Category Archives: News of The Wine World

It’s Official: New Grape Varieties Approved for the Bordeaux AOC

  By admin | April 1, 2021 - 6:27 am | ,
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It’s Official. At long last—over a year and a half after a general assembly of winemakers from the Syndicat des Bordeaux et Bordeaux Supérieur voted unanimously to allow seven new grapes to be used in the wines of the region—the INAO (France’s Institut national de l’origine et de la qualité) has spoken.

Per publication in the Journal Officiel of the Republic of France (dated March 30, 2021), six new grape varieties have been approved for use—in limited amounts—in the wines of the Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur AOCs. The seventh grape—Petite Manseng—originally proposed by the Syndicat was not approved at the national level.

  • The six new grapes—which will be making their way into the ground in the next few months—are as follows:
    • Arinarnoa: Named after the Basque words for “light” (arin) and “wine” (arno), Arinarnoa is a Tannat X Cabernet Sauvignon cross created in Montpelier. Arinarnoa is aromatic and known for producing wines that are well-structured, tannic, and richly hued.
    • Castets: A red grape variety believed to be native to Bordeaux, this grape was once widely planted throughout Southwestern France. It is considered something of a “forgotten” variety—but is known to be highly resilient and disease resistant.
    • Marselan: Marselan is a Cabernet Sauvignon X Grenache cross created in 1961 by Paul Truel, who was working in Montpellier France’s Institut National de la Recherché Agronomique (INRA). Marselan is a late-ripening, highly resistant grape known for producing dark red, age-worthy wines with distinctive flavors.
    • Touriga Nacional: Touriga Nacional is widely-planted and well known throughout the Iberian Peninsula—due in part, no doubt, to its use wide-spread use in Port.  It is an exceptionally late-ripening variety and well-suited to warm temperatures. Touriga Nacional can provide good color, excellent structure, and complex aromatics to a red wine blend.
    • Albariño: Albariño is famous for its role in the snappy white wines of Spain’s Rías Baixas DO and (as Alvarinho) in Portugal’s crisp, white versions of Vinho Verde. In the future wines of Bordeaux, it is believed that the grape’s intense aromas will be able to comfortably withstand the potential onslaught of warmer weather.
    • Lilorila: Another highly aromatic white grape, Lilorila is a Baroque X Chardonnay cross. (Baroque itself is a late-ripening, vigorous white grape believed to be native to Southwest France.) Baroque is a principle grape variety of the Tursan AOC, but besides this claim-to-fame, it is planted quite sparingly (total plantings may be as low as 112 hectares/277 acres in all of France).
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Research and experimentation on the new slate of grape varieties was initiated over ten years ago in an effort to lessen the long-term effects of climate change on the wine industry of Bordeaux.

The newly approved grapes have a proven ability to thrive in warmer conditions accompanied by naturally high acidity, late bud-breaking tendency (which can help alleviate problems with spring frost), late ripening, and good resistance to vine diseases. The white varieties are—in particular—intensely aromatic; this can help assuage aroma loss due to warm weather.

There are several limitations to the use of these new grape varieties, which will remain listed as “accessory varieties” on the appellations’ documentation (the Cahier des Charges). The combined acreage of the new white grape varieties may not exceed 5% of an estate’s total land area planted to white grapes. Accordingly, the total acreage of the newly approved red grape varieties may not exceed 5% of an estate’s total land area planted to red grapes. In addition, the new varieties (combined) cannot exceed 10% of the blend in any given wine—and there can be no mention of the new grape varieties anywhere on the wine’s label.

References/for more information:

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

Meditations on Montello

  By admin | February 2, 2021 - 8:35 am |
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Panorama of Asolo, Italy

Panorama of Asolo, Italy

There is a lot going on in the 12-mile (8-kilometer) stretch of rolling hills surrounding hill of Montello—named for its shape and size: the little mountain.  Located in Italy’s Veneto—alongside the Piave River and just south of the foothills of the Dolomite Mountains—Montello is situated within the Colli Asolani region.

