Establishment of the Alisos Canyon Viticultural Area, 52271-52274 [2020-16933]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 165 / Tuesday, August 25, 2020 / Rules and Regulations reference action under Title 1 Code of Federal Regulations part 51, subject to the annual revision of FAA Order 7400.11 and publication of conforming amendments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matthew Van Der Wal, Federal Aviation Administration, Western Service Center, Operations Support Group, 2200 S 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone (206) 231–3695. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: History The FAA published a final rule in the Federal Register (85 FR 44467; July 23, 2020) for Docket FAA–2020–0350 amending Class E airspace designated as a surface area. Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface and Class E airspace extending upward from 1,200 feet above the surface. Subsequent to publication, the FAA identified the spelling errors within the airport’s name throughout the document. This action corrects spelling errors. Class E2, and E5 airspace designations are published in paragraph 6002, and 6005, respectively, of FAA Order 7400.11D, dated August 8, 2019, and effective September 15, 2019, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Class E airspace designation listed in this document will be published subsequently in the Order. Correction to Final Rule Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me, Amendment of the Class E Airspace; Kotzebue, AK, published in the Federal Register of July 23, 2020 (85 FR 44467), FR Doc. 2020–15930, is corrected as follows: § 71.1 [Corrected] 1. On page 44467, in the third column, in the Summary section, in the first paragraph, the airport name is corrected from Ralph Wein Memorial airport to Ralph Wien Memorial Airport. ■ § 71.1 [Corrected] 2. On page 44468, in the first column, in the Authority for This Rulemaking section, the airport name is corrected from Ralph Wein Memorial airport to Ralph Wien Memorial Airport. ■ § 71.1 [Corrected] khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES [Corrected] 4. On page 44468, in the second column, in The Rule section, in the first ■ VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:10 Aug 24, 2020 § 71.1 [Corrected] 5. On page 44468, in the second column, in The Rule section, in the second paragraph, the airport name is corrected from Ralph Wein Memorial airport to Ralph Wien Memorial Airport. ■ Issued in Seattle, Washington, on August 19, 2020. B. G. Chew, Acting Group Manager, Western Service Center, Operations Support Group. [FR Doc. 2020–18538 Filed 8–24–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau 27 CFR Part 9 [Docket No. TTB–2019–0007; T.D. TTB– 1611; Ref: Notice No. 185] RIN 1513–AC51 Establishment of the Alisos Canyon Viticultural Area Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Treasury. ACTION: Final rule; Treasury decision. AGENCY: The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) establishes the approximately 5,774-acre ‘‘Alisos Canyon’’ viticultural area in Santa Barbara County, California. The Alisos Canyon viticultural area is located entirely within the existing Central Coast viticultural area. TTB designates viticultural areas to allow vintners to better describe the origin of their wines and to allow consumers to better identify wines they may purchase. DATES: This final rule is effective September 24, 2020. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen A. Thornton, Regulations and Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street NW, Box 12, Washington, DC 20005; phone 202–453–1039, ext. 2175. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: Background on Viticultural Areas 3. On page 44468, in the first column, in the History section, in the first paragraph, the airport name is corrected from Ralph Wein Memorial airport to Ralph Wien Memorial Airport. ■ § 71.1 paragraph, the airport name is corrected from Ralph Wein Memorial airport to Ralph Wien Memorial Airport. Jkt 250001 TTB Authority Section 105(e) of the Federal Alcohol Administration Act (FAA Act), 27 U.S.C. 205(e), authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations for the labeling of wine, distilled spirits, and malt beverages. The FAA Act provides that these regulations should, PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 52271 among other things, prohibit consumer deception and the use of misleading statements on labels and ensure that labels provide the consumer with adequate information as to the identity and quality of the product. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) administers the FAA Act pursuant to section 1111(d) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, codified at 6 U.S.C. 531(d). The Secretary has delegated the functions and duties in the administration and enforcement of these provisions to the TTB Administrator through Treasury Order 120–01, dated December 10, 2013 (superseding Treasury Order 120–01, dated January 24, 2003). Part 4 of the TTB regulations (27 CFR part 4) authorizes TTB to establish definitive viticultural areas and regulate the use of their names as appellations of origin on wine labels and in wine advertisements. Part 9 of the TTB regulations (27 CFR part 9) sets forth standards for the preparation and submission to TTB of petitions for the establishment or modification of American viticultural areas (AVAs) and lists the approved AVAs. Definition Section 4.25(e)(1)(i) of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 4.25(e)(1)(i)) defines a viticultural area for American wine as a delimited grape-growing region having distinguishing features, as described in part 9 of the regulations, and a name and a delineated boundary, as established in part 9 of the regulations. These designations allow vintners and consumers to attribute a given quality, reputation, or other characteristic of a wine made from grapes grown in an area to the wine’s geographic origin. The establishment of AVAs allows vintners to describe more accurately the origin of their wines to consumers and helps consumers to identify wines they may purchase. Establishment of an AVA is neither an approval nor an endorsement by TTB of the wine produced in that area. Requirements Section 4.25(e)(2) of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 4.25(e)(2)) outlines the procedure for proposing an AVA and provides that any interested party may petition TTB to establish a grapegrowing region as an AVA. Section 9.12 of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 9.12) prescribes standards for petitions for the establishment or modification of AVAs. Petitions to establish an AVA must include the following: • Evidence that the area within the proposed AVA boundary is nationally E:\FR\FM\25AUR1.SGM 25AUR1 52272 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 165 / Tuesday, August 25, 2020 / Rules and Regulations or locally known by the AVA name specified in the petition; • An explanation of the basis for defining the boundary of the proposed AVA; • A narrative description of the features of the proposed AVA affecting viticulture, such as climate, geology, soils, physical features, and elevation, that make the proposed AVA distinctive and distinguish it from adjacent areas outside the proposed AVA; • The appropriate United States Geological Survey (USGS) map(s) showing the location of the proposed AVA, with the boundary of the proposed AVA clearly drawn thereon; • If the proposed AVA is to be established within, or overlapping, an existing AVA, an explanation that both identifies the attributes of the proposed AVA that are consistent with the existing AVA and explains how the proposed AVA is sufficiently distinct from the existing AVA and therefore appropriate for separate recognition; and • A detailed narrative description of the proposed AVA boundary based on USGS map markings. