Jun 29
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Napa Wine Class
Crystal Springs AVA: Napa Valley’s Newest Hillside Gem
In November 2024, Napa Valley welcomed its 17th nested American Viticultural Area (AVA): Crystal Springs of Napa Valley. This marks the region's first new AVA in over a decade, highlighting a distinctive terroir that sets it apart from its renowned neighbors like Howell Mountain, Calistoga, and St. Helena.
Location and Geography
Crystal Springs AVA encompasses approximately 4,117 acres along the western face of the Vaca Range, nestled between St. Helena and Calistoga. The terrain is exclusively hillside, with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,400 feet. These steep slopes, angled between 15% and 40%, predominantly face west to southwest, maximizing sun exposure and promoting optimal grape ripening.
Climate & Terroir
Positioned below the fog line, Crystal Springs benefits from a unique microclimate. While neighboring Howell Mountain often sits above the fog, Crystal Springs experiences cooler mornings and sun-filled afternoons. This balance results in wines that combine the lushness of valley-floor fruit with the structure and acidity characteristic of mountain-grown grapes.
The soils are predominantly volcanic, composed of weathered igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. These shallow, well-drained soils contribute to low yields of highly concentrated fruit, enhancing the intensity and complexity of the wines.
The soils are predominantly volcanic, composed of weathered igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. These shallow, well-drained soils contribute to low yields of highly concentrated fruit, enhancing the intensity and complexity of the wines.
Grape Varieties & Wine Profiles
Crystal Springs is primarily planted with Bordeaux varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec, along with Sauvignon Blanc. The resulting wines are noted for their deep color, rich aromatics, and a harmonious balance of ripe fruit and minerality. Cabernet Sauvignon from this AVA often exhibits bold flavors of blackcurrant, plum, and blackberry, complemented by hints of graphite and cocoa.
Notable Wineries & Vineyards
Several esteemed wineries source grapes from Crystal Springs AVA, including:
Viader Vineyards & Winery: Renowned for its Bordeaux-style blends that marry power with elegance.
Burgess Cellars: A pioneer of hillside farming, producing age-worthy wines with exceptional depth.
Brion: Celebrated for meticulous winemaking and wines of incredible complexity.
Salvestrin: A family-run winery dedicated to crafting wines that capture the spirit of the Vaca Range.
These producers exemplify the AVA's commitment to quality and its potential for producing distinctive, terroir-driven wines.
Burgess Cellars: A pioneer of hillside farming, producing age-worthy wines with exceptional depth.
Brion: Celebrated for meticulous winemaking and wines of incredible complexity.
Salvestrin: A family-run winery dedicated to crafting wines that capture the spirit of the Vaca Range.
These producers exemplify the AVA's commitment to quality and its potential for producing distinctive, terroir-driven wines.
Historical Context
Viticulture in the Crystal Springs area dates back to the late 19th century. In 1884, the Rossini family purchased property that would become Burgess Cellars.
By 1892, Swiss-Italian immigrant Albino Pestoni had established "Bonded Winery No. 935," contributing to the area's early winemaking heritage. However, events like Prohibition and the Great Depression led to a decline in viticulture, with many vineyards converted to orchards.
It wasn't until the 1980s that large-scale viticulture returned, culminating in the AVA's official recognition in 2024.
By 1892, Swiss-Italian immigrant Albino Pestoni had established "Bonded Winery No. 935," contributing to the area's early winemaking heritage. However, events like Prohibition and the Great Depression led to a decline in viticulture, with many vineyards converted to orchards.
It wasn't until the 1980s that large-scale viticulture returned, culminating in the AVA's official recognition in 2024.
Why Crystal Springs Matters
The establishment of the Crystal Springs AVA underscores Napa Valley's ongoing commitment to recognizing and preserving its diverse terroirs. For wine enthusiasts and collectors, this AVA offers a fresh perspective on Napa's hillside viticulture, delivering wines that are both powerful and nuanced.
As the region continues to develop its identity, Crystal Springs stands poised to become a sought-after designation for distinctive, high-quality wines.
As the region continues to develop its identity, Crystal Springs stands poised to become a sought-after designation for distinctive, high-quality wines.
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Napa Wine Class is a digital content hub curated by MBV Wine Media, an independent wine education platform. We are not affiliated with any Napa Valley wine authority.
Napa Wine Class is a digital content hub curated by MBV Wine Media, an independent wine education platform. We are not affiliated with any Napa Valley wine authority.
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