Source: http://test.jurist.org/documents/rulemaking/2015-01015.php
Timestamp: 2019-03-22 10:02:48
Document Index: 652326633

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', 'art 9', '§ 9', 'art 4']

JURIST - Proposed Establishment of the Squaw Valley-Miramonte Viticultural Area
on Thursday 22 January 2015
Comments closed on 2015-03-23
Table 1—Average Daily High and Low Temperatures
Table 2—Average Monthly Diurnal Temperature Range (DTR)
Table 3—Average Annual Precipitation Amounts
Table 4—Proposed AVA Vineyard Elevations and Slope Angles
Internet: http://www.regulations.gov (via the online comment form for this notice as posted within Docket No. TTB-2015-0002 at “Regulations.gov,” the Federal e-rulemaking portal);
Section 4.25(e)(2) of the TTB regulations outlines the procedure for proposing an AVA and provides that any interested party may petition TTB to establish a grape-growing region as an AVA. Section 9.12 of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 9.12) prescribes the standards for petitions requesting the establishment or modification of AVAs. Petitions to establish an AVA must include the following:
Squaw Valley-Miramonte Petition Back to Top
TTB received a petition from Christine Flannigan, owner of the Sierra Peaks Winery and Purgatory Vineyards, on behalf of herself and other members of the Squaw Valley Grape Growers Group, proposing the establishment of the “Squaw Valley-Miramonte” AVA. The proposed Squaw Valley-Miramonte AVA is located in Fresno County, California, approximately 40 miles east of the city of Fresno. The proposed AVA is a largely rural region in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and includes the communities of Squaw Valley, Dunlap, and Miramonte. The proposed AVA does not overlap any established AVAs.
The proposed Squaw Valley-Miramonte AVA contains approximately 44,690 acres and has 3 bonded wineries and 5 commercially producing vineyards, covering a total of 7.5 acres, distributed across the proposed AVA. The petition states that vineyards within the proposed AVA are small due to the region's steep and rugged terrain, which requires most vineyard work to be done by hand rather than by machine. According to the petition, the distinguishing features of the proposed AVA include its climate, topography, and soils. Unless otherwise noted, all information and data pertaining to the proposed AVA contained in this document are from the petition for the proposed Squaw Valley-Miramonte AVA and its supporting exhibits.
The proposed Squaw Valley-Miramonte AVA derives its name from the communities of Squaw Valley and Miramonte. Squaw Valley is the largest community within the proposed AVA and is located in the western portion of the proposed AVA. The community of Squaw Valley appears on the Tucker Mountain USGS quadrangle map, as does a large valley labeled “Squaw Valley.” Additionally, the same map shows the Squaw Valley Cemetery and the Squaw Valley School. The petition also included evidence that the name “Squaw Valley” is associated with businesses in the proposed AVA, including Squaw Valley Realty, Squaw Valley Trading Center, Squaw Valley Motel, and Squaw Valley Herb Gardens.
In order to avoid confusion with other locations in the United States that are known as Squaw Valley, including the famous Squaw Valley ski resort in Placer County, California, the petitioner added “Miramonte” to the proposed AVA name. As shown on the Miramonte quadrangle map, Miramonte is a small community in the easternmost portion of the proposed AVA. The Miramonte Conservation Camp, a State of California facility, is also shown on the Miramonte quadrangle map. The community of Miramonte is served by the Miramonte Post Office. TTB notes that several established AVAs have combined the names of geographic features or communities located within the particular AVA in order to provide a geographically distinct name for the AVA, including Pine Mountain-Cloverdale Peak (27 CFR 9.220) and Fort Ross-Seaview (27 CFR 9.221).
The proposed Squaw Valley-Miramonte AVA is a region of steep, rocky slopes in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. To the north and east of the proposed AVA is the Sequoia National Forest. The San Joaquin Valley, which includes the cities of Fresno and Orange Cove, is to the south, west, and northwest of the proposed AVA. Elevations within the proposed AVA range from approximately 1,600 feet along its proposed western and southern borders to approximately 3,500 feet along its proposed eastern border.
