Wine region | |
Type | American Viticultural Area |
---|---|
Year established | 2022 [1] |
Years of wine industry | 105 [2] |
Country | United States |
Part of | California, Central Coast AVA, Monterey county, San Benito County |
Other regions in California, Central Coast AVA, Monterey county, San Benito County | Carmel Valley AVA, Arroyo Seco AVA, Hames Valley AVA, Monterey AVA, San Antonio Valley AVA |
Sub-regions | Chalone AVA, Mt. Harlan AVA |
Climate region | Region I and III [1] |
Precipitation (annual average) | 17.24 in (437.90 mm) [1] |
Soil conditions | Moderately coarse textured soil over granite bedrock, Sheridan-Cieneba-Auberry, high limestone content [1] [3] |
Total area | 98,000 acres (153 sq mi) [1] |
Size of planted vineyards | 436 acres (176 ha) [3] |
No. of vineyards | 4 [1] |
Grapes produced | Aligoté, Bordelaise, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignane, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Grenache, Pinot Noir, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Syrah, Viognier [4] |
No. of wineries | 6 [1] |
Gabilan Mountains is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located in the mountainous region on the border in Monterey and San Benito Counties in California. It is the tenth and newest AVA established in Monterey County by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) on September 14, 2022, becoming the state's 147th official AVA after the TTB reviewed the petition from Parker Allen of Coastview Vineyards, proposing to establish the "Gabilan Mountains" viticultural area. Gabilan Mountains encompasses about 98,000 acres (153 sq mi) including the established Mt. Harlan and Chalone AVAs, and resident to 4 wineries and 6 commercial vineyards cultivating approximately 436 acres (176 ha). The average elevation within the region is 2,370 feet (722 m) placing it above the heavy fog and marine layer. As a result, Gabilan Mountains AVA has a cool air climate without the humidity from the fog and low-lying clouds. [1]
In 1919, French immigrant and entrepreneur, Charles L. Tamm, traveled through California searching for the terroir with limestone soil similar to his native Burgundy. He found a property in Monterey County which is currently Chalone Vineyard. On the north slope of Chalone Peak at1,800 feet (550 m), Tamm planted Chenin Blanc sourcing for wineries even during Prohibition, when the grapes were used to make sacramental wines. Winegrowing, however, never became important in Monterey County because it was considered a "poor area" for viticulture. Strong winds off Monterey Bay and the arid climate of the Salinas River Valley deterred the planting of wine grapes. During Prohibition, only 400 acres (162 ha) of vineyards survived in Monterey County and this acreage was halved in the years following Repeal. [5] Later, Chalone Vineyard grew and its grapes were sold in the 1940s and '50s to Almaden Vineyards and Wente Brothers. [2] [6] In 1946, Chalone vineyards were expanded by its subsequent owner, William Silvear, with more Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc plus newly planted Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir. [7] [8]
In the early 1960s, the modern era of viticulture took root and Monterey County gained prominence as a wine-producing region. By the late 1960s and early 1970s, the quality of some California wines was outstanding but few took notice as the market favored French brands. At the legendary Paris Wine Tasting of 1976 on May 24, Chalone Vineyard's 1974 Chardonnay ranked 3rd in the white wine category scored predominantly by renown French oenophiles. [9] The identical vintage ranked "1st Place" in a repeat event at the San Francisco Wine Tasting of 1978. [8]
In 1974, vintner Josh Jensen purchased a limestone-rich parcel near Mt. Harlan in San Benito County located 100 miles (161 km) south of San Francisco and about 37 miles (60 km) inland from the Pacific coastline. The property was formerly an early 20th-century limestone quarry and at 2,000 feet (610 m) above sea level, Calera Wine Company is one of the most elevated cool-climate vineyards in California. [10]
The distinguishing features of the Gabilan Mountains AVA are its elevation, climate, and soils. The area is located in the Gabilan Range mountainous region with high elevations. According to the petition, the average elevation within the AVA is 2,370 feet (722 m). By contrast, all surrounding regions have lower elevations. To the north, the average elevation in the Santa Clara Valley AVA is 345 feet (105 m). The average elevation within the established Arroyo Seco AVA, located to the south, is 331 feet (101 m). To the east of the AVA, the average elevation ranges from 778 feet (237 m) within the established Paicines AVA and 1,105 feet (337 m) within the Cienega Valley AVA. West of Gabilan Mountains, the average elevation ranges from 480 feet (146 m) in the enlongated Monterey AVA to 512 feet (156 m) within the existing Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. Gabilan Mountains higher elevations place it above the heavy fog and marine layer. As a result, its cool climate lacks the humidity from the fog and low-lying clouds. The lower humidity levels significantly reduce mildew pressure, which allows growers to use less fungicide and pursue more organic practices during the growing season. [1]
