The Society of Wine Educators is a membership-based nonprofit organization focused on providing wine and spirits education along with the conferral of several certifications. The Society is internationally recognized, and its programs are highly regarded both for their quality and relevance to the industry.
The mission of the SWE is to set the standard for quality and responsible wine and spirits education and professional certification.
Base map via the TTB AVA Explorer
On August 30, 2024, the TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) of the United States approved the San Luis Rey American Viticultural Area (AVA). The new AVA is located in California’s San Diego County, entirely within the previously established South Coast AVA. The AVA extends from the coastal city of Oceanside inland to the Merriman Mountains and Moosa Canyon.
The area is named for the San Luis Rey River, which runs through the northern edge of the area and drains into the Pacific Ocean; and for Mission San Luis Rey—founded in 1798 and built close to the banks of the river. The defining characteristics of the San Luis Rey AVA include the area’s topography, climate, and soil. These features are discussed below.
Topography and Climate: The San Luis Rey AVA sits at relatively low elevations (the mean elevation is 563 feet above sea level) and is located close to the Pacific Coastline. This situation allows cool ocean breezes to flow through the region, thus creating an overall cool, maritime climate. The average annual maximum temperature of the San Luis Rey AVA is significantly cooler than the surrounding areas (including the Temecula Valley AVA, San Pasqual Valley AVA, and Ramona Valley AVA).
Base map via the TTB AVA Explorer
Soil: Compared with the surrounding area, the bedrock supporting the San Luis Rey AVA is generally older and richer in sandy loam (an ideal texture for commercial viticulture, and a point of differentiation and potential advantage over much of the rest of the South Coast AVA). Soil parent materials include granite, sandstone and quartz.
The San Luis Rey AVA covers a total of approximately 97,733 acres, with 256 acres currently planted to vineyards (with another 29 acres of planned vineyards). There are 44 commercial vineyards and just over 20 bonded wineries—including Fallbrook Winery and Lionsgate Estate Winery—located within the region. The leading grape varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Grenache.
When the San Luis Rey AVA is brought into force—on September 30, 2024—the total number of AVAs in the United States will be 274. Of these, 153 will be in California.
Welcome to the world, San Luis Rey AVA!
References/for more information:
As of July 2024, the INAO (Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité of France) has approved the production of Pinot Noir-based red wines in the Alsace Grand Cru Vorbourg AOC. As such, Vorbourg becomes the third Alsatian Grand Cru approved for the production of red wines. Two others—Alsace Grand Cru Hengst and Alsace Grand Cru Kirchberg de Barr—were approved for the production of Pinot Noir in May of 2022. The remaining 48 Grands Crus of Alsace remain approved only for white wines.
Vorbourg—largely planted to Gewurztraminer—is located near the southern end of the Haut-Rhin Départment, tucked alongside several other Alsace Grands Crus in the eastern slopes of the Vosges Mountains. Vorbourg (covering about 180 acres/73 hectares) contains one of the region’s most famous walled vineyards—the Clos Saint Landelin, owned by the Mure family.
Located just north of the Ohmbach River, Vorbourg is composed mainly of a series of south- and southeast-facing slopes. This means the vines receive abundant sunshine, making it an ideal choice for ripening Pinot Noir in this overall cool-climate region. The soils of Vorbourg include granite and limestone on the hillsides, along with clay and loess closer to the river.
According to the Wines of Alsace (vinsalace) website, the white wines of Vorbourg are known for fruity aromas (citrus, peach, and pear), are full-bodied, and show a good deal of minerality. The red wine (Pinot Noir) has a deep red color, rich texture, fine tannins, and aromas of fruit, spice (anise), and mineral.
We look forward to trying a Grand Cru Pinot Noir from Vorbourg!
References/for more information:
Post authored by Jane A. Nickles…your blog administrator: jnickles@societyofwineeducators.org
The Vicenza DOC—established in 2000—is located somewhat in the center of Italy’s Veneto Region. It surrounds the city of Vicenza and covers most of the surrounding Vicenza Province. The Vicenza DOC overlaps the Gamberella DOC/Recioto di Gamberella DOCG as well as a portion of the Colli Berici DOC.
The Vicenza DOC stretches from Monti Berico—its highest point—in the northwest and extends across the flatter plains form by the Bacchiglione River. The finest vineyards in the appellation are considered the hillside vineyards in the north and west of the area.
The Vicenza DOC is approved for a long list of grape varieties and wine styles. These include red and white wines (in still, sparkling, frizzante, and passito styles) made from blends or varietals. The leading grape varieties of the include Pinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay, Moscato, Garganega, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir), among others.
We look forward to tasting Vicenza Pinot Grigio Ramato (or Rosato) in the near future!
