the success story of port, whose vineyard is still the
most regulated in the world.
Madeira
Madeira is a Portuguese island located 600 km
west of Casablanca, in the Atlantic Ocean.

Madeira gives its name to the only wine in the

world that is produced in an oven. Cooking gives
toasted aromas to a wine that is originally very
acidic, which also allows it to be preserved for a
very long time.

Madeira was a stopover for the water supply of

the English merchant fleet, whose sailors quickly began trading local wines. Madeira wine
then became a common item on merchant fleets that sailed around the world. By chance,
some unsold Madeira wine barrels returned to their place of origin. The winegrowers then
discovered a strange phenomenon: the high temperatures suffered by the wines during the
trip had improved them significantly. From this moment on, they began to experiment with
the wines, subjecting them to heating either in ovens or through high temperature ducts
immersed in the vats. This practice continues to this day and is called "estufagem" (from the
Portuguese word stove).

German wines

Origins of wine in Germany

German wine dates back to the times of the ancient Romans, who conquered the region
around 100BC and a little later the cultivation of vines began. The monarchical orders of the
Middle Ages founded today's large vineyards, establishing with effort high quality
standards. Napoleon's conquest in 1803 brought with it the division and sale of church lands
to individuals or to the state. Since then the vineyards have been thriving until today where
we find more than 100,000 hectares under cultivation, of which 82% are white vines and
only 18% are red. Globally, for guidance, the ratio of consumption and cultivation is exactly
the opposite.

Wine regions.
1. Mosel-Saar-Ruwer.
2. Rheingau.
3. Rheinhessen.
4. Mittelrhein.
5. Pfalz.
6. Ahh.
7. Baden.
8. Franken.
9. Saale-Unstrut.
10. Hessische Bergstrasse.
11. Nahe.
12. Sachsen.
13. Wuerttemberg.
Main white varieties from Germany
Riesling : It is the noble variety of Germany and constitutes just under a quarter of the total
plantations, making it the most planted variety, as well as the best-selling wine. It is
particularly important in the
production of the best wines from
Mosel-Saar-Ruwer and the
Rheingau. It ripens late, generally
between October and November,
but due to its hardness it is ideal for
late harvest wines. Its natural high
acidity level helps the wines age
well. This wine, when young, has a
floral character, but as it ages it
typically develops petroleum
aromas. It has an important role as
the progenitor of many of the
crosses that have been developed.

Müller-Thurgau : Developed in
1880, it is a cross variety of
Riesling and another variety that is unknown. It ripens very early and produces large
productions, it is

susceptible to rot and frost damage. It constitutes the main component of most
Liebfraumilch.

Silvaner : It is the grape of times past; Its plantations have decreased dramatically, being
replaced by varieties created based on new crosses that were developed. It is mainly found
in those regions where it was traditionally strong like Franken. It produces wines with low
acidity and quite neutral fruit aromas.

20% of the cultivation area is Riesling, followed by the Müller-Thurgau grape with 15%.
They are followed by the red grapes Blauer Spätburgunder with 14% and Dornfelder with
10%.

Denomination of origin in Germany

There is a classification of German wines, German law requires classifying the type of wine
on the bottle labels, these categories:

Deutscher Tafelwein: German name for table wines.

Deutscher Landwein: local wine, minimum alcohol 9-10% (depending on the region where
it comes from).

Qualitätswein mit Prädikat (QmP) : The wines under this denomination have the best
quality, within this category you can find different wines depending on the sugar of the
must, in increasing order they are:

• Kabinette

• Spätlese

• Auslese

• Beerenauslese

• Trockenbeerenauslese

• Eiswein (Ice Wine)

Conclusion

In the Old World, techniques in the vineyard and winery have more to do with tradition than
with science, the notion of terroir is very important and valued since the characteristics of
the region are what create the wine, not the conditions. of winemaking.

In these countries, where conditions are colder and ripening levels are lower, the resulting
wines are naturally more acidic, contain lower average alcohol levels and a lighter body.
Finesse and elegance mark the resulting wines, which will be more contained and subtle in
search of the expression of the terroir. With centuries of experience, the Old World has been
able to get to know its terrain more intimately and find the varieties and viticulture
techniques that best adapt to its location, determining the aromas and characteristics of the
wine. Viticulture is more important than oenology.

The importance of tradition in El Viejo has also marked the laws and regulations of wine.
Europe has had many centuries to find out which varieties grow best in different regions and
how wines should be produced from them and it has only had to collect it in laws that
promote strict compliance with tradition by all producers. European laws are mostly based
on region and as an extension of this they do not carry the name of the variety on the label
but rather the area of production.

A wine always evokes something: a family memory, a day when it was drunk to celebrate
something important. Wine has soul, and that is what we link to our emotional part.
Information sources

■ [Link]

■ [Link]

■ [Link]

■ [Link]

■ [Link]

■ [Link]

■ [Link]

■ [Link]

■ [Link]

■ [Link]