The proposed northern boundary follows the northern boundaries of several sections on the Luckett Mountain USGS quadrangle map. Although the features of the region immediately outside the proposed northern boundary are identical to those within the proposed AVA, the proposed northern boundary marks the northern extent of current viticulture in the region. Approximately 5 miles north of the proposed northern boundary is the Sequoia National Forest, which was excluded from the proposed AVA primarily because its public lands are unavailable for commercial viticulture. The eastern portion of the proposed boundary also follows the boundary of the Sequoia National Forest. The southern portion of the proposed boundary follows the Fresno-Tulare County line and several section lines on the Tucker Mountain and Orange Cove North USGS quadrangle maps. To the immediate south of the proposed boundary, the elevations are lower and broad valleys are more numerous than within the proposed AVA. The San Joaquin Valley is just farther south of that area. The western portion of the proposed boundary follows straight lines drawn between mountain peaks and separates the higher elevations of the proposed AVA from both the lower mountain slopes to the immediate west of the proposed boundary and from the San Joaquin Valley, farther to the west.
The distinguishing features of the proposed Squaw Valley-Miramonte AVA include its climate, topography, and soils.
The petition provided information on the temperature and precipitation within the proposed AVA and the surrounding regions.
Temperature: According to the petition, the climate of the proposed Squaw Valley-Miramonte AVA is subhumid mesothermal (high humidity and precipitation amounts, with winter temperatures too warm to sustain snow cover). Daytime temperatures within the proposed AVA are generally cooler than in the neighboring San Joaquin Valley to the south, west, and northwest. However, nighttime temperatures are usually warmer within the proposed AVA than within the San Joaquin Valley because cool air drains off the slopes of the proposed AVA at night and settles in the valley. As a result of the warm nighttime temperatures, the difference between the average daily high and low temperatures within the proposed AVA is small, particularly during the growing season. The difference between the average daily high and daily low temperatures is known as the diurnal temperature range (DTR). The following two tables summarize the average monthly high and low temperatures in degrees Fahrenheit for the proposed AVA and the surrounding regions, as well as the average monthly DTR.
Table 1—Average Daily High and Low Temperatures Back to Top
Purgatory Vineyards1 (within proposed AVA)
Orange Cove2 (southwest)
Piedra3 (northwest)
Pinehurst4 (east)
Jan 57 44 57 36 55 37 57 38
Feb 52 41 61 37 63 40 51 35
Mar 55 43 65 40 68 43 55 36
Apr 62 48 70 43 76 46 59 36
May 70 55 79 46 85 52 68 44
June 78 63 89 55 93 58 80 54
July 86 72 95 61 99 62 89 62
Aug 89 75 95 60 98 61 90 63
Sept 85 71 92 58 92 57 87 65
Oct 71 58 78 50 81 49 72 52
Nov 60 47 64 39 66 41 60 40
Dec 52 41 58 36 56 36 53 36
Table 2—Average Monthly Diurnal Temperature Range (DTR) Back to Top
Purgatory Vineyards (within proposed AVA)
Orange Cove (southwest)
Piedra (northwest)
Pinehurst (east)
January 13 21 18 19
February 11 24 23 16
March 12 25 25 19
April 14 27 30 23
May 15 33 33 24
June 15 34 35 26
July 14 34 37 27
August 14 35 37 27
September 14 34 35 22
October 13 28 32 20
November 13 25 25 20
December 11 22 20 17
The datain the tables shows that the average monthly high temperatures in the proposed Squaw Valley-Miramonte AVA are generally cooler and the average monthly low temperatures are warmer than the temperatures in the regions to the northwest and southwest. As a result, the average monthly DTR within the proposed AVA is smaller than the average monthly DTR within the San Joaquin Valley. Average monthly high temperatures to the east of the proposed AVA are similar to the temperatures of the proposed AVA, but the average monthly lows in that eastern region are generally cooler, resulting in greater average monthly DTRs than are found within the proposed AVA.
According to the petition, cool daytime temperatures and warm nighttime temperatures during the growing season produce higher levels of sugar and anthocyanins (pigments responsible for the color of grape skins) at harvest. Additionally, grapes grown in moderate climates such as the proposed Squaw Valley-Miramonte AVA have higher levels of malic acid (an organic compound that contributes to the flavor of grapes) than grapes grown in warmer regions, such as the nearby San Joaquin Valley. Finally, the cooler temperatures of the proposed AVA result in later harvest dates than occur in the warmer San Joaquin Valley.
