Proposed Establishment of the Virginia Peninsula Viticultural Area, 61895-61899 [2020-17628]
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(j) Related Information
(1) For information about EASA AD 2020–
0153, contact the EASA, Konrad-AdenauerUfer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone
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www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
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BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade
Bureau
27 CFR Part 9
[Docket No. TTB–2020–0010; Notice No.
195]
RIN 1513–AC71
Proposed Establishment of the Virginia
Peninsula Viticultural Area
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and
Trade Bureau, Treasury.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
AGENCY:
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax
and Trade Bureau (TTB) proposes to
establish the 673,059-acre ‘‘Virginia
Peninsula’’ viticultural area in
southeastern Virginia. The proposed
viticultural area is not located within,
nor does it contain, any other
established viticultural area. TTB
designates viticultural areas to allow
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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. 175.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
TTB Authority
[FR Doc. 2020–21564 Filed 9–30–20; 8:45 am]
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Background on Viticultural Areas
Issued on September 24, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
SUMMARY:
vintners to better describe the origin of
their wines and to allow consumers to
better identify wines they may
purchase. TTB invites comments on this
proposed addition to its regulations.
DATES: Comments must be received by
November 30, 2020.
ADDRESSES: You may electronically
submit comments to TTB on this
proposal, and view copies of this
document, its supporting materials, and
any comments TTB receives on it within
Docket No. TTB–2020–0010 as posted
on Regulations.gov (https://
www.regulations.gov), the Federal
e-rulemaking portal. Please see the
‘‘Public Participation’’ section of this
document below for full details on how
to comment on this proposal via
Regulations.gov or U.S. mail, and for
full details on how to obtain copies of
this document, its supporting materials,
and any comments related to this
proposal.
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
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61895
submission 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
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 boundary;
• 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;
and
• A detailed narrative description of
the proposed AVA boundary based on
USGS map markings.
Virginia Peninsula Petition
TTB received a petition from the
Williamsburg Winery proposing to
establish the 673,059-acre ‘‘Virginia
Peninsula’’ AVA. The proposed AVA is
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located in southeastern Virginia and
encompasses the counties of James City,
York, New Kent, and Charles City, as
well as the independent cities of
Poquoson, Hampton, Newport News,
and Williamsburg. At the time the
petition was submitted, the proposed
AVA had 5 commercial vineyards,
covering a total of approximately 112
acres. According to the petition, an
additional 61 acres of vineyards are
planned for planting in the near future.
In addition, there are 5 wineries located
within the proposed AVA.
According to the petition, the
distinguishing features of the proposed
Virginia Peninsula AVA are its geology
and climate. Unless otherwise noted, all
information and data pertaining to the
proposed AVA contained in this
proposed rule come from the petition
for the proposed Virginia Peninsula
AVA and its supporting exhibits.
Name Evidence
The proposed Virginia Peninsula
AVA is located on Virginia’s
southernmost peninsula on the western
shore of the Chesapeake Bay. The
petition included multiple examples of
local, State, and Federal websites that
refer to the region of the proposed AVA
as ‘‘Virginia Peninsula.’’ For example,
the government website for New Kent
County, which is located within the
proposed AVA, notes that the county
airport’s location ‘‘on the Virginia
Peninsula’’ allows visitors easy access to
various historic and natural recreational
sites.1 The Virginia travel and tourism
site’s web page for the city of Hampton,
which is within the proposed AVA,
notes that the city is ‘‘located on the
Virginia Peninsula.’’ 2 Finally, the
National Weather Service’s website
includes a web page titled ‘‘The
Hurricane History of Central and
Eastern Virginia’’ which notes that
Hurricane Ernesto caused significant
damage ‘‘across portions of the Virginia
Peninsula’’ 3 in 2006.
The petition also included examples
of various businesses and organizations
within the proposed AVA that use the
term ‘‘Virginia Peninsula’’ in their
names. For example, the Virginia
Peninsula Foodbank, the Virginia
Peninsula Rotary Club, and the Virginia
Peninsula Regional Jail all serve the
region of the proposed AVA. Other
examples include the Virginia Peninsula
Association of Realtors, the Virginia
Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, and
the Virginia Peninsula Public Service
Authority.
Boundary Evidence
The proposed Virginia Peninsula
AVA is located on the natural feature
known as the Virginia Peninsula in
southeastern Virginia. The northern,
eastern, and southern boundaries of the
proposed AVA follow the natural
features that delineate the peninsula.