Serious wine students will no doubt recognize the name Colli Asolani—named for the tiny town of Asolo, just west of the hill of Montello—as one of the small-but-mighty regions producing Prosecco of the highest quality and via the highest-available designation of origin in Italy: the Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita or DOCG. (Bonus points for all you students who know the other DOCG approved to produce Prosecco: Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG.)

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However, there is more to this little district than just Prosecco, and the area is home to two other appellations: Montello (Montello Rosso) DOCG and Montello Asolo DOC.

The Montello DOCG was created in 2011 as a red wine-only appellation approved for the production of Bordeaux-style red blends based on 40% to 70% Cabernet Sauvignon. The remaining 30% to 60% of the mix may be comprised of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and/or Carmenère. In addition, up to 15% may be comprised of other non-aromatic red grapes suitable for cultivation in Treviso. But the truth remains…these red wines are heavy on the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot—right here in Veneto.

Both the vineyard area (16 acres/6.5 ha) and production (2,630 cases in 2018) of the Montello DOCG is tiny, and the wine is rarely seen outside the region.

Base graphics via Google Maps

Base graphics via Google Maps

The other (and older) overlapping appellation of the area is the Montello Asolo DOC—formerly known as the Montello–Colli Asolani DOC. This DOC was created in 1977 and—at least originally—was approved for a long list of wine types and styles, including the area’s famous Prosecco.  However, Glera-based sparkling wines were removed from the appellation’s list of approved wines in 2009 when the Colli Asolani DOCG was spun-off and created as a Prosecco-only appellation.

  • The Montello Asolo DOC is still allowed to proudly produce a long list of wines, including the following:
    • White wine blends based on a minimum of 40% Chardonnay
    • Red wine blends based on a minimum of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon
    • Sparkling wines based on Chardonnay or Pinot Bianco
    • Varietal wines (red) using Merlot, Cabernet Blend, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Carmenère, or Recantina
    • Varietal wines (white) using Pinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco, Manzoni Bianco, Bianchetta, or Chardonnay

Advanced students of wine will want to update their flashcards to reflect the new name of the Montello Asolo DOC. The name change was finalized in December of 2020.

References/for more information:

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

 

Dispatch from the Ribeiro DO

  By admin | January 19, 2021 - 5:59 pm | ,
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Photo of Ribeiro vineyards via: www.ribeiro.wine/es/

Photo of Ribeiro vineyards via: www.ribeiro.wine/es/

The Ribeiro DO—the oldest appellation in Galicia—was established in 1932. The region sits between the of O Rosal sub-region of Rías Baixas (to the west) and the Ribeira Sacra DO (to the east). The area is located along the eastern banks of the Miño (Minho) River, about 30 km/48 miles inland of the Atlantic Ocean.

Ribeiro, a cool-to-moderate climate region, is part of Green Spain—the area of northwest Spain exposed to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean. The area is surrounded by rolling hills, criss-crossed by rivers, and tucked between the coastal plains and the mountains of the Galician Massif.

The region—heavily planted to white grapes—has been known for the quality of its wines since the 12th century, when the monks of San Clodio Monastery served their wines to travelers and pilgrims on the nearby Camino. Documentation from the time (dated 1133) shows that the wines of Ribeiro were the most highly prized—and expensive—wines served in the nearby town of Santiago de Compostela.

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These days, about 90% of the production of the Ribeiro DO is white wines. Treixadura—the leading white grape variety—is often referred to as the “jewel of the Ribeiro.” Other highly regarded white grape varieties include Torrontés, Godello, Albariño, Loureira, Lado and Caíño Blanco; Palomino and Albillo are allowed as well. The white wines of the Ribeiro DO are often enjoyed as young, vibrant, and expressive white wines; aged versions are appreciated for their elegance and subtlety.

Another 9% of the production is red wines—crisp and bright—produced mainly from Caíño Longo, Caíño Bravo, Caíño Tinto, Ferrón, Sousón, Mencía, and Brancellao grape varieties.  (Tempranillo and Alicante Bouschet are allowed as well.)

