Chiles Valley AVA
The Chiles Valley District is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located in Napa County, California and a sub-region within Napa Valley AVA. It was established by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) on April 19, 1999 after the ATF received the petition from Mr. Volker Eisele, owner of the Volker Eisele Vineyard and Winery proposing a new viticultural area in Napa County to be known as "Chiles Valley District."[1]
Wine region | |
Official name | Chiles Valley[1] |
---|---|
Type | American Viticultural Area |
Year established | 1999[2] |
Country | United States |
Part of | Napa Valley AVA |
Other regions in Napa Valley AVA | Atlas Peak AVA, Calistoga AVA, Diamond Mountain District AVA, Howell Mountain AVA, Los Carneros AVA, Coombsville AVA, Mt. Veeder 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 |
Total area | 6,000 acres (9 sq mi)[3] |
Size of planted vineyards | 1,000 acres (405 ha)[3] |
Varietals produced | Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon blanc, Semillon, Zinfandel |
The Chiles Valley is nestled in the Vaca Mountains above the northeast side of the Napa Valley. The appellation has a cooler climate than the main Napa Valley floor due to elevations of 600–1,200 feet (183–366 m) as well as a cooling breeze from the Pacific Ocean. The most planted grapes in Chiles Valley are Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.
History
Chiles Valley was named after Joseph Ballinger Chiles, who received the Rancho Catacula Mexican land grant in the 1841.[3] The area was historically a local source for tin, which was mined by residents in the area as of the 1881. Gypsum has also been found in the southern end of the valley.[4]
In August 2020, Chiles Valley was evacuated due to the Hennessey Fire, which resulted in the burning of over 315,000 acres (492 sq mi) in five counties, including in Chiles Valley.[5]
References
- "Chiles Valley Viticultural Area (96F-111)" (27 CFR Part 9 [TD ATF-408; Re: Notice No. 858] RIN 1512-AA07 Final rule). Federal Register. Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Bureau, Treasury Department. 64 (31): 7785–7788. February 17, 1999.
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
- "§ 9.154 Chiles Valley" (Title 27: Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; Part 9 — American Viticultural Areas; Subpart C — Approved American Viticultural Areas). Code of Federal Regulations. Retrieved October 30, 2007.
- "Chiles Valley ~ Napa Valley (AVA): Appellation Profile". Appellation America. 2007. Archived from the original on August 29, 2018. Retrieved October 30, 2007.
- Palmer, Lyman L.; Wells, Harry Laurenz (1854-1940) (August 26, 2016). History of Napa and Lake Counties, California. Slocum, Bowen & Company. pp. 28–29. ISBN 978-1363000555.
- "Hennessey Fire Information". CAL FIRE. Archived from the original on August 18, 2020. Retrieved August 17, 2020.
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