AGENCY:
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Treasury.
ACTION:
Notice of proposed rulemaking.
SUMMARY:
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) is requesting comments concerning the proposed establishment of a viticultural area to be known as “West Elks,” located in Delta County, Colorado. This notice responds to a petition filed on behalf of several grape growers and winery owners in the area.
DATES:
Written comments must be received by December 15, 2000.
ADDRESSES:
Send written comments to: Chief, Regulations Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, P.O. Box 50221, Washington, DC 20091-0221 (Attention: Notice No. 904). See “Public Participation” section of this notice if you want to comment by facsimile or e-mail.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lisa M. Gesser, Regulations Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, 650 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20226 (202-927-9347).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
1. Background on Viticultural Areas
What Is ATF's Authority To Establish a Viticultural Area?
On August 23, 1978, ATF published Treasury Decision ATF-53 (43 FR 37672, 54624). This decision revised the regulations in 27 CFR part 4, Labeling and Advertising of Wine, to allow the establishment of definitive viticultural areas. The regulations allow the name of an approved viticultural area to be used as an appellation of origin in the labeling and advertising of wine.
On October 2, 1979, ATF published Treasury Decision ATF-60 (44 FR 56692) which added a new part 9 to 27 CFR, American Viticultural Areas, for providing the listing of approved American viticultural areas, the names of which may be used as appellations of origin.
What Is the Definition of an American Viticultural Area?
Section 4.25a(e)(1), title 27, CFR, defines an American viticultural area as a delimited grape-growing region distinguishable by geographical features. Viticultural features such as soil, climate, elevation, topography, etc., distinguish it from surrounding areas.
What Is Required To Establish a Viticultural Area?
Any interested person may petition ATF to establish a grape-growing region as a viticultural area. The petition should include:
- Evidence that the name of the proposed viticultural area is locally and/or nationally known as referring to the area specified in the petition;
- Historical or current evidence that the boundaries of the viticultural area are as specified in the petition;
- Evidence relating to the geographical features (climate, soil, elevation, physical features, etc.) which distinguish the viticultural features of the proposed area from surrounding areas;
- A description of the specific boundaries of the viticultural area, based on features which can be found on United States Geological Survey (U.S.G.S.) maps of the largest applicable scale; and
- A copy of the appropriate U.S.G.S. map(s) with the boundaries prominently marked.
2. West Elks Petition
ATF has received a petition from Barbara E. Heck proposing to establish a viticultural area in Delta County, Colorado, known as “West Elks.” The proposed area encompasses approximately 75 square miles. Over 84 acres of vineyards are currently planted in “West Elks” and the area presently boasts eighteen vineyard and/or winery businesses.
What Name Evidence Has Been Provided?
The name of the proposed “West Elks” viticultural area was well documented by the petitioner. “West Elks” takes its name from the West Elk Mountains located just east of the area. The petitioner states that each vineyard in the area has a magnificent view of the West Elk Mountains. The following was submitted as evidence of name recognition:
- Brochure from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service indicating that the proposed “West Elks” viticulture area is known as West Elk Wilderness;
- Brochure from the Colorado State Historical Society and Delta County Tourism mapping the West Elk Loop which runs through the proposed “West Elks” viticultural area;
- Delta County Area Map on which the West Elk Mountains are prominently labeled; and
- United States Department of the Interior topographic map on which the West Elk Wilderness and the West Elk Mountains are prominently labeled.
- News article from the Delta County Independent which depicts a 1855 map on which the Elk Mountains are prominently labeled;
- Delta County Historical Society map which also shows the Elk Mountains;
What Boundary Evidence Has Been Provided?
According to the petitioner, the proposed “West Elks” viticultural area is located on mesa lands. Its borders are the West Elk Mountains to the east and the higher Grand Mesa to the north. To the south, Crawford and Fruitland Mesa have a higher elevation and the plateau climbs until it reaches the north rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. To the west lie the Adobe Badlands in which very little grows.
What Evidence Relating to Geographical Features Has Been Provided?