The Ribeiro DO also allows for the production of a naturally sweet, dried-grape wine known as Ribeiro Tostado (“toasted”). Grapes—which may be either white or red—used in the production of Ribeiro Tostado are dried (after harvest) for a minimum of three months. After fermentation, the wine must be aged for a minimum of six months in oak or cherry vats; this must be followed by at least three months of aging in the bottle. Production of this rich, complex, and luscious wine is very small and labor-intensive.

Advanced students of wine might be interested to know that in 2017, the Consejo Regulador of the Ribeiro DO granted approval for some changes to the rules and regulation of the appellation. This amendment was recently approved by the EU; the updated Pliego de Condiciones was published in the Official Journal of the EU on November 18, 2020.

Photo of Ribeiro Tostado via: www.ribeiro.wine/es/

Photo of Ribeiro Tostado via: www.ribeiro.wine/es/

As a result of the changes, the standards of the Ribeiro DO now allow for the production of sparkling wines. The changes also tightened several of the quality standards for the wines, such as maximum yields, planting density, and minimum ripeness levels. (See the attached documentation for details.)

The newly-defined standards for the sparkling wines of the region—Vinos Espumosos de Calidad Ribeiro—require that the wines be produced using the traditional method, with a minimum of 9 months aging on the lees. Ribeiro Espumoso may be produced as a white (blanco) or rosé (rosado) wine; however, it must be dry—brut (maximum sugar of 12 g/L) and brut nature (maximum sugar of 3 g/L) are the only sweetness levels allowed.

The updates also provide for the use of the term barrica on wines that have spent some time in oak barrels (of 600 liters/maximum capacity) at any point in the production process. While the minimum time in oak is not specified, wines labeled with the term barrica (Ribeiro Barrica Blanco or Ribeiro Barrica Tinto) must demonstrate a “woody aromatic character” (to include aromas of toast, spice, and balsam) balanced by aromas and flavors of fruit, flowers, honey, jam, and herbs.

References/for more information:

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

Dispatch from the Maremma Toscana DOC

  By admin | January 14, 2021 - 3:43 pm | ,
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Maremma Toscana MapHistorically, the term “Maremma” was used to indicate a large, marshy area stretching along the Italian Coast—encompassing about 100 miles/160 km of southwestern Tuscany and northern Lazio. The name Maremma is said to derive from the Spanish word marisma—meaning “marsh.” (For the geologically challenged among us, a marsh is a treeless, low-lying area that is typically water-logged, prone to flooding, and home to grasses. cattails, and reeds.)

The area has been drained of its swampy residue several times over the course of history—most notably by order of Ferdinando I de’ Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany, in the early 1600s—and again in the 1700s by the order of Leopold II. Modern times have seen the installation of powerful draining machines and the planting of pine forests. As a result, today’s Maremma is equally known for sandy beaches, rolling hills, wildlife preserves, and a wealth of agriculture ranging from olives and Maremma Cattle to viticulture and wine production.

The Monte Argentario Peninsula in Grosseto (Tuscany)

The Monte Argentario Peninsula in Grosseto (Tuscany)

The term Maremma is also used as a geographical indication for wine—as in the Maremma Toscana DOC. This Maremma Toscana DOC designation is applied specifically to the Grosseto Province, located in the southwestern corner of Tuscany. The Maremma was first established as an Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) region in 1995; it was promoted to a Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) in 2011.

The appellation is focused on varietally-labeled wines, including a range of typical Italian varieties (Sangiovese, Trebbiano Toscano, Ansonica) and international varieties including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and Syrah.

Blended wines—typically labeled simply as Rosso, Bianco or Rosato—are also produced in the region. One of the more unique styles of wine produced in the Maremma Toscana DOC is a wine labeled simply as “Cabernet” which may include any combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and/or Carmenère.

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Advanced students of wine might be interested in the recent updates to the rules and regulations that define the wines of the Maremma Toscana DOC. In late 2020, the region’s disciplinare was revised to allow the use of two grape varieties on the label, such as Sauvignon Blanc–Viognier or Cabernet Sauvignon–Merlot. It is thought that this will make the wines more appealing to some New World markets. The standards for the use of bi-varietal labeling are as follows: the grape named first on the label must comprise 50% to 85% of the blend; and the second grape listed must comprise 15% to 50%.

