Author: Dusty Wetton
When I used to work in fine-dining, I was often asked by customers what the difference was between a Merlot from Napa Valley from a Merlot from the Russian River Valley. I always answered that the grapes grew up in different neighborhoods and therefore had different experiences. While this was mostly meant as a joke, it was also comically wise. A grape is grown and experiences many different things depending upon its location of harvest. Things such as the weather, climate, moisture, soil, sunshine, temperature, and other factors can lead to very different wines, even if they are created in the same year and are of the same grape variety. To help consumers, and wine marketing, determine what wines should have similar experiences, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Bureau of the Department of the Treasury have created American Viticulture Areas (“AVA’s”).
AVA’s are designated wine grape-growing regions in the U.S. distinguishable by geographic features. There are currently approximately 200 AVA’s in America, which allow for certain wine producers to place the AVA designation on their particular bottle. To qualify your wine’s origin from a particular locale, it must have at least 85% of its grapes grown from that specific AVA. The size of the AVA is not limiting in any way, yet because they are defined by their geographic settings and similarities, it is difficult to create a miniature AVA. An AVA is also not limited by the variety of grapes that can be grown there, any methods on growing, or vinification techniques.
There are also sub-AVA’s and larger AVA’s. For instance, the Russian River Valley is an AVA in the larger North Coast AVA. Here in Southern California, most of our wines originate from the South Coast AVA. Within that are familiar sub-AVA’s such as Ramona Valley, San Pasquel Valley, and Temecula Valley. In order for each AVA to be created, its area must be evidenced that the area is locally or nationally recognized to hold such a name, have some sort of historical evidence proving the boundaries are accurate, and proof that the soil, climate, elevation, and other physical features are unique to this area.
Now as a consumer, you know the difference and you can use it as an ace in your pocket for your next wine mixer. As a producer, the AVA is also useful for certain marketing benefits, as if 85% of your wine is from a certain AVA, it may allow you to join a more prestigious and established group than you may have reached on your own yet.
For legal services, comments, or questions regarding this blog, please contact me at dwetton@lauruslaw.com.
www.lauruslaw.com
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