AVA System and Labeling Requirements Flashcards
Who established the AVA system?
Who oversees the AVA system now?
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) in the late 1970s finalized a new system that would, in theory, demarcate appellations based on distinctive geographical, physical, and climatic features in late 1980.
Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), a new federal bureau created by the Homeland Security Act of 2002
What was the first recognized AVA and when did it gain AVA status?
The Augusta AVA surrounding the area around the town of Augusta, Missouri, was the first recognized AVA, gaining the status on June 20, 1980.
When did Napa Valley gain AVA status?
1981
What is an AVA?
American Viticultural Areas- simply an indication of geographic origin, and does not require producers to adhere to any additional guidelines in the vineyard or the winery.
What are percentage of grapes required for labeling…
Labeled by country state or county?
by AVA?
by single vineyard?
“Estate bottle”?
labeled California or Oregon?
labeled Washington?
If labeled by country, state, or county: 75%
If labeled by AVA: 85% (in Oregon 95%)
If labeled with a single vineyard: 95%
“Estate bottled”-100% of a wine must come from grapes grown on land owned or controlled by the winery. Also the winery and all vineyards used in the production of an estate-bottled wine must be located within the same AVA.
California or Oregon: 100%
Washington: 95%
What is the minimum percentage of stated vintage by AVA?
stated vintage by county or state?
stated vintage by AVA: 95%
stated vintage by county or state: 85%
What is the minimum percentage of a stated varietal for Vinifera grapes?
Lambrusca grapes?
stated varietal designation for vinifera: 75%
stated varietal designation for lambrusca: 51%
If an American or imported wine in the US uses a vintage date, what must the label have?
It must carry an appellation smaller than a country.
What is the label laws according to alcohol content in the United States?
Must be stated on the label, within a margin of +/- 1.5%
When does “Contains Sulfites” have to present on the label?
If sulfites are present in a concentration of 10 parts per million or more.
What is the largest AVA in the US?
What states does it cross?
Upper Mississippi Valley AVA at 29,900 square miles (77,000 km2) across four states (Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin).
It is actually the world’s largest demarcated appellation in the world.
What is the largest and smallest AVA in California?
Largest AVA: Central Coast AVA, Approx 6,500,000 Acres
Smallest AVA: Cole Ranch AVA, Approx 150 Acres
What is the largest and smallest AVA in Oregon?
Largest AVA: Southern Oregon AVA, 2,001,430 Acres
Smallest AVA: Ribbon Ridge AVA, Approx 3,350 Acres
What is the largest and smallest AVA in Washington?
Largest AVA: Columbia Valley AVA, 11,500,000 Acres
Smallest AVA: Naches Heights AVA, 37 Acres
True or False: All wine from California must list the producer as well as the address for the bottle.
True