  • The updated regulations also include the following standards for the use of the term Riserva on the wines of the Maremma Toscana DOC:
    • Red wines: minimum of 2 years of aging—to include at least six months in wood—beginning no earlier than November 1 of the harvest year
    • White wines: minimum of 12 months of aging (beginning no earlier than November 1 of the harvest year)

This list of allowed wines produced in the Maremma Toscana DOC is long; and includes some wine styles typical of the region—such as dry rosso, bianco, and rosato (in varietal expressions and blends), as well as Vin Santo, sweet vendemmia tardiva (late-harvest) wines, and passito-style wines. The appellation is also one of the few in Tuscany to produce spumante (sparkling) wines. The sparkling wines of the region may be bianco or rosato and dry or extra-dry (up to 17 g/L of sugar). In addition, they may be produced via the Metodo Classico (traditional method) or the charmat method (in pressurized tank, referred to as the Metodo Martinotti).

References/for more information:

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

Welcome to the World, Pays de Brive PGI!

  By admin | January 8, 2021 - 3:05 pm | ,
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Photo via: https://www.1001-pierres.com/boutique/fr/

Photo via: https://www.1001-pierres.com/boutique/fr/

France has approved a new protected geographical indication for wine: The Pays de Brive PGI. The newly classified area produces dry, still (non-sparkling) wines in red, white, and rosé as well as sweet white wines.

The region’s white wines may be produced using Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Sémillon, or Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains. They may be produced as varietal wines or blends.

According to the Cahier des Charges, the white wines of the Pays de Brive PGI should be pale yellow in color with green reflections, with aromas of fruit and flowers. On the palate, they are “fruity, mineral, powerful, and lively.” Semi-sweet (moelleux) and sweet (doux) white wines (produced from the same slate of grape varieties) show aromas of yellow fruit (quince, peach), citrus (lemon, mandarin orange), and honey.

The red and rosé wines of the Pays de Brive PGI may be produced using the following well-known grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec (Cot), Merlot, Gamay, Pinot Noir, and Tannat. Other—more obscure—approved varieties include Jurançon Noir (a natural Folle Blanche X Malbec cross) and Ségalin (a Jurançon Noir X Portugieser cross created by Paul Truel in 1957). Red and rosé wines may be produced as varietal wines or blends.

Map of the Nouvelle Aquitaine Region; the Corrèze Department is on the eastern edge.

Map of the Nouvelle Aquitaine Region; the Corrèze Department is on the eastern edge.

According to the Cahier des Charges, the red wines of the area tend to be rich, powerful, and ruby-to-garnet in color. Typical aromas include black current, spice, and candied fruit. Rosés—which may be light in color (and flavor) or darker and richer (dusty rose/pink) in color and flavor—are fruity, floral, and lively.

The Pays de Brive PGI covers the entirety of the Corrèze Department, located in Southwest France (Nouvelle-Aquitaine), somewhat inland (east) of Bordeaux. Long-time readers may recall that a portion of the area was previously covered by the Vins de la Corrèze IGP before it received a “promotion” and was re-invented as the Corrèze AOC (in 2017). The Pays de Brive PGI covers a wider region and has a much longer list of approved grape varieties and wine styles than the stricter (and smaller) Corrèze AOC.

The region takes its name from the area’s largest town, the commune of Brive-la-Gaillarde (population: 50,000). During World War II, Brive-la-Gaillarde was a center of the Resistance; in 1944, it became the first city of Occupied France to liberate itself without outside assistance.

Welcome to the World, Pays de Brive PGI!

References/for more information:

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

Dispatch from Béziers (and the Coteaux de Béziers IGP)

  By admin | November 30, 2020 - 4:02 pm |
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Photo of The Pont Vieux and Béziers by logopop via Wikimedia Commons

Photo of The Pont Vieux and Béziers by logopop via Wikimedia Commons

The area around the town of Béziers—located just north of the River Orb, about 6 miles (9.5 km) from the Mediterranean Sea in the Hérault Department of southeast France—is known to be one of the oldest cities in France. Believed to have been inhabited since 575 BCE, this sleepy town in the Languedoc has more than its fair share of historic landmarks.

