The Alta Mesa AVA is an American Viticultural Area entirely located within the Lodi AVA in Sacramento County, California in the United States. The appellation's name is Spanish for "high table", a reference to the higher elevation of the land compared to the surrounding terrain.

Alta Mesa AVA
Wine region
TypeAmerican Viticultural Area
Year established2006[1]
CountryUnited States
Part ofCalifornia, Lodi AVA
Total area55,400 acres (224 km2)[2]
Size of planted vineyards5,300 acres (21.4 km2)[2]
Grapes producedZinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot[2]

Geography and climate

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90% of the soil in the Alta Mesa AVA is dense clay and heavy gravel.[2] The appellation is known for warm summers, and low annual rainfall. Alta Mesa is considered one of the warmest subregions of the Lodi AVA.

History

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Federal recognition of the AVA occurred on July 17, 2006.[1]

Vineyards

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5,300 acres (21.4 km2) of the appellation are planted to grapevines. The most common grape varieties are Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot.[2]

References

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  1. ^ a b Code of Federal Regulations. "§ 9.195 Alta Mesa." Archived 2012-02-12 at the Wayback Machine Title 27: Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; Part 9 — American Viticultural Areas; Subpart C — Approved American Viticultural Areas. Retrieved Jan. 25, 2008.
  2. ^ a b c d e Chandler, David (2007). "Alta Mesa (AVA)" Archived 2007-11-13 at the Wayback Machine. Appellation America. Retrieved Oct. 4, 2007.