Calistoga AVA

The Calistoga AVA is an American Viticultural Area located in the northern portion of California's Napa Valley AVA. The appellation is distinguished by its volcanic soil,[3] high temperatures up to 100 °F (38 °C) during the day, and cool nights during the growing season due to breezes from the Russian River, causing the highest diurnal temperature variation in the Napa Valley—up to 50 °F (28 °C).[4]

Calistoga AVA
Wine region
Vines at Chateau Montelena in Calistoga
TypeAmerican Viticultural Area
Year established2010[1]
CountryUnited States
Part ofNapa Valley AVA
Other regions in Napa Valley AVAAtlas Peak AVA, Chiles Valley AVA, Diamond Mountain District AVA, Howell Mountain AVA, Los Carneros AVA, Mt. Veeder AVA, Coombsville AVA, Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley AVA, Oakville AVA, Rutherford AVA, Spring Mountain District AVA, St. Helena AVA, Stags Leap District AVA, Wild Horse Valley AVA, Yountville AVA
Climate regionIII[2]
Precipitation (annual average)38 inches (97 cm) to 60 inches (150 cm) annually[3]
Total areaapproximately 7 square miles (18 km2)[4]
Varietals producedCabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc[3]
No. of wineries24[4]

Geography and Climate

Despite sharing a name, the Calistoga AVA does not encompass the entirety of the town of Calistoga. The area is noted for its topographical diversity and uniform geology, with bedrock almost exclusively made through volcanic action. The hot days provide color and flavor in the wines, while the cool nights help to maintain acidity and structure[2][4]

The appellation abuts the Diamond Mountain District AVA to the south and west, the Saint Helena AVA to the southeast, and the Howell Mountain AVA is a short way to the east.[2]

History

The name Calistoga dates back to 1857, with the first vine plantings in 1862. Viticultural and winery census data from 1880 list Calistoga as a distinct region separate from Napa.[2][5] The appellation was proposed in 2003 by Bo Barrett petitioning for separate AVA status, with final approval coming through in 2009, effective 2010.[2][6]

Controversy

When the appellation was proposed, two wineries (Calistoga Cellars and Calistoga Estate) fought against the proposal, as under U.S. wine law they would either have to use 85% grapes from the new AVA (neither did at the time) or change their brand names.[6] Several compromises were proposed, and ultimately rejected, before the AVA was approved. During the process, the Tax and Trade Bureau, the federal body in charge of AVA designations, paused the process of all AVA proposals due to the need to redefine regulations.[7]

Ultimately, the wineries using the Calistoga name were given three years to come in compliance with the appellation rules or discontinue using the name.[8]

See also

References
  1. "§ 9.209 Calistoga" (Title 27: Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; Part 9 — American Viticultural Areas; Subpart C — Approved American Viticultural Areas). Code of Federal Regulations. Retrieved June 24, 2011.
  2. Manfreda, John J. (March 30, 2005). "Proposed Establishment of the Calistoga Viticultural Area (2003R-496P)". Federal Register (Doc. 05-6350). Retrieved May 2, 2020. Examination of DAYMET data indicates that most of the proposed viticultural area-mountain slopes and valley floor alike-lies within Region III, defined as the range of 3000 to 3500 degree days.
  3. "Napa Valley Appellations and Wine Growing Regions". Napa Valley Vintners. Archived from the original on June 24, 2011. Retrieved June 24, 2011.
  4. SteveLay. "Newest AVA-Do you buy wines based upon an AVA?-Calistoga AVA". Archived from the original on March 26, 2012. Retrieved June 24, 2011.
  5. Sullivan, Charles L (1994). Napa Wine: A History from Mission Days to Present. Wine Appreciation Guild. ISBN 978-0-932664-70-9.
  6. Gordon, Jim (December 3, 2009). "Contested Calistoga AVA Approved". Wines & Vines. Retrieved June 24, 2011.
  7. Goldfarb, Alan (August 9, 2007). "The Big Freeze: Money and Politics Stop AVA Petitions in Their Tracks". Appellation America. Retrieved June 24, 2011.
  8. Quackenbush, Jeff (December 14, 2009). "'Grandfathered' date still issue for Calistoga AVA". North Bay Business Journal. Retrieved June 24, 2011.
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