These include the Pont Vieux—a Romanesque stone bridge with asymmetrical arches built in the 13th century—as well as the Saint-Nazaire Cathedral (Béziers Cathedral), built in the 14th century after its predecessor burned down in 1209 CE. The Canal de Midi runs through the town, carried over the Orb River via the Pont-canal de l’Orb (Orb Aqueduct), completed in 1858—and said to be one of the oldest and longest aqueducts on the canal.

The wines produced in and around Béziers have been famous for hundreds (if not thousands) of years; remnants of earthenware wine vessels containing the imprint “white wine of Baeterrae” (the Roman name for the town) have been found in excavations near Rome.

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In modern times, the vineyards of the area are produced under the Coteaux de Béziers Indication Géographique Protégée/IGP (Protected Geographical Indication/PGI). The majority of the appellation’s vineyards are located between the Libron River and the River Orb. There are currently around 20,000 hectares (acres) planted to vine as well as over 20 independent wineries and 3 winery co-ops. There is some overlap between the area covered by the Coteaux de Béziers IGP and the Languedoc AOC, although most of the Coteaux de Béziers IGP is tucked into the area surrounding the larger appellation.

The Coteaux de Béziers IGP produces still (non-sparkling) wines in red, white, and rosé. The specifics of the wines are discussed below:

  • Red wines: Red wines (either single-varietal or blends) may be produced from a long list of red grapes. Those most commonly used include Grenache, Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The color may range from deep ruby red to garnet/purple. Young wines show aromas of red and black fruits; with time, these may develop into notes of mint, licorice, and spice.
  • Rosé: May be produced from a long list of grapes, and are typically produced as blends suing Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah. They are fruity and crisp; and range from pale pink to salmon pink in color.
  • White: The white wines may be produced as single-varietal wines or blends. A long list of varieties are allowed for use; those most widely grown include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Vermentino, Marsanne and Grenache Blanc.
Photo of La cathédrale Saint-Nazaire de Béziers by VPE via Wikimedia Commons

Photo of La cathédrale Saint-Nazaire de Béziers by VPE via Wikimedia Commons

Astute students of wine might be interested in the fact that Coteaux de Béziers IGP is a new title; the name was changed from Coteaux du Libron in December of 2019. The reason for the name change, as stated on the original petition, is as follows: “The geographical reference ‘Libron’ is little known (the Libron is a coastal river in the department of Hérault), and the group wishes to replace it by referring instead to the town of Béziers, which forms part of the geographical area of production.”

References/for more information

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

Welcome to the World, Tehachapi Mountains AVA!

  By admin | November 19, 2020 - 12:29 pm |
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Map via the AVA Explorer: https://www.ttb.gov/wine/ava-map-explorer

Graphic by SWE based on a map via the AVA Explorer: https://www.ttb.gov/wine/ava-map-explorer

California has a new AVA!

Announced on November 18, 2020, the Tehachapi Mountains AVA will be “officially” become the 252nd AVA (American Viticultural Area) in the United States (and California’s 141st) on December 21.

The new AVA is located in California’s Kern County, about 120 miles inland (east) of San Luis Obispo. It does not overlap any existing appellations. The AVA surrounds the town of Tehachapi and lies partially within the high-elevation Tehachapi Mountains (part of the larger Sierra Nevada Mountain Range). Wine growing and production began in the area in 2006.

According to the proposal (originally submitted in June of 2018), the distinguishing features of the Tehachapi Mountains AVA include its climate and topography:

Climate: Despite its high elevation, the Tehachapi Mountain area is not typically subject to severe frost or severe winter weather. Warm winds from the San Joaquin Valley (to the west) and the Mojave Desert (to the east) keep winter temperatures moderate, although Spring freezes do occasionally occur. Temperatures rarely exceed 100°F during the summer. The area is best suited to those grapes recommended for Winkler Zones II and III.

