Cool-Regions Napa Valley AVA (California)
nia)
with Maritime
Influence
Key Subregion Howell Mountain AVA, Chiles Valley AVA St. Helena AVA,
Climate Winkler Region III
Mean Temperature Daily maximum: 86 °F (July)
Warmest Month Daily minimum: 55 °F (July)
Mean Temperature Daily maximum: 54 °F (January)
Coolest Month Daily minimum: 39 °F (January)
Average Rainfall 40 to 50 inches annually
Elevation 1400 to 2600 feet
Soil There are two main soil types on Howell
Mountain: decomposed volcanic ash
(called “tufa”) and red clay. Drainage is
high and both soil types are nutrient-
poor. This stresses the vines and pro-
duces intense wines from small clusters
and smaller grapes.
Characteristics Powerful, firm, blackberry-currant
flavors and often richly tannic, with
excellent acidity for aging.
“If the boss who is a Zinfandel nut is
coming to dinner. I would probably point
you in the direction of Howell Mountain
Napa Valley Zinfandel. It’s delicious. It’s
of the gods, it’s noble, it’s a generous
wine. It just delivers.” - Val Haraszthy
Appellation Howell Mountain Vintners & Growers
Insight by: Association howellmountain.org
Napa Valley AVA (California)
Winkler Region III
Daily maximum: 89 °F (July)
Daily minimum: 55 °F (July)
Daily maximum: 58° F (January)
Daily minimum: 38° F (January)
38 to 40 inches annually
200 to 475 feet
South and west borders are more
sedimentary, gravel-clay soils, with
lower fertility and moderate water
retention. Further north and to the
east soils are prevalently volcanic
in origin and are deeper and more
fertile.
Blackberry and other dark fruit
notes, well-structured. - Appellation
St Helena
Appellation St. Helena
appellationsthelena.com
photo credit: Napa Vinters/ Bob McClenahan
Napa Valley AVA (Califor-
Calistoga AVA
Winkler Region III
22-50 inches annually
300 to 1,200 feet
"Primarily volcanic origin with
soils ranging from rocky, stony
loam on the hillsides, to gravelly
loams on the alluvial fans. In the
center of the valley floor there are
heavier clay-silt soils. Overall, it’s
the most geologically uniform of
all the AVAs in Napa Valley."
"Another robust red, Zinfandel
has a sizeable following, as con-
sumers enjoy the bright, jammy,
fruit-forward flavors. Zin lovers
also appreciate that there are two
sides to the grape – there’s the
popular big and brawny expres-
sion, but winemakers also craft
the wine in a leaner, more elegant
style." - Calistoga AVA
Calistoga Wine Growers
calistogawinegrowers.com