The York River forms the northern
boundary of both the peninsula and the
proposed AVA, while the James River
forms the southern boundary. The
eastern boundary of the proposed AVA
is formed by the Chesapeake Bay.
According to the petition, the western
boundary of the peninsula is less
precisely defined and is marked by a
change in elevation and soil type. In
order to approximate this change in
elevation and soil, the petition places
the western boundary of the proposed
AVA east of the city of Richmond, along
the western boundary of New Kent
County and Charles City County.
Distinguishing Features
The distinguishing features of the
proposed Virginia Peninsula AVA are
its geology and climate.
Geology
According to the petition, the geology
of the proposed AVA serves to
distinguish it from the region to the
west. The proposed Virginia Peninsula
AVA, along with the regions to the
north and south, is located on the
Atlantic Coastal Plain, a region of low
topographic relief with elevations
ranging from sea level to approximately
250 feet. The Atlantic Coastal Plain is
underlain by Cenozoic-era sand, mud,
and gravel which were deposited during
periods of higher sea levels. These
sediments are geologically young,
ranging from 4 to 5 million years in age
to less than 100,000 years. As a result,
very few fault lines are found within the
Atlantic Coastal Plain. According to the
petition, the geological formations of the
proposed AVA are ideal for viticulture,
as the bedrock tends to be fractured,
allowing for greater root depth and
greater rainfall permeability.
To the west of the proposed Virginia
Peninsula AVA are the Hopewell fault
and the Atlantic Seaboard Fall Line,
which mark the beginning of the
Piedmont and Blue Ridge regions of
Virginia. The geology of these regions
consists of igneous and metamorphic
rock, including granite and gneiss. The
bedrock is older than that of the
proposed AVA, dating back
approximately 700 million years to the
Precambrian age. The bedrock is less
porous and less fractured than the
bedrock of the proposed AVA. As a
result, neither grapevine roots nor rain
can penetrate as deeply as within the
more fractured bedrock of the proposed
AVA.
Climate
The proposed Virginia Peninsula
AVA is characterized by a humid
subtropical climate, with long, humid
summers and moderate to mild winters.
The petition included on the average
growing season high and low
temperatures, growing season maximum
high and minimum low temperatures,
and the annual number of days during
the growing season with temperatures
over 90 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit (F)
for locations within the proposed AVA,
to the north, and to the south.
Additionally, the petition included data
on the average annual and harvest
period rainfall amounts for the same
locations. Data was not provided for the
region to the west. The data was
collected from 2013 to 2017 and is
reproduced in the following tables.
TABLE 1—2013–2017 GROWING SEASON 4 TEMPERATURES
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Location
(direction from proposed AVA)
Average high
Williamsburg (within) ................................
West Point (North) ...................................
Surry (South) ............................................
1 www.co.new-kent.va.us/index.aspx?nid=177.
2 virginia.org/cities/Hampton/.
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Average low
84
81
80
Average
maximum
high
65
61
62
100
96
95
3 www.weather.gov/media/akq/miscNEWS/
hurricanehistory.pdf.
4 ‘‘Growing season’’ is defined in the petition as
the period from the last spring frost to the first fall
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Average
Minimum
Low
35
32
35
Average days
over
90 Degrees F
Average days
over
100 Degrees F
57
32
17
2.6
0
0
frost. The length of the growing season varies from
year to year but typically lasts from April 10 to
November 8.
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61897
TABLE 2—2013–2017 RAINFALL
Location
(direction from proposed AVA)
Average annual
rainfall amounts
(in inches)
Williamsburg (within) ..............................
West Point (North) .................................
Surry (South) .........................................
40.4
36.5
43
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The climate data suggests that the
proposed Virginia Peninsula AVA has
temperatures that are warmer than the
regions to the north and south. Rainfall
amounts in the proposed AVA are
generally greater than in the region to
the north and lower than in the region
to the south.
According to the petition,
temperatures above 90 degrees F reduce
photosynthesis in grapevines. Because
photosynthesis is the process which
produces sugar, reduced photosynthesis
rates would require fruit to hang longer
to achieve optimal sugar levels. The
longer hang time increases the risk of
disease or animals destroying a crop
before it can be harvested. The petition
states that, on average, almost 30
percent of the growing season days
within the proposed AVA have
temperatures above 90 degrees.
