Temecula Valley AVA

Temecula Valley AVA is an established since October 23, 1984 wine-growing region in the U.S. state of California and part of the national South Coast AVA. In the beginning was the name of the appellation short Temecula AVA, but was changed in 2004 to the current name.

After the wine-growing region of San Pasqual Valley AVA, it was the second recognized AVA within the South Coast AVA. A short time later, the Ramona Valley AVA was recognized.

Location

The vineyards here are spread over the County Riverside County near the city of Temecula and Murrieta. The County is part of the territory of Greater Los Angeles.

History

The history of wine in the Temecula Valley is relatively short.

In the colonization of the area by European settlers first vineyards were created but abandoned again as early as the year 1847.

Due to the rapid population growth and the accompanying urbanization around Los Angeles in the 20th century, the winegrowers of Anaheim or Rancho Cucamongo were increasingly displaced. Currently offers the Temecula Valley between Los Angeles and San Diego, the best growing conditions of the region.

Vincenzo Cilurzo put first in 1967 in a big way to new vineyards. Later, Ely Callaway followed, which is the largest producer in the appellation Temecula Valley today. Ely Callaway founded the well-known company Callaway Golf.

The winemakers of the Temecula Valley have joined together to Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association. The association monitors compliance with the quality standards and serves as a marketing platform for the wines of the Temecula Valley.

Geographical location

The Temecula Valley is located southeast of the city of Los Angeles about 35 km from the Pacific Ocean. The authorized under the appellation area is located along the Rancho California Road at an altitude 426-488 m above sea level. NN.

Climate

The climate in the Temecula Valley is desert-like, tempered by cool Pacific winds in the afternoon and at night. The average high temperature in August is 37 ° C ( Record: 46 ° C), the average low temperature in December is 1 ° C ( Record: -10 ° C in January ).

Varieties

In Temecula Valley mainly varietal wines are made. In addition to the typical grape of California, the Zinfandel, the classic varieties Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin, Riesling and Viognier are grown increasingly. However, the climate favors doing more varieties of the French Rhône -growing region. Following an international trend, many wines are aged in oak barrels.