Alexander Valley AVA

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Coordinates: 38°45′N 122°54′W / 38.75°N 122.9°W / 38.75; -122.9
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Alexander Valley AVA
Semillon, Syrah, Tempranillo, Viognier, Zinfandel[3]

The Alexander Valley (

Sonoma County. It is home to many wineries and vineyards, as well as the city of Cloverdale. It is the largest and most fully planted wine region in Sonoma.[5] Highway 101 runs through the valley, and the Russian River flows down the valley, surrounded by vineyards on both sides. From the higher elevations of the valley rim, there is a view as far south as Taylor Mountain and Sonoma Mountain. The region was named for Cyrus Alexander, owner of a part of the Rancho Sotoyome Mexican land grant, in 1847.[6]
Granted AVA status in 1984, the boundaries of the appellation are defined in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 27, Section 9.53.

History

A Cabernet Sauvignon from the Alexander Valley AVA

In its early history, the territory commonly referred to as the "Alexander Valley" denoted the

grape varieties. A modern era of quality wine production began in the late 1960s when a new owner of Simi Winery sought to revive the area's long winemaking history. In the 1970s, a new wave of producers, such as Chateau Souverain and Jordan Vineyard & Winery, descended upon the area and started making wines that received critical and consumer acclaim. Wine pioneer, Rodney Strong, whose namesake winery is located in Russian River Valley, was also among the first to recognize Alexander Valley's potential, producing and releasing Sonoma County's first single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from the 1974 vintage. The vineyard designated was Strong's Alexander's Crown vineyard located near Jimtown. In 1988, E & J Gallo Winery purchased substantial tracts of land in the Alexander Valley to establish the fine wine brand of the company.[5]

In 1963, one of Alexander Valley's most prestigious vineyards, the Robert Young Vineyard, was planted. There were few wineries in the area at the time so the vineyard sourced most of it fruit to wineries outside the valley. One of these wineries,

California wine history to have the name of the vineyard appear on the label.[8]

Expansion

Located in the northeastern section of

Dry Creek AVA to a reclassification as part of the Alexander Valley AVA.[9]

Geography and climate

Location of the Alexander Valley AVA in relation to the Russian River path through Sonoma County

The Alexander Valley covers a broad expanse of land east of the Russian River consisting of the watershed that runs southeast from the

diurnal temperature variation that offers cool climate conditions. The region's proximity to the Russian River serves a source for early morning fog that covers the lower vineyard areas until it is burned off by the morning sun.[11]

Wines

Cabernet Sauvignon from the Alexander Valley

A characteristic associated with Alexander Valley wines is a rich, fleshy mouthfeel and a degree of voluptuousness due to the area's generally warm climate and ability to sufficiently ripen the grapes. While the wine exhibit a degree of drinkability and accessibility in their youth, they may not have the same

grape varieties but in recent years, the area has been noted for the quality of its Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The alluvial soils of the region tend to impart a rich, chocolate note to the Cabernet.[10] Other Alexander Valley varietals that have been gaining recognition include Chardonnay, Nebbiolo and Sangiovese.[9] The Chardonnay from this region is characterized by its rich, tropical fruits.[12] Some experts, such as Jancis Robinson, have speculated that Zinfandel and Sauvignon blanc may eventually prove themselves to be best suited to the climate and soils of the Alexander Valley.[5]

River Rock Casino controversy

In the early 21st century, there was controversy when the Alexander Valley Association of farmers, wineries and property owners objected to a proposal for a

harvest season because of the agricultural traffic on the roads.[13] These concerns intensified after River Rock received a liquor license in 2008.[14]

References

  1. ^ "§ 9.53 Alexander Valley" (Title 27: Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; Part 9 — American Viticultural Areas; Subpart C — Approved American Viticultural Areas). Code of Federal Regulations. Retrieved November 30, 2007.
  2. ^ Professional Friends of Wine (2007). "American Viticultural Areas" Archived 2007-12-12 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved Nov. 15, 2007.
  3. ^ a b "Alexander Valley (AVA): Appellation Description". Appellation America. 2007. Archived from the original on May 16, 2008. Retrieved November 30, 2007.
  4. ^ "Wappo Language". Wappo Indians of Napa County. Archived from the original on 2012-02-08. Retrieved 2012-08-15.
  5. ^
    ISBN 0-19-860990-6
  6. ISBN 0-520-24217-3
    .
  7. ^ a b c Elkjer, Thom (October 4, 2005). "Tale of Two Valleys". Appellation America. Archived from the original on July 24, 2008.
  8. ^ Cline, H. "Robert Young, 84, energized to better wine grape growing". Western Farm Press. Archived from the original on July 21, 2009. Retrieved January 11, 2009.
  9. ^
    ISBN 0-7513-3740-4
  10. ^
    ISBN 1-84000-332-4
  11. ISBN 1-56305-434-5
    .
  12. ^ Laube, J. (December 8, 2008). "Tasting Highlights: California Chardonnay". Wine Spectator.[permanent dead link]
  13. ^ T. Fish "Gambling Rolls into Sonoma Wine Country Archived 2004-10-10 at the Wayback Machine" Wine Spectator, July 23, 2003
  14. ^ Mason, Clark (June 3, 2008). "River Rock liquor license granted". The Press Democrat. Archived from the original on July 18, 2009. Retrieved January 13, 2009.

External links

38°45′N 122°54′W / 38.75°N 122.9°W / 38.75; -122.9

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