Additionally, frequent rains during the
harvest period, particularly rainfall
amounts over 1⁄2 inch, can cause
ripening fruit to swell or split and can
dilute flavors. The high growing season
temperatures combined with frequent
rainfall during the typical harvest
season mean that vineyard managers
frequently face the decision whether to
pick grapes before they’ve reached peak
ripeness, or to let the fruit continue to
ripen but potentially spoil.
Summary of Distinguishing Features
The evidence provided in the petition
indicates that the geology and climate of
the proposed Virginia Peninsula AVA
distinguish it from the surrounding
regions in each direction. The proposed
AVA is located on the Atlantic Coastal
Plain, which is comprised of
geologically young sand, mud, and
gravel over fractured bedrock. The
geology of the proposed AVA is distinct
from that of the region to the west,
which is made up of the Piedmont and
Blue Ridge regions, which are
comprised of geologically older igneous
and metamorphic rock over lessfractured bedrock. Climate distinguishes
the proposed AVA from the regions to
the north and south, with average
5 The petition defines the harvest period as the
period from August 21 to November 8.
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Average harvest
period 5 rainfall
totals
(in inches)
Average
number of
harvest days
with rain
7
4.8
10.4
21
19.2
24.8
maximum and minimum temperatures
being warmer in the proposed AVA than
in both of the other regions.
Additionally, when compared to the
region to the south, the proposed AVA
has lower average annual rainfall
amounts and more harvest days without
rainfall. Average annual and harvest
period rainfall amounts in the proposed
AVA are higher than those within the
region to the north.
TTB Determination
TTB concludes that the petition to
establish the approximately 673,059acre ‘‘Virginia Peninsula’’ AVA merits
consideration and public comment, as
invited in this document.
Boundary Description
See the narrative boundary
descriptions of the petitioned-for AVA
in the proposed regulatory text
published at the end of this document.
Maps
The petitioner provided the required
maps, and they are listed below in the
proposed regulatory text. You may also
view the proposed Virginia Peninsula
AVA boundary 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,
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 § 4.25(e)(3) of the TTB
regulations (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
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Average
number of
harvest days
without rain
59
58.2
51.4
Average
number of harvest
days with
over 1⁄2 inch
of rain
4.8
2
6.2
that was used as a brand name on a
label approved before July 7, 1986. See
§ 4.39(i)(2) of the TTB regulations (27
CFR 4.39(i)(2)) for details.
If TTB establishes this proposed AVA,
its name, ‘‘Virginia Peninsula,’’ 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 proposed regulation clarifies
this point. Consequently, wine bottlers
using ‘‘Virginia Peninsula’’ in a brand
name, including a trademark, or in
another label reference as to the origin
of the wine, would have to ensure that
the product is eligible to use the AVA
name as an appellation of origin if this
proposed rule is adopted as a final rule.
Public Participation
Comments Invited
TTB invites comments from interested
members of the public on whether it
should establish the proposed Virginia
Peninsula AVA. TTB is interested in
receiving comments on the sufficiency
and accuracy of the name, boundary,
geology, climate, and other required
information submitted in support of the
AVA petition. Please provide any
available specific information in
support of your comments.
Because of the potential impact of the
establishment of the proposed Virginia
Peninsula AVA on wine labels that
include the term ‘‘Virginia Peninsula,’’
as discussed above under Impact on
Current Wine Labels, TTB is
particularly interested in comments
regarding whether there will be a
conflict between the proposed area
name and currently used brand names.
If a commenter believes that a conflict
will arise, the comment should describe
the nature of that conflict, including any
anticipated negative economic impact
that approval of the proposed AVA will
have on an existing viticultural
enterprise. TTB is also interested in
receiving suggestions for ways to avoid
conflicts, for example, by adopting a
modified or different name for the
proposed AVA.
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Submitting Comments
Public Disclosure
You may submit comments on this
proposal by using one of the following
two methods:
• Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: You
may send comments via the online
comment form posted with this
document within Docket No. TTB–
2020–0010 on ‘‘Regulations.gov,’’ the
Federal e-rulemaking portal, at https://
www.regulations.gov. A direct link to
that docket is available under Notice
No. 195 on the TTB website at https://
www.ttb.gov/wine/winerulemaking.shtml. Supplemental files
may be attached to comments submitted
via Regulations.gov. For complete
instructions on how to use
Regulations.gov, visit the site and click
on the ‘‘Help’’ tab at the top of the page.
• U.S. Mail: You may send comments
via postal mail to the Director,
Regulations and Rulings Division,
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade
Bureau, 1310 G Street NW, Box 12,
Washington, DC 20005.
