Monthly Archives: June 2021

Welcome to the World, Palos Verdes Peninsula AVA!

  By admin | June 19, 2021 - 8:43 pm | ,
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Map via the TTB AVA Explorer Map

Map via the TTB AVA Explorer Map

On June 17, 2021, the TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) of the United States approved the Palos Verdes Peninsula AVA. When this new AVA comes into force—on July 19, 2021—the total number of AVAs in the United States will be 255, of which 142 will be in California.

The Palos Verdes Peninsula area—located in the southwestern corner of Los Angeles County—hugs the Pacific Ocean coastline about 25 miles west of downtown Los Angeles. The region includes the cities of Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, and Rolling Hills, California. The area is highly regarded for its sweeping views of the ocean and the Los Angeles city skyline, gated communities, and high-dollar homes. However, the area has a long history of agriculture—including some viticulture—and wine continues to be produced in the area.

According to the original petition—spearheaded by James York of Catalina View Wines and submitted on behalf of a group of Palos Verdes Peninsula winegrowers—the area’s distinguishing characteristics include its topography, soils, and climate. These are discussed below:

Topography: The area within the Palos Verdes Peninsula AVA consists of low rolling hills (technically part of the Coast Range) situated between the Los Angeles Basin and the Pacific Ocean. Elevations range from sea level (on the region’s western and southern edges) to 1,460 feet/445 m above sea level at San Pedro Hill. Many of the region’s vineyards are planted on moderate south- or southeast-facing slopes. 

Map via the TTB AVA Explorer Map

Map via the TTB AVA Explorer Map

Soils: The soils of the region include Altamont Clay Adobe, Altamont Clay Loam, and Diablo Clay Adobe. These soils are composed primarily of fine-grained sandstone, weathered shale, silt, and calcareous clay.  These soils retain allow for moisture retention in dry weather while allowing for drainage during rainy times.

Climate: Like many areas of Southern California, the Palos Verdes Peninsula AVA has an overall Mediterranean Climate coupled with the coastal influence of the nearby Pacific Ocean. The area typically experiences warm, dry summers (temperatures rarely exceed 84°F/29°C) and mild winters with limited rainfall.

The Palos Verdes Peninsula AVA includes a total of 15,900 acres; of these, just over 7 acres are currently planted to vines. Two producing wineries—Catalina View Wines and La Caze Family Vineyard—are located within the region. The leading grape varieties include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot

Welcome to the world, Palos Verdes Peninsula AVA!

References/for more information:

Post authored by Jane A. Nickles…your blog administrator: jnickles@societyofwineeducators.org

Welcome to the World: The Burn of Columbia Valley AVA!

  By admin | June 18, 2021 - 9:15 am | ,
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Map via the TTB AVA Explorer Map

Map via the TTB AVA Explorer Map

On June 17, 2021, the TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) of the United States approved two new American Viticultural Areas (AVAs): the White Bluffs AVA and the Burn of Columbia Valley AVA. When these new AVAs come into force—on July 19, 2021—the total number of AVAs in Washington State will be 18.

This article will focus on the Burn of Columbia Valley AVA. Click here for an article focusing on the While Bluffs AVA.

The Burn of Columbia Valley AVA (a sub-region of the Columbia Valley AVA) is located in the southwest corner of the Columbia Valley AVA, along a stretch of benchland on the north bank of the Columbia River. It is situated between the Horse Heaven Hills AVA (to its east) and the Columbia Gorge AVA (to its west). Its location along the Columbia River places it adjacent to the border between Washington State and Oregon—although it lies 100% in Washington State.

The petition to establish The Burn of Columbia Valley AVA (originally slated as “The Burn”) was submitted by Kevin Corliss of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, Joan Davenport (Professor of Soil Sciences at Washington State University), and John Derrick of Mercer Ranches. According to the petition, the area’s distinguishing features include its topography, climate, and soils—as discussed below.

Topography: The area within the new AVA is situated on a moderately-elevated, gently sloping benchland above the Columbia River. The (generally) southeast-facing slope averages just over 7% grade.