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES Alisos Canyon Petition TTB received a petition from Wesley D. Hagen, on behalf of local vineyard owners and winemakers, proposing the establishment of the ‘‘Alisos Canyon’’ AVA in Santa Barbara County, California. The proposed Alisos Canyon AVA lies entirely within the established Central Coast AVA (27 CFR 9.75). Within the 5,774-acre proposed AVA, there are currently 9 producing commercial vineyards, which cover a total of approximately 238 acres. There is also one winery within the proposed AVA. According to the petition, the distinguishing features of the proposed Alisos Canyon AVA include its climate and soils. The petition also listed topography and geology as distinguishing features. However, based on the petition’s descriptions, topography and geology appear to be too integral to the region’s climate and soils, respectively, to be considered separately from those features. Therefore, TTB does not consider topography and geology to be separate distinguishing features of the proposed AVA. The climate of the proposed Alisos Canyon AVA is affected by cool marine air which travels into the proposed AVA via the drainage system of San Antonio Creek. The proposed AVA is located approximately 25 miles from the Pacific Ocean and is situated in a transitional region, between the cooler coastal regions and the warmer inland areas. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:10 Aug 24, 2020 Jkt 250001 Growing degree day accumulations 1 within the proposed Alisos Canyon AVA are higher than those of the regions to the northwest and southwest, which are closer to the ocean, and lower than those in the more inland regions to the south and east. The region due north of the proposed AVA also has higher growing degree day accumulations due to its location east of ridges and hills which trap warm air and block cool marine air from entering the region. According to the petition, the proposed AVA’s location is a ‘‘Goldilocks Rhone Zone,’’ meaning that temperatures are neither too hot nor too cold for growing Rhone wine varietals such as Syrah, which is the most common varietal grown in the proposed AVA. Soils within the proposed Alisos Canyon AVA are primarily derived from sandstone and shale. The most common soils are the Paso Robles Formation and Careaga Sandstone, which comprise 63 percent and 13 percent of the total soils, respectively. High calcium content from shale pebbles increases the thickness of the skins of red varietal wine grapes, which in turn increases the color and tannin levels in the resulting wine. High sand content provides excellent drainage for vineyards, thus reducing the risks from certain pests such as nematodes and phylloxera. The low clay content of Careaga Sandstone soils reduces the uptake of nutrients and reduces the vigor of the vines, resulting in smaller grapes with a higher skin-tojuice ratio than grapes of the same varietal grown in different soils with higher clay content. To the north of the proposed AVA, within the Santa Maria Valley, the soils have sandier top soils. South of the proposed Alisos Canyon AVA, the soils are characterized by Metz fine sandy loam. To the east of the proposed AVA, the soils are primarily derived from serpentine and chert. To the west of the proposed AVA, the soils are described as deep, sandy soils of the Shedd, Chamise, and Point Sal Formation series. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Comments Received TTB published Notice No. 185 in the Federal Register on October 15, 2019 (84 FR 55082), proposing to establish the Alisos Canyon AVA. In the notice, 1 See Albert J. Winkler et al., General Viticulture (Berkeley: University of California Press, 2nd ed. 1974), pages 61–64. In the Winkler climate classification system, annual heat accumulation during the growing season, measured in annual growing degree days (GDDs), defines climatic regions. One GDD accumulates for each degree Fahrenheit that a day’s mean temperature is above 50 degrees, the minimum temperature required for grapevine growth. PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 TTB summarized the evidence from the petition regarding the name, boundary, and distinguishing features for the proposed AVA. The notice also compared the distinguishing features of the proposed AVA to the surrounding areas. For a detailed description of the evidence relating to the name, boundary, and distinguishing features of the proposed AVA, and for a detailed comparison of the distinguishing features of the proposed AVA to the surrounding areas, see Notice No. 185. In Notice No. 185, TTB solicited comments on the accuracy of the name, boundary, and other required information submitted in support of the petition. In addition, given the proposed Alisos Canyon AVA’s location within the Central Coast AVA, TTB solicited comments on whether the evidence submitted in the petition regarding the distinguishing features of the proposed AVA sufficiently differentiates it from the established AVA. TTB also requested comments on whether the geographic features of the proposed AVA are so distinguishable from the established AVA that the proposed AVA should no longer be part of the established AVA. The comment period closed December 16, 2019. In response to Notice No. 185, TTB received a total of 18 comments. Commenters included the co-authors of the petition, local wine industry members, and members of the public who did not state an affiliation. All of the comments support the establishment of the proposed Alisos Canyon AVA, with most comments being an expression of general support. A few comments expressed agreement with the petition’s description of the proposed AVA’s soils and microclimate. None of the comments mentioned the proposed AVA’s location within the established Central Coast AVA. TTB Determination After careful review of the petition and the comments received in response to Notice No. 185, TTB finds that the evidence provided by the petitioner supports the establishment of the Alisos Canyon AVA. Accordingly, under the authority of the FAA Act, section 1111(d) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, and parts 4 and 9 of the TTB regulations, TTB establishes the ‘‘Alisos Canyon’’ AVA in Santa Barbara County, California, effective 30 days from the publication date of this document. TTB has also determined that the Alisos Canyon AVA will remain part of the established Central Coast AVA. As discussed in Notice No. 185, the Alisos Canyon AVA shares some broad characteristics with the established E:\FR\FM\25AUR1.SGM 25AUR1 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 165 / Tuesday, August 25, 2020 / Rules and Regulations AVA. For example, the proposed AVA has a marine-influenced climate that moderates growing season temperatures. A marine-influenced climate is also the basic viticultural feature of the Central Coast AVA. However, due to its smaller size, the Alisos Canyon AVA experiences a much smaller range of growing degree day accumulations within its proposed boundaries than the diverse, multicounty Central Coast AVA. It also has fewer soil types than the Central Coast AVA. Boundary Description See the narrative description of the boundary of the Alisos Canyon AVA in the regulatory text published at the end of this final rule. Maps The petitioners provided the required maps, and they are listed below in the regulatory text. The Alisos Canyon AVA boundary may also be viewed on the AVA Map Explorer on the TTB website, at https://www.ttb.gov/wine/ava-mapexplorer. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES Impact on Current Wine Labels Part 4 of the TTB regulations prohibits any label reference on a wine that indicates or implies an origin other than the wine’s true place of origin. For a wine to be labeled with an AVA name or with a brand name that includes an AVA name, at least 85 percent of the wine must be derived from grapes grown within the area represented by that name, and the wine must meet the other conditions listed in 27 CFR 4.25(e)(3). If the wine is not eligible for labeling with an AVA name and that name appears in the brand name, then the label is not in compliance and the bottler must change the brand name and obtain approval of a new label. Similarly, if the AVA name appears in another reference on the label in a misleading manner, the bottler would have to obtain approval of a new label. Different rules apply if a wine has a brand name containing an AVA name that was used as a brand name on a label approved before July 7, 1986. See 27 CFR 4.39(i)(2) for details. With the establishment of the Alisos Canyon AVA, its name, ‘‘Alisos Canyon,’’ will be recognized as a name of viticultural significance under § 4.39(i)(3) of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 4.39(i)(3)). The text of the regulations clarifies this point. Consequently, wine bottlers using the name ‘‘Alisos Canyon’’ in a brand name, including a trademark, or in another label reference as to the origin of the wine, will have to ensure that the VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:10 Aug 24, 2020 Jkt 250001 product is eligible to use the AVA name as an appellation of origin. The establishment of the Alisos Canyon AVA will not affect the existing Central Coast AVA, and any bottlers using ‘‘Central Coast’’ as an appellation of origin or in a brand name for wines made from grapes grown within the Central Coast AVA will not be affected by the establishment of this new AVA. The establishment of the Alisos Canyon AVA will allow vintners to use ‘‘Alisos Canyon’’ and ‘‘Central Coast’’ as appellations of origin for wines made primarily from grapes grown within the Alisos Canyon AVA if the wines meet the eligibility requirements for the appellation. Regulatory Flexibility Act TTB certifies that this regulation will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The regulation imposes no new reporting, recordkeeping, or other administrative requirement. Any benefit derived from the use of an AVA name would be the result of a proprietor’s efforts and consumer acceptance of wines from that area. Therefore, no regulatory flexibility analysis is required. Executive Order 12866 It has been determined that this final rule is not a significant regulatory action as defined by Executive Order 12866 of September 30, 1993. Therefore, no regulatory assessment is required. Drafting Information Karen A. Thornton of the Regulations and Rulings Division drafted this final rule. List of Subjects in 27 CFR Part 9 Wine. The Regulatory Amendment For the reasons discussed in the preamble, TTB amends title 27, chapter I, part 9, Code of Federal Regulations, as follows: PART 9—AMERICAN VITICULTURAL AREAS 1. The authority citation for part 9 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 27 U.S.C. 205. Subpart C—Approved American Viticultural Areas 2. Subpart C is amended by adding § 9.270 to read as follows: ■ § 9.270 Alisos Canyon. (a) Name. The name of the viticultural area described in this section is ‘‘Alisos PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 52273 Canyon’’. For purposes of part 4 of this chapter, ‘‘Alisos Canyon’’ is a term of viticultural significance. (b) Approved maps. The two United States Geological Survey (USGS) 1:24,000 scale topographic maps used to determine the boundary of the Alisos Canyon viticultural area are titled: (1) Foxen Canyon, CA, 1995; and (2) Zaca Creek, Calif., 1959. (c) Boundary. The Alisos Canyon viticultural area is located in Santa Barbara County, California. The boundary of the Alisos Canyon viticultural area is as described below: (1) The beginning point is on the Foxen Canyon map at an unnamed hilltop with a marked elevation of 1,137 feet, located west of the Can˜ada de los Coches in the La Laguna Grant. From the beginning point, proceed east in a straight line for 3.71 miles to the intersection of two unnamed, unimproved roads north of Rancho San Juan; then (2) Proceed east-southeast in a straight line for approximately 1.2 miles to an unnamed hilltop with a marked elevation of 1,424 feet in the La Laguna Grant; then (3) Proceed southwest in a straight line for approximately 1.7 miles, crossing onto the Zaca Creek map, to a point designated ‘‘Oil,’’ adjacent to the north fork of San Antonio Creek and the intersection of three unnamed light-duty roads in the Can˜ada del Comasa, La Laguna Grant; then (4) Proceed west-southwest in a straight line for approximately 1.56 miles to the intersection of the north fork of San Antonio Creek and the 800foot elevation contour in the Can˜ada del Comasa, La Laguna Grant; then (5) Proceed west in a straight line 1.95 miles to an unnamed rectangular structure northeast of the terminus of an unnamed, unimproved road north of U.S. Highway 101 and BM 684 in the La Laguna Grant; then (6) Proceed northwesterly in a straight line 0.32 mile to the intersection of Alisos Canyon Road and an unnamed, unimproved road east of the Can˜ada de los Coches in the La Laguna Grant; then (7) Proceed north-northwest in a straight line for 1.68 miles, crossing onto the Foxen Canyon map, to an unnamed hilltop with a marked elevation of 997 feet in the La Laguna Grant; then (8) Proceed northeast in a straight line for 0.5 mile to return to the beginning point. E:\FR\FM\25AUR1.SGM 25AUR1 52274 