Category Archives: Testable Material for the CWE Exam

Map via the TTB AVA Explorer

On June 3 (2022) the TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) of the United States announced the approval of the Upper Lake Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA). The Upper Lake Valley AVA represents the 8^th AVA located in Lake County, California.

The newly minted AVA—situated on the north shore of Clear Lake—covers a total of 17, 360 acres and is located entirely within the existing Clear Lake AVA. However, the area of the previously existing Clear Lake AVA was extended (along the northwest corner) in order to accommodate the new appellation within its boundaries.

• According to the original petition—written by Terry Dereniuk and originally submitted in 2018 on behalf of the Growers of Upper Lake County—the distinguishing features of the Upper Lake Valley AVA include its hydrogeology, soils, and climate, as described below.
  • Hydrogeology: The area of the Upper Lake Valley AVA covers a series of valleys running north-northwesterly from the shores of Clear Lake. These valleys (and the surrounding hillsides) sit at elevations of 1,330 feet to 1,480 feet above sea level; vineyards are currently planted along the valley floors and up into the hillsides—as high as 1,450 feet asl. The area—a transitional region between the Mendocino National Forest and the Clear Lake Basin—has a uniquely high water table (the boundary between the surface and the area where groundwater saturates the soil). This allows for a high degree of dry farming.
  • Soils: The area contains a wide range of soil types, and varies decidedly between the deep, level soils of the valley floors; the thin, well-drained soils on the hillsides; and the marshy areas closest to the lake. Much of the bedrock is composed of shale and sandstone; topsoils include combinations of silt, gravel, clay, and loam.
  • Climate:  The climate of the Upper Lake Valley AVA is slightly cooler than the surrounding areas. The median growing degree days (GDD) in the new AVA ranges from a low of 2,809 to a high of 3,343; in other areas of the Clear Lake AVA, the median high climbs as high as 3,811. The Upper Lake Valley AVA is thus classified as heat summation Region III—Region I is the coolest and Region V is the warmest—according to the often-cited Winkler Scale.

Map via the TTB AVA Explorer

At this time, there are sixteen commercial vineyards, just over 300 acres planted to vine, and one winery located withing the Upper Lake Valley AVA. While a range of grapes—including Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel—are grown in the area, Sauvignon Blanc is the leading variety.

Note: June 3 was a busy day for the TTB, which saw the approval of four new AVAs, including Upper Lake Valley. The other three include Rocky Reach (WA), Paulsell Valley (CA), and Mount Pisgah-Polk County (OR). When all four of these AVAs are brought into force—on July 5, 2022—the total number of AVAs in the United States will be 266; of these, 146 will be in California.

Welcome to the world, Upper Lake Valley AVA!

References/for more information:

• Federal Register-June 3 2022-Establishment of the Upper Lake Valley AVA
• Upper Lake Valley AVA Petition
• Media Kit | Lake County Winegrape Commission

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

Map via the TTB AVA Explorer

On June 3 (2022) the TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) of the United States announced the approval of the Mount Pisgah-Polk County American Viticultural Area (AVA), located in Oregon. The newly minted AVA is located entirely within the existing Willamette Valley AVA and represents the 23^rd AVA located in Oregon. With the approval of the new AVA, the Willamette Valley AVA now has 11 sub-appellations.

The Mount Pisgah-Polk County AVA covers a total of 5,850 acres surrounding the 835-foot summit of Mount Pisgah, located about 15 miles west of Salem (and just south of the town of Dallas, Oregon).

• According to the petition to establish the appellation—originally submitted in 2018—the distinguishing features of the Mount Pisgah-Polk County AVA include its topography, climate, and soils, as described below.
  • Topography: The new AVA is located within a chain of small hills in the Willamette Valley area. Elevations range from 260 feet to 835 feet asl (at the peak of Mount Pisgah); the areas surrounding the Mount Pisgah-Polk County AVA are all at lower elevations.
  • Climate: The Mount Pisgah-Polk County AVA is somewhat cooler than the surrounding valley floor. The average annual growing degree days (GDD) for Mount Pisgah total 2,543 GDD; the surrounding areas total 2,661 GDD (in the tow of McMinnville, to the south) and 2,903 GD (in the town of Salem, to the east).
  • Soils: Like much of the surrounding area, the dominant soil of the Mount Pisgah-Polk County AVA is sedimentary in nature (to include sandstone and siltstone). While the remainder of the Willamette Valley AVA has a large percentage of soils derived from the Missoula Floods, in the new AVA only 2.1% of the area is so affected. Rather, due to the higher elevation of the area, the soils of the Mount Pisgah-Polk County AVA contain a high percentage of volcanic rocks that were part of an ancient seabed. These rocks are among the oldest rocks within the Willamette Valley, and the Mount Pisgah area is the only spot in the Willamette Valley that combines sedimentary soils with such ancient parent material.

