Search Results for: AVA

Welcome to the world, Contra Costa AVA!

Base map via the TTB AVA Explorer (click to enlarge)

Base map via the TTB AVA Explorer (click to enlarge)

On March 15 (2024), the TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) of the United States announced the approval of the Contra Costa American Viticultural Area (AVA). The new AVA covers a portion of California’s Contra Costa County, located in the East Bay portion of the San Francisco Bay Area. Along with the approval of the new AVA, the San Francisco Bay AVA and the Central Coast AVA have been expanded so that they encompass the entirety of the new appellation. In other words, the Contra Costa AVA is a sub-appellation of both the San Francisco Bay AVA and the Central Coast AVA.

According to the original petition—submitted by Patrick Shabramon on behalf of the Contra Costa Winegrowers Association in March of 2023—the distinguishing features of the Contra Costa AVA include its topography and climate—as described below.

Topography: The terrain of the Contra Costa AVA is—while interrupted in a few places by rolling hills—relatively flat. All of the area within the boundaries of the new AVA are below 1,000 feet, with most area below 100 feet. Hillside slopes—where they exist—are generally less than 5% gradient. As such, the area experiences a great deal of marine influence from the northeastern portion of the San Francisco Bay—including San Pablo Bay and Suisun Bay.

Base map via the TTB AVA Explorer (click to enlarge)

Base map via the TTB AVA Explorer (click to enlarge)

Climate: The Contra Costa AVA experiences an average of 3,000 to 4,275 GDD (growing degree days) over the course of a growing season, marking the area as a relatively warm (and sometimes very warm) region. However, the area’s proximity to the marine influence from the northeastern portion of the San Francisco Bay—including San Pablo Bay and Suisun Bay—mean that temperatures cool down quite a bit at night. This diurnal temperature fluctuation provides the area with a near-ideal grape-growing climate scenario of “warm days—cool nights.“

The Central Coast AVA covers a total of 167,146 acres; of these, approximately 1,700 acres are currently planted with commercial vineyards. Leading grape varieties include Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Mourvèdre, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay.

The area around Contra Costa County has been growing grapes and producing wine since 1846. By 1916, there were over 6,000 acres of vines in the area. Alas, most of these vines did not survive Prohibition. These days, Contra Costa County is home to at least 60 commercial vineyards and 14 wineries, including Viano Vineyards, Serendipity Cellars, and Hannah Nicole Vineyards & Winery.

Cline Cellars (now located in Sonoma) was established in this area (in the town of Oakley) in 1982. Cline Cellars still sources grapes from Contra Costa, and I am an enthusiastic fan of their Contra Costa County Old Vine Zinfandel.

When the Contra Costa AVA is brought into force—on April 15, 2024—the total number of AVAs in the United States will be 270; of these, 150 will be in California.

Welcome to the world, Contra Costa AVA!

References/for more information:

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

 

 

Welcome to the World, Campo de Calatrava DO!

Photo via: www.vinocampodecalatrava.com

Photo via: www.vinocampodecalatrava.com

The EU has spoken, and—as of February 2024—it has granted its approval for a new appellation for Spanish wine: the Campo de Calatrava DO (Denominación de Origen).

Wine has been produced in the Campo de Calatrava area—located in the Ciudad Real province within the autonomía of the Castilla-La Mancha—since the Bronze Age ( ). In modern times, the wines of the area have been bottled under the classification Vino de la Tierra-La Mancha (which covers the entire autonomía). At last count, there are eight commercial wineries in the region.

The Campo de Calatrava DO is located atop a unique geological feature known as the Campo de Calatrava Volcanic Field (La Región Volcánica del Campo de Calatrava). The region contains over 300 individual volcanic landforms, including lava domes, pyroclastic cones, and low-relief volcanic craters known as maars. While the area is believed to be dormant—the last known volcanic eruption dates to 3.600 BCE—the area contains the most significantly volcanic soils in the Iberian Peninsula. Topsoil is dark and stony, aiding in heat retention and drainage.

The Campo de Calatrava DO allows for a long list of wines styles to be produced. These include dry white, red, and rosé wines, quality sparkling wine, and sweet (late harvest) wines.

