Sunday, March 20, 2016

What's an AVA?

These days you don't visit "wine country" you explore an AVA (American Viticultural Area.)  So what's the big deal with knowing which AVA you happen to be tasting wine in?

It really goes to the heart of the matter, or should I say "terrior", of where the grapes are grown.  This French term is often used to describe the various factors that surround the vineyard in question, such as climate and soil. Over the millenniums  grape growers have learned what grapes do well in what environments.  An AVA usually features certain grapes that meet these guidelines.

All this means that as a consumer you can expect a certain level of excellence in the wines that are produced within the geographical boundaries of the AVA. 

Following this line of reason you can expect a good quality Pinot Noir from the cooler Russian River AVA than from the much warmer Dry Creek Valley AVA.  Bottom line is that if you are a Zinfandel fan you should head for Dry Creek Valley AVA where that grape does great things!

No comments:

Post a Comment