Category Archives: News of The Wine World

Welcome to the World, Golden Mile Slopes GI!

  By admin | January 5, 2022 - 1:29 pm |
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Mount Kobau defines the eastern edge of the Golden Mile Slopes GI

Mount Kobau defines the eastern edge of the Golden Mile Slopes GI

British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley GI has a new sub-appellation: the Golden Mile Slopes GI!

Located in the southern portion of the Okanagan Valley, the newly-approved Golden Mile Slopes GI covers the rolling hills and some of the valley floor located between Mount Kobau (to the east) and the floodplain of the Okanagan River (to the south). The Golden Mile Bench GI (approved in 2015) is located along the new appellation’s northern border.

  • According to the technical description of the new appellation (submitted to the British Columbia Wine Authority in September of 2020), the unique features of the Golden Mile Slopes GI include the following:
    • Soils based on sediment, sand, gravel, and alluvial fans deposited by glacial retreat
    • Small lakes—known as kettle lakes—located in a few areas of low elevation
    • A warm, semi-arid climate with less than 350 mm/14 inches of rainfall per year
Map of the Golden Mile Slopes AVA via: BCVQA.ca

Map of the Golden Mile Slopes AVA via: BCVQA.ca

The long, narrow Golden Mile Slopes GI encompasses a total of 590 hectares (1,260 acres). The area is home to just over 37 small commercial vineyards, with approximately 165 ha (408 acres) planted to vinifera vines. At last count, the area included 9 commercial wineries. In addition to vineyards, the area contains fruit trees and annual vegetable production.

Red grapes occupy just over 60% of the commercial vineyard planting in the Golden Mile Slopes GI. Merlot is (by far) the leading red variety, followed by Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir.

Pinot Gris—the leading white grape of the region—is accompanied by Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer, and a smattering of Riesling.

Golden Mile Slopes is the fifth sub-appellation of British Columbia’s larger Okanagan Valley GI; the others include Golden Mile Bench, Skaha Bench, Naramata Bench, and Okanagan Falls.

References/for more information:

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

Dispatch from the Bolgheri DOC

  By admin | December 6, 2021 - 12:51 pm |
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Vineyards in Bolgheri

Vineyards in Bolgheri

The Bolgheri DOC—along with its famous sidekick the Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC—is famous for bold, red wines with the finest “Super Tuscan” pedigree. As such, I was fascinated to learn that when the Bolgheri DOC was first established—in 1983—the appellation was approved for white wines and rosé only, reflecting the traditional production of this region along the Tuscan coast.

Later—in the 1990s—the appellation rules were revised, allowing for the production of red wines based on the range of typical Tuscan red grapes (Sangiovese and friends). Even still, it wasn’t until the 2011 set of appellation updates that red wines based on including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc were allowed to be produced under the Bolgheri DOC.

Which brings us back to today’s news, which deals with a revision in the production standards for white wines—Bolgheri Bianco DOC—produced in the famous appellation. This was announced on December 1 (2021) when the news of the changes to the Disciplinare di Produzione for the Bolgheri DOC were published in the Gazzetta Ufficiale della Repubblica Italiana.

  • According to the new standards, Bolgheri Bianco DOC may be produced using the following formulas:
    • Any blend or amount of Vermentino, Sauvignon Blanc, and/or Viognier
    • A maximum of 40% “other white grapes suitable for cultivation in Tuscany”
      • (Trebbiano Toscano is known to be planted in small amounts in the region.)
    • Varietally-labeled white wines may continue to be produced using (a minimum of 85%) Vermentino or Sauvignon Blanc.
Map of the Bolgheri DOC via: www.bolgheridoc.com

Map of the Bolgheri DOC via: www.bolgheridoc.com

Previously, Bolgheri Bianco was required to be produced using a matrix of prescribed “maximum amounts” of certain grapes (including 70% Vermentino (max), 40% Sauvignon Blanc (max), 40% Trebbiano Toscano (max) and 30% other white grapes (max).

According to statistics available on the website of the Consortium (Consorzio di Tutela Bolgheri e Bolgheri Sassicaia), about 11% of the appellation’s total 1,370 hectares (3,385 acres) of grapes are planted to white varieties. Of the white grapes, Vermentino—occupying about 120 hectares (297 acres)—is by far the most widely planted. Sauvignon Blanc comes in second with about 20 hectares (50 acres), followed by 8 hectares (20 acres) of Viognier. Other white grapes are present as well, in trace amounts.