Map via the TTB AVA Explorer Map

Map via the TTB AVA Explorer Map

Climate: The area is considered (overall) one of the warmer regions of the Columbia Valley. However, due to the persistent winds from the Columbia Gorge, the heat (as measured by “degree days”) accumulates much more slowly than in the surrounding areas. As a result, the growing season is extended—the grapes in this area are often among the last to be harvested in the state. This lengthy growing season allows for deep flavor development and excellent acid retention in the grapes.

Soils: The soils within the new AVA—dominated by Walla Walla silt loam—are, in many aspects, similar to those of the surrounding areas. However, the soils within The Burn contain a higher proportion of organic matter and lower levels of sand/sandy loam—and, as a result, the soils of The Burn have higher water- and nutrient-retention capacity. This means that the region has a lower need for supplemental irrigation, a lower need for the use of supplemental vine nutrients, and a reduced risk of winter vine injury as compared to the surrounding areas.

The triangle-shaped Burn of Columbia Valley AVA covers a total of 16,870 acres. Of these, approximately 1,500 acres/607 ha have been planted to vines. The region contains two commercial vineyards and no bonded wineries (as of 2021). This is a young growing area; while vines have been planted in the area since 2002, the majority of the vines have been planted since 2015. Cabernet Sauvignon is the leading variety, followed by Syrah, Malbec, Chardonnay, and Sangiovese.

About that name: there is no easy consensus on where the name—The Burn—originated, although there is plenty of evidence that it has been used in reference to the area for generations. The Burn might refer to a local legend that tells of early settlers who set fire to the benchland every fall in order to rejuvenate the native grasses and provide for their horses in the springtime. It could also be based on the Gaelic- German- and English-inspired use of the term burn (as in Bannockburn)—or born (as in Padderborn) or bourne (as in Melbourne)—to refer to a stream or a river.

Welcome to the world: The Burn of Columbia Valley AVA!

P.S. The TTB has also announced a new AVA in California—Palos Verdes Peninsula—to be effective on July 19, 2021. Click here for more details. 

References/for more information:

 Post authored by Jane A. Nickles…your blog administrator: jnickles@societyofwineeducators.org

Washington State Welcomes Two New AVAs! (focus on: the White Bluffs AVA)

  By admin | June 17, 2021 - 11:39 am | ,
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Map via the TTB AVA Explorer Map

Map via the TTB AVA Explorer Map

On June 17, 2021, the TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) of the United States approved two new American Viticultural Areas (AVAs): the White Bluffs AVA and the Burn of Columbia Valley AVA. When these new AVAs come into force—on July 19, 2021—the total number of AVAs in Washington State will be 18.

This article will focus on the White Bluffs AVA; click here for an article focusing on the Burn of Columbia Valley AVA.

The White Bluffs AVA—named for a steep escarpment located along the eastern shore of the Columbia River—is located with Franklin County, about 10 miles/16 km north of the town of Kennewick. The White Bluffs AVA is a sub-region of the much larger Columbia Valley AVA.

The defining characteristics of the White Bluffs AVA include the area’s topography, soils, and climate. These features—as noted by Dr. Kevin Pogue, Professor of Geology at Whitman College and the author of the original petition—are discussed below.

Topography: The White Bluffs AVA sits atop an elevated plateau, as much as 200 feet/61 meters above the surrounding area (known as the Pasco Basin). As a result, the overall elevation of the region varies between 800 feet/244 meters and 1,000 feet/305 meters above sea level. The plateau is divided by the Ringold Coulee and the Koontz Coulee into two relatively flat areas known as the Columbia Flat and the Owens Flat. In addition, the southern edge of the appellation includes a portion of the south-facing slopes of the namesake White Bluffs. 

