Eagle Peak Mendocino County AVA: An Updated Overview
Location and Establishment
The Eagle Peak Mendocino County AVA (American Viticultural Area) is located in Mendocino County, California. It takes its name from the nearby Eagle Peak summit and covers a mountainous area in California’s Coastal Range, just west of the Redwood Valley AVA and east of the Mendocino AVA. The AVA was officially established on November 10, 2014.Geography and Climate
This AVA spans about 26,260 acres (10,627 hectares), but only 115 acres (47 hectares) are currently planted with vineyards . The terrain is characterized by steep slopes, which range from 700 to 3,320 feet (213 to 1,012 meters) in elevation. These slopes, along with the AVA’s location, create a cooler climate compared to surrounding areas like the Redwood and Potter Valleys. The AVA experiences more significant seasonal temperature variation and less fog than coastal regions, benefiting from persistent breezes that flow from the ocean through local airflow corridors such as the Big River .
Soil Composition
The soils in Eagle Peak Mendocino County are varied but generally include a mix of well-draining, coarse gravel, sandstone, clay, and loam. The shallow nature of these soils helps with drainage, reducing disease pressure and limiting excessive vegetative growth. However, due to the efficient drainage, some irrigation is necessary to maintain vine health throughout the growing season, especially to support the vines through dormancy to fruit set and then to harvest .
Viticulture and Winemaking
Pinot Noir is the dominant grape variety in the Eagle Peak AVA, thriving in the cooler climate and benefiting from the long growing season that allows for balanced flavor development and acidity in the grapes. The region’s wines are known for their balanced, lush profiles, distinct from those made in more southerly regions .
Producers and Wineries
The Eagle Peak AVA includes several vineyards, but Masút Vineyards and Winery is the only established winery within the AVA. Masút Vineyards is owned and operated by Jake and Ben Fetzer, third-generation vintners from Mendocino. The Fetzer brothers played a crucial role in the AVA’s establishment to highlight the unique terroir of their vineyard location. Their winery focuses on producing high-quality Pinot Noir that captures the distinct characteristics of the Eagle Peak AVA .
This summary incorporates the latest verified information on Eagle Peak Mendocino County AVA, reflecting its unique characteristics as a wine-growing region.