For comparison’s sake, the most widely planted grape in the appellation is Cabernet Sauvignon, clocking in at a total of 502 hectares/ acres.

In other Bolgheri news: Included in the updates is a new regulation that requires any wine bottled under the Bolgheri DOC or Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC to include the term “Toscana” on the label above the term Bolgheri. This seems like a good marketing move.

References/for more information:

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

One more for Oregon: Introducing the Lower Long Tom AVA

  By admin | November 11, 2021 - 11:56 am | ,
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Map via the TTB AVA Explorer

Map via the TTB AVA Explorer

On November 10, 2021, the TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) of the United States announced the approval of the Lower Long Tom AVA. When this new AVA comes into force on December 10 (2021), the total number of AVAs in the United States will be 260. Lower Long Tom represents the 22nd AVA in Oregon, and the tenth sub-appellation of the Willamette Valley AVA.

The Lower Long Tom AVA covers a total of 25,000 acres in portions of Lane and Benton Counties. It is located towards the southwestern edge of the Willamette Valley AVA, tucked along the eastern side of the Coast Mountain Range and about 14 miles (22 km) northwest of Eugene.

The appellation takes its name from the Long Tom River, located along a portion of its eastern boundary. The Long Tom River—a tributary of the Willamette River—flows northward for 57 miles (92 km) in the area between Eugene and Corvallis before joining the Willamette River. The AVA is located along the lower—downstream—portion of the river, north of Fern Ridge Lake.

According to the original petition, the distinguishing features of the Lower Long Tom AVA include its topography, soils, and climate, as discussed below:

Map via the TTB AVA Explorer

Map via the TTB AVA Explorer

Topography: The area within the Lower Long Tom AVA is comprised of rolling hills, punctuated by a series of (west-east) valleys and ridges created by the tributaries of the Long Tom River. Elevations range from approximately 1,000 feet/305 m asl (along the western edge of the appellation) to approximately 550 feet/168 m (in the center and eastern portions) before dropping to the Willamette Valley floor. The area to the west of the appellation lies within the Coast Mountain Range and contains elevations as high as 3,000 feet/915 m.

 Soils: Bellpine soil (and Bellpine/Jory complex) are the main soils of the Lower Long Tom AVA. Bellpine soil consists of decomposed sandstone atop a sandstone or siltstone substrate. Bellpine soils are shallow and well-drained. Soils of the Bellpine/Jory complex combine decomposed sandstone and volcanic components and tend to have a slightly greater depth and capacity for water retention. In contrast, the soils in the areas surrounding the new appellation are primarily Jory (volcanic) soils, igneous (containing rocks and pebbles), or (to the west) more alluvial in character.

Climate:  The Lower Long Tom AVA lies within the rain shadow of the Coast Range. Prairie Mountain—a particularly tall mountain, reaching 3,422 feet/1,430 m in elevation—is located directly to the west of the appellation, helping to block the cooling marine influence coming from the west. The cool air is thus re-directed to the areas north and south of the region and as such, the Lower Long Tom AVA is somewhat warmer than the surrounding areas.

The Lower Long Tom AVA is home to at least 22 commercial vineyards and approximately 592 acres of vines. The region is home to 10 wineries, including Benton-Lane Winery, High Pass Winery, Antiqum Farm, and Bennett Wine Company.

Pinot Noir is the predominant grape of the Lower Long Tom AVA; other leading grapes include Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Welcome to the world, Lower Long Tom AVA!

References/for more information:

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

Welcome to the World, Verde Valley AVA!

  By admin | November 10, 2021 - 4:47 pm |
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Map via the TTB AVA Explorer

Map via the TTB AVA Explorer

On November 10, 2021, the TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) of the United States announced the approval of the Verde Valley AVA. When this new AVA—along with the Lower Long Tom AVA, also announced today—comes into force on December 10, the total number of AVAs in the United States will be 260. Verde Valley represents the third AVA in Arizona, along with the Willcox AVA (approved in 2016) and the Soinita AVA (approved in 1984).

The Verde Valley AVA—centered along the junction of Oak Creek and the Verde River and covering a total area of 219 square miles—is located somewhat in the geographic center of Arizona. The new AVA is entirely within Yavapai County and includes the communities of Cottonwood, Clarkdale, Jerome, Cornville and Camp Verde.

