Category Archives: News of The Wine World

Welcome to the world, Eastern Connecticut Highlands AVA!

  By admin | October 17, 2019 - 9:29 am |
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Map via: www.ttb.gov/wine/ava-map-explorer

Map via: www.ttb.gov/wine/ava-map-explorer

On Friday, October 11 2019, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) of the United States announced the establishment of the Eastern Connecticut Highlands American Viticultural Area (AVA) via publication in the Daily Federal Register.

The newly-approved AVA is located in Hartford, New Haven, Tolland, Windham, New London, and Middlesex Counties in the state of Connecticut. The Eastern Connecticut Highlands AVA does not overlap any other established AVAs; it is, however, adjacent—and immediately to the north of—the multi-state Southeastern New England AVA (covering parts of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island).

The Eastern Connecticut Highlands AVA encompasses a total of approximately 1,246 square-miles of land and is home to 16 commercial vineyards and 115 acres/47 ha of vines (with 20.5 additional acres/8 additional hectares planned for the near future.

  • According to the AVA petition (originally accepted in August of 2016), the region is differentiated from the surrounding area in terms of topography, soils, and climate:
    • Topography: The area within the boundaries of the AVA sit atop a rock formation—known as the Iapetus Terrane—which is composed of metamorphic rocks that resist erosion. As a result, the area consists of hilly and mountainous terrain with elevations ranging from 200 to 1,000 feet/61 to 305 meters in elevation (as opposed to the broad, flatter lands the surround it).
    • Soils: The soils within the newly-defined AVA contain a large amount of lodgement till—material deposited by glaciers—and can be characterized as thick sandy-to-silty loam. These soils contain higher levels of iron, magnesium, and zinc, and lower levels of potassium than the surrounding areas.
    • Climate: The area within the new AVA has an average annual temperature that is similar to the surrounding areas; however, there are some significant differences, such as warmer overall temperatures during the growing season. In addition, the area has a later last-spring-frost date and earlier first-fall-frost date; these combine to make for a shorter growing season than most of the surrounding areas.

The Eastern Connecticut Highlands AVA is home to at least six bonded wineries, including Lebanon Green Vineyards, Arrigoni Winery, and Preston Ridge Vineyard. The Eastern Connecticut Highlands AVA will be effective as of November 12, 2019; at this time there will be a total of 246 AVAs in the United States.

Welcome to the world, Eastern Connecticut Highlands AVA!

References/for more information:

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

Congratulations on your Promotion: Carnuntum DAC!

  By admin | October 1, 2019 - 1:39 pm | ,
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Map via www.austrianwine.com

Map via www.austrianwine.com

The Carnuntum wine growing region— located in Austria’s  Niederösterreich (state of Lower Austria)—has been promoted to Districtus Austriae Controllatus (DAC) status! With this new announcement, effective today (October 1, 2019), Austria has a total of 14 DAC wine-producing regions—described by the Austrian Wine Marketing Board  as areas with “specific protections in place for regionally typical wines.”

Wine produced under the Carnuntum DAC will fall under three distinct quality levels, to include the following:

  • Gebietswein (regional wine)
  • Ortswein (wine from a specific village)
  • Riedenwein (single-vineyard wine)

The Carnuntum DAC will produce both red and white wines in accordance with the following standards:

  • The Heidentor (Heathens' Gate) archway, built during the Roman Empire, is a symbol of the locality of Petronell-Carnuntum as well as the Rubin Carnuntum wine producers.

    The Heidentor (Heathens’ Gate) archway, built during the Roman Empire, is a symbol of the locality of Petronell-Carnuntum as well as the Rubin Carnuntum wine producers.

    All wines must be dry

  • Red wines must have a minimum of 12% abv
  • White single-variety wines (monovarietals) may be 100% Chardonnay, Weissburgunder, or Grüner Veltliner
  • Red monovarietals may be 100% Zweigelt or Blaufränkisch.
  • Blended wines must contain a minimum of 67% (two-thirds) preferred grape varieties (Chardonnay, Weissburgunder [Pinot Blanc], Grüner Veltliner, Zweigelt, or Blaufränkisch). The remainder may contain any other grapes approved for cultivation in the region.