The list of allowed grape varieties is long and varied—and quite similar to those found in the nearby DOs of La Mancha and Valdepeñas.

  • Approved red grapes include Bobal, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha (Tinto), Graciano, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Syrah, and Tempranillo.
  • Approved white grapes include Airén, Albariño, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Macabeo (Viura), Moscatel de Alejandría, Moscatel de Grano Menudo, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Verdejo, and Viognier,

We will post a map as soon as the newly crafted DO creates one.

Welcome to the world, Campo de Calatrava DO!

References/for more information:

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

Welcome to the World, Winters Highlands AVA!

Base map via the TTB AVA Explorer (click to enlarge)

Base map via the TTB AVA Explorer (click to enlarge)

On August 28 (2023), the TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) of the United States announced the approval of the Winters Highlands American Viticultural Area (AVA). The new AVA is located in portions of California’s Solano and Yolo Counties.

The Winters Highlands AVA is inland from the North Coast AVA and not located within any other AVA. The new AVA is situated between the California Coast Range and the Sacramento River Valley and includes the eastern most foothills of the northern Coastal Range with gentle to steep slopes at elevations ranging between I00 feet/30 m and 400 feet/120 m above sea level.

According to the original petition—submitted on behalf of Berryessa Gap Vineyards and originally submitted in November of 2023—the distinguishing features of the Winters Highlands AVA include its soil and climate—as described below.

Soil: The soils in the Winters Highlands AVA—consisting mainly of moderately well-drained clay and loam derived from sedimentary soils—tend to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. They are similar in parent material to the soils found in the surrounding areas; however, the texture differs due to variances in erosion and weathering.

Base map via the TTB AVA Explorer (click to enlarge)

Base map via the TTB AVA Explorer (click to enlarge)

Climate: The new AVA is located on the eastern (inland) side of the California Coast Ranges, which provides some shelter from the cooling effect of the Pacific Ocean. However, the Berryessa Gap—a break in the mountains where Putah Creek flows into Lake Berryessa—allows for some cooling effect (particularly in the evenings). As a result, while the new AVA has more degree days and is warmer overall than most of the surrounding areas; it does tend to be cooler at night and therefore benefits from the “warm days/cool nights” conditions beneficial to the cultivation of Mediterranean grape varieties.

The Winters Highlands AVA covers a total of 7,296 acres; of these, approximately 134 acres are currently planted with commercial vineyards (with another 60 acres in the planning stages). Petite Sirah, Tempranillo, Zinfandel, and Malbec are the leading red grape varieties; white varieties include Chardonnay, Albariño, Verdejo, and Sauvignon Blanc. There are currently three wineries—including Berryessa Gap Vineyards and Turkovich Family Wines—located within the new AVA (as well as several in the planning stages).

When the Winters Highlands AVA is brought into force—on September 28, 2023—the total number of AVAs in the United States will be 269; of these, 149 will be in California.

Welcome to the world, Winters Highlands AVA!

References/for more information:

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

Welcome to the World, Long Valley-Lake County AVA!

Base map via the TTB AVA Explorer (click to enlarge)

Base map via the TTB AVA Explorer (click to enlarge)

On July 5 (2023), the TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) of the United States announced the approval of the Long Valley-Lake County American Viticultural Area (AVA). The new AVA is located entirely within Lake County (California).

It should be noted that at the same time as this ruling, the TTB expanded the area of the already-established High Valley AVA to create a solid boundary between the two appellations. In addition, the area of the larger, previously established North Coast AVA was expanded in order to encompass the entirety of the Long Valley-Lake County AVA, making the new AVA entirely contained within the North Coast AVA.

According to the original petition—drafted by Terry Dereniuk (owner of Terry Dereniuk Consulting), Don Van Pelt (of Cache Creek Vineyards), and Clay Shannon (of the Shannon Family of Wines) on behalf of Long Valley wine grape growers and originally submitted in 2018—the distinguishing features of the Long Valley-Lake County AVA include its topography (elevation), geology (soil), and climate—as described below.