According to the original petition, the distinguishing features of the Verde Valley AVA include its climate, soils, and topography, as discussed below:

Climate: According to the petition, the Verde Valley AVA receives significantly less average rainfall than the surrounding regions (thus necessitating the use of irrigation in nearly all of the commercial vineyards). The area enjoys slightly warmer temperatures and more available sunlight than the surrounding areas—while at the same time, the area boasts a much greater degree of diurnal temperature variation (up to 30 degrees F). This unique combination allows for dynamic photosynthesis and sugar concentration to occur during the day, coupled with a lower loss of acidity due to respiration at night when compared to the areas that surround it.

Map via the TTB Website/Verde Valley AVA Petition

Map via the TTB Website/Verde Valley AVA Petition

Soils: As befits a region centered around a river, the Verde Valley AVA is largely composed of alluvial soils. The high bicarbonate levels in the area’s groundwater helps to increase the pH of the soils, which inhibits nutrient uptake in the vines. This vinous stress helps to produce grapes with a good deal of aroma and flavor intensity.

 Topography: The area within the Verde Valley AVA consists of gentle slopes and elevations ranging between 3,000 feet and 5,000 feet (920 to 1,525 m). The surrounding regions—including the Mingus Mountains and the Woodchute Mountains—consist mainly of steep-sloped mountains with elevations up to 8,000 feet (2,440 m). Interestingly, the Verde Valley (including the area extending beyond the AVA itself) is often referred to as “Arizona’s other Grand Canyon.”

According to the website of the Verde Valley Wine Consortium, the Verde Valley AVA is home to more than 20 commercial vineyards with just over 125 acres currently planted to wine grapes (with an additional 40 acres planned). The area is home to at least 11 wineries—including Caduceus Cellars, the Original Jerome Winery, Cabal Cellars, and Arizona Stronghold—and 25 tasting rooms.

More than 40 different grape varieties are grown in the Verde Valley AVA. Leading white grapes include Malvasia Bianca, Viognier, Chardonnay, Vermentino, Seyval Blanc, and Picpoul Blanc; leading red grape varieties include Syrah, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Tannat, and Barbera.

Welcome to the world, Verde Valley AVA!

References/for more information:

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

 

Welcome to the World, Vino de Pago Urueña!

  By admin | November 4, 2021 - 4:22 pm | ,
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Photo of the city walls of Urueña by Nicolás Pérez

Photo of the city walls of Urueña by Nicolás Pérez

On November 4, 2021—after a long and winding road through the regulatory channels (the proposal was first drawn up in 2015)—the EU has registered Vino de Pago Urueña as a new protected designation of origin (PDO) for Spanish wine.

The new appellation, along with its single producer—Bodega Heredad de Urueña—is located in the Autonomous Community of Castilla y León in northwest Spain. The area—within the province of Valladolid—is famous for its medieval stone walls, restored city gates, and concentration of antiquarian bookstores (it has even been designated as a villa del libro (“city of books”).

Photo of the town of Urueña by Nicolás Pérez

Photo of the town of Urueña by Nicolás Pérez

The equally famous vineyards of Bodges Heredad de Urueña are located just to the north of the walled city. While the estate will continue to produce a range of grape varieties and styles of wine under the Vino de la Tierra Castilla y León designation, the wines produced under the PDO/Vino de Pago Urueña must be produced under the following guidelines:

  • Vino tinto/red wine:
    • Allowed grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Tempranillo
    • Minimum alcohol: 13% abv
    • Description, per the pliego: The red wines are very intense in color. They are cherry or garnet red, with purple tones appearing at the rim. They have a great amount of aromatic complexity due to the combination of grape varieties used and are particularly characterized by their roundness and an absence of sharp edges.
  • Vino rosado/rosé:
    • Allowed grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Tempranillo
    • Minimum alcohol: 12.5% abv
    • Description, per the pliego: Urueña rosés have raspberry-pink tones and the bluish notes of the Syrah variety, which occupies the largest proportion of the area under vines. Fresh fruit aromas predominate on the nose, together with some floral and caramel notes. The presence of red fruits is more characteristic of the Tempranillo rosés.

References/for more information:

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

Dispatch from the León DO

  By admin | October 19, 2021 - 8:57 am | ,
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Map of Iberian Peninsula - Castile and LeonAttention, wine students! The Tierra de León DO (approved in 2007) has changed its name; the new name is: León DO.

