Alta Mesa AVA

The Alta Mesa AVA is an American Viticultural Area entirely located within the Lodi AVA in Sacramento County, California in the United States. The appellation's name is Spanish for "high table", a reference to the higher elevation of the land compared to the surrounding terrain.

Alta Mesa AVA

Wine region
Type	American Viticultural Area
Year established	2006[1]
Country	United States
Part of	California, Lodi AVA
Total area	55,400 acres (224 km2)[2]
Size of planted vineyards	5,300 acres (21.4 km2)[2]
Grapes produced	Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot[2]

Geography and climate

90% of the soil in the Alta Mesa AVA is dense clay and heavy gravel.^[2] The appellation is known for warm summers, and low annual rainfall. Alta Mesa is considered one of the warmest subregions of the Lodi AVA.

History

Federal recognition of the AVA occurred on July 17, 2006.^[1]

Vineyards

5,300 acres (21.4 km²) of the appellation are planted to grapevines. The most common grape varieties are Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot.^[2]