Base map via the TTB AVA Explorer (click to enlarge)

Base map via the TTB AVA Explorer (click to enlarge)

Topography and elevation: The area inside the Long Valley-Lake County AVA consists of a long, narrow valley floor—situated at a medium elevation of 1,322 feet/403 m above sea level—surrounded by the hills of the High Valley Ridge and the Rocky Ridge. Long Valley Creek runs along the valley floor. The foothills and benchlands within the AVA rise an additional 200 feet/61 m to 500 feet/152 m above the valley floor. During the growing season, cool air blowing down from the hills helps to cool the vines from the heat of the day and allows some protection from early spring frosts. Elevation differentiates the Long Valley-Lake County AVA from the surrounding areas (such the High Valley and Red Hills AVA); these areas have higher elevations and steeper hillsides.

Geology (soil): The Long Valley–Lake County AVA sits atop the Cache Formation—an area of fossilized deposits left over from the Jurassic Period, when Lake County was covered by water. The Cache Formation—which forms basis of the area’s soils—consists mainly of freshwater lake deposits, volcanic rock, tuff (lithified volcanic ash), limestone, sand, and gravel. In many areas, these soils rest atop blue clay, limestone, and shale.

Climate: The climate of the Long Valley-Lake County AVA differs from the climate of the surrounding areas in terms of annual rainfall as well as heat accumulation (growing degree days) during the growing season. Rainfall in Long Valley averages between 27 and 33 inches per year, with the larger numbers typically experienced in the western edge of the area. These numbers are higher than those typically experienced in the areas to the south and east of the appellation, and quite a bit lower than those experienced to the northwest (where rainfall can average up to 45 inches per year).

Base map via the TTB AVA Explorer (click to enlarge)

Base map via the TTB AVA Explorer (click to enlarge)

According to the petition, the Long Valley-Lake County AVA is classified as Region III on the Winkler scale and is (on average) a bit cooler than the surrounding areas. In terms of average growing degree days (GDD), the Long Valley-Lake County AVA has an average heat accumulation of 3,378. Of the surrounding areas, the High Valley AVA averages 3,548 GDD, while the Red Hills-Lake County AVA averages 3,595.

The new appellation covers a total of 7,605 acres, of which approximately 149 acres are currently planted with commercial vineyards; Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petite Sirah, and Syrah are the leading grape varieties. There are currently three wineries located within the new AVA, including Noggle Vineyards and Winery, Cache Creek Vineyards and Winery, and Stonehouse Cellars.

When the Long Valley-Lake County AVA is brought into force—on August 4, 2023—the total number of AVAs in the United States will be 268; of these, 148 will be in California.

Welcome to the world, Long Valley-Lake County AVA!

References/for more information:

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

Welcome to the World, Gabilan Mountains AVA!

Map via the TTB AVA Explorer

Map via the TTB AVA Explorer (click to enlarge)

On August 15 (2022), the TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) of the United States announced the approval of the Gabilan Mountains American Viticultural Area (AVA). The new AVA is located entirely within the existing Central Coast AVA, slightly inland from the town of Salinas—and covering portions of Monterey and San Benito Counties.

The Gabilan Mountains AVA surrounds the existing Mt. Harlan and Chalone AVAs and is located adjacent/just slightly west of the San Benito, Paicines, Cienega Valley, and Lime Kiln Valley AVAs. The status of these AVAs will not change.

According to the original petition—written by Parker Allen of Coastview Vineyards and originally submitted in 2018—the distinguishing features of the Gabilan Mountains AVA include its elevation, climate, and soils—as described below.

  • .

    .

    Elevation: The Gabilan Mountains AVA is located in a mountainous region that places it at a significantly higher elevation than the surrounding areas. The average elevation within the AVA is 2,370 feet—above the heavy fog and marine layer that often affects other regions in the vicinity.

