Chalk Hill (AVA)
Geography and climate
The boundaries of the Chalk Hill AVA cover 33 square miles (85 km) of land within the northeast corner of Russian River AVA. Many of the region's 1,600 acres (650 ha) of planted vineyard land is located along the western slopes of the Mayacamas Mountain reaching up to altitudes of 200–1300 feet (60–400 meters). Compared to the rest of the Russian River Valley, the Chalk Hill region is relatively warm due to the influence of a thermal belt that runs through the area. Harvest time often takes place in September while harvest in the surrounding regions usually takes place in October.
The area takes its name from the "chalky" white soils of the region. However the soils themselves do not contain any chalk but rather are composed of a mixture of quartzite abundant volcanic ash, sand and silty loam. The volcanic was emitted into the area by Mount St. Helena over a course of centuries, creating vineyard soils that are not very fertile and are able to restrain vigor in the vines.
References
- ^ "§ 9.52 Chalk Hill" (Title 27: Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; Part 9 — American Viticultural Areas; Subpart C — Approved American Viticultural Areas). Code of Federal Regulations. Retrieved January 4, 2008.
- ^ "Chalk Hill (AVA): Appellation Description". Appellation America. 2008. Archived from the original on February 11, 2009. Retrieved January 4, 2008.
- ^ T. Stevenson, ed. The Sotheby's Wine Encyclopedia (4th Edition) pg 482 Dorling Kindersley 2005 ISBN 0-7513-3740-4