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 165 / Tuesday, August 25, 2020 / Rules and Regulations Signed: April 15, 2020. Mary G. Ryan, Acting Administrator. Approved: July 28, 2020. Timothy E. Skud, Deputy Assistant Secretary, (Tax, Trade, and Tariff Policy). [FR Doc. 2020–16933 Filed 8–24–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4810–31–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Parts 9 and 721 [EPA–HQ–OPPT–2017–0575; FRL–10012– 90] RIN 2070–AB27 Revocation of Significant New Use Rule for a Certain Chemical Substance (P–16–581) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: EPA is revoking the significant new use rule (SNUR) issued under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for the chemical substance identified generically as alpha 1-, 3polysaccharide, which was the subject of premanufacture notice (PMN) P–16– 581. EPA issued a SNUR based on this PMN which designated certain activities as significant new uses. EPA is revoking the SNUR based on new test data for the chemical substance. DATES: This rule is effective September 24, 2020. For purposes of judicial review, this rule shall be promulgated at 1 p.m. (EST) on September 8, 2020. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For technical information contact: Kenneth Moss, Chemical Control Division, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460–0001; telephone number: 202– 564–9232; email address: moss.kenneth@epa.gov. For general information contact: The TSCA-Hotline, ABVI-Goodwill, 422 South Clinton Ave. Rochester, NY 14620; telephone number: (202) 554– 1404; email address: TSCA-Hotline@ epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES SUMMARY: I. General Information A. Does this action apply to me? You may be potentially affected by this action if you manufacture, process, or use the chemical substances contained in this rule. The following list of North American Industrial VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:10 Aug 24, 2020 Jkt 250001 Classification System (NAICS) codes is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a guide to help readers determine whether this document applies to them. Potentially affected entities may include: • Manufacturers or processors of one or more subject chemical substances (NAICS codes 325 and 324110), e.g., chemical manufacturing and petroleum refineries.325 and 324110), e.g., chemical manufacturing and petroleum refineries. To determine whether you or your business may be affected by this action, you should carefully examine the applicability provisions in § 721.5. If you have any questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular entity, consult the technical person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. This action may also affect certain entities through pre-existing import certification and export notification rules under TSCA. Chemical importers are subject to the TSCA section 13 (15 U.S.C. 2612) import certification requirements promulgated at 19 CFR 12.118 through 12.127 and 19 CFR 127.28. Chemical importers must certify that the shipment of the chemical substance complies with all applicable rules and orders under TSCA. The EPA policy in support of import certification appears at 40 CFR part 707, subpart B. In addition, persons who export or intend to export the chemical that is the subject of this revocation will no longer be subject to the TSCA section 12(b)(15 U.S.C. 2611(b)) export notification requirements at 40 CFR part 707 that are currently triggered by the SNUR that is being revoked. B. How can I access the docket? The docket includes information considered by the Agency in developing the proposed and final rules. The docket for this action, identified by docket identification (ID) number EPA–HQ– OPPT–2019–0595, is available at https:// www.regulations.gov or at the Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics Docket (OPPT Docket), Environmental Protection Agency Docket Center (EPA/ DC), West William Jefferson Clinton Bldg., Rm. 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC. The Public Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Public Reading Room is (202) 566–1744, and the telephone number for the OPPT Docket is (202) 566–0280. Please review the visitor instructions and additional information about the docket that is available at https://www.epa.gov/dockets. PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 II. Background A. What action is the Agency taking? In the April 5, 2019 Federal Register (84 FR 13531) (FRL–9991–19), EPA promulgated a SNUR at 40 CFR 721.11193 for the chemical substance identified generically as alpha 1-, 3polysaccharide (P–16–581). The SNUR designated certain activities as significant new uses. After that date, EPA received new data on the biosolubility of the chemical substance. Based on its review of these data, EPA proposed a revocation of the SNUR in the April 1, 2020 Federal Register (85 FR 18179) (FRL–10005–89). In Unit II.A. of the proposed revocation, EPA provides a description of the chemical substance and the results of the submitted biosolubility data, which were the basis for revoking the SNUR pursuant to 40 CFR 721.185. These new data and EPA’s analysis are available in the docket EPA–HQ–OPPT–2017–0575. EPA has determined that the criteria set forth in 40 CFR 721.185(a)(1) have been satisfied for the chemical substance. Therefore, EPA is revoking the SNUR for this chemical substance. The significant new use notification and the recordkeeping requirements at 40 CFR 721.11193 will terminate upon the effective date of this revocation. In addition, export notification under TSCA section 12(b) and 40 CFR part 707, subpart D, triggered by the SNUR will no longer be required. In addition, EPA is making a corresponding change to 40 CFR part 9 to remove the entry from the table that appears in 40 CFR 9.1. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information that requires OMB approval under PRA, unless it has been approved by OMB and displays a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control numbers for EPA’s regulations in title 40 of the CFR, after appearing in the Federal Register, are listed in 40 CFR part 9, and included on the related collection instrument or form, if applicable. This listing of the OMB control numbers and their subsequent codification in the CFR satisfies the display requirements of PRA and OMB’s implementing regulations at 5 CFR part 1320. When promulgated, the SNUR was added to the table in 40 CFR part 9, and it is now being removed to reflect the revocation of the SNUR. EPA finds that further notice and comment to amend the table in 40 CFR 9.1 is unnecessary. As a result, EPA finds that there is ‘‘good cause’’ under section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative E:\FR\FM\25AUR1.SGM 25AUR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 165 (Tuesday, August 25, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52271-52274]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-16933]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau

27 CFR Part 9

[Docket No. TTB-2019-0007; T.D. TTB-1611; Ref: Notice No. 185]
RIN 1513-AC51


Establishment of the Alisos Canyon Viticultural Area

AGENCY: Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Treasury.

ACTION: Final rule; Treasury decision.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) establishes 
the approximately 5,774-acre ``Alisos Canyon'' viticultural area in 
Santa Barbara County, California. The Alisos Canyon viticultural area 
is located entirely within the existing Central Coast viticultural 
area. TTB designates viticultural areas to allow vintners to better 
describe the origin of their wines and to allow consumers to better 
identify wines they may purchase.

DATES: This final rule is effective September 24, 2020.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen A. Thornton, Regulations and 
Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G 
Street NW, Box 12, Washington, DC 20005; phone 202-453-1039, ext. 2175.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background on Viticultural Areas

TTB Authority

    Section 105(e) of the Federal Alcohol Administration Act (FAA Act), 
27 U.S.C. 205(e), authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe 
regulations for the labeling of wine, distilled spirits, and malt 
beverages. The FAA Act provides that these regulations should, among 
other things, prohibit consumer deception and the use of misleading 
statements on labels and ensure that labels provide the consumer with 
adequate information as to the identity and quality of the product. The 
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) administers the FAA Act 
pursuant to section 1111(d) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, 
codified at 6 U.S.C. 531(d). The Secretary has delegated the functions 
and duties in the administration and enforcement of these provisions to 
the TTB Administrator through Treasury Order 120-01, dated December 10, 
2013 (superseding Treasury Order 120-01, dated January 24, 2003).
    Part 4 of the TTB regulations (27 CFR part 4) authorizes TTB to 
establish definitive viticultural areas and regulate the use of their 
names as appellations of origin on wine labels and in wine 
advertisements. Part 9 of the TTB regulations (27 CFR part 9) sets 
forth standards for the preparation and submission to TTB of petitions 
for the establishment or modification of American viticultural areas 
(AVAs) and lists the approved AVAs.

