Candy Mountain AVA

Add links
Coordinates: 46°15′N 119°21′W / 46.25°N 119.35°W / 46.25; -119.35
Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Candy Mountain
Wine region
TTB map
TypeAmerican Viticultural Area
Year established2020[1]
Years of wine industry26[2]
CountryUnited States
Part ofWashington, Columbia Valley AVA, Yakima Valley AVA
Other regions in Washington, Columbia Valley AVA, Yakima Valley AVAGoose Gap AVA, Rattlesnake Hills AVA , Red Mountain AVA, Snipes Mountain AVA
Precipitation (annual average)5 in (127 mm)[1]
Soil conditionsLoess, windblown silt and sand, ice age flood sediment, underlying basalt bedrock [1][3]
Total area815 acres (1.3 sq mi)[1]
Size of planted vineyards110 acres (45 ha)[3]
No. of vineyards2[1]
Grapes producedCabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese , Syrah[4]
No. of wineries1

Candy Mountain is an

Treasury after reviewing the petition submitted by Dr. Kevin R. Pogue, professor of geology at Whitman College, on behalf of the following industry members with wine businesses within the Candy Mountain appellation: Ramer Holtan, who is developing a commercial wine grape vineyard on Candy Mountain; Premiere Columbia Partners LLC, owners of Candy Mountain Vineyard; and Paul and Vickie Kitzke, owners of Kitzke Cellars. For wines to bear the “Candy Mountain AVA” label, at least 85% of the grapes used for production must be grown in the designated area,[5] Candy Mountain is a sub-appellation entirely within the Yakima Valley and the expansive Columbia Valley AVAs adjacent to the eastern boundary of Goose Gap AVA and few miles southeast of Red Mountain AVA. Within the 815 acres (330 ha) minute AVA, there are currently two producing commercial vineyards, Candy Mountain Vineyard and Kitzke Cellars, which cultivate approximately 54 acres (22 ha) with future expansions for 200 acres (81 ha)[1]

Terroir

Topography

The distinguishing features of the Candy Mountain AVA are its soils and topography. Candy Mountain appellation is a segment of a series of four mountains in the area, which includes

solar radiation that reaches the surface and promotes photosynthesis in the grape vines, as well as grape development and maturation. By contrast, the valley floor surrounding both the entire Candy Mountain and the AVA is essentially flat, with slope angles less than 2 degrees, and is susceptible to cold air pooling and the associated frosts and freezes. Additionally, much of the land immediately surrounding the appellation is a valley floor with elevations below 640 feet (195 m). The exception is the northeastern side of Candy Mountain, which has similar elevations to the proposed AVA but were excluded due to northeasterly slope aspect and steep slope angles of up to 60 degrees.[1]

Soil

The soils of Candy Mountain are developed from wind-deposited

minerals that are rich in iron and magnesium, such as pyroxene and olivine. The petition states that these minerals and nutrients are only present in the bedrock, so vines planted in the surrounding regions where the soil is thicker do not have the same access to these elements as vines planted within the AVA.[1]

Climate

Candy Mountain lies 4 miles (6 km) southeast of Red Mountain and borders Goose Gap sharing similar

enological characteristics of wine. He further stated that Red Mountain is typically the first grape growing area in Washington State to harvest grapes because of its warmer temperatures. According to the petitioner, the warmer temperatures also help to produce fully mature, ripe grapes with exceptional balance that differ substantially in quality from those of other growing areas in the state.[9]

At Benton City, the Yakima River flows past the area and provides a moderating effect on the temperature. Cool air from the northern elevations flowing to the lower river valley moves across the hillside vineyards and keeps the grapes from being overheated. This constant air movement prevents air settling and frost damage to the grapes.[10] The area has a desert climate with average annual rainfall of 5 inches (130 mm). During the growing season, daytime temperatures average 90 °F (32 °C) with nighttime temperatures dropping below 50 °F (10 °C).[11] Vineyards rely on irrigation to supply water to the vines allowing viniters to optimize the growth cycle of their grapevines.

Industry

Within its 815 acres (1.3 sq mi), the minute AVA began with two producing commercial vineyards, Candy Mountain Vineyard and Kitzke Cellars, which cultivated approximately 54 acres (22 ha). Additionally, Mr. Holtan secured long-term leases from the

Washington Department of Natural Resources to cultivate additional 200 acres (81 ha) of vineyards in the AVA. A copy of the lease was included in the petition as evidence of Mr. Holtan's intent to grow wine grapes. Currently, Kitzke Cellars is the only winery within the AVA, although the petition noted that other Washington wineries source from Candy Mountain grapes.[1][2]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Establishment of the Candy Mountain Viticultural Area and Modification of the Yakima Valley Viticultural Area" (27 CFR 9 [Docket No. TTB–2019–0006; T.D. TTB–163; Ref: Notice No. 184] RIN 1513–AC42 Final Rule). Federal Register. 85 (187). Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau {TTB), Treasury: 60358–60362. September 25, 2020. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 17, 2023.Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  2. ^ a b Degerman, Eric (September 25, 2020). "Sweet 16th AVA in Washington belongs to Candy Mountain". Great Northwest Wine. Archived from the original on January 27, 2023.
  3. ^ a b c "Candy Mountain AVA". Washington Wine. Washington State Wine Commission Center. 2024.
  4. ^ "Welcome to the World, Candy Mountain AVA!". Wine, Wit, and Wisdom. September 25, 2020. Archived from the original on October 30, 2020.
  5. ^ "Wine Appellations of Origin" (Requirements for Use). Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. Retrieved February 17, 2024.
  6. ^ "Little Badger Mountain Trail". City of Richland, WA. WA Parks & Public Facilities. June 2023.
  7. ^ "Candy Mountain". National Park Service (NPS). United States Department of the Interior. 2023. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
  8. ISBN 0-9719258-5-2
    .
  9. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Treasury: 18543–18546. April 10, 2001. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 18, 2023.Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain
    .
  10. ISBN 0-9650834-9-7
    .
  11. ^ Gaffney, Jacob (April 24, 2000). "Washington Wineries Seek New Appellation". Wine Spectator. Archived from the original on September 6, 2004.

External links

46°15′N 119°21′W / 46.25°N 119.35°W / 46.25; -119.35

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Candy_Mountain_AVA&oldid=1226473105"