The Madera AVA is an American Viticultural Area located in Fresno County and Madera County, in central California.

Madera AVA
Wine region
TypeAmerican Viticultural Area
Year established1984, amended in 1985 and 1987[1]
CountryUnited States
Part ofCalifornia
Total area230,000 acres (93,078 ha)[2]
Size of planted vineyards38,000 acres (15,378 ha)[3]
Grapes producedBarbera, Black Muscat, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Chardonnay, Colombard, Grenache, Malbec, Malvasia, Merlot, Muscat Canelli, Muscat of Alexandria, Orange Muscat, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Riesling, Souzao, Syrah, Tinta Cao, Tinta Madeira, Touriga Nacional, Valdiguie, Viognier, Zinfandel[3]

Production

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With a total area of 230,000 acres (93,078 ha), 38,000 acres (15,378 ha) of which are planted to wine grapes, this region in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley region of the Central Valley produces 10% of all wine grapes grown in the state of California. Modern grape growing practices have shown that this region can produce very high quality wines. The region has seen tremendous growth and success due to the shift from high-volume production to high-quality production.

Uses

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In years past[when?], many of the grapes grown in Madera were used for the production of low-priced wines. Today[when?], the grapes are shipped to producers of wines throughout the state, including Napa and Sonoma. The wineries located in the region produce wines from the large variety of grapes grown in the Madera AVA designation.[3]

References

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  1. ^ "Code of Federal Regulations. § 9.92 Maderas". Archived from the original on February 12, 2012. Retrieved January 28, 2008.
  2. ^ "American Viticultural Areas by State". Wine Institute. 2008. Archived from the original on January 27, 2008. Retrieved January 23, 2008.
  3. ^ a b c "Madera (AVA): Appellation Description". Appellation America. 2007. Archived from the original on January 3, 2008. Retrieved January 28, 2008.