The climate of the Gabilan Mountains viticultural area distinguishes it from the surrounding regions, particularly with respect to fog and rainfall. The area averages fewer than 2.5 hours of fog and low clouds per day each year during the months of June through September. The regions to the west and north of the AVA each average nine hours of fog and low cloud cover daily, while the region to the south averages seven hours. Paicines, to the east and sheltered from the marine air by the Hollister Hills, receives an average of only 2 hours of fog and low cloud cover daily. The low amounts of fog and lack of low clouds allow grapevines more access to direct sunlight, which assists photosynthesis of the vines for proper maturation. The lack of fog and low clouds also reduces the amount of humidity in Gabilan Mountains, reducing the chance of mildew developing in the vineyards. Although the AVA has less fog and low cloud cover than most of the surrounding regions, annual rainfall amounts within Gabilan Mountains are higher. The area receives an average 17.24 inches (437.90 mm)of rain each year, with over 12 inches (305 mm) of that falling during the fall and winter months. The region to the north averages 14.19 inches (360.43 mm) annually, while the region to the east receives 16.06 inches (407.92 mm). To its south, the average annual rainfall total is 12.06 inches (306.32 mm), and the amount for the region to the west is 12.83 inches (325.88 mm). Higher rainfall amounts during the fall and winter months act to clear the soil and send nutrients and carbohydrates to the dormant vines' roots. Within the AVA, the drier summers reduce the risk of moisture-related diseases damaging the fruit and keep the sugars and acids balanced closer to harvest. [1]
The soils of Gabilan Mountains AVA are moderately coarse textured soils over a granite bedrock. It is rich in calcium due to the high limestone content. The high calcium content causes grapes to carry acid later into the growing season, allowing growers to let the grapes remain on the vines longer so that they reach physiological ripeness. The soils are primarily from the Sheridan-Cieneba-Auberry association and are well-drained to excessively drained. According to the petition, the quick-draining soils cause stress to the vines during the growing season, resulting in intense flavors and rich, hardy skins that are less frequently associated with vines grown in poorly drained soils. By contrast, the soils to the east and west of the Gabilan Mountains AVA are medium textured soils on floodplains and alluvial fans. The soils east of the AVA are primarily from the San Benito-Gazos-Linne association. [1]
TTB determined that the Gabilan Mountains AVA will remain part of the established Central Coast AVA as Gabilan Mountains AVA shares some broad characteristics with the Central Coast. For example, the primary characteristic of the Central Coast AVA is its marine-influenced climate, which results in higher rainfall amounts than occur in the inland valleys on the eastern side of the Coastal Ranges. Gabilan Mountains AVA also experiences higher annual rainfall amounts than the regions to the east of the Coastal Ranges. However, due to its higher elevations, the Gabilan Mountains experiences less marine fog incursion than many of the lower elevations in the Central Coast AVA. Additionally, due to its smaller size, the soils and elevations of the Gabilan Mountains AVA are less varied than those of the large, multi-county Central Coast AVA. Finally, TTB determined that the Mt. Harlan and Chalone AVAs will remain a part of the Gabilan Mountains AVA. All three AVAs are high elevation areas that experience less marine fog than the lower neighboring regions. Like the Gabilan Mountains, the Mt. Harlan contains soils of the Sheridan, Cieneba, and Auberry series, and the Chalone AVA soils contain large amounts of calcium derived from limestone. However, the Mt. Harlan and Chalone viticultural areas have characteristics that distinguish themselves from Gabilan Mountains and justify their continued existence as unique viticultural areas within the larger region. Both the Mt. Harlan and Chalone contain a narrower range of elevations due to their smaller size. Additionally, due to its proximity to the Hollister and Cienega Valleys that funnel storms in from the Pacific Ocean, Mt. Harlan AVA receives more rainfall each year than the Gabilan Mountains as a whole. However, Chalone is sheltered from the Pacific storms by the Santa Lucia Mountains and receives less rainfall annually than Gabilan Mountains AVA as a whole. [1]
The establishment of the Gabilan Mountains viticultural area does not affect the existing Central Coast, Mt. Harlan, or Chalone AVAs, and any bottlers using "Central Coast," “Mt. Harlan" or "Chalone" as an appellation of origin or in a brand name for wines made from grapes grown within those AVAs will not be affected by the establishment of this AVA. The establishment of the Gabilan Mountains AVA will allow vintners to use "Gabilan Mountains" and "Central Coast" as appellations of origin for wines made primarily from grapes grown within the Gabilan Mountains AVA if the wines meet the eligibility requirements for these appellations. Additionally, vintners may use "Gabilan Mountains" as an appellation of origin in addition to or in place of "Mt. Harlan" or "Chalone" for wines made primarily from grapes grown in the Mt. Harlan or Chalone AVAs if the wines meet the eligibility requirements for either of these appellations. [1]
Arroyo Seco is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in Monterey County, California, southeast of Monterey Bay. The appellation encompasses 18,240 acres (29 sq mi) in the valley adjacent to the Arroyo Seco Creek with approximately 8,500 acres (3,440 ha) of cultivation. The region's proximity to the Pacific Ocean produces the maritime climate, and is best suited for those cool climate grape varieties.
