Posts tagged TTB

Calistoga has finally been granted its own American Viticultural Area (AVA) appellation, after the federal government issued a long-awaited decision Thursday, ending a contentious years-long battle between vintners.

Spearheading the effort was Bo Barrett of the famed Chateau Montelena along with Rep. Mike Thompson and the help of the Napa Valley Vintners. Barrett formally petitioned the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) to recognize Calistoga as a Napa Valley sub-appellation citing its unique soil composition, microclimate, as well as its long history of quality viticulture and oenology. Chateau Montelena is one such example, established back in 1882 and bringing great prestige to the winemakers of California after their ’73 Chardonnay won a blind tasting against French counterparts at the Judgment of Paris (did you see Bottle Shock?).

The major setback for the movement came about after the much-protested opening of the Calistoga Cellars tasting room in Calistoga. Despite the use of the Calistoga name, vintners complained that there was a truth-in-labeling conflict since their wines were made with grapes from other areas of the valley. Subject to this latest ruling, they, along with Calistoga Estate Vineyards, have three years to either change their brand names or begin sourcing their grapes exclusively from the newly defined AVA.

“I am extremely pleased to announce that Calistoga has finally been designated as an American Viticultural Area, a long overdue and much deserved distinction,” said Thompson in a press release. “It has been a long road, but like the incredible wines made in Calistoga, we will savor this wonderful news. We should all raise a glass to the new Calistoga AVA.”

Calistoga will now join the ranks of 14 other celebrated Napa Valley sub-appellations including Oakville, Stags Leap District, Los Carneros, Mt. Veeder, and Rutherford.