Red wines are particular specialty of the Carnuntum region, as witnessed by the 25 members of red-wine-specialty group known as Die Rubin Carnuntum Weingüter. The Zweigelt–based red wines of the Rubin Carnuntum wine growers’ society will continue to be produced and promoted under the new rules of the Carnuntum DAC .

References/for more information:

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

 

Very Cool New Tool: The TTB’s AVA Map Explorer

  By admin | September 27, 2019 - 2:27 pm |
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Screenshot via: https://www.ttb.gov/images/AVA/ (accessed September 27, 2019)

Screenshot via: https://www.ttb.gov/images/AVA/ (accessed September 27, 2019)

It’s a good day to appreciate the government! The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) of the United States released a cool new toy tool useful for wine students and wine travelers as well.

Called the “AVA Map Explorer,” this website is a searchable map of the United States that will draw the boundaries of any AVA or AVAs you wish to research. You can toggle between street view, satellite view, and topographic views of your chosen spot, making this site useful for in-depth research on a region’s terroir as well as a handy site to find a romantic B&B.

The map tool also provides links to detailed information regarding each AVA, including its state and county, overlapping AVAs, and a link to the information in the AVAs public docket. You can even plot an address and find out if the location is within an AVA.

To try it out for yourself, just click here!

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

Welcome to the world, Côtes de Provence Notre-Dame des Anges!

  By admin | September 26, 2019 - 2:16 pm | ,
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As of August 10, 2019, the Côtes de Provence AOC has a new official sub-region: Notre-Dame des Anges. This makes for a total of five sub-regions assigned to the appellation, including those previously named—Sainte-Victoire, Fréjus, La Londe, and Pierrefeu. The name Notre-Dame des Anges refers to one of the highest peaks in the Massif des Maures. The peak of the mountain is visible throughout the appellation and—for those willing to make the climb—is adorned with the 19th-century Chapel of Notre-Dames des Anges (Our Lady of the Angels).

The defined region consists of ten communes—Les Arcs/Argens, Carnoules, Taradeau, Vidauban, Le Cannet-des-Maures, La Garde-Freinet, Le Luc, Les Mayons, Gonfaron and Pignans—located somewhat in the center area of the Var Department of Southeastern France. The area currently has 9,640 acres (3,900 ha) planted to vine, but for the time being only a portion of the established vineyards have been approved for use of the Notre-Dame des Anges designation. The area is unique from the surrounding terrain due to slope, aspect, and elevation, and well as soils dominated by sandstone, limestone, and schist.

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The Côtes de Provence Notre-Dame des Anges AOC is approved for red and rosé wines. The specifications include the following:

  • Principal varieties: Cinsault, Grenache Noir, and Syrah
    • At least 80% of the blend must be made using principal varieties, and no single grape may comprise more than 80% of the total blend
  • Accessory varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Clairette Blanc, Mourvèdre, Sémillon, Tibouren, Ugni Blanc, and Vermentino
    • Carignan is limited to a maximum of 10% of the blend
    • Clairette Blanc, Sémillon, and Ugni Blanc are limited to a combined maximum of 10% of the blend—and—the combination of Clairette Blanc, Sémillon, Ugni Blanc, and Vermentino is limited to a maximum of 20% of the blend
  • For red wines:
    • Minimum 12% abv
    • Date of first allowed release: September 1 of the year following harvest
  • For rosé:
    • Minimum 11.5% abv
    • Date of first allowed release:  December 15 of the harvest year

This modification to the Cahier des Charges for the Côtes de Provence AOC was approved by the INAO on February 14, 2019 and published in the Official Journal of France on August 10, 2019. Wines labeled with the appellation Côtes de Provence Notre-Dame des Anges AOC will be allowed as of the 2019 vintage release; however, the modification will still need to seek the final approval of the European Union.

Welcome to the world, Côtes de Provence Notre-Dame des Anges!

References/for more information:

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

What’s New, Argentina?

