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Comments & Reviews

December 11, 2006 | Daniel Rotlisberger

I could not agree more with sub-AVAs in terms of using them as an indication of the character that the wine might exhibit.
But also as stated, it becomes a serious branding delema. I can say for a fact that the newly formed Sonoma County Winegrape Commission is pushing for all wineries in the county to put "Sonoma County" on the lable, instead of one of the county's 13 unique AVA's.
I don't know though, I would probably choose a wine from a specific AVA, rather than one labled as a county designation. This gives the consumer a better idea of the location that they are experiencing in a glass of wine. But who knows how the average consumer will select a wine.

December 12, 2006 | Ben Bicais

I am more apt to buy wines labeled by specific sub-AVAs as well, but you’re right, who knows if this appeals to the average consumer. That’s really interesting that the Sonoma County Winegrape Commission is pushing to label wines “Sonoma County.” I’ve read that in Paso Robles, some local politicians are considering passing legislation that would require “Paso Robles” to be on the label along with the specific sub-AVA (after they are approved) in an attempt to retain the brand they have developed.

December 12, 2006 | Jeff Williams

I agree with Socowineguy's comment. I have a hard enough time with the enormous Sonoma Coast Sub-AVA which can be anywhere from San Pablo bay to north of the Russian River! For the general $10 wine consumer if may be good, but for those that buy higher end wine it's not. Why not both sonoma county and the specific area.

December 15, 2006 | Daniel Rotlisberger

In response to napaspa:

Yeah, I believe that a wine commisson's main job is to sell as much wine as possible from their specific location. And the $10 a bottle sales bracket is the largest sector of the wine market, so these seem to compliment eachother well. As to us "wine savvy" people, I believe that the specific AVA wines will always be our first choices.

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