Definition

    Section 4.25(e)(1)(i) of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 4.25(e)(1)(i)) 
defines a viticultural area for American wine as a delimited grape-
growing region having distinguishing features, as described in part 9 
of the regulations, and a name and a delineated boundary, as 
established in part 9 of the regulations. These designations allow 
vintners and consumers to attribute a given quality, reputation, or 
other characteristic of a wine made from grapes grown in an area to the 
wine's geographic origin. The establishment of AVAs allows vintners to 
describe more accurately the origin of their wines to consumers and 
helps consumers to identify wines they may purchase. Establishment of 
an AVA is neither an approval nor an endorsement by TTB of the wine 
produced in that area.

Requirements

    Section 4.25(e)(2) of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 4.25(e)(2)) 
outlines the procedure for proposing an AVA and provides that any 
interested party may petition TTB to establish a grape-growing region 
as an AVA. Section 9.12 of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 9.12) prescribes 
standards for petitions for the establishment or modification of AVAs. 
Petitions to establish an AVA must include the following:
     Evidence that the area within the proposed AVA boundary is 
nationally

[[Page 52272]]

or locally known by the AVA name specified in the petition;
     An explanation of the basis for defining the boundary of 
the proposed AVA;
     A narrative description of the features of the proposed 
AVA affecting viticulture, such as climate, geology, soils, physical 
features, and elevation, that make the proposed AVA distinctive and 
distinguish it from adjacent areas outside the proposed AVA;
     The appropriate United States Geological Survey (USGS) 
map(s) showing the location of the proposed AVA, with the boundary of 
the proposed AVA clearly drawn thereon;
     If the proposed AVA is to be established within, or 
overlapping, an existing AVA, an explanation that both identifies the 
attributes of the proposed AVA that are consistent with the existing 
AVA and explains how the proposed AVA is sufficiently distinct from the 
existing AVA and therefore appropriate for separate recognition; and
     A detailed narrative description of the proposed AVA 
boundary based on USGS map markings.

Alisos Canyon Petition

    TTB received a petition from Wesley D. Hagen, on behalf of local 
vineyard owners and winemakers, proposing the establishment of the 
``Alisos Canyon'' AVA in Santa Barbara County, California. The proposed 
Alisos Canyon AVA lies entirely within the established Central Coast 
AVA (27 CFR 9.75).
    Within the 5,774-acre proposed AVA, there are currently 9 producing 
commercial vineyards, which cover a total of approximately 238 acres. 
There is also one winery within the proposed AVA. According to the 
petition, the distinguishing features of the proposed Alisos Canyon AVA 
include its climate and soils. The petition also listed topography and 
geology as distinguishing features. However, based on the petition's 
descriptions, topography and geology appear to be too integral to the 
region's climate and soils, respectively, to be considered separately 
from those features. Therefore, TTB does not consider topography and 
geology to be separate distinguishing features of the proposed AVA.
    The climate of the proposed Alisos Canyon AVA is affected by cool 
marine air which travels into the proposed AVA via the drainage system 
of San Antonio Creek. The proposed AVA is located approximately 25 
miles from the Pacific Ocean and is situated in a transitional region, 
between the cooler coastal regions and the warmer inland areas. Growing 
degree day accumulations \1\ within the proposed Alisos Canyon AVA are 
higher than those of the regions to the northwest and southwest, which 
are closer to the ocean, and lower than those in the more inland 
regions to the south and east. The region due north of the proposed AVA 
also has higher growing degree day accumulations due to its location 
east of ridges and hills which trap warm air and block cool marine air 
from entering the region. According to the petition, the proposed AVA's 
location is a ``Goldilocks Rhone Zone,'' meaning that temperatures are 
neither too hot nor too cold for growing Rhone wine varietals such as 
Syrah, which is the most common varietal grown in the proposed AVA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ See Albert J. Winkler et al., General Viticulture (Berkeley: 
University of California Press, 2nd ed. 1974), pages 61-64. In the 
Winkler climate classification system, annual heat accumulation 
during the growing season, measured in annual growing degree days 
(GDDs), defines climatic regions. One GDD accumulates for each 
degree Fahrenheit that a day's mean temperature is above 50 degrees, 
the minimum temperature required for grapevine growth.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Soils within the proposed Alisos Canyon AVA are primarily derived 
from sandstone and shale. The most common soils are the Paso Robles 
Formation and Careaga Sandstone, which comprise 63 percent and 13 
percent of the total soils, respectively. High calcium content from 
shale pebbles increases the thickness of the skins of red varietal wine 
grapes, which in turn increases the color and tannin levels in the 
resulting wine. High sand content provides excellent drainage for 
vineyards, thus reducing the risks from certain pests such as nematodes 
and phylloxera. The low clay content of Careaga Sandstone soils reduces 
the uptake of nutrients and reduces the vigor of the vines, resulting 
in smaller grapes with a higher skin-to-juice ratio than grapes of the 
same varietal grown in different soils with higher clay content.
    To the north of the proposed AVA, within the Santa Maria Valley, 
the soils have sandier top soils. South of the proposed Alisos Canyon 
AVA, the soils are characterized by Metz fine sandy loam. To the east 
of the proposed AVA, the soils are primarily derived from serpentine 
and chert. To the west of the proposed AVA, the soils are described as 
deep, sandy soils of the Shedd, Chamise, and Point Sal Formation 
series.