  By admin | September 19, 2019 - 8:30 am |
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The wine industry of Argentina has expanded its scope in recent years, and new vineyards are moving into areas of the country well beyond the established viticultural zones near the Andes Mountains. Portions of the province of Buenos Aires—boasting some vineyards within just a few miles of the Atlantic Ocean—are now considered prime wine-producing regions. Other provinces to watch are Chubut (where new vineyards reach further south in Argentina than ever before) and Córdoba (located east of the Andes). Read on for a bit more information on these new regions to watch!

Chubut: Chubut, located to the south of Río Negro, is currently the southernmost wine-producing province in Argentina. It also boasts one of the southernmost vineyards in the world—Sarmiento—which sits below the 45th parallel (South).  Many of the vineyards of Chubut are planted in the steppes (relatively flat, grassland areas) close to the Atlantic Coast. Nearly 60% of Chubut’s 180 acres (73 ha) of vines are planted to red varieties. Pinot Noir is the leading grape, followed by Chardonnay, Merlot, Malbec, and Torrontés Riojano.  Producers in Chubut include Bodega Otronia, Viñedo Familia Adamow, and Casa Yagüe.

The Córdoba Cathedral at night

The Córdoba Cathedral at night

Córdoba: The Argentina province of Córdoba is located almost in the geographic center of the country.  The region—located east of the Andes—contains a series of moderate-elevation mountain ranges in its western portion and an extensive plain covering much of the east. Jesuit missionaries hailing from Spain settled in Córdoba in the early 1600s and established several estancias (working ranches) complete with schools, churches, orchards, and vineyards. The Jesuits produced wine until 1767, when the Spanish crown expelled them from Argentina. At this point most of the vineyards of Córdoba were abandoned, and wine production stagnated in the area until the 1870s when a strong wave of Italian immigration brought the industry back to life.  Beginning in the 1990s, the area is experiencing a renewed focus on export wines, and vineyard holdings in Córdoba are once again expanding. New vineyards are planted mainly to Merlot, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. Producers in Córdoba include Bodega Terra Camiare, Famiglia Furfaro, and Bodega la Caroyense.

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Buenos Aires: In recent years, as Argentine wine producers have begun to extend the limits of the country’s viticulture to the east, the province of Buenos Aires has joined the ranks of emerging wine regions. The province currently contains less than 400 acres (160 ha) of vines in total, with Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay as the leading grape varieties. A small-but-diverse selection of red grapes, including Pinot Noir, are grown as well. In the southeast of the province, the Chapadmalal GI—located near the town of Mar del Plata and about 200 miles (320 km) south of the city of Buenos Aires—currently contains the easternmost vineyards in the country, some of which are planted just a few miles from the Atlantic Ocean. This ocean-influenced region is much cooler and receives more rainfall than many of Argentina’s other vineyard areas.  Leading producers in this area include Bodega y Viñedos Al Este and Wapisa Wines – Patagonia Atlántica.

Nora Favelukes, of QW US Wine Market Experts presented a session that showcased an excellent slate of wine from these and other emerging wine regions of Argentina at SWE’s 43rd Annual Conference in August of 2019. You can read more about Nora’s session here. 

References/for more information:

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

Welcome to the World, Vino de Pago El Vicario!

  By admin | September 3, 2019 - 9:34 am | ,
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Photo via: https://pagodelvicario.com/

Photo via: https://pagodelvicario.com/

On Tuesday, August 6, 2019 the EU-approved Vino de Pago el Vicario protected designation of origin/PDO wine of Spain came into force.

The newly-registered Pago is located in the comunidad autónoma of Castilla-La Mancha, and is surrounded by the larger La Mancha DO. The registration of the Vino de Pago el Vicario makes a total of 19 Pagos registered in Spain (of which 12 are located in the region of Castilla-La Mancha). According to the fresh-off-the-presses documentation, the details concerning the Vino de Pago el Vicario PDO includes the following:

Location: 86 parcels are approved for use in the wines of the Vino de Pago El Vicario; all of these are located in the municipality of ciudad Real (Castilla–La Mancha, Spain).

