Fight over the use of Calistoga for wine

WINE TALK
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http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/03/06/financial/f122427S01.DTL&type=business

Calistoga, Calif. (AP) --Tucked into the crest of the Napa Valley, this historic hot springs resort may be better known for mud baths than merlot. But lately wine’s been at the forefront of a fierce debate here: Who has the right to the Calistoga name?

Some area vintners, like Bo Barrett, master winemaker and general operations manager of the Chateau Montelena Winery, say wines sold under the name Calistoga should be made with local grapes.

“It’s a matter of principle and integrity,” Barrett said.

But Roger Louer, founding partner of Calistoga Cellars, which is made from grapes grown all over the Napa Valley, as opposed to just Calistoga, says it’s unfair to demand that he change the company name.

“We feel we very easily could be put out of business,” he said.

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Yeah, this has been going on for awhile now…held up the Calistoga sub-AVA process, IIRC.

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Chablis, Burgundy, Calistoga, Champagne

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With Cuvaison doing so much custom crush business - not likely.

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I gotta agree with Roger Louer. Until an AVA is etablished he should not be bothered. And when and if it is, he should still not be bothered.
Here’s a regulator with some fair sound thinking:
Regulators responded with a proposal to grandfather in Calistoga Cellars, provided they made a notation on the label that they’re not claiming to comply with the 85 percent rule.

I was under the impression that a ‘Calistoga’ wine be made with all Calistoga grapes. Fair enough.
Where in Napa it’s made was not the problem…
Are all Mondavi wines Oakville? On the suface it seems different, but think about it…

If he Labels Napa, he should be fine.

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DOH!!!

http://www.wineberserkers.com/viewtopic.php?p=26309#p26309" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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Can anyone tell me what a “Calistoga” wine tastes like and what makes it different in taste than a St. Helena wine? Probably not. So what is the term “Calistoga” supposto signify to consumers? Every little inch of Napa wants it’s own AVA without any regard to whether it really merits one.

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Hey wait! You can’t ask questions, then answer them yourself.