Note: as is typical of appellation updates, this change has been approved by the local consortium, Italy’s National Wine Committee, and the EU. However, we have not yet seen an updated disciplinare uploaded to a public database. We have attached the proposal (which has been approved), below.
References/for more information:
Post authored by Jane A. Nickles…your blog administrator: jnickles@societyofwineeducators.org
Yecla is a town in eastern Spain, located at the northern tip of the autonomous community of Murcia. It’s a medium-sized town, typically home to just over 35,000 people.
Yecla—along with Bullas and Jumilla—is also one of the three PDO wine regions (denominaciones de origen/DOs) of Murcia. While all three of these regions remain somewhat obscure, each produces rich, red wines based on the Monastrell (Mourvèdre) grape variety as well as small amounts of Monastrell-based rosado and even smaller amounts of white wine, sparkling wine, and vino de licor (sweet, fortified wine).
The white wines of Murcia—including those of the Yecla DO—are allowed to be made using a short list of white grapes; approved varieties include Macabeo (Viura), Airén, Malvasía Aromática (Malvasía Sitges), Chardonnay, Moscatel de Grano Menudo (Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains), and Sauvignon Blanc. The Yecla DO also allows the use of Verdejo.
Now for a news flash: as of March 1 (2024), the EU has approved the use of Viognier in the white wines of the Yecla DO.
The Yecla area is located about 50 miles inland from the Mediterranean Coast and as such, experiences a dry, continental climate with some mild Mediterranean influences. The limestone soils of the region ensure that it is an ideal area for the cultivation of warm-climate-friendly vines—and Viognier is a perfect fit.
According to the proposal to amend the regulations of the Yecla DO, “a study has been carried out which shows that the Viognier variety is perfectly adapted to our region and the quality of its wines. The study also shows that the characteristics laid down in the product specification for wines under this PDO are maintained. The inclusion of this variety is also justified by current market demand.”
The wines of Yecla may be produced (and labeled) as mono-varietal wines and/or blends. We look forward to trying Yecla Viognier in the future!
References/for more information:
Post authored by Jane A. Nickles…your blog administrator: jnickles@societyofwineeducators.org
Photo via: www.cru-la-liviniere.com
News flash for wine students: The French wine region of Minervois—La Livinière (an appellation located in the Languedoc area of France) has changed its name to La Livinière AOC (Appellation d’origine contrôlée). This change was recently approved by the EU and announced via publication in the Official Journal of the European Union in March of 2024.
The Minervois AOC—located in the western Languedoc just north of Corbières—was approved in 1985 and produces a range of wine styles including red, white, and rosé. For about ten years after the approval of the Minervois AOC, the producers of La Livinière—a small area located on the far north edge of the Minervois appellation—sought to carve out a more specific AOC for their wines. In 1999, they were successful, and the Minervois—La Livinière AOC was approved as a separate AOC approved for red wine only. Now, with the name change, the producers of La Livinière AOC seek to forge an identity of their own.
The specifications for the wines of the La Livinière AOC are as follows:
Map of La Livinière via: www.cru-la-liviniere.com
Red wines only
The area surrounds the town of La Livinière and lies just south of the Montagne Noire (Montanha Negra or Black Mountain—a mountain range at the southwestern edge of the Massif Central. One of the main distinguishing features of La Livinière is its soil, composed of alluvial deposits (sand, clay, and gravel) atop limestone—a giant slab of limestone known as the Causse de Minerve.
References/for more information:
Post authored by Jane A. Nickles…your blog administrator: jnickles@societyofwineeducators.org
Base map via the TTB AVA Explorer (click to enlarge)
On May 15 (2024), the TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) of the United States announced the approval of the Upper Cumberland American Viticultural Area (AVA). The new AVA covers an area within Middle Tennessee. The newly approved AVA is not located within, nor does it contain, any other viticultural areas.
The Upper Cumberland AVA is the first AVA to be located entirely within the state of Tennessee. However, portions of two previously approved appellations are located within the state. These include the Appalachian High Country AVA (shared between Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia) and the Mississippi Delta AVA (shared between Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana).
According to the original petition, the distinguishing features of the Upper Cumberland AVA include its elevation, soils, and climate—as described below.
Base map via the TTB AVA Explorer (click to enlarge)
Elevation: The Upper Cumberland AVA extends across the north-central portion of Tennessee. The AVA encompasses the western portion of the Cumberland Plateau, the Eastern Highland Ridge, and the eastern portion of the Outer Central Basin. The center portion of the AVA—located on a cuesta (ridge) known as the Eastern Highland Rim—contains elevations ranging from 600 to 1,000 feet above sea level (asl). In the eastern portion of the AVA (perched atop the Cumberland Plateau), the elevation ranges from 1,500 to asl. Elevations in the Inner Central Basin region (in the western portion of the AVA) fall somewhere between the other two areas, resulting from the erosion of an ancient uplift once known as the Nashville Dome. The average elevation of commercial vineyards in the Upper Cumberland AVA is 1,000 feet asl.
