Grand River Valley AVA

The Grand River Valley AVA is an American Viticultural Area located in portions of the Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula counties of northeastern Ohio. The wine appellation includes all the land that is contained within the larger, multi-state Lake Erie AVA that is also within 2 miles (3.2 km) of the Grand River or 14 miles (22.5 km) of the shoreline of Lake Erie.[1]

Grand River Valley AVA
Wine region
TypeAmerican Viticultural Area
Year established1983[1]
CountryUnited States
Part ofLake Erie AVA, Ohio
Climate regionContinental
Total area125,000 acres (50,586 ha)[2]
Grapes producedBarbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Catawba, Chambourcin, Chardonnay, Concord, DeChaunac, Gewurztraminer, Merlot, Niagara, Pinot gris, Pinot noir, Riesling, Semillon, Syrah, Vidal Blanc[3]

Like the Mosel, Bordeaux and the Sonoma/Russian River Valley, the gently rolling landscape of the Grand River Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA) benefits from a climate moderated by the thermal effects of a large body of water, in this case, Lake Erie to the north.

Geography and climate

The Valley's contours promote the effective circulation of warmer air, reducing the threat of frost in the spring and extending the growing season so the grapes are able to ripen to perfection. These gentle slopes also help carry away the rainwater from the vine roots so that the vines don't absorb an overabundance of water that could dilute the concentration of flavor, sugar and other quality attributes. The micro-climate is characterized by warm, sunny days and cool nights.

Grapes and wines

The Grand River Valley AVA produces wines from Chardonnay, Pinot gris, Riesling, Pinot noir and Cabernet Franc grapes.

References
  1. Code of Federal Regulations. "§ 9.87 Grand River Valley." Archived 2009-09-07 at the Wayback Machine Title 27: Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; Part 9 — American Viticultural Areas; Subpart C — Approved American Viticultural Areas. Retrieved Feb. 5, 2008.
  2. Wine Institute, The (2008). "American Viticultural Areas by State" Archived 2008-01-27 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved Feb. 1, 2008.
  3. Appellation America (2007), Vincent. "Grand River Valley (AVA): Appellation Description". Retrieved Feb. 5, 2008.
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