• Soil
The petitioner asserts that the soils of the proposed “West Elks” viticultural area distinguish it from the surrounding areas. The petitioner provided a General Soil Map which indicates that the proposed “West Elks” viticultural area is comprised mostly of Aqua Fria-Saration soils which are deep and moderately deep well-drained stony soils that formed in outwash alluvium derived from igneous rock. To the north of the proposed viticultural area the soils change to Delson-Cerro soils and to the east the soils are Fughes-Bulkley, Absarokee-Beenom and Delson-Cerro. Billings-Gullied land soils are found to the south of the proposed area.
• Elevation
The petitioner states that the boundaries of the proposed “West Elks” viticultural area are defined by elevation. The far eastern boundary, Juanita Junction, sits at 5942 feet. The eastern line sits mainly at 6200 feet. The southern borders of the proposed area follows section lines of the U.S.G.S. maps that have elevations that range from 5300 to over 5800 feet. The northern border has an elevation range from 6900 to 5900 feet.
According to the petitioner, the elevations of the areas surrounding “West Elks” are much higher. Mountains surround “West Elks” to the east with elevations reaching 11,000 feet. The Grand Mesa is located to the north of “West Elks” with elevations reaching 10,000 feet at the top. To the south, Crawford and Fruitland Mesa have higher elevations and the plateau climbs until it reaches the north rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. To the west, the Adobe Badlands, on which very little grows, and the Redlands Mesa, which sits above 6200 feet, separate “West Elks” from Delta, Cedaredge and the Surface Creek areas. The farming area to the east of Delta sits under 5000 feet elevation, which indicates a longer growing season than that of the proposed “West Elks” viticultural area.
The petitioner asserts that the high elevation of the proposed area creates a fruit that has tremendous flavor. The area is completely protected and sheltered by lofty mesas and mountain ranges. The elevations of the surrounding areas help protect “West Elks” from severe storms and climatic disturbances, which often injure or destroy fruit.
Climate
According to the petitioner, the climate of the proposed “West Elks” viticultural area is rather mild. With over 300 full sun days a year, sugar contents are high. The West Elk Loop Scenic and Historical Byway brochure states “* * * warm days, cool nights, and the so-called Million Dollar Breeze which flows down valley enhance the growing season.” The areas surrounding the “West Elks” are much cooler due to their higher elevation.
3. Regulatory Analyses and Notices
Is This a Significant Regulatory Action as Defined by Executive Order 12866?
It has been determined that this proposed regulation is not a significant regulatory action as defined in Executive Order 12866. Accordingly, this proposal is not subject to the analysis required by this Executive Order.
How Does the Regulatory Flexibility Act Apply to This Proposed Rule?
ATF certifies that the proposed regulations will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The establishment of a viticultural area is neither an endorsement or approval by ATF of the quality of wine produced in the area, but rather an identification of an area that is distinct from surrounding areas. ATF believes that the establishment of viticultural areas merely allows wineries to more accurately describe the origin of their wines to consumers, and helps consumers identify the wines they purchase. Thus, any benefit derived from the use of a viticultural area name is the result of the proprietor's own efforts and consumer acceptance of wines from that area.
No new requirements are proposed. Accordingly, a regulatory flexibility analysis is not required.
Does the Paperwork Reduction Act Apply to This Proposed Rule?
The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, and its implementing regulations, 5 CFR part 1320, do not apply to this notice of proposed rulemaking because the proposed regulation is not proposing new or revised record keeping or reporting requirements.
4. Public Participation and Request for Comments
Who May Comment on This Notice?
ATF requests comments from all interested parties. In addition, ATF specifically requests comments on the clarity of this proposed rule and how it may be made easier to understand. Comments received on or before the closing date will be carefully considered. Comments received after that date will be given the same consideration if it is practical to do so. However, assurance of consideration can only be given to comments received on or before the closing date.
Can I Review Comments Received?
Copies of the petition, the proposed regulations, the appropriate maps, and any written comments received will be available for public inspection during normal business hours at the ATF Reading Room, Office of Liaison and Public Information, Room 6480, 650 Massachusetts Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20226. For information on filing a Freedom of Information Act request for a copy of the comments, please refer to the internet address: http://www.atf.treas.gov/about/foia/foia.htm.
Will ATF Keep My Comments Confidential?