Map via the AVA Explorer: https://www.ttb.gov/wine/ava-map-explorer

Map via the AVA Explorer: https://www.ttb.gov/wine/ava-map-explorer

Topography: The elevation within the area ranges from 3,600 feet to 5,400 feet with the majority of the land situated between 3,800 feet and 4,600 feet of elevation. These vineyards are among the highest-elevation vineyards in California. Located at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, the area consists of slopes, valleys, and rolling hills.

The Tehachapi Mountains AVA covers a total of 58,000 acres of land, and currently contains 7 commercial vineyards and approximately 25 acres of vines. At last count, the area had two wineries. Triassic Vineyards (located a few blocks away from the Adorable Alpaca Ranch) produces a range of interesting wines and boasts 7 acres of vineyards planted to Zinfandel, Viognier, Tempranillo and Syrah. Dorner Family Vineyards boasts a gorgeous wedding facility, a Tuscan-inspired tasting room, and several acres of Riesling and Zinfandel.

References/for more information:

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

There’s a New Grape in Town: Ciliegiolo

  By admin | November 17, 2020 - 10:11 am | ,
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Photo of Ciliegiolo by Fabio Ingrosso via Wikimedia Commons

Photo of Ciliegiolo by Fabio Ingrosso via Wikimedia Commons

The TTB (Trade and Tobacco Tax Bureau of the US government) recently approved the (red) Ciliegiolo grape variety for use on American wine labels. This means that we may soon be able to purchase varietally-labeled Ciliegiolo wines produced and distributed in the US!

The name Ciliegiolo translates (in Italian) to small cherry and is said to indicate the cherry-like aroma of the fresh grapes. Ciliegiolo has been determined to be related to Sangiovese, and is most likely the result of a natural (once-upon-a-time) cross of Sangiovese and Calabrese di Montenuovo (a red grape, native to Campania that is also assumed to be a parent of Sangiovese).

There are currently about 7,600 acres (3,100 ha) of Ciliegiolo grown in Italy. Most of it is found in Tuscany, but small amounts are believed to be growing in many other regions of Italy as well. It is assumed that only around 10% of the total plantings are used in PDO wines; most of the rest is used in IGT wines or makes its way into wines classified simply as “vino.”

Graphic via: www.sassotondo.it/en/ciliegiolo

Graphic via: www.sassotondo.it/en/ciliegiolo

Ciliegiolo is allowed for use in several IGT wines of Italy, including Toscana IGT, Veneto IGT, and Campania IGT. As such, it may show up in DOC/DOCG wines under the allowance that many such appellations have for small amounts of “other” grapes permitted to be used in the blend. For instance, in the Chianti DOCG, winemakers may include a “maximum 30% combined other grapes authorized for Toscana.” Ciliegiolo is listed a primary grape variety in a list of Italian DOC/DOCG wines—I counted 16, most of them somewhat obscure—to include the Amelia DOC (Umbria), Colline Lucchesi DOC (Tuscany), and Portofino DOC (Liguria).

Sassotondo Estate, located in Sovana, produces a 100% Ciliegiolo wine that is bottled under the Maremma Toscana DOC. The winery website describes the wine a “ruby red in color” and with aromas and flavors of “red fruits, plum, licorice, and the typical touch of ground white pepper.”

It will be fascinating to see how this Ciliegiolo grape fares in the US!

Click here to see the full list of grapes recently awarded administrative approval for use on American wine labels, per the website of the TTB.

References/for more information:

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

Welcome to the World, Terre Alfieri DOCG!

  By admin | October 22, 2020 - 7:38 am | ,
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Photo of the town of Magliano Alfieri by Alessandro Vecchi, via Wikimedia Commons

Photo of the town of Magliano Alfieri by Alessandro Vecchi, via Wikimedia Commons

Piedmont’s Terre Alfieri wine region has just been promoted from a denominazione di origine controllata (DOC) to a denominazione di origine controllata e garantita (DOCG) wine producing region!

