Los Carneros AVA

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Coordinates: 38°15′12″N 122°24′11″W / 38.25347°N 122.40296°W / 38.25347; -122.40296
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"Carneros" redirects here. For the former settlement, see Carneros, California. For other uses, see Carnero.

Los Carneros AVA
Tocai Friulano, Vermentino, Vernaccia, Viognier, Zinfandel, Petit Verdot

Los Carneros AVA (also known as Carneros AVA) is an American Viticultural Area which includes parts of both Sonoma and Napa counties in California, U.S.A. It is located north of San Pablo Bay. The proximity to the cool fog and breezes from the bay makes the climate in Los Carneros cooler and more moderate than the wine regions farther north in Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley. The cooler climate has made Los Carneros attractive for the cultivation of cooler climate varietals like Pinot noir and Chardonnay. Many of the grapes grown in Los Carneros are used for sparkling wine production.[3] Receiving its AVA status in 1983, the Carneros area was the first wine region in California to be defined by its climate characteristics rather than political boundaries.[4]

Early morning fog over a block of Chardonnay on the Napa side of the Los Carneros AVA

History

In the year 1942, wine producer

Gloria Ferrer, Mumm Napa and Codorníu Napa that made Carneros one of the centers of California sparkling wine production.[5] In the late 1980s, phylloxera returned to the Carneros region prompting extensive replanting efforts. In addition to taking advantage of better phylloxera-resistant rootstock, many Carneros producers also took the opportunity to plant some of the new French clones of Pinot noir and Chardonnay.[6] The surging popularity of Chardonnay in the 1980s further stimulated plantings in the Carneros region. By the early 1990s, the region had over 6,000 acres (2,400 ha) planted.[7]

Geography and climate

Approximate location of the Carneros AVA (red box) in relation to San Pablo Bay.

The Carneros region covers 90 square miles (58,000 acres) located along the low-lying hills of the

Mayacamas range as it descends underneath San Francisco Bay. Elevations of most vineyards range from 400 feet (120 m) in the foothills to near sea level closer to the bay.[4] The official boundaries of the AVA fall into both Napa and Sonoma counties with the largest portion being in Sonoma and entitled to use the Sonoma Valley AVA designation as well. The Napa portion of Los Carneros is similarly entitled to use the Napa Valley AVA designation. The region is moderately cool and windy with marked influences from nearby San Pablo Bay, making it the coolest and windiest AVA in both Napa & Sonoma. Early morning fog is a persistent feature.[5]

Viticulture

The soils of the Carneros region are predominantly clay and very thin and shallow (approximately 3 feet/1 meter deep), providing poor drainage and fertility. The fierce and persistent winds coming off the bay encourages the grapevines to struggle and retain moisture. While this aids in keeping crop

vintages with a long, drawn out growing season that allow the grapes to ripen, intense and vivid flavors can develop.[7]

Grape varieties and wine

A Chardonnay from the Carneros AVA.

Los Carneros is primarily associated with the cool-climate wines such as Chardonnay and Pinot noir, as well as the sparkling wines made from those grapes. Many wineries in Napa & Sonoma use Carneros grapes as a cool-climate blending component. In recent years there has been interest in

United States were planted in the Carneros region.[8]

Carneros Chardonnay is marked by its high

oak treatment to soften some of the acidity, the current winemaking style in California emphasizes the fruit. The style now favors stainless steel and neutral French Oak, while rarely using more than a portion of the wine undergoing malolactic fermentation.[3]

Pinot noir from the Carneros is known for its crisp acidity and tight structure and frequently exhibits spicy berry fruit.

beets and mint. The newer French clones being planted, (such as the Dijon 115, 667 and 777) produce more alcoholic and concentrated wines with black fruit notes.[9]

Light brown apple moth sightings

In August 2008, two

harvest season. Proposals on how to deal with the vineyard pest have been met with controversy in the past.[11]

References

  1. ^ "§9.32 Los Carneros" (Title 27: Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; Part 9 — American Viticultural Areas; Subpart C — Approved American Viticultural Areas). Code of Federal Regulations. Retrieved October 30, 2007.
  2. ^ a b Elkjer, Thom (June 9, 2005). "Carneros conundrum - Even after 20 years, Napa-Sonoma region struggles to define its identity". San Francisco Chronicle.
  3. ^ a b c "Carneros ~ Los Carneros (AVA): Appellation Profile". Appellation America. 2007. Archived from the original on July 5, 2008. Retrieved October 30, 2007.
  4. ^ a b c Goldfarb, Alan (September 28, 2007). "Carneros AVA -- The Sweet Spot for Pinot noir and Chardonnay". Appellation America.
  5. ^
    ISBN 978-0-19-860990-2
    .
  6. ^ Berger, Dan (February 12, 2006). "Los Carneros Pinot noir: a regional signature becomes illegible as winemakers seek a new identity". Appellation America.
  7. ^ a b Laube, J. (May 15, 1994). "What Lies Ahead for Carneros?". Wine Spectator.
  8. ^ Sogg, Dan (April 6, 2002). "California Vintner Brings Iberian Grape to Carneros". Wine Spectator.
  9. ^ Berger, Dan. "Striking a balance as old style and new co-exist in Carneros Pinot noir". Appellation America. Retrieved January 13, 2009.
  10. ^ Alley, Lynn (August 22, 2008). "Carneros Faces Impending Quarantine". Wine Spectator.
  11. ^ Alley, Lynn (August 18, 2008). "Light-Brown Apple Moth Found in Carneros". Wine Spectator.

External links

38°15′12″N 122°24′11″W / 38.25347°N 122.40296°W / 38.25347; -122.40296

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