  • Climate: The Gabilan Mountains AVA has an overall cool climate. However, as previously mentioned, the Gabilan Mountains AVA has significantly less fog and cloud cover—and therefore more sunshine—than the surrounding areas. It also receives more rainfall by comparison; the area within the Gabilan Mountains AVA receives an average of 17.24 inches of rain per year (with over 12 of these received during the fall and winter months). By contrast, the area to the north receives 14.19 inches per year; the area just to the south receives just over 12 inches annually.
  • Soils: The soils of the Gabilan Mountains AVA are described as moderately coarse in texture, rich in calcium due to high limestone content, and supported by granite bedrock. These quick-draining soils are renowned for their ability to stress the vines during the growing season, resulting in thick-skinned, flavorful grapes. By contrast, the surrounding areas contain more find-to-medium textured alluvial soils, the result of past floods.
Map via the TTB AVA Explorer

Map via the TTB AVA Explorer (click to enlarge)

When the Gabilan Mountains AVA is brought into force—on September 14, 2022—the total number of AVAs in the United States will be 267; of these, 147 will be in California.

Welcome to the world, Gabilan Mountains AVA!

References/for more information:

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

Welcome to the World, Upper Lake Valley AVA!

Map via the TTB AVA Explorer

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 8th 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

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:

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

California Earns another: the Paulsell Valley AVA!

Map via the TTB AVA Explorer

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 Paulsell Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA), located in Stanislaus County, California.

The new AVA is located in the San Joaquin Valley (Central Valley), somewhat between the town of Knights Ferry and the Modesto Reservoir. The Paulsell Valley AVA is situated to the west of the Sierra Foothills AVA and to the south of the Lodi AVA; it does not, however, overlap with any previously established viticultural area. The name Paulsell refers to a nearby unincorporated community—sometimes known as Old Paulsell Town—and the valley that runs through it, carved by Dry Creek

  • According to the original petition—originally submitted in 2018 by Patrick L. Shabram on behalf of the grape growers in the area—the distinguishing features of the Paulsell Valley AVA include its topography, soils, and climate, as described below.
    • Topography: The landscape within the new AVA consists mainly of rolling hills interspersed with water-carved channels and steep, isolated hills known as intermounds. This type of landscape is known as mound-intermound relief and is unique to the area (as compared with the surrounding landscape). Elevations in the Paulsell AVA range from 140 to 612 feet asl. The numerous slopes allow for excellent drainage, while the isolated patches of higher elevation (located towards the top of the intermounds) allow for long hours of sun exposure.
    • Soils: The soils of the Paulsell Valley AVA consist mainly of volcanic tuff (a sedimentary soil created via the compaction of volcanic ash and bits of igneous rock) and alluvial deposits. In some spots, the topsoil contains cobbles—small rocks typically defined as being 2.5 to 10 inches in diameter, sometimes referred to as cobblestones—remnants of significant flooding.
    • Climate: The climate of the Paulsell Valley AVA is slightly warmer than the areas that surround it, and slightly drier than the area within the Sierra Foothills AVA. The (average) temperature within the new AVA is well above 4100 growing degrees days (GDD); by any accounts this is a warm, dry, inland area well-suited to the cultivation of hardy red grapes.
Map via the TTB AVA Explorer

Map via the TTB AVA Explorer

The Paulsell Valley AVA—covering a total area of 34,155 acres—contains three commercial vineyards and approximately 826 acres planted to vine (with more planned for the future). The leading grape varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Petite Sirah.

Note: June 3 was a busy day for the TTB, which saw the approval of four new AVAs, including Paulsell Valley. The other three include Rocky Reach (WA), Upper Lake 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, Paulsell Valley AVA!

References/for more information:

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

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

Map via the TTB AVA Explorer

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 23rd 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

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:

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

Welcome to the World, Rocky Reach AVA!

Map via the TTB AVA Explorer

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 Rocky Reach American Viticultural Area (AVA)., located in portions of Chelan and Douglas Counties in Washington State. The newly minted AVA is located entirely within the existing Columbia Valley AVA and represents the 20th AVA located in Washington State.

The Rocky Reach AVA covers a long, narrow strip of land that straddles a portion of the Columbia River. This stretch of the Columbia River consists of a deep canyon between two sets of rolling hills (the foothills of the Cascade Mountains to the west and Badger Mountain to the east). The new AVA is situated between the Lake Chelan AVA (located a few miles to the north) and the Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley AVA (located a few miles to the southeast).

