Defining traits of latest AVA embrace geology, soils, topography, and local weather
SEATTLE (June 3, 2022)—Rocky Attain is Washington’s 20th American Viticultural Space (AVA). Right now, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Commerce Bureau (TTB) printed the ultimate rule for Rocky Attain AVA to formally outline it as a chosen wine grape-growing area.
“We’re extraordinarily happy to have the Rocky Attain AVA accepted,” mentioned David and Michelle Dufenhorst, who personal Rocky Pond Vineyard and two vineyards positioned inside the AVA. “That is an important step in direction of recognizing what we’ve identified for a while—that this can be a outstanding place to develop and produce high tier grapes and wines.”
Positioned between Chelan and Wenatchee, Rocky Attain straddles the Columbia River and is wholly contained inside the bigger Columbia Valley. The AVA covers 32,333 complete acres, although the Columbia River and Rocky Attain Reservoir make up roughly 1 / 4 of the realm. There are presently eight industrial vineyards protecting 117 acres.
The AVA takes its title from the Rocky Attain Dam and the Rocky Attain Reservoir, although the title originated from steamboat captains within the late 1800s who used the time period to explain the rapids inside a stretch, or ‘‘attain,’’ of the Columbia River.
To qualify as an AVA, a wine grape-growing area will need to have distinguishing options. Based on Kevin Pogue, Professor of Geology at Whitman School, who wrote the AVA petition for Rocky Attain, its defining traits are its geology, soils, topography, and local weather:
- Geology: Rocky Attain is exclusive from virtually all different appellations within the Columbia Valley in that it has predominantly granitic bedrock, a function it shares with solely Lake Chelan.
- Soils: Whereas the realm has the windblown sand and silt (loess) that’s ubiquitous all through the Columbia Valley, in Rocky Attain, these soils overlie cobblestones and gravels.
- Topography: Rocky Attain is positioned on an space of the Columbia River the place the river has eroded a deep canyon. Inside this canyon are flat-topped terraces alongside either side of the river close to the valley flooring, ideally suited to viticulture and different agriculture.
- Local weather: Rocky Attain is positioned at low elevations inside this valley. These decrease elevations are significantly hotter and have an extended rising season relative to the encompassing mountains and plateaus.
“Rocky Attain represents an vital milestone as our state’s 20th AVA, additional signifying the continued development and improvement of our wine trade,” mentioned Steve Warner, President of the Washington State Wine Fee.
Starting on July 5, 2022, wineries might submit a Certificates of Label Approval (COLA) request to the TTB for a label utilizing Rocky Attain AVA because the appellation of origin.
Concerning the Washington State Wine Fee
The Washington State Wine Fee (WSWC) represents each licensed vineyard and wine grape grower in Washington State. Guided by an appointed board, WSWC gives a advertising platform to boost optimistic consciousness in regards to the Washington wine trade and generate better demand for its wines. Funded virtually totally by the trade by way of assessments primarily based on grape and wine gross sales, WSWC is a state authorities company, established by the legislature in 1987. To be taught extra, go to www.washingtonwine.org.
