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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 115 / Thursday, June 17, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
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An explanation of the basis for defining the boundary of the proposed AVA;
A narrative description of the features of the proposed AVA affecting viticulture, such as climate, geology, soils, physical features, and elevation, that make the proposed AVA distinctive and distinguish it from adjacent areas outside the proposed AVA;
The appropriate United States Geological Survey USGS maps showing the location of the proposed AVA, with the boundary of the proposed AVA clearly drawn thereon;
and A detailed narrative description of the proposed AVA boundary based on USGS map markings.
Palos Verdes Peninsula Petition TTB received a petition from James York, owner of Catalina View Wines, on behalf of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Winegrowers, proposing to establish the Palos Verdes Peninsula AVA. The proposed AVA is located in Los Angeles County, California, and includes the cities of Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, and Rolling Hills, California. The proposed AVA is not located within, nor does it contain, any established AVA. Within the 15,900-acre proposed AVA, there are 7 acres of commercial vineyards. The distinguishing features of the proposed Palos Verdes Peninsula AVA are its geology, soils, topography, and climate.
The proposed Palos Verdes Peninsula AVA is located on an isolated upland peninsula created by tectonic uplift and volcanic activity. Periods of intense geologic activity subjected the region of the proposed AVA to repeated cycles of uplift, erosion, submersion, and deposition. The submersion process laid down significant amounts of marine deposits, which contributed to the soil composition. Uplift created new lands, while erosion wore away the newlyformed lands to create the series of marine terraces that characterize the regions topography today. The geology of the proposed AVA consists primarily of the Monterey Formation and ancient landslides, which formed the basis for two of the primary soils of the proposed AVAAltamont Clay Adobe and Altamont Clay Loam. A third soil commonly found in the proposed AVA
is the Diablo Clay Adobe. These three soils are rich in clays, adobe, and loamy clay and contain high amounts of calcium. The soils retain moisture in dry weather while allowing for good drainage. According to the petition, the levels of calcium in the soils produce thicker grape skins than are found on the same grape varietals grown in non-

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calcareous soils. The thicker grape skins increase the amount of color, flavor, and aromatics in the resulting wine.
The topography of the proposed Palos Verdes Peninsula AVA consists of a low altitude mountain of the Coast Range situated between the Los Angeles Plain and the Pacific Ocean. Rolling hills, incised canyons, and coastal bluffs and terraces cover the proposed AVA.
Elevations range from sea level on the western and southern edges of the proposed AVA to about 1,460 feet above sea level at San Pedro Hill, which is located near the eastern/central area of the Palos Verdes Hills. The slope angles of the vineyards in the proposed AVA
range from gentle to high 050%.
Terracing the vineyards that are planted on steeper slopes allows for drainage/
erosion control, equipment access, and optimal solar orientation. The moderate slopes within the proposed AVA
promote air flow to minimize mildew and frost risk and also allow for drainage of excess water. The aspects of the vineyard slopes face south, southeast, and southwest, providing year-round solar exposure. South-facing and southwest-facing slopes promote earlier bud break, bloom, and harvest than other aspects. Southeast-facing slopes bring morning radiation for soil warmth and canopy growth.
The climate of the proposed Palos Verdes Peninsula AVA is Mediterranean warm, which is characterized by warm, dry summers and mild winters with limited rainfall.
Average monthly high temperatures within the proposed AVA range from 63
to 74 degrees Fahrenheit F, and average monthly low temperatures range from 48 to 62 degrees F. Extreme monthly highs range from 74 to 84
degrees F, and extreme monthly lows range from 46 to 60 degrees. Average annual rainfall within the proposed AVA is 14.03 inches. According to the petition, these climatic conditions are suitable for growing grape varietals such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
To the south and west of the proposed Palos Verdes Peninsula AVA is the Pacific Ocean. To the north, northeast, and east of the proposed AVA are relatively flat lowland areas with elevations ranging from sea level to about 500 feet and slope angles of 25
percent or less. These lowland regions experienced less intense levels of tectonic uplift and volcanic activity, and the geology consists mainly of surficial sediments, older surficial sediments, and shallow marine sediments. Soils to the north, northeast, and east of the proposed AVA have lower levels of clay and calcium than the soils of the
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proposed AVA. Monthly average temperatures in the regions surrounding the proposed AVA are generally warmer, ranging between 4 and 6
degrees F higher in the colder months and between 5 and 8 degrees F higher in the warmer months. The average highest and lowest monthly temperatures in the surrounding regions are also more extreme than those within the proposed Palos Verdes Peninsula.
Finally, the average annual rainfall amounts are generally lower in the regions surrounding the proposed AVA.
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Comments Received TTB published Notice No. 188 in the Federal Register on May 26, 2020 85
FR 31416, proposing to establish the Palos Verde Peninsula AVA. In the notice, TTB summarized the evidence from the petition regarding the name, boundary, and distinguishing features for the proposed AVA. The notice also compared the distinguishing features of the proposed AVA to the surrounding areas. For a detailed description of the evidence relating to the name, boundary, and distinguishing features of the proposed AVA, and for a detailed comparison of the distinguishing features of the proposed AVA to the surrounding areas, see Notice No. 188.
In Notice No. 188, TTB solicited comments on the accuracy of the name, boundary, and other required information submitted in support of the petition. The comment period closed July 27, 2020.
In response to Notice No. 188, TTB
received a total of four comments. The commenters included local wine industry members and a former member of the Rancho Palos Verdes Planning Commission. All of the comments supported the establishment of the proposed Palos Verdes Peninsula AVA.
Two of the comments expressed support for the proposed AVA due to its unique characteristics comments 3 and 4, one comment supported the proposal due to the quality of wines produced from grapes grown in the region comment 1, and the fourth comment expressed general support for the proposal without offering an explanation comment 2.
TTB Determination After careful review of the petition and the comments received in response to Notice No. 188, TTB finds that the evidence provided by the petitioner supports the establishment of the Palos Verdes Peninsula AVA. Accordingly, under the authority of the FAA Act, section 1111d of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, and parts 4 and 9
of the TTB regulations, TTB establishes
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