Sierra Pelona Valley AVA
Encyclopedia
The Sierra Pelona Valley AVA is an American Viticultural Area
north of Los Angeles
. The valley is a part of the High Desert region.
of 40 to 50 °F, and annual rain
fall of less than 12 inches (30.5 cm), most of which is concentrated in the winter
. Additionally, air movement along the valley helps to reduce the risk of frost
, leaf fungus
, and insect
pests.
The soil is primarily alluvial, well-drained, and up to 60 inches (152.4 cm) deep. The appellation's altitude ranges from 2400 feet (731.5 m) to 3400 feet (1,036.3 m) above sea level.
American Viticultural Area
An American Viticultural Area is a designated wine grape-growing region in the United States distinguishable by geographic features, with boundaries defined by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau , United States Department of the Treasury....
north of Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
. The valley is a part of the High Desert region.
Geography and Climate
The valley features a diurnal temperature variationDiurnal temperature variation
Diurnal temperature variation is a meteorological term that relates to the variation in temperature that occurs from the highs of the day to the cool of nights.-Temperature lag:Temperature lag is an important factor in diurnal temperature variation...
of 40 to 50 °F, and annual rain
Rain
Rain is liquid precipitation, as opposed to non-liquid kinds of precipitation such as snow, hail and sleet. Rain requires the presence of a thick layer of the atmosphere to have temperatures above the melting point of water near and above the Earth's surface...
fall of less than 12 inches (30.5 cm), most of which is concentrated in the winter
Winter
Winter is the coldest season of the year in temperate climates, between autumn and spring. At the winter solstice, the days are shortest and the nights are longest, with days lengthening as the season progresses after the solstice.-Meteorology:...
. Additionally, air movement along the valley helps to reduce the risk of frost
Frost
Frost is the solid deposition of water vapor from saturated air. It is formed when solid surfaces are cooled to below the dew point of the adjacent air as well as below the freezing point of water. Frost crystals' size differ depending on time and water vapour available. Frost is also usually...
, leaf fungus
Fungus
A fungus is a member of a large group of eukaryotic organisms that includes microorganisms such as yeasts and molds , as well as the more familiar mushrooms. These organisms are classified as a kingdom, Fungi, which is separate from plants, animals, and bacteria...
, and insect
Insect
Insects are a class of living creatures within the arthropods that have a chitinous exoskeleton, a three-part body , three pairs of jointed legs, compound eyes, and two antennae...
pests.
The soil is primarily alluvial, well-drained, and up to 60 inches (152.4 cm) deep. The appellation's altitude ranges from 2400 feet (731.5 m) to 3400 feet (1,036.3 m) above sea level.