Allowed grape varieties: Tempranillo, Syrah, Garnacha Tinta, Cabernet Sauvignon, Graciano, Petit Verdot Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc

Photo via: https://pagodelvicario.com/

Photo via: https://pagodelvicario.com/

Types/styles of wine:

  • Vino blanco parcialmente fermentado en barrica (partially barrel-fermented white wine)
    • Produced from Chardonnay and/or Sauvignon Blanc, macerated on the grape skins for 12 to 24 hours prior to pressing; small amounts of Tempranillo and/or Garnacha Tinta may be used as well
    • At least 15% of the must is barrel-fermented and allowed to rest on the lees (in the barrels) for 4 to 8 months. Barrels must be European Oak and no older than two years of age. The remainder of the must may be fermented in stainless steel.
  • Vino blanco de uva tinta (white wine from black grapes/blanc de noir)
    • Produced using Tempranillo and/or Garnacha Tinta
    • Fermented in stainless steel
  • Vino rosado (rosé)
    • Produced using Petit Verdot
    • Stainless steel fermentation
  • Vino blanco semidulce (semi-sweet white wine)
    • Produced from Chardonnay and/or Sauvignon Blanc, macerated on the grape skins for 12 to 24 hours prior to pressing
    • Fermented in stainless steel
    • 1.2% to 4.5% residual sugar
  • Vinos tintos elaborados con mezcla de variedades autóctonas y foráneas (blended red wines made with indigenous and international varieties)
    • Produced using Tempranillo, Graciano, Garnacha Tinta, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, and/or Petit Verdot
    • Maceration lasts between 5 and 22 days, grapes may be separately or co-fermented, fermentation is followed by barrel aging (no time specified)
  • Vinos tintos elaborados con mezcla de variedades autóctonas foráneas (blended red wines made with indigenous varieties)
    • Produced using Tempranillo, Graciano, and/or Garnacha Tinta
    • Maceration lasts between 5 and 22 days, grapes may be separately or co-fermented, fermentation is followed by barrel aging (no time specified)
  • Vino tinto dulce (sweet red wine)
    • Produced solely using Merlot
    • Maceration lasts between 6 and 15 days, minimum of 4.5% residual sugar

The area is named for the Vicario Dam, located along the River Guadiana. The demarcated area is located about 2 km (1.2 miles) from the river itself and consists of gently rolling hills leading to the banks of the river. The limestone soil is shallow and contains an exceptionally high level of calcium. The proximity to the river (and its temperature-moderating effects) as well as the unique soil of the area help to differentiate the Pago del Vicario PDO from the remainder of the La Mancha DO.

Welcome to the world, Vino de Pago el Vicario!

References/for more information:

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

Welcome to the World, Absinthe de Pontarlier PGI!

  By admin | August 22, 2019 - 9:12 am | , ,
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Photo via: https://www.inao.gouv.fr

Photo via: https://www.inao.gouv.fr

On August 19 2019, the EU registered a protected geographical indication (PGI) for Absinthe de Pontarlier.

Absinthe is a well-known spirit drink with a fascinating and somewhat checkered history. By most accounts, it best-known for the period of time (1915 – 1990 and beyond) during which it was outlawed! Even in its modern incarnation, absinthe remains a mystery that has defied standardization and definition. It may be green, clear, or yellow in appearance; it is sometimes considered a flavored spirit drink and at other times may be referred to as a liqueur. While this disparity may continue into the future, as of now we have one absinthe product that is legally (and specifically) defined: Absinthe de Pontarlier PGI.

Absinthe de Pontarlier is a product of France and may only be produced in the French Departement of Doubs. (Doubs is located in the Alps of central-east France, along the border with Switzerland and surrounded by the French departments of Jura and Haute-Saône.) Historical records make mention of an “elixir d’Absinthe” being made in the region since the 18th century, when Major Henri Dubied moved his production facility—originally located in the Swiss town of Couvet (now a part of Val-de-Travers)—about 20 miles (32 km) west to Pontarlier, France.

