Oakville AVA

The Oakville AVA ( recognized since 1993) is an American Viticultural Area in the U.S. state of California and is part of the regional Napa Valley AVA. The wine region extends in the plane between the two mountain ranges of the Vaca Mountains and the Mayacamas Mountains near the town of Oakville. The area is known for wines in the style of Bordeaux. The wines are characterized by ripe tannins, a rich structure and a spicy flavor.

Geography and climate

The bottom of the Oakville AVA results from layers of sediment that was washed by erosion of the surrounding hills to the plains. The soil is sandy and interspersed with a high gravel content. He therefore has a good drainage assets. The areas between State Route 29 and the Silverado Trail are heavier due to a higher proportion of iron-containing clay minerals and sandy loam.

The warm climate of Oakville AVA is well suited for the production of quality wines from the classic Bordeaux varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon. Morning and evening, cool sea breezes and fog from the bay of San Pablo off the area. This effect is mitigated by the Yountville Mounts and thus is not as pronounced as for example in the Los Carneros AVA.

History

HW Crabb laid in 1868 near the Napa River on a small vineyard. He named it To Kalon, which means in Greek the most beautiful. In 1877 he produced almost 190,000 liters of wine; a lot that he was able to quadruple four years later.

The historic winery is now majority owned by the Robert Mondavi Winery.

1903 was the United States Department of Agriculture a try vineyard in Oakville create. Known as " Oakville Station" Rebbe stand was later taken over by the University of California, Davis.

Since 1993 Oakville is officially a sub-region of the Napa Valley with the status of an American Viticultural Area.

Wineries

Currently, there are about 30 wineries in the wine region Oakville. Most of them are very small, but have an excellent reputation, which is even partly internationally.

The currently best known wineries in the Oakville AVA are:

  • Franciscan Oakville Estate
  • Heitz Wine Cellars
  • Robert Mondavi Winery
  • Opus One Winery
  • PlumpJack Winery
Hectare Barbera Cabernet Franc Chardonnay Malbec Merlot Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains Petit Verdot Viognier San Pablo Bay California wine
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