Chalone identifies the first American Viticultural Area (AVA) established in Monterey County, California straddling its border with San Benito County where it is the second established AVA. Chalone viticultural area is located in the Gabilan Mountains east of Soledad. It was recognized by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) effective on July 14, 1982 after reviewing the petition submitted by the Gavilan Vineyards, Inc. to establish a viticultural area in Monterey and San Benito counties to be named "The Pinnacles." The area encompasses 8,640 acres (14 sq mi) and the proposed name was recognition of the nearby Chalone peaks.
Washington wine is a wine produced from grape varieties grown in the U.S. state of Washington. Washington ranks second in the United States in the production of wine. By 2017, the state had over 55,000 acres (220 km2) of vineyards, a harvest of 229,000 short tons (208,000 t) of grapes, and exports going to over 40 countries around the world from the 940+ wineries located in the state. While there are some viticultural activities in the cooler, wetter western half of the state, the majority (99.9%) of wine grape production takes place in the shrub-steppe eastern half. The rain shadow of the Cascade Range leaves the Columbia River Basin with around 8 inches (200 mm) of annual rain fall, making irrigation and water rights of paramount interest to the Washington wine industry. Viticulture in the state is also influenced by long sunlight hours and consistent temperatures.
Red Mountain is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) that encompasses the local region surrounding Red Mountain in Benton County, Washington. The viticultural area was formally recognized on June 11, 2001 by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Treasury after reviewing the petition submitted by Lorne Jacobson of Hedges Cellars to establish an area known as "Red Mountain." It lies entirely within the Yakima Valley and vast Columbia Valley appellations and is the smallest AVA in the state at only 4,040 acres (6.31 sq mi) in area and lies between Benton City and the City of West Richland. The area has more than 2,225 acres (900 ha) under cultivation of primarily red varietals including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc and Syrah. The reputation of the area's wines has brought Red Mountain worldwide attention and acclaim for producing some of the most desired Washington State vintage wines.
Santa Maria Valley is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) which straddles the boundary of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties in California's multi-county Central Coast AVA. It was established on August 5, 1981, by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) as California's second oldest AVA. A portion of the AVA crosses the Cuyama River into the southernmost corner of San Luis Obispo County. The east–west orientation of the 152.3 square miles with a wide, open valley and rolling hills means cool winds and fog flow in freely from the Pacific Ocean, settling most noticeably in lower-lying areas. The result is a mild Mediterranean climate that lengthens the growing season and contributes to the eventual sugar/acid balance in the grapes from Santa Maria Valley's 7,500 acres (3,000 ha) cultivated vineyards. On January 28, 2011, the AVA was granted an 29.4 square miles expansion to its southern boundary.
Sonoma County wine is wine made in Sonoma County, California, in the United States.
Sierra Foothills is a vast American Viticultural Area (AVA) encompassing the foothill "belt" of the Sierra Nevada in north-central California, United States. It was established on December 18, 1987 by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Treasury after evaluating the petition filed by the Sierra Foothills Winery Association of Somerset, California for the establishment of a "Sierra Foothills" viticultural area in portions of Yuba, Nevada, Placer, El Dorado, Amador, Calaveras, Tuolumne and Mariposa Counties. Wine grapes were introduced to the area in the nineteenth century during the California Gold Rush. Over 280 vineyards/wineries are located within its boundaries.