Precipitation: The petition included data on annual precipitation amounts within the proposed Squaw Valley-Miramonte AVA and the surrounding regions. The precipitation data set forth in the following table were collected from the same sources and during the same time periods as the temperature data in Tables 1 and 2.
Table 3—Average Annual Precipitation Amounts Back to Top
Purgatory Vineyards (within) 40.85
Orange Cove (southwest) 15.48
Piedra (northwest) 12.27
Pinehurst (east) 51.42
The data in the table shows that the proposed Squaw Valley-Miramonte AVA receives more rainfall annually than the regions to the northwest and southwest, within the San Joaquin Valley, and less rainfall than the region to the east in the higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Sequoia National Forest. The high rainfall amounts within the proposed AVA increase the risk of erosion on the steep hillsides. In order to minimize erosion, vineyard owners plant cover crops between vineyard rows and mow between the rows, instead of using a disk harrow to till the soil. Vineyards located in areas with high rainfall amounts are usually more susceptible to root diseases, fruit rot, and powdery mildew than vineyards in drier areas. However, the steep slope angles and thin soil within the proposed AVA promote rapid drainage, which reduces the risk of root disease. Additionally, the risk of fruit rot and mildew within the proposed AVA is mitigated because the leaf canopies are dried by breezes that rise from the San Joaquin Valley during the day and flow down from the higher elevations and through the proposed AVA at night.
The proposed Squaw Valley-Miramonte AVA is located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The terrain is characterized by steep and rugged hillsides covered with boulders and oak woodlands, although a few valleys exist within the proposed AVA. Slope angles within the proposed AVA range from 5 percent to over 75 percent, and elevations range from approximately 1,600 feet to approximately 3,500 feet. The following table shows the elevations and average slope angles of the vineyards within the proposed AVA.
Table 4—Proposed AVA Vineyard Elevations and Slope Angles Back to Top
Slope angles (percent)
Riffelhoff 3,000 15-35
Purgatory 3,200 25-35
White Ginger 2,000 15
Adrian Joseph 1,800-2,000 20-40
Buttercup 1,800 15
Immediately outside of the northern boundary of the proposed Squaw Valley-Miramonte AVA, the terrain is similar to that found within the proposed AVA. However, this region was not included in the proposed AVA due to a lack of viticulture. The Sequoia National Forest, located approximately 5 miles north of the proposed AVA, was excluded from the proposed AVA not only because of its higher elevations but also because its status as a national forest makes the region unavailable for commercial viticulture. The Sequoia National Forest also borders the proposed AVA to the east, as does a small mountainous region that is not within the national forest that was excluded from the proposed AVA because its higher, steeper elevations are unsuitable for viticulture. To the south and west of the proposed AVA, the elevations become lower and the slope angles become shallower as the foothills give way to the broad, flat terrain of the San Joaquin Valley.
The topography of the proposed AVA has an effect on viticulture. The ruggedness of the terrain limits the amount of flat, open spaces, so the vineyards are planted on the mountain slopes. The steepness of the slopes allows for only very limited use of mechanized spray and harvest equipment, so much of the vineyard work is done by hand. Due to the difficulty of working the vineyards by hand, individual vineyards within the proposed AVA are small. By contrast, vineyards within the San Joaquin Valley are generally much larger because the broad, open valley provides ample space for vineyards, and machinery can be used more safely and easily on the flat terrain. The steep slopes of the proposed AVA increase the risk of erosion, which is controlled by planting cover crops and mowing between the vineyard rows instead of disking. However, the steep hillsides also promote increased airflow and drainage, which lessen the risk of mildew and rot. Finally, the high elevations of the proposed AVA allow the vineyards to receive more sunlight than vineyards at lower elevations within the San Joaquin Valley because fog is generally not present at elevations above 1,600 feet.