ATF will not recognize any comment as confidential. All comments and materials will be disclosed to the public. If you consider your material to be confidential or inappropriate for disclosure to the public, you should not include it in the comments. We will also disclose the name of any person who submits a comment.
During the comment period, any person may request an opportunity to present oral testimony at a public hearing. However, the Director reserves the right to determine, in light of all circumstances, whether a public hearing will be held.
How Do I Send Facsimile Comments?
You may submit comments by facsimile transmission to (202) 927-8525. Facsimile comments must:
- Be legible.
- Reference this notice number.
- Be on paper 81/2″ × 11″ in size.
- Contain a legible written signature.
- Be not more than three pages.
We will not acknowledge receipt of facsimile transmissions. We will treat facsimile transmissions as originals.
How Do I Send Electronic Mail (E-Mail) Comments?
You may submit comments by e-mail by sending the comments to nprm@atfhq.atf.treas.gov. You must follow these instructions. E-mail comments must:
- Contain your name, mailing address, and e-mail address.
- Reference this notice number.
- Be legible when printed on not more than three pages, 81/2″ × 11″ in size.
We will not acknowledge receipt of
e-mail. We will treat comments submitted by e-mail as originals.
How Do I Send Comments to the ATF Internet Web Site?
You may also submit comments using the comment form provided with the online copy of the proposed rule on the ATF internet web site at http://www.atf.treas.gov.
5. Drafting Information
The principal author of this document is Lisa M. Gesser, Regulations Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
List of Subjects in 27 CFR Part 9
- Administrative practice and procedure
- Alcohol and alcoholic beverages
- Consumer protection, and Wine
Authority and Issuance
Title 27, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 9, American Viticultural Areas, is proposed to be amended as follows:
PART 9—AMERICAN VITICULTURAL AREAS
Paragraph 1. The authority citation for part 9 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 27 U.S.C. 205.
Subpart C—Approved American Viticultural Areas
Par. 2. Subpart C is amended by adding § 9.172 to read as follows:
(a) Name. The name of the viticultural area described in this section is “West Elks.”
(b) Approved Maps. The appropriate maps for determining the boundary of the West Elks viticultural area are four United States Geological Survey (U.S.G.S.) topographic maps (Scale: 1:250,000). They are titled:
(1) Lazear Quadrangle (Colorado-Delta Co. 1955 (photorevised 1978));
(2) Hotchkiss Quadrangle (Colorado-Delta Co. 1965 (photorevised 1979));
(3) Paonia Quadrangle (Colorado-Delta Co. 1965 (photorevised 1979); and
(4) Bowie Quadrangle (Colorado-Delta Co. 1965 (photorevised 1978).
(c) Boundaries. The West Elks viticultural area is located in eastern Delta County, Colorado. The beginning point is found on the “Bowie Quadrangle” U.S.G.S. map at the 1/4 corner common to Sections 19 and 20, Township 13 South, Range 91 West (T. 13 S., R. 91 W.);
(1) The boundary proceeds east following the center subdivision lines of Sections 20 and 21 to its intersection with Colorado Highway 133;
(2) Then northeasterly following Colorado Highway 133 to its intersection with the N-S center subdivision line of Section 14, T. 13 S., R. 91 W., near Juanita Junction;
(3) Then south following the center subdivision line to its intersection with the North Fork of the Gunnison River;
(4) Then southwesterly following the North Fork of the Gunnison River to its intersection with the Stewart Ditch in the extreme southern part of Section 15, T. 13 S., R. 91 W.;
(5) Then southwesterly following the Stewart Ditch to its intersection with the section line common to Sections 21 and 28, T. 13 S., R. 91 W.;
(6) Then east following the section line common to Sections 21 and 28 to its intersection with the 6000 foot contour;
(7) Then southerly following the 6000 foot contour to its second intersection with the section line common to Sections 3 and 4, T. 14 S., R. 91 W., located on the Paonia, Colo. U.S.G.S. map;
