U.S. Government Quells New Appellation Approvals

Currently the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau has placed a hold on petitions for the establishment of sub-American Viticultural Areas (AVA) in the U.S., particularly the revered Napa Valley. The hold on petitions is intended to "protect the integrity of the AVA system." The various appellations are known by many consumers in broad terms (i.e. "Stags Leap District" or "St. Helena"); however, micro-delinations could only serve to confuse consumers who are perhaps mildly interested in a wine's origins. Read more...