Soils: Limestone bedrock underlies most of the Upper Cumberland AVA. Topsoil is composed of alluvial and loess particulates composed primarily of shale, sand, and gravel.
Climate: The area within the Upper Cumberland AVA is slightly cooler than the surrounding areas (mainly due to elevation). The average growing season within the new AVA is 212 days with an average temperature of 67.5°F. The average annual precipitation is 50 inches.
The Upper Cumberland AVA stretches for over 50 miles covers a large area totaling 2,186,689 acres. At present, there are 55 commercial vineyards, 9 bonded wineries, and a total of 71 acres of vines within the region. Upper Cumberland Wineries include Chestnut Hill Winery, Del Monaco Winery, and Stonehaus Winery. The area is currently planted to an eclectic range of grapes, including vinifera, muscadine, and hybrid varieties.
When the Upper Cumberland AVA is brought into force—on June 14, 2024—the total number of AVAs in the United States will be 273.
Welcome to the world, Upper Cumberland AVA!
References/for more information:
Post authored by Jane A. Nickles…your blog administrator: jnickles@societyofwineeducators.org
Newsflash from the Languedoc: The Corbières-Boutenac AOC has changed its name and will now be known as the Boutenac AOC. The wine producers of the Boutenac area submitted a proposal to change the name of the appellation back in September of 2022, and as of March 14, 2024, the EU has approved the modification.
To understand the Boutenac region, we need to first look at the larger, surrounding Corbières AOC. For starters, Corbières is one of the largest appellations in the Languedoc (along with Minervois) in terms of overall size, vineyard plantings, and production volume. A prodigious producer of red (rogue), white (blanc) and rosé wine, Corbières was granted it initial AOC designation in 1985. Since that time, the appellation has been updated several times; many changes involved its elaborate list of allowed grape varieties and the composition thereof. Others broke the large region into a bit more geographic specificity, and in 2005, the Boutenac region was spun-off into its own AOC, originally known as the Corbières-Boutenac AOC.
The Boutenac area—centered around the tiny town of Boutenac and located atop an elevated ridge of limestone about 30 kilometers/20 miles inland from the Mediterranean coast—consists of well-drained, low-nutrient soils. As wine lovers know, when these two features combine, they can produce some of the finest vineyard terroirs—and wine grapes—in the world.
As such, Boutenac has always enjoyed a reputation for high-quality wine. Additionally, it produces red wine only (as opposed to the extensive list of grapes and wine in play in the larger Corbières appellation). These factors are part of the ongoing efforts to seek out a separate identity for the Boutenac AOC apart from the larger Corbières appellation.
The red wines of the Boutenac AOC are described (in the cahier des charges) as being powerful and generous on the palate and having a red deep color with violet highlights as well as notes of spice and mature fruit.
We can’t wait to try Boutenac AOC!
References/for more information:
Post authored by Jane A. Nickles…your blog administrator: jnickles@societyofwineeducators.org
Base map via the TTB AVA Explorer (click to enlarge)
On April 25 (2024), the TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) of the United States announced the approval of the Yucaipa Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA). The new AVA covers an area within California’s San Bernardino County. The newly approved AVA is not located within, nor does it contain, any other viticultural areas.
According to the original petition, the distinguishing features of the Yucaipa Valley AVA include its elevation and climate—as described below.
Elevation: The Yucaipa Valley AVA is comprised of rolling hills located within the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains. Elevations in the area range from 2,000 feet to 4,600 feet above sea level. The significant elevation places the vineyards within an area that receives significant solar radiation, resulting in thick-skinned, flavorful grapes able to produce wine with considerable tannin and depth of color.
Base map via the TTB AVA Explorer (click to enlarge)
Climate: The inland location of the Yucaipa Valley AVA lends itself to an overall warm, dry climate. Summertime temperatures typically reach an average high of 97°F; in extreme cases temperatures have soared as high as 104°F. Rainfall is sparse during the growing season (averaging just over four inches per year), while the winters see most of the rainfall (typically averaging 15 inches per year, some of which may be snowfall).
The Yucaipa Valley AVA covers a total of 36,467 acres; the area currently contains 23 commercial vineyards as well as one winery—Suveg Cellars, founded in 2010. The leading grape varieties of the region include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Syrah, Malbec, Nebbiolo, Barbera, Petite Sirah, and Chardonnay.
