Napa AVAs Flashcards
What are the 16 AVAs in Napa Valley?
- Calistoga
- Howell Mountain
- Chiles Valley
- Diamond Mountain District
- Spring Mountain District
- St. Helena
- Rutherford
- Oakville
- Mount Veeder
- Yountville
- Stags Leap District
- Atlas Peak
- Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley
- Los Carneros
- Coombsville
- Wild Horse Valley
What is the elevation range of the Calistoga AVA?
The elevation ranges from 300 to 1200 feet (92 to 370 m).
What is unique about the elevation of Howell Mountain?
Howell Mountain has some of the highest elevations in Napa Valley, reaching up to 2,600 feet (792 m).
What is the benefit of Howell Mountain’s elevation for vineyards?
Vineyards sit above the fog line, experiencing warmer night temperatures and cooler mid-day temperatures.
Name a few major producers in Howell Mountain.
Major producers include Robert Foley, La Jota, Duckhorn, Cakebread, and Robert Craig.
What is the Chiles Valley AVA?
The Chiles Valley AVA is an American Viticultural Area established in 1999, spanning 6,000 acres with about 1,000 acres of vines, primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Zinfandel. Some white plantings include Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
It is located in the Vaca Mountains, northeast of Napa Valley, near Lake Barryessa.
Who petitioned for the establishment of Chiles Valley AVA?
The petition to make Chiles Valley AVA official came from Volker Eisele, owner of the Volker Eisele Vineyard and Winery, who began organic farming in Napa Valley in 1974.
What is the Diamond Mountain District AVA?
The Diamond Mountain District AVA, established in 2001, is located between Calistoga and Spring Mountain District, with much of its area in Sonoma County, but is more often associated with Napa Valley.
The soil is volcanic with reflective bits of volcanic glass and is very porous.
What is the historical significance of Jacob Schram in Diamond Mountain District?
Jacob Schram was the first to purchase land in Diamond Mountain District in 1862 and planted vines in 1868. His property is now known as Schramsberg Vineyards, famous for traditional method sparkling wine.
What is the Spring Mountain District AVA?
The Spring Mountain District AVA, established in 1993, has a cooler and wetter climate than most Napa Valley regions, located on the eastern slopes of the Mayacamas Range, overlooking St. Helena.
It is situated 30 miles east of the Pacific Ocean and 25 miles north of San Pablo Bay.
What characterizes the vineyards in Spring Mountain District?
The vineyards in Spring Mountain District are small, spread out, and surrounded by forest due to the area’s ragged terrain, resulting in Cabernets that are quite tannic and ageworthy.
