Bereich

One of thirty-nine official districts. Germany’s thirteen wine regions (ANBAUGEBIETE) are officially broken down into thirty-nine bereiche (the plural of bereich), which in turn are broken down into GROSSLAGEN, which are broken down into EINZELLAGEN.

Spanish cava must, by law, be made from one or more of seven grape varieties. Pinot noir, subirat, and trepat are the three lesser-known options. Four other grapes are the main ones. Which of the following is not a variety used to make cava?

A. Chardonnay

B. Ull de Llebre

C. Parellada

D. Xarel-lo

While Ull de Llebre (or “eye of the hare” in Catalan) is a Spanish grape grown in the Penedès, it is not a part of the seven grapes legally allowed to make cava. (It is, however, the local name for tempranillo). While chardonnay often adds finesse to cavas, the varieties macabeo, parellada, and xarel-lo are the most important. Macabeo is fruity and aromatic with good acidity. Parellada is the most delicate of these Spanish grapes and are often grown in higher, cooler vineyards. And you can thank xarel-lo for giving cava most of its personality by contributing good acidity and a generous, round body.

“Based on chemistry, DNA, ancient texts, art, ethnography and experimental archaeology, it’s clear that as humans, we are set up as biological creatures to drink alcohol.”

—Dr. Patrick McGovern
Director of Biomolecular Archaeology, University of Pennsylvania, speaking at the Origins of Wine Civilization conference at San Francisco Wine School this month.

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