Certified Sommelier Practice Exam

What type of climate is characteristic of the Priorat DOCa?

1. Wet and humid

2. Dry temperate

3. Subtropical wet

4. Continental

The correct answer is: Dry temperate

The correct answer reflects that the Priorat DOCa is known for its dry temperate climate, which is essential for producing high-quality wines. This region in Spain benefits from a hot, dry summer, which helps to yield grapes that have concentrated flavors and sugars, leading to robust wines that are characteristic of Priorat. The lack of excessive moisture allows for better control over grape diseases and provides a clear distinction in the terroir, resulting in intensely flavored wines, often made from varieties such as Garnacha (Grenache) and Cariñena (Carignan). In contrast, other climatic options would not align well with Priorat’s historical and geographical context. Wet and humid conditions, for instance, would lead to challenges in grape cultivation due to increased disease pressure. Subtropical wet climates are more associated with high rainfall and humidity, which does not typically align with the needs of the grape varieties the region specializes in. Continental climates, while featuring pronounced seasonal changes, tend to be colder than what is described for Priorat, thus making the dry temperate climate the defining characteristic for this renowned wine-producing area.