The León DO is located along the Esla River, just a few miles (km) south of the city of León. It is perched atop the high plateau—the Meseta Central—that covers much of central Spain and as such, its vineyards are located at an average of 2,650 feet (800 m) above sea level.

The León DO is largely red wine country; more than 90% of its vines are planted to red grapes. The leading grape variety—accounting for nearly 70% of the region’s 4,100 acres (1,660 ha) of vines—is Prieto Picudo, typically the majority variety in the areas rich-and-fruity red wines (as well as a small showing of rosé).

Prieto Picudo is thought to be native to the area just south of the city of León and is found almost exclusively in Castilla y León. The vine tends to produce small bunches of compact grapes with somewhat thin skins. The wines produced using Prieto Picudo are known for their cherry-red hue, high aromatics (including cherry, red berry, black pepper, and forest floor) as well as a good zing of acidity and alcohol.

wine Map castilla y leonThe remainder of the of the (red grape) vineyards are planted to Tempranillo (occupying 17% of the area), Mencía (4%) and Garnacha Tinta (less than 1%). The tinta (red wines) of León are required to be made using a minimum of 60% (combined) Preito Picudo and/or Menía—a nod to these unique grapes considered to be native to the area. The remainder of the blend (up to a maximum [combined] of 40%) may be comprised of the accessory varieties—Tempranillo and Garnacha Tinta.

The León DO also produces a small amount of white wine; just under 10% of the area’s vineyards are planted to white grapes. Wine students will be interested to know that the regulations concerning the area’s white wines were recently updated, and that the current laws allow for just three white grapes— Verdejo, Albarín Blanco and Godello—to be so used. (Palomino and Malvasia are no longer allowed, as of the 2020 vintage).

References/for more information:

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

Welcome to the World, Virginia Peninsula AVA!

  By admin | August 27, 2021 - 4:08 pm |
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Map via the TTB AVA Explorer

Map via the TTB AVA Explorer

On August 25, 2021, the TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) of the United States announced a newly approved American Viticultural Area (AVA) for the Commonwealth of Virginia: the Virginia Peninsula AVA. When this new AVA comes into force—on September 24, 2021—the total number of AVAs in the United States will be 258; of these, 7 will be located in Virginia. Note: Virginia also contains portions of two multi-state AVAs: Shenandoah Valley (shared between Virginia and West Virginia), and Appalachian High Country (shared between Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee).

The Virginia Peninsula AVA covers a total of 673,059 acres in southeastern Virginia. The entirety of the area is located on the Atlantic Coastal Plain at elevations ranging from sea level to approximately 250 feet. The area is defined by the York and Pamunkey Rivers to the north and the James River to the south. The counties of James City, York, New Kent, and Charles City as well as several independent cities are included within the new AVA’s boundaries.

According to the original petition, the distinguishing features of the Virginia Peninsula AVA include the following:

Map via the TTB AVA Explorer

Map via the TTB AVA Explorer

Climate: The area experiences a humid/subtropical climate, demonstrated by its long, humid summers and moderate to mild winters. The growing season averages 193 days and typically lasts between April 10 (average date of the last frost) and the end of October/beginning of November (typical harvest dates).

Weather-related challenges in the area include an average of more than 50 days with high temperatures above 90°F during the growing season (and the resulting slow down of photosynthesis) as well as frequent rain approaching the harvest season—as well as the occasional risk of tropical storms.

Geology: The topsoil in this low-elevation coastal plain includes sand, mud, and gravel—much of it formed during times of higher sea levels and/or coastal flooding. The underlying bedrock is marine sedimentary, comprised mainly of sandstone, marine fossils, and clay. These soils are easily fractured and conducive to viticulture.

At the time that the proposal was submitted (in September of 2020), just over 112 acres were planted to commercial vineyards. There are currently at least five commercial vineyards and five bonded wineries operating within the Virginia Peninsula AVA/. These include the Williamsburg Winery, Gauthier Vineyards, New Kent Winery, Saude Creek Vineyards, and Upper Shirley Vineyards.

A wide range of wine types and styles are produced within the Virginia Peninsula AVA. Classic vinifera grapes—including Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Viognier—are well-represented, as are the (relatively obscure) vinifera grapes Tannat, Petite Verdot, and Petit Manseng. Hybrid varieties—including Norton, Chambourcin, and Vidal Blanc—are grown throughout the region as well.