Map via the TTB AVA Explorer

At the time of the original petition, there were 10 commercial vineyards (planted to a total of 531 acres of vines) and 2 wineries—Amelie Robert Estate and Ilahe Vineyards—located within the area of the Mount Pisgah-Polk Count AVA. Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay are the leading grape varieties.

Note: The official name of the new AVA reads as follows: Mount Pisgah, Polk County, Oregon AVA. The name includes the name of the county as there are at least three locations in Oregon named Mount Pisgah. As other states also have areas named Mount Pisgah, the term Oregon is also part of the official name of the AVA.

Welcome to the world, Mount Pisgah-Polk County AVA!

On another note: June 3 was a busy day for the TTB, which saw the approval of four new AVAs, including Mount Pisgah. The other three include Rocky Reach (WA), Upper Lake Valley (CA), and Paulsell Valley (CA). When all four of these AVAs are brought into force—on July 5, 2022—the total number of AVAs in the United States will be 266.

References/for more information:

• Federal Register-June 3 2022-Establishment of the Mount Pisgah Polk County Oregon AVA
• Petition to Establish the Mount Pisgah Polk County Oregon AVA
• https://www.amalierobert.com/
• https://www.illahevineyards.com/

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

Photo via: www.abadia-retuerta.com

On May 31 (2022) the Official Journal of the European Union announced the approval of a new PDO wine region for Spain: Vino de Pago Abadía Retuerta.

The newly approved appellation is located in the municipality of Sardón de Duero (Valladolid), in the autonomous community of Castilla y León. Sardón de Duero is situated just to the west of the Ribera del Duero DO. This section of the Duero River has long been considered to be an ideal area for vineyards as part of the informally recognized Milla de Oro (Golden Mile) of wine estates in the area.

The Abadía Retuerta estate is built on the site of the Abbey of Santa María de Retuerta— founded in 1146 by Sancho Ansúrez near the banks of the Duero River. Some parts of the original structure still stand and are considered to be among the most important works of Romanesque architecture in the area.

The Abadía Retuerta estate currently includes a winery, hotel, the Santuario Wellness Spa, and several restaurants. In addition to Vino de Pago Abadía Retuerta, the estate produces a range of varietal and blended wines under the Vino la Tierra de Castilla y León appellation as well as food products such as pine nuts and honey.

The Vino de Pago Abadía Retuerta is approved for dry red wines (monovarietal or blends) produced from Petit Verdot, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Garnacha Tinta, Malbec, Merlot, Graciano, Syrah, and/or Pinot Noir. All red wines must be matured in oak barrels for at least six months. Dry white wines—monovarietal or blends—may be made with Albillo Mayor, Godello, Verdejo, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and/or Gewürztraminer.

P.S. On this same day (May 31, 2022), the EU also announced the approval of the Vino de Pago Bolandin, located in Navarra. You can read more about the Vino de Pago Bolandin here. With the approval of these two new appellations, there are currently 24 vino de pago appellations in Spain (per the EU).

Welcome to the World, Vino de Pago Abadía Retuerta!

References/for more information:

• Extract from the EU Register-Abadia Retuerta-May 31 2022
• Product Specification Abadia Retuerta
• https://www.abadia-retuerta.com/en/home

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

Photo via: pagodecirsus.com

On May 31 (2022) the Official Journal of the European Union announced the approval of a new PDO wine region for Spain: Vino de Pago Bolandin.

The newly approved appellation is located in the autonomous community of Navarra, within the municipality of Ablitas. The area is very close to the southern edge of Navarra, to the east of La Rioja and close to the border shared with Aragon. This places it within the Ribera Baja sub-region of the Navarra DO. 

