A New California AVA-Fort Ross-Seaview

 

  

     After more than ten years of hard work, a new AVA (American Viticultural Area) became official on January 13, 2012. The Fort Ross-Seaview AVA received approval from the Tobacco, Tax, and Trade Bureau (TTB) in December of 2011. This new AVA overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is located entirely within the current Sonoma Coast AVA. 
 

     What makes this AVA special? Like most AVA’s, it is the geographical and climate conditions specific to the area. The western edge of this new AVA runs parallel to the Pacific Ocean, but lies just a bit inland, 0.5 to 2.5 miles. The rest of borders tend to run along ridge lines. It is 27,500 acres, but roughly only 500 of those acres are actually planted with vines. The majority of the vineyards are found at elevations of 920-1,800 feet above sea level. Why plant the vineyards at some of the highest elevations in the state? Planting this high allows the grapes to grow above the fog line. This allows the vineyards to receive longer periods of sunlight and warmer, more moderate temperatures than land at the lower elevations allowing the grapes to reach proper maturity. The growers believe this unique growing region with a cool, maritime climate, and rugged topography produce a distinctive wine.

     This new AVA is home to just 18 wineries. As you can imagine with such rugged conditions, yields are naturally low. The majority of grapes grown are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but you can also find Pinotage, Zinfandel, Petit Sirah, Syrah, and small amounts of Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne. Some wonderful, award winning wines can be found in this region. If you plan to visit, just remember, getting around can be a bit more difficult because of the terrain and some of the wineries require appointments for a visit. Here are just a few of the wineries.



 

Flowers Vineyard sitting above the fog.

Flowers Vineyard and Winery

Flowers sits on top of a coastal ridge that borders the Pacific Ocean. Their two vineyards that produce Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, sit at 1,150-1,875 feet above sea level on the “extreme” Sonoma Coast. Owners, Walt and Joan Flowers ran a successful nursery in Pennsylvania before coming to California and opening their winery. I was able to try their Sonoma Coast 2009 Pinot Noir recently at Lucas Park Grille, in St. Louis, and enjoyed it very much. They have a great video on their website www.flowerswinery.com  that gives a great idea just how “extreme” this AVA is!



Fort Ross Winery

Fort Ross Vineyard and Winery

This winery sits just one mile above the Pacific. You can see Bodega Head and Pt. Reyes from the vineyard. Like Flowers they produce Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but they also have Pinotage. All of their wines are estate grown on 28 small mountain blocks 1,200-1,700 feet above sea level. Check them out at www.fortrossvineyard.com.

Hirsch Vineyards

Hirsch Vineyards

I love the name of their signature Pinot Noir, San Andreas Fault Estate www.hirschvineyards.com.
Pinot Noir. The grapes are grown just a mile from the famous San Andreas Fault line. This vineyard was founded in 1980 by David Hirsch to grow fruit and produce site specific wine. Hirsch vineyards are also known for their Chardonnays, learn more at

     I hope to have the opportunity to taste more of these wines in the future.

Cheers,

Beth

 

WINE WORD OF THE WEEK

 

Maceration:  The chemical process by which tannin, color, and flavor are extracted from the grape skinsinto the wine.  Temperature and alcohol content influence the speed at which maeration occurs.