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Comments Received

    TTB published Notice No. 185 in the Federal Register on October 15, 
2019 (84 FR 55082), proposing to establish the Alisos Canyon AVA. In 
the notice, TTB summarized the evidence from the petition regarding the 
name, boundary, and distinguishing features for the proposed AVA. The 
notice also compared the distinguishing features of the proposed AVA to 
the surrounding areas. For a detailed description of the evidence 
relating to the name, boundary, and distinguishing features of the 
proposed AVA, and for a detailed comparison of the distinguishing 
features of the proposed AVA to the surrounding areas, see Notice No. 
185.
    In Notice No. 185, TTB solicited comments on the accuracy of the 
name, boundary, and other required information submitted in support of 
the petition. In addition, given the proposed Alisos Canyon AVA's 
location within the Central Coast AVA, TTB solicited comments on 
whether the evidence submitted in the petition regarding the 
distinguishing features of the proposed AVA sufficiently differentiates 
it from the established AVA. TTB also requested comments on whether the 
geographic features of the proposed AVA are so distinguishable from the 
established AVA that the proposed AVA should no longer be part of the 
established AVA. The comment period closed December 16, 2019.
    In response to Notice No. 185, TTB received a total of 18 comments. 
Commenters included the co-authors of the petition, local wine industry 
members, and members of the public who did not state an affiliation. 
All of the comments support the establishment of the proposed Alisos 
Canyon AVA, with most comments being an expression of general support. 
A few comments expressed agreement with the petition's description of 
the proposed AVA's soils and microclimate. None of the comments 
mentioned the proposed AVA's location within the established Central 
Coast AVA.

TTB Determination

    After careful review of the petition and the comments received in 
response to Notice No. 185, TTB finds that the evidence provided by the 
petitioner supports the establishment of the Alisos Canyon AVA. 
Accordingly, under the authority of the FAA Act, section 1111(d) of the 
Homeland Security Act of 2002, and parts 4 and 9 of the TTB 
regulations, TTB establishes the ``Alisos Canyon'' AVA in Santa Barbara 
County, California, effective 30 days from the publication date of this 
document.
    TTB has also determined that the Alisos Canyon AVA will remain part 
of the established Central Coast AVA. As discussed in Notice No. 185, 
the Alisos Canyon AVA shares some broad characteristics with the 
established

[[Page 52273]]

AVA. For example, the proposed AVA has a marine-influenced climate that 
moderates growing season temperatures. A marine-influenced climate is 
also the basic viticultural feature of the Central Coast AVA. However, 
due to its smaller size, the Alisos Canyon AVA experiences a much 
smaller range of growing degree day accumulations within its proposed 
boundaries than the diverse, multicounty Central Coast AVA. It also has 
fewer soil types than the Central Coast AVA.

Boundary Description

    See the narrative description of the boundary of the Alisos Canyon 
AVA in the regulatory text published at the end of this final rule.

Maps

    The petitioners provided the required maps, and they are listed 
below in the regulatory text. The Alisos Canyon AVA boundary may also 
be viewed on the AVA Map Explorer on the TTB website, at https://www.ttb.gov/wine/ava-map-explorer.