With this latest promotion, Italy is now home to 76 DOCGs. Terre Alfieri is the 18th such region located in Piedmont—solidifying Piedmont’s “first place” status among Italy’s 20 regions in terms of number of DOCGs (Veneto is second, having a total of 14).

The Terre Alfieri DOCG—located just to the east (and slightly north) of the Roero DOCG—includes seven communes located in the province of Asti (Antignano, Celle Enomondo, Cisterna, Revigliasco, San Damiano, San Martino Alfieri, and Tigliole) and four in the province of Cuneo (Castellinaldo, Govone, Magliano Alfieri, and Priocca).

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Terrie Alfieri DOCG produces two styles of wine: red wines based on Nebbiolo and white wines based on Arneis. These are the same two styles of wine that were previously made when the region was a DOC, and the same two that its neighbor—the Roero DOCG—produces. A few rules and regulations have been updated with the recent promotion to DOCG status, which now reflects the following standards:

  • Terre Alfieri Arneis: minimum 85% Arneis, minimum 12% abv
  • Terre Alfieri Arneis Superiore: minimum 85% Arneis, minimum 12.5% abv, minimum 6 months aging
  • Terre Alfieri Nebbiolo: minimum 85% Nebbiolo, minimum 13% abv, minimum 4 months aging
  • Terre Alfieri Nebbiolo Superiore: minimum 85% Nebbiolo, minimum 13.5% abv, minimum 1 year of aging (including 6 months in wood)
  • Terre Alfieri Nebbiolo Riserva: minimum 85% Nebbiolo, minimum 13.5% abv, minimum 2 years of aging (including one year in wood)

The region—named for the noble Alfieri family that ruled these lands many generations ago—was first awarded DOC status in 2009.

Welcome to the world, Terre Alfieri DOCG!

Note: As with all such updates, this change will need to wind its way through EU approval; however, as the Italian government has granted their approval, the changes can be implemented in the meantime. Most likely, the Terre Alfieri DOCG will apply as of the release of the wines of the 2020 vintage. If the EU fails to approve the amendment, the regulation will be rescinded (although this seems unlikely to happen).

References/for more information:

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

Nyons: and then there were 22 (Geographic Designations of the Côtes du Rhône-Villages AOC)

  By admin | October 20, 2020 - 9:29 am | ,
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Photo of the Pont de Nyons by M. Minderhoud, via Wikimedia Commons

Photo of the Pont de Nyons by M. Minderhoud, via Wikimedia Commons

Congratulations are in order for the commune of Nyons! Nyons has very recently been promoted from the large pool of 90+ communes that produce wine under the Côtes du Rhône-Villages AOC; and is now a designated geographical designation (dénomination géographique complémentaire) of the appellation. This means that we will soon be able to see red wines labeled under the Côtes du Rhône-Villages-Nyons AOC.

Nyons is a commune (population around 8,000) located in the Drôme department of southeastern France. The commune—situated squarely within the eastern side of the Rhône Valley vineyard area—can be found about 5 miles (8 km) east/northeast of the Vinsobres AOC. The town straddles the Aigues (Eygues) River—a tributary of the Rhône that flows from its source in the Baronnies Mountains for about 80 miles/112 km before it joins the Rhône at the town of Caderousse.

The town is notable for the medieval Pont de Nyons (Nyons Bridge) built between 1361 and 1407 CE (and still in use)! The bridge boasts a single span of 40.53 meters/133 feet, which was an impressive feat of engineering at the time.

In addition to its powerful red wines (cultivated in the region since Roman times), Nyons is famous for its olive orchards, processed olives, and olive oil. Two distinctive products of the region—olives noires de Nyons (black olives of Nyons) and huile d’olive de Nyons (olive oil of Nyons)—have protected geographical indication (PGI) status in the EU.

For serious students of wine: Nyons is the 22nd locality allowed to append its name to the AOC Côtes du Rhône-Villages (you can find the complete updated list by clicking on the new Côtes du Rhône-Villages cahier des charges, linked below). The Côtes du Rhône-Villages AOC is mainly known for its red wines (based around Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah), but produces some white blends and rosé as well. However, the geographic designation of Nyons is approved for the production of red wines only.

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