Welcome to the world, Virginia Peninsula AVA!

References/for more information:

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

The Rise of Ramato: Dispatch from the delle Venezie DOC

  By admin | August 6, 2021 - 8:54 am | ,
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Logo of the delle Venezie DOC via: https://dellevenezie.it/en/

Logo of the delle Venezie DOC via: https://dellevenezie.it/en/

Dispatch from the delle Venezie DOC! The Disciplinare di Produzione for the delle Venezie DOC has been updated to allow for the production of rosato (rosé) and ramato styles of wine based on the Pinot Grigio grape.

As you may have guessed, there is a bit more to the story!

Winemakers in the northeast of Italy (namely Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Veneto, and the Trentino-Alto Adige) have successfully grown Pinot Grigio—brought to the region via France where it is known as Pinot Gris—for hundreds of years.

The area’s Pinot Grigio is typically produced as a dry, crisp, easy-to-love and fruity white wine with a light yellow(ish) color. This style of wine is enormously popular; so much so that a multi-regional DOC area—the delle Venezie DOC—was created in 2017 to grant these delightful wines a bit of the respect they deserve and allow varietally-labeled Pinot Grigio from Veneto Region, Friuli-Venezia Giulia Region, and the Trentino Province to wear the DOC label. (Sparkling Pinot Grigio and white wine blends—bianco—based around Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Muller Thurgau, Garganega, Verduzzo, and/or Tocai Friulano are also approved for production under the delle Venezie DOC.)

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Despite the popularity of the fresh-and-fruity style of Pinot Grigio, winemakers in Italy’s northeast have traditionally spun Pinot Grigio into other styles of wine as well. A light pink rosato/rosé is created by allowing the juice (post-crush) to macerate alongside the skins of the grey/pink hued grapes for a short period of time (such as 6 to 10 hour, or perhaps us to 24 hours).  If the maceration on the skins is allowed to continue for a longer period of time—such as two weeks or more—the result can be a richly textured, copper-hued wine known a ramato—from the Italian word rame meaning copper. 

The ramato style of wine production is believed to have originated in Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Pinot Grigio Ramato was quite popular up until the 1960s, when exports of the more widely recognized style of Pinot Grigio from Santa Margherita and other wineries exploded in popularity. However, some producers continued production of rosato and ramato styles of Pinot Grigio, and like so many traditional products in the world of food and wine…these traditional products are increasingly appreciated once again. The delle Venezie Consorzio—in partnership with the Centro di Ricerca Viticoltura ed Enologia (Research Center for Viticulture and Enology) in Conegliano—has supported these efforts via research into 17 different clones of Pinot Grigio in an effort to identify those most appropriate for use in rosato and ramato.

The recent update in the delle Venezie DOC regulations acknowledges the historic significance—and current appreciation of the Pinot Grigio Rosato and Pinot Grigio Ramato produced in Italy’s northeast. Time to raise a glass!

Note: the delle Venezie DOC is also known as Beneških Okolišev (in Slovenian).

References/for more information:

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

Way to Go, Granada (Now a DO)!

  By admin | July 6, 2021 - 10:26 am | ,
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Graphic via: http://www.dopvinosdegranada.es

Graphic via: http://www.dopvinosdegranada.es

An updated list of wine appellations—DOPs and IGPs—published by Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture (Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación) reveals that the Spanish wine region of Granada has been promoted to a Denominación de Origen (DO).

For the number-crunchers among us, this means that (as of June 2021) Spain now has 68 DOs, 2 DOCa’s, 7 VCIGs and 20 Vinos de Pago…for a total of 97 DOPs. See the attached List of DOP and VT Wines from Spain June 2021 for the names and numbers via straight from the source documentation.

Granada was was previously listed as a Vino de Calidad con Indicación Geográfica (VCIG)—which placed it in the top-tier of Spanish Wine Regions, but (theoretically) a step “lower” than the DOs.

According to the Pliego de Condiciones for the Granada DO, the appellation is approved for the production of a range of wine types and styles, including red, white, rosado (rosé), sparkling, and late harvest (de uvas sobremaduradas/over-ripe grapes). Here is a list of allowed grape varieties for the three main styles of wine:

Andalusia autonomous communityRed (Tinto) and Rosé (Rosado): Tempranillo, Garnacha Tinta, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Monastrell, Romé, and Petit Verdot.

