Truchard Cabernet Sauvignon 1997

An AVA (American Viticultural Area) is a designated wine-growing region in the United States, recognized for its specific geographic, climatic, and environmental characteristics that influence the cultivation of grapes and the production of wine. Established by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), an AVA must meet certain criteria, such as distinct boundaries and a history of wine production, to be officially designated. The AVA system helps consumers identify wines from specific regions, with each area typically having unique terroir, including factors like soil types, temperature, elevation, and rainfall. Examples of well-known AVAs include Napa Valley, Sonoma County, and Willamette Valley. These regions are often further subdivided into sub-AVAs, allowing for even more specific identification of the wine's origin. The AVA designation does not impose specific regulations on grape varieties or wine styles, but it provides a geographical marker that helps signify the influence of a particular area on the characteristics of the wine.