Exploring the Creation of an AVA: the Petaluma Gap
“Fall into the Gap” may become the new catchphrase for Sonoma County wine-lovers in 2016 if a 200,000 acre region known as the Petaluma Gap – now a part of the Sonoma Coast AVA – is awarded its own American Viticultural Area [AVA] designation some 10 long years after a local winemaker alliance began their quest for recognition citing their most distinctive factor – WIND! Tracing the path of the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance’s [PGWA] journey to achieve an AVA designation provides a fascinating glimpse into the establishment and evolution of the American Viticultural Area process.
First, a little groundwork: an AVA is “a delimited grape-growing region having distinguishing geographical …show more content…
About a decade ago as the vineyards matured and the industry grew, PGWA growers and winemakers began meeting informally to discuss the significant differences they were noticing in their grapes and wines. New members joined, data was collected, and these vignerons identified at least 100 wines whose flavor seemed distinctive to the Petaluma Gap microclimate. Their quest for an AVA designation began with fundraising and studies to support the petition to the TTB: the petition was formally submitted in February …show more content…
Most AVAs, and most wine regions worldwide, are defined by geographical features like mountains and valleys and, in more precise cases, by types of soil. Petaluma Gap would be defined by wind.
Research shows that winds over 8 mph cause the stomata (pores) of grapevine leaves to close, says Ana Keller, When that happens, sugar production slows down in the grapes, meaning that grapes can stay out in the vineyard longer over the course of the summer, developing flavors without too much alcohol.
Petaluma Gap’s petition for AVA is unusual, as most AVAs and global wine regions tend to be defined either by geography or soil type . Sonoma Co. already has 17 AVAs. “The TTB has let it be known that they are really going to look askance at AVAs that cut across other AVAs now.”
One possible complication is that the proposed AVA will be carved out of an existing AVA, the Sonoma Coast as a sub-appellation of the Sonoma Coast, a 50,000acre AVA.. Fort Ross – Seaview took 8 years for approval. The TTB has warned that the petition will require a lengthy review & evaluation process which could take up to 18 months or
“Fall into the Gap” may become the new catchphrase for Sonoma County wine-lovers in 2016 if a 200,000 acre region known as the Petaluma Gap – now a part of the Sonoma Coast AVA – is awarded its own American Viticultural Area [AVA] designation some 10 long years after a local winemaker alliance began their quest for recognition citing their most distinctive factor – WIND! Tracing the path of the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance’s [PGWA] journey to achieve an AVA designation provides a fascinating glimpse into the establishment and evolution of the American Viticultural Area process.
First, a little groundwork: an AVA is “a delimited grape-growing region having distinguishing geographical …show more content…
About a decade ago as the vineyards matured and the industry grew, PGWA growers and winemakers began meeting informally to discuss the significant differences they were noticing in their grapes and wines. New members joined, data was collected, and these vignerons identified at least 100 wines whose flavor seemed distinctive to the Petaluma Gap microclimate. Their quest for an AVA designation began with fundraising and studies to support the petition to the TTB: the petition was formally submitted in February …show more content…
Most AVAs, and most wine regions worldwide, are defined by geographical features like mountains and valleys and, in more precise cases, by types of soil. Petaluma Gap would be defined by wind.
Research shows that winds over 8 mph cause the stomata (pores) of grapevine leaves to close, says Ana Keller, When that happens, sugar production slows down in the grapes, meaning that grapes can stay out in the vineyard longer over the course of the summer, developing flavors without too much alcohol.
Petaluma Gap’s petition for AVA is unusual, as most AVAs and global wine regions tend to be defined either by geography or soil type . Sonoma Co. already has 17 AVAs. “The TTB has let it be known that they are really going to look askance at AVAs that cut across other AVAs now.”
One possible complication is that the proposed AVA will be carved out of an existing AVA, the Sonoma Coast as a sub-appellation of the Sonoma Coast, a 50,000acre AVA.. Fort Ross – Seaview took 8 years for approval. The TTB has warned that the petition will require a lengthy review & evaluation process which could take up to 18 months or