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Introducing…Sekt Austria PDO!

  By admin | February 3, 2022 - 9:09 am | ,
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Celebrating New Year with champagne and fireworksWith the debut of the Sekt Austria PDO, the Austrian Wine Marketing Board has announced a change in the way that the country’s sparkling wines will be classified and labeled. Prior to the change, these wines were labeled using the term Sekt gU—an initialism referring to the term geschützte Ursprungsbezeichnung. This change (announced on February 2, 2022 and effective immediately) is designed to draw attention to the fact that these wines—easily recognizable by the red-and-white striped banderole on the capsule—are produced using 100% Austrian grapes.

Three tiers of quality wine—including Reserve and Grosse Reserve—will be produced under the Sekt Austria PDO. Wine labeled under the Sekt Austria PDO designation may be made using any approved sparkling wine production method (including the tank method/méthode Charmat or transfer method); Reserve and Grosse Reserve wines must undergo a second fermentation and less aging in the bottle (according to the traditional method/méthode traditionelle of sparkling wine production).

Photo of Austria’s Thermenregion by Anna Stöcher ©AWMB

Photo of Austria’s Thermenregion by Anna Stöcher ©AWMB

Further details of these tiers are as follows:

  • Sekt Austria PDO:
    • Grapes must be harvested from a single (federal) state
    • Any approved sparkling wine production method may be used
    • Minimum 9 months aging on the lees
  • Sekt Austria Reserve PDO:
    • Grapes must be harvested from a single (federal) state
    • Grapes must be hand harvested
    • Must be produced using the traditional method
    • Minimum 18 months aging on the lees
  • Sekt Austria Grosse Reserve PDO:
    • Grapes must be harvested from a single municipality
    • Grapes must be hand harvested
    • Must be produced using the traditional method
    • Minimum 36 months aging on the lees
    • Wines may be labeled with a single vineyard as the designation of origin

Austrian Sekt PDO may be produced using any of the 40 grapes allowed for use in the production of Qualitätswein in Austria and must contain at least 3.5 atm of pressure. Click here for a list of The-Austria-40-wine-grapes-approved-for-use-in-Austria.

Note: Austria will continue to allow the production of Sekt without a geographical indication; such wines may be labeled with the term Austrian Sekt or Austrian Qualitätsschaumwein—without the notation of PDO.

As with all such updates, this change will need to wind its way through EU authorization; however, as the Austrian government has granted their approval, the changes will be in force (as scheduled) with the release of the wines of the 2021 vintage. 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

Way to go, Wagram! (Now a DAC)

  By admin | February 2, 2022 - 10:13 am |
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Photo of the Wagram Region by Klaus Egle ©AWMB

Photo of the Wagram Region by Klaus Egle ©AWMB

On February 2 (2022) the Austrian Wine Marketing Board announced the approval of a new Districtus Austriae Controllatus (DAC) wine region: the Wagram DAC.

This newly defined quality wine designation has been approved by Elisabeth Köstinger, Austria’s Minister of Agriculture, Sustainability and Tourism and is scheduled to take effect with the release of the wines of the 2021 vintage. With the approval of the Wagram DAC, Austria has a total of 17 PDO-defined wine regions permitted to use the term DAC.

The Wagram region is located in the Austrian State of Niederösterreich (Lower Austria), immediately to the north and west of Vienna (and the Wiener Gemischter Satz DAC). The Danube River flows through the region, dividing it into the rolling hills around the town of Klosterneuburg (south and west of the river) and the flatter Wagram Plateau (to the river’s north and east).

Map of the Wagram Region ©AWMB

Map of the Wagram Region ©AWMB

The region currently has approximately 2,440 ha/6,030 acres of vines. Leading varieties include Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Roter Veltliner (a pink-skinned grape), Zweigelt, and Pinot Noir. White wines produced under the Wagram DAC are not allowed to demonstrate “dominant” notes of wood (in aroma or flavor).

The Wagram DAC will produce three tiers of wine. These are as follows: Riedenwein (single-vineyard wine), Ortswein (wine from a specific village), and Gebietswein (regional wine). The specific regulations include the following:

  • Riedenwein (single-vineyard wine):
    • Only mono-varietal white wines are allowed
    • Allowed grape varieties (3): Grüner Veltliner, Roter Veltliner, Riesling
  • Ortswein (wine from a specific village):
    • Only mono-varietal wines are allowed
    • Allowed grape varieties (7): Grüner Veltliner, Roter Veltliner, Riesling, Chardonnay, Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Blauburgunder, Zweigelt
  • Gebietswein (regional wine):
    • Mono-varietal wines and blends are allowed
    • Field blends may be labeled with the term Gemischter Satz
    • Allowed grape varieties (13): Grüner Veltliner, Roter Veltliner, Riesling, Chardonnay, Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Blauburgunder, Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris), Frühroter Veltliner, Gelber Muskateller, Traminer, Sauvignon Blanc, St. Laurent, Zweigelt

As with all such updates, this change will need to wind its way through EU authorization; however, as the Austrian government has granted their approval, the changes will be in force (as scheduled) with the release of the wines of the 2021 vintage. If the EU fails to approve the amendment, the regulation will be rescinded (although this is quite unlikely to happen).

Welcome to the world, Wagram DAC!

The Austrian Wine Marketing Board has also announced some changes to the classification system for Austrian Sekt. Click here for more information on the newly approved Sekt Austria PDO.