Please submit your comments by the
closing date shown above in this
document. Your comments must
reference Notice No. 195 and include
your name and mailing address. Your
comments also must be made in
English, be legible, and be written in
language acceptable for public
disclosure. TTB does not acknowledge
receipt of comments, and TTB considers
all comments as originals.
Your comment must clearly state if
you are commenting on your own behalf
or on behalf of an organization,
business, or other entity. If you are
commenting on behalf of an
organization, business, or other entity,
your comment must include the entity’s
name, as well as your name and
position title. If you comment via
Regulations.gov, please enter the
entity’s name in the ‘‘Organization’’
blank of the online comment form. If
you comment via postal mail, please
submit your entity’s comment on
letterhead.
You may also write to the
Administrator before the comment
closing date to ask for a public hearing.
The Administrator reserves the right to
determine whether to hold a public
hearing.
TTB will post, and you may view,
copies of this document, selected
supporting materials, and any online or
mailed comments received about this
proposal within Docket No. TTB–2020–
0010 on the Federal e-rulemaking
portal, Regulations.gov, at https://
www.regulations.gov. A direct link to
that docket is available on the TTB
website at https://www.ttb.gov/wine/
wine-rulemaking.shtml under Notice
No. 195. You may also reach the
relevant docket through the
Regulations.gov search page at https://
www.regulations.gov. For instructions
on how to use Regulations.gov, click on
the site’s ‘‘Help’’ tab at the top of the
page.
All posted comments will display the
commenter’s name, organization (if
any), city, and State, and, in the case of
mailed comments, all address
information, including email addresses.
TTB may omit voluminous attachments
or material that it considers unsuitable
for posting.
You may also obtain copies of this
proposed rule, all related petitions,
maps and other supporting materials,
and any electronic or mailed comments
that TTB receives about this proposal at
20 cents per 8.5 x 11-inch page. Please
note that TTB is unable to provide
copies of USGS maps or any similarlysized documents that may be included
as part of the AVA petition. Contact
TTB’s Regulations and Rulings Division
by email using the web form at https://
www.ttb.gov/contact-rrd, or by
telephone at 202–453–1039, ext. 175, to
request copies of comments or other
materials.
Confidentiality
All submitted comments and
attachments are part of the public record
and subject to disclosure. Do not
enclose any material in your comments
that you consider to be confidential or
inappropriate for public disclosure.
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Regulatory Flexibility Act
TTB certifies that this proposed
regulation, if adopted, would not have
a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities.
The proposed 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
proposed rule is not a significant
regulatory action as defined by
Executive Order 12866. Therefore, no
regulatory assessment is required.
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Drafting Information
Karen A. Thornton of the Regulations
and Rulings Division drafted this
document.
List of Subjects in 27 CFR Part 9
Wine.
Proposed Regulatory Amendment
For the reasons discussed in the
preamble, we propose to amend 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.lll to read as follows:
■
§ 9.lll
Virginia Peninsula.
(a) Name. The name of the viticultural
area described in this section is
‘‘Virginia Peninsula’’. For purposes of
part 4 of this chapter, ‘‘Virginia
Peninsula’’ is a term of viticultural
significance.
(b) Approved maps. The 5 United
States Geological Survey (USGS)
1:100,000 scale topographic maps used
to determine the boundary of the
Virginia Peninsula viticultural area are
titled:
(1) Norfolk, Virginia–North Carolina;
1985;
(2) Petersburg, Virginia, 1984;
(3) Richmond, Virginia, 1984;
(4) Tappahannock, Virginia–
Maryland; 1984; and
(5) Williamsburg, Virginia, 1984.