Impact on Current Wine Labels

    Part 4 of the TTB regulations prohibits any label reference on a 
wine that indicates or implies an origin other than the wine's true 
place of origin. For a wine to be labeled with an AVA name or with a 
brand name that includes an AVA name, at least 85 percent of the wine 
must be derived from grapes grown within the area represented by that 
name, and the wine must meet the other conditions listed in 27 CFR 
4.25(e)(3). If the wine is not eligible for labeling with an AVA name 
and that name appears in the brand name, then the label is not in 
compliance and the bottler must change the brand name and obtain 
approval of a new label. Similarly, if the AVA name appears in another 
reference on the label in a misleading manner, the bottler would have 
to obtain approval of a new label. Different rules apply if a wine has 
a brand name containing an AVA name that was used as a brand name on a 
label approved before July 7, 1986. See 27 CFR 4.39(i)(2) for details.
    With the establishment of the Alisos Canyon AVA, its name, ``Alisos 
Canyon,'' will be recognized as a name of viticultural significance 
under Sec.  4.39(i)(3) of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 4.39(i)(3)). The 
text of the regulations clarifies this point. Consequently, wine 
bottlers using the name ``Alisos Canyon'' in a brand name, including a 
trademark, or in another label reference as to the origin of the wine, 
will have to ensure that the product is eligible to use the AVA name as 
an appellation of origin.
    The establishment of the Alisos Canyon AVA will not affect the 
existing Central Coast AVA, and any bottlers using ``Central Coast'' as 
an appellation of origin or in a brand name for wines made from grapes 
grown within the Central Coast AVA will not be affected by the 
establishment of this new AVA. The establishment of the Alisos Canyon 
AVA will allow vintners to use ``Alisos Canyon'' and ``Central Coast'' 
as appellations of origin for wines made primarily from grapes grown 
within the Alisos Canyon AVA if the wines meet the eligibility 
requirements for the appellation.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    TTB certifies that this regulation will not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The 
regulation imposes no new reporting, recordkeeping, or other 
administrative requirement. Any benefit derived from the use of an AVA 
name would be the result of a proprietor's efforts and consumer 
acceptance of wines from that area. Therefore, no regulatory 
flexibility analysis is required.

Executive Order 12866

    It has been determined that this final rule is not a significant 
regulatory action as defined by Executive Order 12866 of September 30, 
1993. Therefore, no regulatory assessment is required.

Drafting Information

    Karen A. Thornton of the Regulations and Rulings Division drafted 
this final rule.

List of Subjects in 27 CFR Part 9

    Wine.

The Regulatory Amendment

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, TTB amends title 27, 
chapter I, part 9, Code of Federal Regulations, as follows:

PART 9--AMERICAN VITICULTURAL AREAS

0
1. The authority citation for part 9 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  27 U.S.C. 205.

Subpart C--Approved American Viticultural Areas

0
2. Subpart C is amended by adding Sec.  9.270 to read as follows:


Sec.  9.270   Alisos Canyon.

    (a) Name. The name of the viticultural area described in this 
section is ``Alisos Canyon''. For purposes of part 4 of this chapter, 
``Alisos Canyon'' is a term of viticultural significance.
    (b) Approved maps. The two United States Geological Survey (USGS) 
1:24,000 scale topographic maps used to determine the boundary of the 
Alisos Canyon viticultural area are titled:
    (1) Foxen Canyon, CA, 1995; and
    (2) Zaca Creek, Calif., 1959.
    (c) Boundary. The Alisos Canyon viticultural area is located in 
Santa Barbara County, California. The boundary of the Alisos Canyon 
viticultural area is as described below:
    (1) The beginning point is on the Foxen Canyon map at an unnamed 
hilltop with a marked elevation of 1,137 feet, located west of the 
Ca[ntilde]ada de los Coches in the La Laguna Grant. From the beginning 
point, proceed east in a straight line for 3.71 miles to the 
intersection of two unnamed, unimproved roads north of Rancho San Juan; 
then
    (2) Proceed east-southeast in a straight line for approximately 1.2 
miles to an unnamed hilltop with a marked elevation of 1,424 feet in 
the La Laguna Grant; then
    (3) Proceed southwest in a straight line for approximately 1.7 
miles, crossing onto the Zaca Creek map, to a point designated ``Oil,'' 
adjacent to the north fork of San Antonio Creek and the intersection of 
three unnamed light-duty roads in the Ca[ntilde]ada del Comasa, La 
Laguna Grant; then
    (4) Proceed west-southwest in a straight line for approximately 
1.56 miles to the intersection of the north fork of San Antonio Creek 
and the 800-foot elevation contour in the Ca[ntilde]ada del Comasa, La 
Laguna Grant; then
    (5) Proceed west in a straight line 1.95 miles to an unnamed 
rectangular structure northeast of the terminus of an unnamed, 
unimproved road north of U.S. Highway 101 and BM 684 in the La Laguna 
Grant; then
    (6) Proceed northwesterly in a straight line 0.32 mile to the 
intersection of Alisos Canyon Road and an unnamed, unimproved road east 
of the Ca[ntilde]ada de los Coches in the La Laguna Grant; then
    (7) Proceed north-northwest in a straight line for 1.68 miles, 
crossing onto the Foxen Canyon map, to an unnamed hilltop with a marked 
elevation of 997 feet in the La Laguna Grant; then
    (8) Proceed northeast in a straight line for 0.5 mile to return to 
the beginning point.


[[Page 52274]]


    Signed: April 15, 2020.
Mary G. Ryan,
Acting Administrator.
    Approved: July 28, 2020.
Timothy E. Skud,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, (Tax, Trade, and Tariff Policy).
[FR Doc. 2020-16933 Filed 8-24-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4810-31-P
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