Lake County wine is an appellation that designates wine made from grapes grown mostly in Lake County, California. The region is located north of Napa County and east of Mendocino County. Although each region within Lake County has unique viticultural attributes, many are influenced by Clear Lake, the largest inland body of water in California.
Mt. Harlan is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located in San Benito County, California. It was established on December 17, 1990 by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) within California’s multi-county Central Coast AVA. It lies within the Gabilan Mountains at elevations of 1,800 feet (550 m) to 2,200 feet (670 m) above sea level where the soil is predominantly limestone. The AVA was established as the result of a petition to the ATF by Josh Jensen and the Calera Wine Company, the only commercial winery in the appellation at the time.
Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, also locally called "Ancient Lakes", is an American Viticultural Area {AVA) which lies on the western edge of the Columbia Basin near the town of Quincy in Douglas, Grant, and Kittitas Counties in the state of Washington. The appellation lies entirely within the vast Columbia Valley viticultural area and was established on November 19, 2012, as the state's 13th AVA, by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau {TTB), Treasury. The petition was received by TTB from Joan R. Davenport, a professor of soil sciences at Washington State University, and Cameron Fries of White Heron Cellars, on behalf of the vintners and grape growers in the Ancient Lakes region in central Washington, proposing the establishment of the "Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley" viticultural area.
Eagle Foothills is the second American Viticultural Area (AVA) in the state of Idaho located in the southwestern region in Gem and Ada Counties. The area lies southeast of Emmett, north of Eagle and approximately 10 miles (16 km) northwest of the city of Boise. It was established on December 28, 2015 by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), Treasury as the first sub-appellation in the vast Snake River Valley viticultural area and the first appellation entirely within Idaho’s state borders. It does not overlap with any existing or proposed AVA. Eagle Foothills lies at the north bank of Ancient Lake Idaho with its elevations ranging from 2,490 to 3,412 feet (759–1,040 m). The area encompasses 49,815 acres (78 sq mi) with nearly 70 acres (28 ha) under vine with plans to add 472 acres (191 ha) and seven vineyards. Its USDA plant hardiness zones are 7a and 7b. Vineyard elevations are below 3,000 feet (914 m). The majority of viticulture activity is at 3 Horse Ranch Vineyards with its 46 acres (19 ha) in center of the appellation. The cool climate and relatively short growing season are suitable for growing early to mid-season varietals such as Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Riesling.
Lamorinda is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in the San Francisco Bay Area located due east of the Berkeley Hills in Contra Costa County encompassing the region around the cities of Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda. The name Lamorinda is a portmanteau from the names of the three locales defining the region: Lafayette, Moraga, and Orinda. The AVA is a sub-region within the existing San Francisco Bay AVA and the larger, multi-county Central Coast AVA stretching approximately 30,000 acres (47 sq mi) with 46 commercially-producing vineyards that cover approximately 139 acres (56 ha). The USDA plant hardiness zone for the AVA is 9b. The AVA was proposed as the growers in the area found the wider San Francisco Bay and Central Coast AVA titles too generic and not indicative of its terroir. The area was officially established March 25, 2016 by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) after reviewing the petition from Patrick L. Shabram, on behalf of the Lamorinda Wine Growers Association, proposing the establishment of the "Lamorinda" viticultural area.
Squaw Valley-Miramonte is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) and a unique grape-growing region in Fresno County, California surrounding the towns of Squaw Valley and Miramonte approximately 40 miles (64 km) east of the city of Fresno. The AVA was established on August 7, 2015 by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). It is largely a rural region located entirely within the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains and does not overlap any established AVAs. To the northwest, west, and south is the San Joaquin Valley while the Sequoia National Forest is adjacent to its northern and eastern boundaries. The scenic highway U.S. 180 bisects the region eastward from the Valley to the Big Trees in Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. The AVA stretches over 44,690 acres (70 sq mi) with five commercially-producing vineyards cultivating about 7.5 acres (3.04 ha) and three bonded wineries. The USDA plant hardiness zone for the AVA is 9b.
Los Olivos District AVA is an American Viticultural Area located in Santa Barbara County, California established on January 20, 2016, by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). It straddles the Santa Ynez Valley, formed by the Santa Ynez River, between the Purisima Hills above Solvang. The area encompasses the townships of Los Olivos, Ballard, Santa Ynez and Solvang. State Route 154, known locally as the San Marcos Pass Road or Chumash Highway, bisects the region accessing many of the wineries and vineyards as it traverses toward its destination in Santa Barbara.
