The Rutherford AVA is an American Viticultural Area located within Napa Valley AVA and centered on the town of Rutherford, California. The area is known for its unique terroir particularly with its Cabernet Sauvignon. The well-drained soil of this area is composition of gravel, loam and sand with volcanic deposits and marine sediments from the Franciscan Assemblage. The appellation accounts for only 6,650 acres (27 km2) in the center of Napa Valley but has been home to some of the regions most historic and world-renowned wineries such as Beaulieu Vineyards, Rutherford Hill, Raymond Vineyards, and Inglenook Winery.[3]

Rutherford AVA
Wine region
Vineyards at Frog's Leap Winery in Rutherford
TypeAmerican Viticultural Area
Year established1993[1]
CountryUnited States
Part ofNapa Valley AVA
Other regions in Napa Valley AVAAtlas Peak AVA, Calistoga AVA, Chiles Valley AVA, Diamond Mountain District AVA, Howell Mountain AVA, Los Carneros AVA, Mt. Veeder AVA, Coombsville AVA, Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley AVA, Oakville AVA, Spring Mountain District AVA, St. Helena AVA, Stags Leap District AVA, Wild Horse Valley AVA, Yountville AVA
Total area6,650 acres (27 km2)[2]
Varietals producedCabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Malbec, Merlot, Nebbiolo, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Pinot noir, Sangiovese, Sauvignon blanc, Syrah, Zinfandel[3][2]
No. of wineries13[2]

References

edit
  1. ^ "§ 9.133 Rutherford" (Title 27: Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; Part 9 — American Viticultural Areas; Subpart C — Approved American Viticultural Areas). Code of Federal Regulations. Retrieved October 30, 2007.
  2. ^ a b c "Bordeaux Varietal Production in Rutherford Climate". Calwineries. 2007. Retrieved October 30, 2007.
  3. ^ a b "Rutherford (AVA): Appellation Profile". Appellation America. 2007. Archived from the original on May 16, 2008. Retrieved October 30, 2007.