Ran across these two obscure AVA’s in my new Calif wine book. Up in the Northern reaches of MendoCnty. Covelo has 2 acres and DosRios 6 acres under cultivation. For some unknown reason, the Times of India newspaper has some interest in the Covelo AVA.
Anybody ever had any wines from these two AVA’s or know anything about any of the growers or where the grapes wind yup. Surely, but Shirley, EricAnderson and KenZinns have done a grand tour of these vnyds!!!
One RalphCarter did the petitions for these two AVA’s. Never heard of the guy. But, then, I’m sure Ralph’s never heard of TomHill, either…so we’re even.
Tom
Nope, never toured these two AVAs, Tom! I remember checking to see where they were located when they were approved, but it’s a long way out there to see two small obscure vineyards.
But a quick search of the web turned up this article on Ralph Carter and those two AVAs:
The Mysterious Ralph Carter: AVA Petitioner-at-Large
The article mentions Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc from Dos Rios’ lone grower/producer Vin de Tevis - I see that they also grow (or have grown) Charbono, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel. The winery website does not appear to be currently active.
These two Appellation America pages have a little more info:
Covelo AVA
Dos Rios AVA