(8) Then south following the section line common to Sections 3 and 4 to its intersection with the 6200 foot contour;
(9) Then southerly following the 6200 foot contour to its intersection with the section line common to Sections 16 and 17, T. 14 S., R. 91 W.;
(10) Then south following the section line common to Sections 16 and 17 to the point of intersection of Sections 16, 17, 20 and 21;
(11) Then west following the section line common to Sections 17 and 20 to the point of intersection of Sections 17, 18, 19 and 20;
(12) Then south following the section line common to Sections 19 and 20 to the N1/16 corner common to Sections 19 and 20;
(13) Then west following the subdivision line across Section 19 to the N1/16 corner common to Section 19, T. 14 S., R. 91 W. and Section 24, T, 14 S., R. 92 W.;
(14) Then south following the range line between R. 91 W. and R. 92 W. to the point of intersection between Sections 19 and 30, T. 14 S., R. 91 W. and Sections 24 and 25, T. 14 S., R. 92 W.;
(15) Then west following the section line common to Sections 24 and 25 to the point of intersection between Sections 23, 24, 25 and 26, located on the Hotchkiss, Colo. U.S.G.S. map;
(16) Then south following the section line common to Sections 25 and 26 to the point of intersection between Sections 25, 26, 35 and 36;
(17) Then west following the section lines common to Sections 26 and 35 and Sections 27 and 34 to the point of intersection between Sections 27, 28, 33 and 34;
(18) Then south following the section line common to Sections 33 and 34 to the point of intersection between Sections 33 and 34, T. 14 S., R. 92 W. and Sections 3 and 4, T. 15 S., R. 92 W.;
(19) Then west following the township line between T. 14 S. and T. 15 S. approximately three miles to the point of intersection between Section 31, T. 14 S., R. 92 W., Section 6, T. 15 S., R. 92 W., Section 1, T. 15 S., R. 93 W., and Section 36, T. 14 S., R. 93 W.;
(20) Then south following the range line between R. 92 W. and R. 93 W. to the point of intersection between Sections 6 and 7, T. 15 S., R. 92 W. and Sections 1 and 12, T. 15 S., R. 93 W.;
(21) Then west following the section lines common to Sections 1 and 12 and Sections 2 and 11 to its intersection with the North Fork of the Gunnison River, located on the Lazear, Colo. U.S.G.S. map;
(22) Then westerly following the North Fork of the Gunnison River to its intersection with Big Gulch in the extreme northeastern corner of Section 6, T. 15 S., R. 93 W.;
(23) Then northerly following Big Gulch to its intersection with the section line common to Sections 17 and 18, T. 14 S., R. 93 W.;
(24) Then north following the section lines common to Sections 17 and 18, Sections 7 and 8, and Sections 5 and 6 to the point of intersection between Sections 5 and 6, T. 14 S., R. 93 W. and Sections 31 and 32, T. 13 S., R. 93 W.;
(25) Then east following the township line between T. 13 S. and T. 14 S. approximately two miles to the point of intersection between Sections 3 and 4, T. 14 S., R. 93 W. and Sections 33 and 34, T. 13 S., R. 93 W.;
(26) Then south following the section line common to Sections 3 and 4 to the point of intersection between Sections 3, 4, 9 and 10;
(27) Then east following the section lines for approximately 6 miles to the point of intersection between Sections 3, 4, 9 and 10, T. 14 S., R. 92 W., located on the Hotchkiss, Colo. U.S.G.S. map;
(28) Then north following the section line common to Sections 3 and 4 to the point of intersection between Sections 3 and 4, T. 14 S., R. 92 W. and Sections 33 and 34, T. 13 S., R. 92 W.;
(29) Then east following the township line between T. 13 S. and T. 14 S. to its intersection with the Fire Mountain Canal in the southwestern corner of Section 35, T. 13 S., R. 92 W.;
(30) Then northeasterly following the Fire Mountain Canal through the extreme northwest corner of the Paonia, Colo. U.S.G.S. map to its intersection with the section line common to Sections 29 and 30, T. 13 S., R. 91 W., located on the Bowie, Colo. U.S.G.S. map;
(31) Then north following the section lines common to Sections 29 and 30 and Sections 19 and 20 to the 1/4 corner common to Sections 19 and 20, the point of beginning.
Bradley A. Buckles,
Director.
[FR Doc. 00-26454 Filed 10-13-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4810-31-P