Map via the TTB Explorer Map

Map via the TTB AVA Explorer Map

Soils: The topsoil of the area—windblown silt (loess) and alluvial deposits from the Missoula floods—is quite similar to the soils in the surrounding areas. However, what lies beneath—a layer of ancient lakebed sediment with a whitish appearance topped by a layer of caliche (calcium carbonate)—is unique. This layer—known as the Ringold Formation—also contains enough clay so that the soil retains different proportions of water and minerals (as compared to those of the surrounding areas). In addition, the Ringold Formation is deep enough so that the roots of the vines planted in the White Bluffs AVA—unlike the vines in much of the rest of the Columbia Valley AVA—do not ever reach the basalt bedrock. 

Climate: Due to the added elevation, the area within the White Bluffs AVA is protected from the cold air on the surrounding valley floor. This makes for a slightly warmer temperature and longer growing season, as compared with the surrounding area. Vines have been planted in the area since 1972 and have never experienced a freeze during the growing season.

The White Bluffs AVA covers a total of 93,738 total acres (146 square miles), with 1,127 acres/456 ha planted to vines. Currently, there are nine commercial vineyards and one bonded winery—Claar Cellars—located within the boundaries of the appellation. The leading grape varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Welcome to the world, White Bluffs AVA!

P.S. The TTB has also announced a new AVA in California—Palos Verdes Peninsula—to be effective on July 19, 2021. Click here for more details. 

References/for more information:

Post authored by Jane A. Nickles…your blog administrator: jnickles@societyofwineeducators.org

New Rules (in the New Year) for Cava!

  By admin | June 16, 2021 - 10:33 am | ,
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A typical New Year's Eve in Madrid ©Semmickphoto/123RF.COM

A typical New Year’s Eve in Madrid ©Semmickphoto/123RF.COM

When the clock strikes midnight on December 31 and we roll over into the new year of 2022, the wines of Cava will begin a new era—as a set of updates and revisions to the Cava regulations come into force.

These updates—centered on specificity in geographic indications as well as new aging tiers—have been in the works for years; and were first approved by the Consejo Regulador of the Cava DO (Denominación de Origen) back in 2019. Along with their publication in Spain’s Boletín Oficial del Estado (BOE/Official Gazette of Spain) on June 15, 2021, they are set to come into force as of January 1, 2022.

A new tier of aged wines—tied to some specific qualitative guidelines has been introduced. This tier includes the following designations:

  • Cava de Guarda, requiring at least nine months of again on the lees and that the wine be traceable from the vineyard to the bottle
  • Cava de Guarda Superior, requiring at least 18 months on the lees as well as the following standards:
    • The vines must be at least 10 years old
    • The grapes must be grown organically (granted with a five-year period allowed for transition)
    • Maximum yield: 10,000 kg/ha
    • The wine must be traceable from the vineyard to the bottle
    • It must be vintage-dated

The regulations for Cava Reserva also have been changed; Cava Reserva will now need a minimum of 18 months aging on the lees (up from the previous minimum of 15 months).

The regulations for Cava Gran Reserva (requiring a minimum 30 months of aging on the lees) and Cava de Paraje Calificado (produced using grapes grown in a recognized vineyard and aged on the less for a minimum of 36 months) have not changed.

Map via the CAVA DO: www.cava.wine/en

Map via the CAVA DO: www.cava.wine/en

In addition, these new changes bring some long-awaited specificity to the geographical definition of Cava. This is exciting because it represents the first time that Cava will be allowed to list a specific place-of-origin (aside from just the far-flung “Cava” designation) on the label. These new geographical indications include four basic zones:  Comtats de Barcelona, Valle de Ebro (Ebro Valley), Viñedos de Almendralejo, and Levante.

Here is a bit of detail about each of these zones:

  • Comtats de Barcelona: This zone covers wine produced in Catalonia, representing as much as 95% of the total production of Cava. The area contains five (very terroir-specific) sub-zones: Valls d’Anoia-Foix, Serra de Mar, Conca del Gaia, Serra de Prades and Pla de Ponent.
  • Valle de Ebro (Ebro Valley): This zone—the northernmost of the Cava DO—is tucked between several mountain ranges and lies alongside the Ebro River (overlapping a portion of the Rioja DOCa). There are two sub-zones: Alto Ebro and Valle del Cierzo.
  • Viñedos de Almendralejo: This small area follows the borders of Almendralejo, a town in the Extremadura region. This area is located quite a way inland—close to the Portuguese border—and represents the area furthest southwest in the Cava D.O.
  • Levante: This area—located in eastern Spain on a high plateau in the province of Valencia—follows the borders of the town of Requena. (Note: the name Levante is considered temporary, so we may have another update soon!)