The 130-hecatare/320-acre Bolandin Vineyard is part of Bodega Pago de Cirsus, which operates a winery, restaurant, and hotel on the estate. Bodega Pago de Cirsus produces a wide range of products, to include (in addition to Vino de Pago Bolandin) olive oil, white truffle oil, and table wines bottled under the DO Navarra.

The climate of the estate—which sits between the Ebro River and the Moncayo Mountains at an average elevation of 395 meters/1,295 feet above sea level—may be described as “extreme continental,” meaning it tends to experience very cold winters and hot, dry summers. The estate benefits from the Cierzo—a strong dry wind that flows to the northwest from the Ebro River Valley—as well as a series of nearby reservoirs that provide water for irrigation as needed.

The Vino de Pago Bolandin appellation is approved for dry red wines and dry white wines; the main grape varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Tempranillo, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Sweet white wines—produced using late harvest (sobremadurada) Moscatel Grano Menudo (Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains) grapes and containing a minimum of 45 g/L residual sugar—are also allowed.

Welcome to the world, Vino de Pago Bolandin!

P.S. On this same day (May 31, 2022), the EU also announced the approval of the Vino de Pago Abadía Retuerta, located in Castilla y León. You can read more about the Vino de Pago Abadía Retuerta here. If we include these two newly-approved appellations, there are currently 24 vino de pago appellations in Spain (per the EU).

References/for more information:

• Pliego de Condiciones Vino de Pago Bolandin
• Vino de Pago Bolandin-Journal of the EU-May 31, 2022
• https://pagodecirsus.com/en/bodega-pago-de-cirsus/finca-bolandin.html

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

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Big news for lovers of all things Alsace! Two (of the 51) Grand Cru AOCs of Alsace have revised their regulations so that they now allow for the production of Alsace Grand Cru Rouge—made with 100% Pinot Noir!

Before these changes—announced via publication in the Journal Officiel de la République Française on May 13, 2022—wines of the Alsace Grands Crus were exclusively white. In addition—with very few exceptions*—only varietal wines produced from one of the noble grapes of Alsace (Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, and Muscat) were allowed to be labeled as Alsace Grand Cru AOC wines.

However, things have evolved and now Alsace Grand Cru Hengst and Alsace Grand Cru Kirchberg de Barr are approved for vins blancs et rouges tranquilles (both white and red wines, still/not sparkling). All other Grand Cru AOCs sont réservées aux vins blancs tranquilles (are reserved for still white wines).

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Alsace Grand Cru Hengst covers 53 hectares/131 acres in an area south of the Haut-Rhin commune of Wintzenheim (near Colmar). Vines have been planted here—at altitudes of 260–350 meters/853–1,150 feet asl, along a steep hillside sloping to the southeast—since the 9^th century. The soils—consisting of clay and marl flecked with limestone—help to enable the ripening of the Pinot Noir grapes of the region, known to produce wines with silky tannins and lively flavor.

The region’s Pinot Noir vineyards must have a minimum planting density of 5,500 vines per hectare and red wines must have a minimum of 12.5% alcohol by volume. The Alsace Grand Cru Hengst AOC was first approved in 1983 for white wines; red wines will be allowed as of the release of the 2021 vintage.

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Alsace Grand Cru Kirchberg de Barr covers 40 hectares/99 acres located on a steep hill (with an incline of almost 30°) overlooking the Bas-Rhin commune of Barr. The vineyards enjoy an ideal south/southeast aspect and an average elevation of 220–350 meters/722–1,150 feet asl. The soil consists of thick deposits of clay, limestone, and marl interspersed with gravel (that helps to retain warmth). The area has a unique sun capture and a slightly warmer temperature than surrounding areas (as the cold air flows downhill). All of this combines to create an ideal micro-climate for Pinot Noir.

The region’s Pinot Noir vineyards must have a minimum planting density of 5,000 vines per hectare and red wines must have a minimum of 12% alcohol by volume. The Alsace Grand Cru Kirchberg de Barr AOC was first approved in 1983 for white wines; red wines will be allowed as of the release of the 2021 vintage.