When the Yucaipa Valley AVA is brought into force—on May 28, 2024—the total number of AVAs in the United States will be 272; of these, 152 will be in California.
Welcome to the world, Yucaipa Valley AVA!
References/for more information:
Post authored by Jane A. Nickles…your blog administrator: jnickles@societyofwineeducators.org
Base map via the TTB AVA Explorer (click to enlarge)
On April 8 (2024), the TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) of the United States announced the approval of the Comptche American Viticultural Area (AVA). The new AVA covers a small area within California’s Mendocino County.
The newly approved Comptche AVA is positioned within the boundaries of the existing North Coast AVA. However, it has been determined that the climate and soil of the area are distinctly different from those of the surrounding AVA. As such, the TTB has determined that the Comptche AVA is not to be considered a sub-appellation (or otherwise part of) the North Coast AVA. According to the TTB, this means that “vintners will not be able to use ‘‘North Coast’’ as an appellation of origin for wines made primarily from grapes grown anywhere in the Comptche AVA.”
According to the original petition, the distinguishing features of the Comptche Costa AVA include its topography, soils, and climate—as described below.
Topography: The Comptche AVA—located about 11 miles inland from the Pacific Coast—consists of a low-elevation valley surrounded by heavily forested lands and short, steep ridges. The elevation of the area within the appellation ranges from 187 to 400 feet asl, with all the commercial vineyards (at this time) planted at elevations ranging from 220 and 250 feet asl. This unique topography contributes to the area’s cool climate, as cool air sinks into the valley from the surrounding (higher) elevations at night.
Soils: There are two main soil types found in the Comptche AVA. The first—known as Bearwallow–Wolfey soil—is found on the rolling hillsides of the area as a type of well-drained, shallow, prone to erosion, and infertile soil resting atop fractured sandstone. The second—Perrygulch Loam—is found on the valley floor as a deep, rich, soil with a high clay content.
Base map via the TTB AVA Explorer (click to enlarge)
Climate: The Comptche AVA is a good deal cooler than the surrounding area and the other (previously established) AVAs in Mendocino County. According to the petition, the Comptche AVA is cool enough to be considered a “borderline” climate for the cultivation of wine grapes and only cold-hardy varieties will prove to be successful. As such, Pinot Noir is the only variety currently grown (for commercial purposes) in the area.
The Comptche AVA is further distinguished as it is one of the few areas in the coastal section of Mendocino County where non-timber related agricultural activity is permitted. The new AVA is surrounded by land designated as a Timberland Production Zone and zoned solely for the growing and harvesting of timber (for no less than ten years from the time it was so designated).
The Comptche AVA covers a total of 1,422 acres; of these, approximately 30 acres are planted with vineyards. There are currently three commercial vineyards in the area—all of which sell their grapes to local wines (as there are no wineries currently operating within the new AVA. When the Comptche AVA is brought into force—on May 8, 2024—the total number of AVAs in the United States will be 271; of these, 151 will be in California.
According to the good folks at Tripadvisor, the locals pronounce it with a silent t, as “comp-chee.” The name derives from the Pomo word Compatche, meaning in the valley among the hills.
Welcome to the world, Comptche AVA!
References/for more information:
Post authored by Jane A. Nickles…your blog administrator: jnickles@societyofwineeducators.org
Spain’s comunidad autónoma of Castilla-La Mancha has announced yet another new Denominación de Origen Protegida (PDO) for wine: the Vino de Pago Rosalejo! As of March 15, (2024) the EU has announced its approval of the new appellation, which follows rather quickly on the heels of the announcement of another new appellation for Castilla-La Mancha—the Campo de Calatrava DO—approved just over a month ago.
The Vino de Pago Rosalejo is approved for red wines only. According to the Pliego de Condiciones, the wines are intended to be deeply hued with a ruby-red color, intense aromas of fruit, spice, and oak-derived toast, excellent structure, and balanced acidity.
The Rosalejo PDO—located within the provinces of Ciudad Real and Toledo—is situated in the rolling hills of the Sierra de Sevilleja Mountains (part of the Montes de Toledo). The area rests atop well-drained, sandy soils derived from quartzite and granite. High levels of iron in the soil give the topsoil a distinctive orange-red hue. The minimum elevation of the vineyards is 650 meters/2,130 feet above sea level. There are currently 1,339 hectares/3,309 acres of qualified vineyards planted in the designation region.
The new appellation and its accompanying legislation will enter into force 20 days following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union—this should be on or about April 12, 2024. We will post a map as soon as the newly crafted appellation creates one.
Welcome to the world, Vino de Pago Rosalejo!
References/for more information:
Post authored by Jane A. Nickles…your blog administrator: jnickles@societyofwineeducators.org