Moon Mountain District Sonoma County is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) within Sonoma Valley and North Coast viticultural areas, just north of the city of Sonoma. This mountainous region on the very eastern edge of Sonoma County has a historic reputation for producing rich, intensely-flavored wines from Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah varietals since the 1880s. The District was established on November 1, 2013, by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). Its designation covers 17,663 acres (28 sq mi) of land stretching north-south along the western slopes of the Mayacamas mountains between Sugarloaf Ridge State Park and Los Carneros viticultural area with the Napa Valley’s Mount Veeder viticultural area outlining the eastern slopes. Its name is derived from Moon Mountain Road, which traverses through the area and itself a reference to Sonoma, which means 'valley of the moon' in the local Native American dialect. A clear view to San Francisco 50 miles (80 km) south is not uncommon from Moon Mountain District vineyards.
Santa Barbara County wine is an appellation that designates wine made from grapes grown mostly in Santa Barbara County, California which is located approximately 50 miles (80 km) north of Los Angeles County. County names in the United States automatically qualify as legal appellations of origin for wine produced from grapes grown in that county and do not require registration with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) of the Treasury Department. TTB was created in January 2003, when the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, or ATF, was extensively reorganized under the provisions of the Homeland Security Act of 2002.
San Luis Obispo (SLO) County wine is a appellation that designates wine made from grapes grown in San Luis Obispo (SLO) County, California which is sandwiched between Santa Barbara County to the south and Monterey County at the northern boundary on the Pacific coast. Its location sits halfway between the cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles on the north–south axis of U.S. Route 101 and Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). The county lies entirely within the Central Coast viticultural area. County names in the United States automatically qualify as legal appellations of origin for wine produced from grapes grown in that county and do not require registration with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) of the Treasury Department. TTB was created in January of 2003, when the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, or ATF, was extensively reorganized under the provisions of the Homeland Security Act of 2002.
Monterey County wine is a appellation that designates wine made from grapes grown in Monterey County, California which lies entirely within the expansive multi-county Central Coast viticultural area. County names in the United States automatically qualify as legal appellations of origin for wine produced from grapes grown in that county and do not require registration with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). TTB was created in January 2003, when the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, or ATF, was extensively reorganized under the provisions of the Homeland Security Act of 2002.
Goose Gap is the 19th American Viticultural Area (AVA) in Washington, United States. It encompasses the local region surrounding Goose Mountain in Benton County between Kiona to the west, and Richland along the Columbia River to the east. The viticultural area was formally established on August 2, 2021, by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), Treasury after reviewing the petition submitted by geologist/vintner, Alan Busacca, on behalf of the Goose Gap Wine Grower's Association, proposing the viticultural area "Goose Gap". The area is a sub-appellation entirely within the Yakima Valley and the expansive Columbia Valley AVAs sandwiched on a northwest–southeast axis between neighboring viticultural areas Red Mountain and the minute Candy Mountain.
Candy Mountain is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in Washington that encompasses the slopes surrounding Candy Mountain in Benton County located southwest of Richland along the Columbia River. The viticultural area is the state's 16th AVA formally established on September 24, 2020, by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), Treasury after reviewing the petition submitted by Dr. Kevin R. Pogue, professor of geology at Whitman College, on behalf of the following industry members with wine businesses within the Candy Mountain appellation: Ramer Holtan, who is developing a commercial wine grape vineyard on Candy Mountain; Premiere Columbia Partners LLC, owners of Candy Mountain Vineyard; and Paul and Vickie Kitzke, owners of Kitzke Cellars. For wines to bear the “Candy Mountain AVA” label, at least 85% of the grapes used for production must be grown in the designated area, Candy Mountain is a sub-appellation entirely within the Yakima Valley and the expansive Columbia Valley AVAs adjacent to the eastern boundary of Goose Gap AVA and few miles southeast of Red Mountain AVA. Within the 815 acres (330 ha) minute AVA, there are currently two producing commercial vineyards, Candy Mountain Vineyard and Kitzke Cellars, which cultivate approximately 54 acres (22 ha) with future expansions for 200 acres (81 ha)
The oldest producing vineyard in Monterey County, Chalone Vineyard Estate rests on the Gavilan Mountain Range on the north slope of Chalone Peak