References/for more information:

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

Dispatch from Alsace (How Sweet it is)

  By admin | January 14, 2022 - 9:10 am |
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Here’s a newsworthy tidbit: beginning with the wines of the 2021 vintage, white wines produced under the Alsace/Vin d’Alsace AOC will be required to state their sweetness level on the label. This declaration may be narrative (using the terms sec, demi-sec, moelleux, or doux) or a graphic representation of a “sweetness scale.”

  • The sweetness terms, which abide by general EU definitions, are as follows:
    • Sec: 4 g/L sugar or less, or 9 g/L (or less) provided the level of tartaric acid is within 2 g/L of the amount of sugar
    • Demi-Sec: 12 g/L sugar or less, or 18 g/L (or less) provided there is a minimum of 10 g/L of tartaric acid
    • Moelleux: 45 g/L sugar or less
    • Doux: More than 45 g/L sugar

This provision is not—yet—part of the rules and regulations for the Alsace AOC, although a proposal for a modification to the Cahier des Charges has been submitted to the INAO and was published in France’s Journal Officiel in June of 2021.  Rather, it is now codified via its publication by the Direction Générale de la Concurrence, de la Consommation et de la Répression des Fraudes/DGCCRF of France (General Directorate for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control).

Example of a sweetness scale via the DGCCRF

Example of a sweetness scale via the DGCCRF

In the proposed modification of the appellation’s Cahier des Charges—now working its way through the legislative jungle—the new standard is applied under Article XII: Règles de Présentation et Étiquetage (Presentation and Labeling Rules), which state the following:

  • Les vins blancs pour lesquels, aux termes du présent cahier des charges, est revendiquée l’appellation d’origine contrôlée “Alsace” ou “Vin d’Alsace,” à l’exception des mentions “Vendanges Tardives” et “Sélection de Grains Nobles,” qui sont présentés sous ladite appellation ne peuvent être offerts au public, expédiés, mis en vente ou vendus, sans que dans les annonces, sur les prospectus, étiquettes, factures et récipients quelconques, la mention de la teneur en sucre telle que définie par la règlementation Européenne ne soit inscrite le tout en caractères très apparents.
    • Translated and paraphrased, this states the following: The white wines labeled under these specifications as “Alsace” or “Vin d’Alsace” [with the exception of those labeled as Vendanges Tardives or Sélection de Grains nobles] may not be offered to the public, shipped, offered for sale or sold without the mention of the sugar content (as defined by EU regulations) listed on all containers in very visible characters.

It should be noted that this new ruling applies only to the standard white wines (vins blancs) of the Alsace/Vin d’Alsace AOC, and does not apply to the appellation’s red wines, rosé, or wines labeled with the term vendanges tardives or sélection de grains nobles.

We’ll be keeping an eye out for the approval of the modified Cahier des Charges, but as any wine student knows…these things take time.

References/for more information:

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

 

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

The Ancestor Vines of Barossa

  By admin | October 22, 2021 - 8:18 pm | , ,
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Photo by Stephan Ridgway

Photo by Stephan Ridgway

Old vines…for many of us, the term “old vine” implies that a wine is produced from grapes grown on a grapevine of more than 20, or 50, or 100 years of age (the exact number depending on where exactly the vineyard is and your point of view). In addition, we believe that their fruit, having been painstakingly ripened by a grizzled old vine, will be exceptionally rich, concentrated, and complex.

While I am sure most wine aficionados would agree with that purposefully vague description, the truth remains that “old vine” (or vieilles vignes, as the French say) remains a largely unregulated and undefined wine term. After all, a lot depends on context. If you grow grapes in Châteauneuf-du-Pape or Jerez, the idea of “old” might actually start at about the half-century mark. On the other hand, if you grow grapes in the Canterbury Plains or Elkton, Oregon, you might start to think of your vines as “old timers” once the hit 20 years old.

One thing that just about everyone can agree upon, however, is that the older vines of the world need to be protected, respected, and – in the best of all possible worlds – documented and substantiated. To this end, Barossa Australia—formerly the Barossa Grape and Wine Association—which has over 500 grape growers and claims to have more old vines than any other region in the world, has taken steps to do so. After all, as Ron “The Dirtman” Gibson, of Gibson Wines in the Barossa says, “Old vines aren’t good because they’re old, they’re old because they are good.”

Photo by Verita Photography

Photo by Verita Photography

The organization has released what might be the only specific definition of the term “old vine” in the wine-making world. Although these terms are not regulated by the Australian Government—nor are they approved as official wine descriptors—this is at least a good first step in understanding and honoring the area’s old vines.

The classifications of Barossa’s old vines are as follows:

  • Old Vines: 35 years old or over
  • Survivor Vines: 70 years old or over
  • Centenarian Vines: 100 years old or over
  • Ancestor Vines: 125 years old or over

Barossa Australia has also published the “Barossa Old Vine Charter,” a declaration of sorts intended to protect and recognize the region’s oldest vines, some of which date back to 1909 or earlier and are to be considered part of Australia’s living history. The organization also keeps a Barossa Vineyards Register, which details the vineyards of the area by grape variety and by age.  The Barossa Vineyards Register, and the Barossa Old Vine Charter can be found on the website of Barossa Australia.

Post authored by Jane A. Nickles, CSS, CWE – your SWE Blog Administrator

References/for more information:

Click here to return to the SWE Homepage.

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