|
|
|
FUN FACTS FOR WINE SOCIAL ATTENDEES
Information in this document derived from The Preiser Key to Napa Valley and the starchefs.com web site. WHAT’S IN AN APPELLATION? Within California there are growing regions that each possess characteristics similar enough to have been granted its own American Viticulture Area (referred to as "AVA" or "Appellation"). Modern enology allows the luxury of matching grape varieties with the locations that are best suited to grow them. Individual regions feature distinct microclimates (functions of wind, rain, temperature and time-in-the-sun), as well as terrain – hill, valley, foothill, type of soil, etc. These factors always affect and influence the grapes. Within an appellation there can also be sub-appellations. For example, the Russian River Appellation is a sub-appellation of the Sonoma appellation. Wine Labeling Requirements Grape Variety: What percentage of a grape variety needs to be in a bottle in order to comply with labeling requirements? For example, a wine can only be labeled a Chardonnay, Zinfandel or other varietals if it has at least 75% of that varietal grape contained within.The Appellation: For an appellation such as Napa, at least 75% of the grapes must be from that appellation. However, for a sub-appellation, such as Russian River, the requirement rises to 85%. Vintners are not required to put an appellation on the bottle, but those whose wines come from the fruits of famous AVAs usually do.The Vineyard: Should a bottle have a particular vineyard or ranch name on it, 95% of the grapes must come from that particular place. The Vintage: 95% of the grapes must come from the stated vintage (year). Wine can evaporate from the barrels and sometimes needs to be topped-up to prevent oxygen from entering; the extra 5% gives winemakers wiggle-room to do so with other vintages if necessary.Estate Bottled: Unless a wine says "Estate Bottled," the appellation only tells you where the grapes are grown, not where they were made into wine. However, if it does say "estate Bottled," then you know that the winery and 100% of the grape sources are both within the given appellation. More and more people are buying into the idea that more specific is better and single-vineyard status now commands higher prices than vaguer terms like "reserve."The Yacht Club Estates Wine Social Committee hopes you have enjoyed this information and that you plan to join us for the event on May 23.
|