The majority of the soils within the proposed Squaw Valley-Miramonte AVA are derived from granitic material, mainly quartz diorite. The three most common soil series are the Vista, Sierra, and Auberry series. All three soil series are described as having good drainage, which reduces the risk of root disease. The soils within the proposed AVA have pH levels ranging from a slightly acidic 5.6 to a neutral 7.3, levels which are adequate for viticulture and do not promote overly vigorous vine or canopy growth. The soils within the proposed AVA are severely deficient in nitrogen, a nutrient necessary for vine growth, and therefore require supplementation. Additionally, soils in some of the vineyards within the proposed AVA have an excess of potassium, which interferes with the vines' ability to uptake magnesium. As a result, magnesium must be added to the soil in these vineyards.
To the north of the proposed Squaw Valley-Miramonte AVA, the soils are primarily of the Coarsegold and Trabuco series. Coarsegold series soils are derived from weathered schist, while Trabuco series soils are derived from igneous rock. The most common soil series east of the proposed AVA are the Holland series, derived from weathered granitic rock, and the Aiken series, derived from volcanic rocks. The soils in the area directly east of the proposed AVA are more acidic than the soils within the proposed AVA due to deep mats of decomposing needle litter from conifer trees. South of the proposed AVA, rock outcropping complexes such as the Auberry Rock Outcrop and the Blasingame Rock Outcrop are common. Farther south, within the San Joaquin Valley, alluvial soils such as San Joaquin loam and San Joaquin sandy loam become common. To the west of the proposed AVA, the most common soil series are the Hanford and Greenfield series. The soils west of the proposed AVA are less acidic, have finer textures, and are comprised primarily of alluvium.
In summary, the climate, topography, and soils of the proposed Squaw Valley-Miramonte AVA distinguish it from the surrounding regions. The region to the north has higher, steeper elevations than the proposed AVA. The region to the east has higher, steeper elevations, as well as higher precipitation amounts and higher soil acidity levels than the proposed AVA. Portions of the regions to the north and east of the proposed were also excluded because they are part of the Sequoia National Forest and therefore are unavailable for commercial viticulture. To the south, west, and northwest of the proposed AVA lies the San Joaquin Valley, which has low elevations, flat terrain, and soils comprised primarily of alluvium. Additionally, within the San Joaquin Valley, average monthly high temperatures are warmer and annual precipitation amounts are lower than within the proposed Squaw Valley-Miramonte AVA.
TTB concludes that the petition to establish the approximately 44,690-acre Squaw Valley-Miramonte AVA merits consideration and public comment, as invited in this notice of proposed rulemaking.
Part 4 of the TTB regulations prohibits any label reference on a wine that indicates or implies an origin other than the wine's true place of origin. For a wine to be labeled with an AVA name or with a brand name that includes an AVA name, at least 85 percent of the wine must be derived from grapes grown within the area represented by that name, and the wine must meet the other conditions listed in § 4.25(e)(3) of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 4.25(e)(3)). If the wine is not eligible for labeling with an AVA name, then the label is not in compliance, and the bottler must change the brand name and obtain approval of a new label. Similarly, if the AVA name appears in another reference on the label in a misleading manner, the bottler would have to obtain approval of a new label. Different rules apply if a wine has a brand name containing an AVA name that was used as a brand name on a label approved before July 7, 1986. See § 4.39 of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 4.39(i)(2)) for details.
If TTB establishes this proposed AVA, its name, “Squaw Valley-Miramonte,” will be recognized as a name of viticultural significance under § 4.39(i)(3) of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 4.39(i)(3)). TTB does not believe that the term “Squaw Valley,” standing alone, has viticultural significance, as this name is associated with multiple locations outside the proposed AVA. Although the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) lists 6 uses of the name “Squaw Valley” within the proposed AVA, it also lists an additional 33 uses in 7 States, including locations in Placer, Lake, Shasta, Plumas, and Lassen Counties in California. Additionally, TTB does not believe that the term “Miramonte,” standing alone, has viticultural significance, as this name is also associated with multiple locations outside the proposed AVA. The GNIS lists 6 uses of the term “Miramonte” within the proposed AVA, but also lists an additional 17 uses within California and Colorado. Therefore, if TTB establishes this proposed AVA, only the full name “Squaw Valley-Miramonte” will be recognized as a term of viticultural significance under 27 CFR 4.39(i)(3). The text of the proposed regulation clarifies this point. Consequently, wine bottlers using the name “Squaw Valley-Miramonte” in a brand name, including a trademark, or in another label reference as to the origin of the wine, would have to ensure that the product is eligible to use the AVA name as an appellation of origin if this proposed rule is adopted as a final rule. The approval of the proposed Squaw Valley-Miramonte AVA would not affect any existing AVA.