Map of Doubs, France (By Marmelad - based on: Départements de France-simple.svg)


Map of Doubs, France (By Marmelad – based on: Départements de France-simple.svg)

Absinthe de Pontarlier may be produced using an unspecified base spirit, but the use of locally-grown wormwood (Artemisia abinsthium) is mandatory. In addition, the drying of the wormwood, the maceration of the botanicals, the re-distillation of the macerate, any post-distillation procedures, and the bottling of the spirit must all be carried out at a single location within the defined region of origin.

Other regulations for the production of Absinthe de Pontarlier include the following:

  • The spirit must be clear and pale-yellow with greenish hues. When water is added, it becomes cloudy and opaque.
  • It must contain a minimum 45% abv.
  • In addition to Artemisia abinsthium, it must contain anise seed (Pimpinella anisum), both of which must be macerated in a base spirit. Roman wormwood (Artemisia pontica) and hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) may be used for coloring. Lemon balm, fennel, and mint are specifically allowed to be used in limited proportations, as are “other aromatic plants with the exception of star anise.”
  • The base spirit must be re-distilled after maceration with the required botanicals (wormwood and anise seed).
  • No flavorings or extracts may be used, although some colorings are permitted.
  • Sugar (up to 35 grams per liter of finished product) may be added, but is not required.
  • Aging is allowed but is not required. A declaration of aging may appear on the product label if it is aged for a minimum of six months in oak.

Across the globe, absinthe is strictly regulated and the rules regarding its composition (mainly focusing on allowed levels of thujone) vary greatly across countries and regions. In the United States, the Alcohol and Tobacco Trade and Tax Bureau (TTB) has a proposal in the works that will require absinthe distributed in the United States to meet certain requirements for a maximum level of thujone and—although this has not yet been ratified into law—it remains to be seen whether or not Absinthe de Pontalier will be allowed to be exported into the United States. We might just need to take a trip to Pontarlier in order to have a sip!

Welcome to the world, Absinthe de Pontarlier PGI!

References/for more information:

Post authored by Jane A. Nickles, your blog administrator…

Rioja has spoken: First List of Viñedos Singulares Announced

  By admin | August 18, 2019 - 11:33 am |
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Image via: riojawine.com

Image via: riojawine.com

Rioja has spoken: the first list of wine estates qualified for the Rioja DOCa Viñedos Singulares classification has been published. The list was published in the July 30, 2019 edition of Boletín Oficial del Estado (Official State Gazette) of the Kingdom of Spain, and posted on the website of the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries, and the Environment.

A total of 84 vineyards were identified, totaling about 155 hectares in total (out of the total 65,000 hectares that constitute the entirety of the Rioja DOCa.

The Viñedo Singular designation, as created in 2017, represents the highest tier of geographical indications of the Rioja DOCa and sits stop a quality ladder of three designations—including Vinos de Zona, Vinos de Municipio, and topped off with Viñedo Singular—each of which represents wines produced via more specific areas and according to stricter standards.

Sample label - image via riojawine.com

Sample label – image via riojawine.com

In order to qualify for use of the Viñedo Singular designation, grapes must be 100% from the named vineyard, and the wine must be produced, aged, and bottled at the named winery. All grapes must be hand-harvested, and the nominated wineries must have had complete control over the designated vineyard for at least ten years. The wines are also subject to sensory evaluation and approval by the regulatory board of the Rioja DOCa.

The list of approved areas—which includes vineyards owned by many of the best-known estates of Rioja (such as Bodegas Marqués de Riscal and Bodegas Ysios)—contains the names/numbers of the specific vineyard parcels that have been approved for use as Viñedos Singulares. Click here for a copy of the list: Rioja DOCa- Vinedos Singulares – July 30 2019

References/for more information:

Post authored by Jane A. Nickles, your blog administrator…

Welcome to the World, Crest of the Blue Ridge Henderson County AVA!