The website of the Consejo Regulador de Cava has some excellent, sub-zone-specific maps.

The Cava DO has also announced that more changes are in the works—specifically, that all top-tier Cava (including Cava Reserva, Cava Gran Reserva and Cava de Paraje Calificado) will be 100% organic by 2025. We will keep an eye on that!

Note: As with all such updates, this change will need to wind its way through EU approval; however, as the Spanish government has granted their approval, the changes will be in force (as scheduled) on January 1, 2022. If the EU fails to approve the amendment, the regulation will be rescinded (although this is quite unlikely to happen).

References/for more information:

Post authored by Jane A. Nickles…your blog administrator: jnickles@societyofwineeducators.org

 

 

Dispatch from Amboise (and the Touraine AOC)

  By admin | June 6, 2021 - 10:17 am | ,
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Château d'Amboise

Château d’Amboise

Amboise is a tiny French town situated on the banks of Loire River (about 17 miles/27 km east of Tours) and just a short drive (11 miles/18 km) away from the awe-inspiring Château de Chenonceau.

Despite its small stature, Amboise has a lot going for it. For one, it is home to the Château du Clos Lucé, originally built by the Hugues d’Amboise (nobles of the House of Amboise) in 1471. The Château du Clos Lucé has had several famous occupants, including Leonardo da Vinci who resided in the palace for the last few years of his life. Upon his death in 1519, the great artist was laid to rest in the nearby Chapel of St Florentin. When the Chapel of St. Florentin was razed at the end of the 18th century, Leonardo’s tomb was moved to the grounds of the Château d’Amboise. (At least that is what most people believe; there are some skeptics.)

Grounds of the Château de Chanteloup

Grounds of the Château de Chanteloup

Amboise is also home to what might be the only pagoda ever built on the banks of the Loire—the pagoda of the Château de Chanteloup—and the Parc des Mini-Chateaux—a theme park where you can walk among 40 miniature renditions of the famous castles, gardens, and villas of the Loire.

Amboise is also known for its wine; much of which is bottled under the Touraine-Amboise appellation. Amboise is currently one of the five sub-zones/geographic indications that are allowed to append their name to the Touraine AOC designation—as long as the mandated, specific standards are followed. There are rumors afloat that Amboise will (someday soon) apply for a separate AOC, however, this has not yet approached the national level.

There have, nevertheless, been some recent changes to the rules and regulations concerning the wines of the Touraine-Amboise AOC. These include revisions to the allowed grape varieties, viticultural practices, and character of the finished wine. The most substantive of these changes concern the allowed grape varieties, as follows:

  • Varietal composition of red wines: Must be 100% Côt. They take Côt seriously in Amboise and consider it a specific (and historical) local variation of Malbec. Though previously allowed, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Gamay are no longer permitted to be used in the red wines of the Touraine-Amboise AOC.
  • Varietal composition of rosé wines: May be produced using any proportion of Côt and/or Gamay. Though previously allowed, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc are no longer permitted to be used in the rosé wines of the Touraine-Amboise AOC.
Map of the Touraine AOC (showing the Amboise subzone) via the INAO

Map of the Touraine AOC (showing the Amboise subzone) via the INAO

Touraine-Amboise AOC white wines are required to be 100% Chenin Blanc (this standard has not changed).

Note: For the serious wine students in our audience—the other four subzones of the Touraine AOC are as follows: Mesland, Azay-le-Rideau, Oisly, and Chenonceaux.

References/for more information:

Post authored by Jane A. Nickles…your blog administrator: jnickles@societyofwineeducators.org