All wines produced under the category of Alsace Grand Cru/Rouge must adhere to the following new standards:

• They must undergo malolactic fermentation (maximum allowed malic acid content is 0.4 grams per liter)
• They must be dry (maximum allowed level of fermentable sugars is 2 grams per liter)
• They must be aged until (at least) October 1 of the year following the harvest
• As is true of all Alsace Grand Cru AOC wines, they must vintage-dated and packaged in the traditional Flûte d’Alsace bottle

Welcome to the world, Alsace Grand Cru Rouge!

As with all such updates, this change will need to wind its way through EU authorization; however, as the government of France 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).

*Previous exceptions to the “only varietal wines made using the noble varieties” rule include Zotzenberg (approved for the use of Sylvaner) and Kaefferkopf (approved for white blends).

References/for more information:

• Journal Officiel de la Republique Francaise May 13 2022-Alsace Grand Cru AOC
• Cahier des Charges-Proposal re Alsace Grand Cru AOC (includes notations of the updates vis-à-vis the previous document)
• Vins d’Alsace—Kirchberg de Barr
• Vins d’Alsace—Hengst

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

On February 28 (2022), the EU granted its approval to a new Spanish wine appellation—the Vino de Pago Dehesa Peñalba—as a protected designation of origin/PDO for red wine.

The new appellation is located along the south bank of the Duero River—just to the west of the Ribera del Duero DO—in the central portion of the comunidad autónoma of Castilla y León. The news was announced to the world via its approval and publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

The Vino de Pago Dehesa Peñalba is approved for red wines based on Tempranillo, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and/or Merlot. Both mono-varietal wines and multi-varietal (blended) wines are produced. The appellation carries some very specific production requirements for its wines; some of these are discussed below:

• Vino Tinto Joven (Young Red Wines):
  • Grapes are hand-harvested and chilled upon arrival at the winery
  • Pre-fermentation cold soak (5-10 °C) is conducted for 5 to 8 days
  • Primary fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks
  • Post-fermentation, the wine is aged on the lees for at least 15 days
  • Micro-oxygenation is carried out at a dosage rate of 15 ml per liter per month for 3 days and 6 ml per liter per month for 8 days.
• Vino Tinto con Envejecimiento (Aged Red Wines):
  • All of the procedures listed above apply, and the wines are aged in 225-liter oak barrels or 5,000-liter wooden vats for at least 12 months (but typically 24 months or longer).

The area inside the demarcated Vino de Pago Deheasa Peñalba zone is an uninterrupted stretch of land situated just south of the Duero River. The warm, sandy, and well-drained soils are punctuated by gravel and pebbles. The area is surrounded by pine forests and well-positioned to enjoy a long, frost-free growing season that in turn helps to create well-ripened grapes with deeply colored skin and a high phenolic content. Well-known wineries in the region include Bodegas Vizar and Abadía Retuerta.

The new vino de pago is named for Peñalba de Duero—a long-abandoned town located along the banks of the Duero River. Viticulture in the area has a documented history dating back to 1751; however, it is believed that vines have been cultivated in the area since the fifteenth century. Throughout recorded history, the area has been variously referred to as Dehesa, La Dehesa, Dehesa de Peñalba, and Peñalba La Verde in addition to Peñalba de Duero. However, all of these names refer to the same place, which has been known as Dehesa Peñalba for at least the last 30 years.

References/for more information:

• Journal of the EU Feb 28 2022-Dehesa Penalba PDO
• Product Spec-Dehesa Penalba via the EC
• Proposal re Dehesa Penalba via Castilla y Leon

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

Sparkling wine made in Bordeaux—as produced under the Crémant de Bordeaux AOC—has always been something of an enigma. After all, Bordeaux is known as the land of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

However, traditional method sparkling wine is produced in Bordeaux—using the same slate of grapes as are allowed in the more recognizable dry red and sweet white wines of the region. While the output is small—as little as 2.7% of the region’s total output, for a typical annual output of just over six million bottles—sparkling wines have been made in the area for a little over one hundred years. The specific appellation for bubbly—Crémant de Bordeaux AOC—was originally approved (for white and rosé sparkling wine) in 1990.

