Monthly Archives: February 2023

Welcome to the World, Terras do Navia IGP!

  By admin | February 16, 2023 - 10:44 am | , ,
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terrasdonaviaAs published in the February 15 (2023) edition of the Official Journal of the European Union, the EU has announced the approval of a new IGP wine region for Spain: Terras do Navia, located in Galicia. The traditional term for Spain’s IGP regions is Vino de la Tierra (VdlT), and as such, this new appellation may show on wine labels as Vino de la Tierra—Terras do Navia.

The new IGP will cover an area surrounding the Río Navia (Navia River) close to the eastern edge of the province of Lugo. This is a moderately high-elevation area located within the western reaches of the Cantabrian Mountains (Cordillera Cantábrica). The surrounding mountains reach elevations up to 1,000 meters/f3,280 feet above sea level, while the majority of the vineyards are situated at 200 to 500 meters/656 to 1,640 feet asl. Most of the vines are planted on south and south-west facing slopes, which provide some protection from the maritime influences coming in from the coast (45 km/29 miles away). The climate is described as mostly Mediterranean but includes transitional microclimates exhibiting Maritime and Continental influences as well. The finest vineyards are those with south/southwest aspect and abundant sunshine (due to elevation).

The Terras do Navia IGP is approved for white wines (blanco) and red wines (tinto). The regulations governing these wines include the following:

  • Blanco/White Wines:
    • Approved varieties: Albariño, Caíño Blanco, Godello, Loureira, Torrontés, and Treixadura
    • Minimum alcohol by volume: 11.5%
    • Flavor profile, as per the pliego de condiciones: fresh and smooth, highly aromatic (fruity and floral), well-balanced with crisp acidity
  • Tinto/Red Wines:
    • Approved varieties: Brancellao, Bruñal, Caíño Tinto, Loureiro Tinto, Mencía, and/or Merenzao (Trousseau)
    • Minimum alcohol by volume: 10%
    • Flavor profile, as per the pliego de condiciones: fresh and smooth, aromas of ripe red fruit (strawberry, blackberry, cherry, and cranberry), moderate alcohol, moderate tannin; oak aging is advisable but not required
Map of the Terras do Navia map (within Galicia)

Map of the Terras do Navia map (within Galicia)

The Terras do Navia IGP is scheduled to enter into force by March 8, 2023. According to the latest list of geographical indications from the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture (updated in September of 2022), Terras do Navia will be the 43rd VdlT/IGP wine region in Spain. Terras do Navia represents the fifth VdlT area in Galicia—joining Barbanza e Iria, Betanzos, Ribeiras do Morrazo, and Valle del Miño-Ourense. As well-versed wine students already know, Galicia is also home to five Denominaciones de Origen (DOs) for wine: Monterrei, Ribeira Sacra, Ribeiro, Rías Baixas, and Valdeorras.

References/for more information:

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

 

Welcome to the World, Altos de Pinto Bandeira DO!

  By admin | February 1, 2023 - 12:59 pm |
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Photo of the Altos de Pinto Bandeira regiion via Asprovinho

Photo of the Altos de Pinto Bandeira regiion via Asprovinho

As of November 2022, Brazil has granted Denominação de Origem (DO) status to the Altos de Pinto Bandeira wine region. Located in the hills of Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul state, the appellation is approved for sparkling wine only.  Along with the previously established Vale do Vinhedos, Altos de Pinto Bandeira represents Brazil’s second wine region to earn the Denominação de Origem  designation.

The Altos de Pinto Bandeira DO is centered on the municipalities of Pinto Bandeira, Farroupilha, and Bento Gonçalves. It is situated on the 29th parallel, somewhat in the north/central area of Rio Grande do Sul (about 115 miles/185 km inland of the Brazil’s Atlantic Coast, and 250 miles/415 km north of the border with Uruguay). Vineyards are located among the rolling hills and small mountains south of the Rio das Antas (River Antas). The elevation—averaging 632 meters/2,075 feet asl—allows for a good deal of sunshine while keeping the climate somewhat cooler than would be expected given the latitude.

AltosdePintoBandeiraThe sparkling wines of the Altos de Pinto Bandeira DO must be produced in the traditional method (requiring a second fermentation in the bottle followed by sur lie aging). Only three grape varieties— Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Welschriesling (also known as Riesling Italico or Graševina)—are permitted. According to the regulations—as published in the country’s Revista da Propriedade Industrial (Journal of Industrial Property)—the wine is expected to show balanced acidity and a velvety texture in addition to a complex range of aromas and flavors to include notes of citrus, yeast, honey, and roasted almonds.

Sparkling wine has been produced in the state of Rio Grande do Sul since the early 1900s. The area has recently seen international recognition and investment, including the Moët & Chandon Brasil estate, established in 1973. A range of wine (sparkling and otherwise) is produced in the area; however, currently there are only four wineries are permitted to use the Altos de Pinto Bandeira DO label for traditional method sparkling wines: Família Geisse, Vinícola Aurora, Vinícola Don Giovanni, and Vinícola Valmarino.

Rio Grande do Sul red highlighted in map of BrazilWelcome to the world, Altos de Pinto Bandeira DO!

In addition to the two DOs, Brazil currently has several wine regions designated as Indicação Geográfica (IG); this designation is (theoretically) a step below the Denominação de Origem category in terms of status, regional specificity, and regulation. These include Monte Belo IG, Farroupilha IG, and Altos Montes IG (all located within the state of Río Grande do Sul).

Note: Altos de Pinto Bandeira was previously registered as an Indicação Geográfica (IG); this announcement reflects the region’s ascension to the higher-level DO status.

References/for more information:

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