Los Carneros AVA
QUICK AVA FACTS:
Established in 1983
Los Carneros spans both Napa and Sonoma Counties
It was the 1st AVA to be purely definted by climate characteristics instead of geographical characteristics.
The AVA is 37,000 acres, with 10,000 acres planted.
One of the coolest appellations in Napa Valley.
Soil: Predominately sandy loam over clay.
Varietals: 50% of grapes grown in Carneros are Chardonnay and 43% are Pinot Noir.
Los Carneros means “the rams.” It was once dairy country until vineyards were planted in late 1980s and 90s.
Image Credit: Alchetron.com
Two Valleys. One Unique AVA
Los Carneros AVA spans across parts of both Napa Valley and Sonoma. Located just above the San Pablo Bay and beneath Mount Veeder, Los Carneros is known for its relatively cooler temperatures, courtesy of the marine fog and breezes from the bay.
Established in 1983, Los Carneros was the first AVA to be purely defined by climate characteristics rather than geographical characteristics. Because it spans across Napa and Sonoma, Los Carneros in also not technically considered a “nested” AVA of Napa Valley.
Comprised of a series of low rolling hills, the soils are predominately sandy loam over clay. Beneath the topsoil, the clay has been compressed into a thick, hard pan.
Elevations range from sea level by the bay to 700 feet in the foothills.
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay thrive in the cool temperatures of the AVA, causing it to be considered “Napa’s Burgundy.” Carneros is also gaining recognition for its Merlot, which grows well in the clay soils and excels in the warmer areas of the region.
“Carneros is the southeastern-most AVA and is heavily influenced by its proximity to the San Pablo Bay. Carneros is generally the coolest AVA in the warm summer months, often covered by fog in the mornings coming off the bay. This provides for a slow, steady ripening of the grapes and wines that are fresh and vibrant, with natural acidity.”
– Anthony Truchard II, Truchard Vineyards
Featured Los Carneros Winery:
Truchard Vineyards was established in 1974, when Tony and Jo Ann Truchard purchased 20 acres in the Los Carneros district of the Napa Valley. Through hard work and dedication, they transformed their property into a 400-acre estate. The vineyard site is a series of hills and valleys that contain a variety of soils: clay, shale, sandstone, volcanic rock, and ash. The unique combinations of terrain, geology, and marine-moderated temperatures provide unique grape growing conditions. Winemaker – Sal Delanni