Map via the INAO

The white wines—Crémant de Bordeaux Blanc—may be produced using a minimum of 70% (combined) Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Carmenère, Muscadelle, Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Sauvignon Gris; (optionally) accompanied by up to 30% of the accessory varieties (Colombard, Merlot Blanc, and Ugni Blanc). However, a typical bottle of Crémant de Bordeaux Blanc will be based on Sémillon (which accounts for over 60% of the vineyards dedicated to Bordeaux bubbly) and Sauvignon Blanc.

Until recently, Crémant de Bordeaux Rosé was allowed to be made using the red grapes of the region—Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Carmenère—only. However, this has recently changed.

The Cahier des Charges for the Crémant de Bordeaux was updated in November of 2021, and with the publication in the Official Journal of the EU on February 24, 2022, the following change was made—rosé may be produced using a minimum of 70% of the named red grapes; the other 30% may comprise certain white grapes of Bordeaux. The allowed white grapes include Muscadelle, Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Sauvignon Gris. Of these, Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris are limited to a maximum of 10% of the blend (each).

According to this article published by Meininger’s Wine Business International in July of 2021, the changes are intended to counteract future issues that may arise from climate change, as well as to allow for the creation of a crisp, “fresher” flavor profile in Crémant de Bordeaux Rosé. The changes will be in force as of the 2021 vintage.

References/for more information:

• Cahier des Charges-Crémant de Bordeaux AOC-update Nov 2021
• Extract from the Offical Journal of the EU—February 24 2022
• https://www.planete-bordeaux.fr/en/who-are-we/presentation-en/our-appellations
• https://cremants.com/en/cremant-de-bordeaux/
• https://www.wine-business-international.com/wine/news/variety-expansion

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

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There are changes underfoot in the Etna DOC and for once, they do not involve the rumbling mountain. Rather, a few updates to the Disciplinare di Produzione for the Etna DOC have been announced (and published in the Gazzetta Ufficiale della Repubblica Italiana on February 3, 2022).

These updates do not impact the current regulations for the bianco/white wines of the region (produced using a minimum of 60% Carricante) nor the rosso/red or rosato/rosé (produced from a minimum of 80% Nerello Mascalese).

Rather, these changes add a bit of specificity (and hopefully, prestige) to the sparkling wines of the Etna DOC. Previously, the region was approved for the production of sparkling wines (both white and rosé) grouped under one classification—spumante—based on a minimum of 60% Nerello Mascalese.

Photo via: sostatresanti.com

Under the new regulations, two styles of sparkling wines are allowed to be produced, both requiring a minimum of 80% Nerello Mascalese:

• Etna Spumante Bianco DOC
  • Grape varieties:
    • Minimum 80% Nerello Mascalese
    • Maximum 20% “other grapes suitable for cultivation in Sicily”
  • Color: “giallo paglierino più o meno intense” (straw yellow, somewhat intense)
  • Aroma: “intenso e caratteristico, talvolta con note agrumate accompagnate” (intense, citrus, yeast)
  • Must be vinified as a white wine using red grapes

• Etna Spumante Rosato/Rosè DOC
  • Grape varieties:
    • Minimum 80% Nerello Mascalese
    • Maximum 20% “other grapes suitable for cultivation in Sicily”
  • Color: “rosato più o meno intenso anche con riflessi aranciati” (intense pink/rose with orange inflections)
  • Aroma: “intenso e caratteristico, con note floreali e speziate accompagnate da un delicato sentore di lievito” (floral/spicy/yeast)
  • May be vinified as a rosé wine using red grapes and/or may be produced using a combination of white and red grapes

• The following standards have not changed, and apply to both styles of Etna Spumante DOC:
  • Production method: must be produced via the traditional method of sparkling wine production (second fermentation in the bottle)
  • Lees aging: minimum of 18 months
  • Sweetness level: Brut or Extra Dry
  • Alcohol: minimum 11% abv

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As with all such updates, this change will need to wind its way through EU authorization; however, as the Italian government has granted their approval, the changes will be in force (as scheduled) with the release of the wines of the 2020 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:

• Gazzetta Ufficiale Feb 2022-Etna DOC (see page 110)
• Proposed modifications Etna DOC-November 2021
• Click here for a map of Sicily and the Etna DOC, via Federdoc

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