TTB invites comments from interested members of the public on whether it should establish the proposed Squaw Valley-Miramonte AVA. TTB is also interested in receiving comments on the sufficiency and accuracy of the name, boundary, soils, climate, and other required information submitted in support of the petition. Please provide any available specific information in support of your comments.
Because of the potential impact of the establishment of the proposed Squaw Valley-Miramonte AVA on wine labels that include the term “Squaw Valley-Miramonte,” as discussed above under Impact on Current Wine Labels, TTB is particularly interested in comments regarding whether there will be a conflict between the proposed AVA name and currently used brand names. If a commenter believes that a conflict will arise, the comment should describe the nature of that conflict, including any anticipated negative economic impact that approval of the proposed AVA will have on an existing viticultural enterprise. TTB is also interested in receiving suggestions for ways to avoid conflicts, for example, by adopting a modified or different name for the AVA.
Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: You may send comments via the online comment form posted with this notice within Docket No. TTB-2015-0002 on “Regulations.gov,” the Federal e-rulemaking portal, at http://www.regulations.gov. A direct link to that docket is available under Notice No. 146 on the TTB Web site at http://www.ttb.gov/wine/wine-rulemaking.shtml. Supplemental files may be attached to comments submitted via Regulations.gov. For complete instructions on how to use Regulations.gov, visit the site and click on the “Help” tab.
Please submit your comments by the closing date shown above in this notice. Your comments must reference Notice No. 146 and include your name and mailing address. Your comments also must be made in English, be legible, and be written in language acceptable for public disclosure. TTB does not acknowledge receipt of comments, and TTB considers all comments as originals.
TTB will post, and you may view, copies of this notice, selected supporting materials, and any online or mailed comments received about this proposal within Docket No. TTB-2015- 0002 on the Federal e-rulemaking portal, Regulations.gov, at http://www.regulations.gov. A direct link to that docket is available on the TTB Web site at http://www.ttb.gov/wine/wine_rulemaking.shtml under Notice No. 146. You may also reach the relevant docket through the Regulations.gov search page at http://www.regulations.gov. For information on how to use Regulations.gov, click on the site's “Help” tab.
For the reasons discussed in the preamble, TTB proposes to amend title 27, chapter I, part 9 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as follows:
§ 9.___ Squaw Valley-Miramonte.
(a) Name. The name of the viticultural area described in this section is “Squaw Valley-Miramonte”. For purposes of part 4 of this chapter, “Squaw Valley-Miramonte” is a term of viticultural significance.
(9) Proceed north along the western boundary lines of sections 34, 27, 22, and 15, T14S/R26E, to the northwest corner of section15; then
(11) Proceed south along the eastern boundary lines of sections 15 and 22, T14S/R25E, to the southeast corner of section 22; then
(12) Proceed west along the southern boundary line of section 22, T14S/R25E, and, crossing onto the Orange Cove North map, continue west along the southern boundary line of section 21, T14S/R25E, returning to the beginning point.
Signed: January 15, 2015.
[FR Doc. 2015-01015 Filed 1-21-15; 8:45 am]
1. Data obtained from private weather station for 2011-2012.
2. Data obtained from California Irrigation Management Information System Station #142 from 2010-2012 (http://www.cimis.water.ca.gov).
3. Data obtained from Intellicast weather Web site historical averages for Piedra, CA (http://www.intellicast.com/Local/History.aspx?location=USCA0861). The Web site does not list the years from which the data was gathered.
4. Data obtained from Western Regional Climate Center Web site for 2010-2012 (http://www.raws.dri.edu/cgi-bin/rawMAIN.pl?caCPIH).
Citation: 80 FR 3184
agency:Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau citation:80 FR 3184 comments_close:2015-03-23 date: docnum:2015-01015 effective_date: html:https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2015/01/22/2015-01015/proposed-establishment-of-the-squaw-valley-miramonte-viticultural-area pdf:http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2015-01-22/pdf/2015-01015.pdf