Oakville AVA

The Oakville AVA is an American Viticultural Area located within Napa Valley AVA and centered on the town of Oakville, California. The appellation extends over a flat expanse of well-drained gravel soil between the Vaca and Mayacamas Mountains. Oakville AVA is known for its success with Bordeaux varietals, which have produced wines of rich texture, firm tannins, and notes of mint and herbs.[2]

Oakville AVA
Wine region
To-Kalon Vineyard, Robert Mondavi Winery.
TypeAmerican Viticultural Area
Year established1993[1]
CountryUnited States
Part ofNapa Valley AVA
Other regions in Napa Valley AVAAtlas Peak AVA, Calistoga 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, Rutherford AVA, Spring Mountain District AVA, St. Helena AVA, Stags Leap District AVA, Wild Horse Valley AVA, Yountville AVA
Soil conditionswell-drained gravel
Total area5,700 acres (23 km2)[2]
Size of planted vineyards5,000 acres (20 km2)[2]
Grapes producedCabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay

Geography and climate

The soil of the Oakville AVA is the result of sedimentary deposits from the hills that form Napa Valley. The soil is gravelly and sandy, with exceptionally good drainage. The portion of the AVA between State Route 29 and the Silverado Trail is a mix of clay and well-drained sandy loam.[3] Oakville AVA has a warm climate well-suited to wine grape production. Wind and fog arriving from San Pablo Bay can affect the morning and evening hours, but their effects are limited by the intervening Yountville Mounts.[4]

History

H. W. Crabb planted the first vineyard here in 1868, on 240 acres (97 ha) of land close to the Napa River that he named To Kalon, Greek for "most beautiful". By 1877, Crabb had planted 130 acres (53 ha) and was producing 50,000 gallons (189,250 liters) of wine per year. By 1880, his vineyard had increased to 430 acres (174 ha). The historic To Kalon Vineyard, owned by the Robert Mondavi Winery, Andy Beckstoffer and four other owners, is still producing grapes today.[5]

In 1903, the United States Department of Agriculture established an experimental vineyard station in Oakville. Known as "Oakville Station", the vineyard is operated by the University of California at Davis. Oakville AVA was officially declared a sub-appellation of Napa Valley in 1993.[6]

Wineries

There are over 50 wineries located within, or source their grapes from vineyards in, the Oakville AVA.[7] Many are small, boutique wineries (like Harlan Estate, Screaming Eagle and Spoto Wines) with limited production.[8]

References
  1. "§9.134 Oakville" (Title 27: Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms Part 9—American Viticultural Areas, Subpart C—Approved American Viticultural Areas). Code of Federal Regulations. Retrieved May 8, 2020.
  2. "Oakville (AVA): Appellation Profile". Appellation America. 2014. Archived from the original on April 7, 2016. Retrieved September 15, 2014.
  3. "Oakville Climate & Cabernet Sauvignon Production". Calwineries. 2007. Retrieved October 29, 2007.
  4. "Oakville AVA Bench, Soil and Terrain". Calwineries. 2007. Retrieved October 29, 2007.
  5. Stamp, Matt (September 7, 2015). "The True Story of To-Kalon Vineyard". Guild Somm. Guild of Master Sommeliers. Retrieved February 11, 2017.
  6. "Exceptional Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon". Oakvillewinegrowers.com. Retrieved 3 August 2021.
  7. "Oakville Winegrowers Members". 2007. Archived from the original on April 29, 2015.
  8. "Wineries of Oakville". Calwineries. 2007. Retrieved October 29, 2007.
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