D3: Spain: Background: Eduardo Beltran of Faustino on Rioja
Rioja in the North of Spain near Bilbao and 500km from Barcelona. The region is around 500-600 metres up. Rioja made up of 3 regions - Rioja Baja, Rioja Alto and Rioja Alavesa. Baja hotter and produces slightly heavier wines. According to Eduardo, the Alavesa region has the best conditions for growing grapes.
There are 3 main styles - Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva. For Crianza the wine must spend 2 years in the winery and at least 12 months in oak barrels. For Reserva, at least 3 years in the winery and at least 12 months in barrel and for Gran Reserva at least 5 years in the winery and at least 2 years in oak.
The winemaker can use any type of oak they wish to achieve the desired style. For the Gran Reserva select the best grapes that will allow the wine to age.
I thought the questions were excellent, an extremely valuable revision tool. They really helped highlight areas I thought I had revised and understood but clearly had not, which has enabled me to focus on key areas to revisit and study before going into the exam... I think it is a great resource and an essential revision aid for any WSET 3 students wishing to gain a competitive edge and successfully pass the WSET 3 exam.
Gini (Australia) - WSET Level 3 Question
I just wanted to say a big thank you for your outstanding website. It was a key factor in helping me pass WSET level 3 and I really appreciate the time and effort you have put in to make it so much easier to study. Thank you once again
Gino - WSET Level 3 Question
I just wanted to say a big thanks for your great attitude and professional, straightforward tuition which helped me pass the exam with distinction. It was a great course with a happy end!
D3: Spain: Background: Eduardo Beltran of Faustino on Rioja