  By admin | August 11, 2019 - 10:46 am |
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On July 19, 2019, the TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) of the US published a final rule establishing the Crest of the Blue Ridge Henderson County AVA (American Viticultural Area). The new AVA will be effective as of August 19, 2019. This brings the total number of AVAs in the US to 245, and a total of four in North Carolina.

The new AVA is located entirely within Henderson County, located in the southwestern part of North Carolina. The name Crest of the Blue Ridge refers to the Eastern Continental Divide which divides the area into two general sections—the Blue Ridge Escarpment (on the southern and eastern portions of the AVA), and the Blue Ridge Plateau (covering the northern and western portions).

The area has a long history of cider and apple production, and now hosts an emerging grape and wine industry.  The 215-square mile AVA currently contains over 14 commercial vineyards over 70 acres (38 ha), with several existing vineyards planning to expand by a combined 55 additional acres (22 additional hectares) in the next five years. Wineries already established in the area include Burntshirt Vineyards, Point Lookout Vineyards, and Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards.

The region is planted to approximately 78% vinifera grapes along with some hybrid grapes and native North American varieties. The leading vinifera varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling, and Grüner Veltliner. Vidal Blanc and Traminette are the main hybrids; Norton is the leading American variety.

Map of the Crest of the Blue Ridge Henderson County AVA, via the original AVA Petition

Map of the Crest of the Blue Ridge Henderson County AVA, via the original AVA Petition

The petition for the Crest of the Blue Ridge Henderson County AVA was originally submitted to the TTB in December of 2016 by Mark Williams and Barbara Walker, working on behalf of Agribusiness Henderson County and the vineyard and winery operators of Henderson County, North Carolina.

Welcome to the world, Crest of the Blue Ridge Henderson County AVA!

References/for more information:

Post authored by Jane A. Nickles, your blog administrator…

Congratulations on your Promotion: Tullum DOCG!

  By admin | July 20, 2019 - 1:47 pm | ,
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As of June 18, 2019, the Italian Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies (Ministero delle Politiche Agricole, Alimentari e Forestali or MiPAAF) has registered the promotion of Tullum (also known as Terre Tollesi) to be Italy’s 75th DOCG for wine. (Tullum was formerly—since 2008—a DOC.)

Located in Italy’s Abruzzo Region (and centered around the town of Tollo), the Tullum DOCG is just a few miles inland from taly’s Adriatic coastline (within the Cheiti Province). Tullum is the second DOCG in Abruzzo—the first was the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Colline Teramane DOCG, promoted from a former sub-region of the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC in 2003.

According to the Disciplinare (rules and regulations), the Tullum DOCG will produce red, white, and sparkling wines. The standards include the following:

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    Rosso: Minimum 95% Montepulciano grapes, up to 5% other red grapes approved for use in Abruzzo, minimum 13% abv, may be released as early as January 1 of the second year following harvest

  • Rosso Riserva: Minimum 95% Montepulciano grapes, up to 5% other red grapes approved for use in Abruzzo, minimum 13.5% abv, must be aged for a minimum of two years (beginning on January 1 of the year following harvest) to include at least six months in wood
  • Pecorino: Minimum 90% Pecorino, up to 10% other white grapes approved for use in Abruzzo, minimum 13% abv, may be released as early as January 1 of the year following harvest
  • Passerina: Minimum 90% Passerina, up to 10% other white grapes approved for use in Abruzzo, minimum 12.5% abv, may be released as early as January 1 of the year following harvest
  • Spumante: Minimum 60% Chardonnay; the remainder is allowed to be other non-aromatic grapes approved for use in Abruzzo, minimum 12% abv, may be produced in a range of sweetness styles from brut nature to dolce

Welcome to the world, Tullum DOCG! The registration for the Tullum DOCG will need to wind its way through the EU approval process, but with the blessing of the MiPAAF, the designation will be allowed for use on wine labels as of the 2019 vintage (along with some “eligible stock” from previous vintages). We’ll post more information as it becomes available.

Note: As of the latest count, Italy has 75 DOCGs and over 330 DOCs for wine. More are sure to follow!

References/for more information:

Post authored by Jane A. Nickles, your blog administrator…