The title is derived from the name of the Gate of Wine, which actually exists in the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain. Debussy is said to have received a postcard depicting this gate from Spanish composers such as Manuel de Falla (1876-1946) and Ricardo Viñes (1875-1943), and was inspired by the contrast of light and shadow. His commitment to "contrast" is evident in the opening musical direction: "with a sudden contrast of extreme intensity and passionate pleasantness" [3]. Furthermore, in the actual piece, this was demonstrated by contrasting musical characteristics strongly associated with the Spanish homeland: a bass line (see musical example) featuring a perfect fifth interval between D-flat (Des) and A-flat (As) played to a Habanera rhythm, and an Arabic-style melody evoking the origins of the palace built during the Islamic dynasty.

Musical Example: Bass in Habanera Rhythm, Measures 5-10