  • According to the petition to establish the appellation—originally submitted in 2018 by Kevin Pogue PhD, Professor of Geology at Whitman College—the distinguishing features of the Rocky Reach AVA include its topography, soils, and climate, as described below.
    • Topography: The area within the Rocky Reach AVA consists of a deep canyon eroded over time by the rapids of the Columbia River. The prime vineyard areas are located along flat-topped terraces that line either side of the river.
    • Soils: Loess (windblown sand and silt) is the leading soil type of the Rocky Reach AVA and other parts of the Columbia Valley. However, unlike the surrounding areas, the soils in the Rocky Reach AVA are topped with gravel and cobblestones. The bedrock of the region is also unique—in the Rocky Reach and Lake Chelan AVAs, the bedrock is silica-rich sedimentary rock. This type of bedrock soil is unique, as most of the surrounding vineyard areas are composed of basalt bedrock.
    • Climate: The deep canyon of the Rocky Reach AVA sits at an elevation that is considerably lower than the surrounding areas. As such, the area within the AVA is significantly warmer, resulting in a longer growing season than the surrounding areas.
Map via the TTB AVA Explorer

Map via the TTB AVA Explorer

At the time of the proposal, there were 7 commercial vineyards within the area defined by the Rocky Reach AVA with a total of 117 acres planted to vine. Cabernet Sauvignon is the leading grape variety.

The name Rocky Reach has been applied to this section of the Columbia River since the 1800s. In those days, steamboat captains used the term to describe the 8-mile-an-hour rapids that formed certain times of the year. Successful navigation of the rocky reach required staying within the deepest channel of the river to avoid the rocks just beneath the surface of the water.

Note: June 3 was a busy day for the TTB, which saw the approval of four new AVAs, including Rocky Reach. The other three include Upper Lake Valley (Lake County, CA), Mount Pisgah (Polk Country, OR), and Paulsell Valley (Stanislaus County, 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.

Welcome to the world, Rocky Reach AVA!

References/for more information:

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

Welcome to the World, West Sonoma Coast AVA!

Map via the TTB AVA Explorer

Map via the TTB AVA Explorer

On May 23 (2022) the TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) of the United States announced the approval of the West Sonoma Coast American Viticultural Area (AVA). The newly minted AVA is located entirely within the existing Sonoma Coast AVA and is a sub-appellation of the larger North Coast AVA. The West Sonoma Coast AVA—which encompasses the existing Fort Ross-Seaview AVA—represents the 19th AVA located in Sonoma County.

The West Sonoma Coast AVA hugs the coastline of Sonoma County and exhibits an overall cool, maritime climate often described as cool enough to be marginal. The AVA currently contains more than fifty commercial vineyards (totaling just over 1,000 acres) planted within five to seven miles of the Pacific Ocean. The leading grape varieties include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah.

According to the original petition to establish the AVA—originally submitted to the TTB in December of 2018 by Patrick L. Shabram on behalf of the members of the association of West Sonoma Coast Vintners—the distinguishing features of the West Sonoma Coast AVA include its topography, geology, and climate, as described below.

.

.

Topography: The West Sonoma Coast AVA is rugged territory, much of it defined by the steep mountains and ridgelines of the California Coast Range. The mountains in this area—often referred to as the Sonoma Coast Highlands—can reach as high as 1,000 feet/31 meters asl. Many of the vineyards are planted on the hillsides and mountain slopes, which are typically in excess of 5 degrees.

Geology: Much of the area within the West Sonoma Coast AVA consists of sedimentary bedrock and soils of the Franciscan Complex (which includes greywacke, shale, and sedimentary conglomerates). Rocks of the Franciscan Complex are not easily eroded, which contributes to the rugged ridgelines and steep slopes of the region. The soils have a high level of sand content, providing excellent drainage and low fertility.

Climate: As evidenced by its location, the West Sonoma Coast is a maritime climate highly influenced by coastal breezes, fog, and cool temperatures—much more so even than the surrounding areas including the Russian River Valley, Petaluma Gap, and the interior areas of the Sonoma Coast AVA. The West Sonoma Coast AVA is truly positioned to be a leader in cool climate viticulture!

When the West Sonoma Coast AVA comes into force on June 22 (2022), the total number of AVAs in the United States will be 262. Of these, 144 will be in California.

Welcome to the world, West Sonoma Coast AVA!

References/for more information:

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