White (Blanco): Vijiriego (Vijariego), Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Moscatel de Alejandría (Muscat of Alexandria), Moscatel de Grano Menudo (Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains), Pedro Ximenez, Palomino, Baladí Verdejo (Cayetana Blanca), and Torrontés.

Sparkling (Espumante): Vijiriego (Vijariego), Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Moscatel de Alejandría (Muscat of Alexandria), Moscatel de Grano Menudo (Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains), and Torrontés.

Map via: http://www.dopvinosdegranada.es

Map via: http://www.dopvinosdegranada.es

The Granada DO covers the entirety of the Province of Granada. Granada is located on the Mediterranean Coast and stretches across the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range to the border with Murcia and Castilla-La Mancha. The area is transversed by several rivers, the main one being the Genil (a tributary of the Guadalquivir). The central/northern portion of the province covers the Altiplano de Granada (Granada High Plains).

A single sub-region—Contraviesa-Alpujarra, located along the Mediterranean Coastline—has been approved. Sparkling wines produced using a minimum of 70% Vijiriego (Vijariego) supplemented by Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are a specialty of the  Granada-Contraviesa-Alpujarra DO.

References/for more information:

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

 

Welcome to the World, Ulupalakua AVA!

  By admin | July 5, 2021 - 11:11 am | ,
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WaianapanapaHere’s a first: Hawaii gets its very own American Viticultural Area (AVA)!

Despite being located in the tropics (the AVA itself sits at about 20°N latitude) and not being particularly well-known for grape-based viticulture or wine production, here it is: an AVA located in a small corner of the island of Maui—where grapes are grown and sent to a winery just a few miles away to be made into wine.

The Ulupalakua AVA is the first AVA to be approved in the state of Hawaii. When the new AVA comes into force on August 2, 2021, there will be a total of 257 AVAs in the United States.

Map via the TTB AVA Explorer

Map via the TTB AVA Explorer

According to the original petition for the AVA—submitted by Mark Beaman, the former winemaker at Maui Wines—the distinguishing features of area include its topography, soils, and climate, as discussed below:

Topography: The area within the Ulupalakua AVA contains a series of four distinct, southwest-facing areas of gently sloping benchlands. In contrast, the area surrounding the new AVA consists of steeper slopes, ravines, and exposed volcanic rock. The elevation of the vineyards in the AVA ranges from 1,560 feet/475 m (in the western portions) to 1,850 feet/564 m (in the east). 

Soils: The Ulupalakua AVA is located on the western slopes of Mount Haleakala—a massive shield volcano that covers more than 75% of the island of Maui. The soils of the area are predominantly composed of volcanic ash and the weathered remains of igneous volcanic rock. About 20% of the soil contains silt, loam, and clay. It is believed that they combination of soils creates an area that is fertile enough to support healthy vines, but not so fertile as to promote excessive foliage.

Map via the TTB AVA Explorer

Map via the TTB AVA Explorer

Climate: The climate within the Ulupalakua AVA reflects its tropical location and rarely drops below 50°F/10°C or goes above 85°F/29°C. The region receives quite a bit of rain—an average of 30.7 inches of rainfall a year. However, it is noted that less than two inches per month tend to fall in July and August. While humidity can certainly be seen as an issue, this period of low summer rainfall reduces the risk of mildew and rot in the days leading up to the harvest, and the mild summertime temperatures protect again sunburn and heat stress.

It is believed that viticulture began in the area in the early 1800s when an immigrant from Portugal—Don Francisco de Paula Marin—imported vines into the region and made small amounts of wine. These days, the total area within the Ulupalakua AVA comprises 70 acres; of these, 16 acres are currently under vine. Leading grape varieties include Gewurztraminer, Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Grenache, Malbec, and Syrah. There is currently one commercial vineyard— Ulupalakua Vineyards owned by Maui Wine LLC—in the region. There are no bonded wineries within the AVA, but grapes are often sent to Maui Winery (located about just a few miles away) for processing.

The name “Ulupalakua” is derived from the native language of Hawaii and may be loosely translated as “breadfruit ripened on the back.” The folklore of the area tells of how the island’s king would request that his favorite fruit—breadfruit—be brought to his home on the west coast of Maui. Harvesters would pick the unripe fruit on the island’s eastern side and carry it to the king’s house on the other side of the island. The fruit would ripen on the journey and would be totally ripe by the time they reached (the area now known as) Ulupalakua.

References/for more information:

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