(c) Boundary. The Virginia Peninsula
viticultural area is located in James City,
York, New Kent, and Charles City
Counties, Virginia, as well as the
independent Virginia cities of
Poquoson, Hampton, Newport News,
and Williamsburg. The boundary of the
Virginia Peninsula viticultural area is as
described below:
(1) The beginning point is on the
Norfolk, Virginia–North Carolina map at
the intersection of the Newport News
City boundary and the James River
Bridge. From the beginning point,
proceed northwesterly along the
Newport News City boundary to the
point in the James River where the city
boundary becomes concurrent with the
James City County boundary; then
(2) Proceed northwesterly along the
James City County boundary to the
point where it becomes concurrent with
the Charles City County boundary; then
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(3) Proceed along the Charles City
County boundary, crossing onto the
Petersburg, Virginia, map and
continuing along the Charles City
County boundary to the point where it
intersects the Henrico County boundary
at Turkey Island Creek; then
(4) Proceed north-northeasterly along
the concurrent Henrico County–Charles
City County boundary to its intersection
with the Chickahominy River, which is
concurrent with the New Kent County
boundary; then
(5) Proceed northwesterly along the
Chickahominy River–New Kent County
boundary, crossing onto the Richmond,
Virginia, map to its intersection with the
Hanover County boundary; then
(6) Proceed northeasterly along the
Hanover County–New Kent County
boundary to its intersection with the
King William County boundary at the
Pamunkey River; then
(7) Proceed southeasterly along the
King William County–New Kent County
boundary, crossing onto the
Tappahannock, Virginia–Maryland map,
to the intersection of the concurrent
county boundary with the York River;
then
(8) Proceed southeasterly along the
York River, crossing onto the
Williamsburg, Virginia map, to the
intersection of the river with the
Chesapeake Bay north of Tue Point;
then
(9) Proceed southeast in a straight line
to the shoreline of Marsh Point; then
(10) Proceed southeasterly, then
southwesterly along the shoreline to the
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel; then
(11) Proceed southwest in a straight
line, crossing onto the Norfolk,
Virginia–North Carolina map, to the
northeastern terminus of the Hampton
City boundary; then
(12) Proceed southwesterly along the
Hampton City boundary to the point
where it intersects with the Newport
News City boundary; then
(13) Proceed southwesterly, then
northwesterly along the Newport News
City boundary, returning to the
beginning point.
Signed: July 22, 2020.
Mary G. Ryan,
Acting Administrator.
Approved: August 3, 2020.
Timothy E. Skud,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, (Tax, Trade, and
Tariff Policy).
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Background on Viticultural Areas
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade
Bureau
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 of petitions for the
establishment or modification of
American viticultural areas (AVAs) and
lists the approved AVAs.
27 CFR Part 9
[Docket No. TTB–2020–0009; Notice No.
194]
RIN 1513–AC59
Proposed Establishment of the San
Luis Obispo Coast (SLO Coast)
Viticultural Area
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and
Trade Bureau, Treasury.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
Notice of proposed rulemaking.
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax
and Trade Bureau (TTB) proposes to
establish the 408,585-acre ‘‘San Luis
Obispo Coast’’ viticultural area in San
Luis Obispo County, California. TTB is
proposing to recognize both ‘‘San Luis
Obispo Coast’’ and the abbreviated
‘‘SLO Coast’’ as the name of the
proposed AVA. The proposed AVA is
located entirely within the existing
Central Coast AVA and would
encompass the established Edna Valley
and Arroyo Grande Valley AVAs. 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. TTB invites comments on this
proposed addition to its regulations.
SUMMARY:
TTB must receive your
comments on or before November 30,
2020.
DATES:
You may electronically
submit comments to TTB on this
proposal, and view copies of this
document, its supporting materials, and
any comments TTB receives on it within
Docket No. TTB–2020–0009 as posted
on Regulations.gov (https://
www.regulations.gov), the Federal erulemaking portal. Please see the
‘‘Public Participation’’ section of this
document below for full details on how
to comment on this proposal via
Regulations.gov or U.S. mail, and for
full details on how to obtain copies of
this document, its supporting materials,
and any comments related to this
proposal.
ADDRESSES:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
[FR Doc. 2020–17628 Filed 9–30–20; 8:45 am]
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. 175.
BILLING CODE 4810–31–P
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
22:45 Sep 30, 2020
Jkt 253001
61899
PO 00000
Frm 00023
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
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
E:\FR\FM\01OCP1.SGM
01OCP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 191 (Thursday, October 1, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 61895-61899]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-17628]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
27 CFR Part 9
[Docket No. TTB-2020-0010; Notice No. 195]
RIN 1513-AC71
Proposed Establishment of the Virginia Peninsula Viticultural
Area
AGENCY: Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Treasury.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) proposes to
establish the 673,059-acre ``Virginia Peninsula'' viticultural area in
southeastern Virginia. The proposed viticultural area is not located
within, nor does it contain, any other established 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. TTB invites comments on this proposed addition
to its regulations.
DATES: Comments must be received by November 30, 2020.
ADDRESSES: You may electronically submit comments to TTB on this
proposal, and view copies of this document, its supporting materials,
and any comments TTB receives on it within Docket No. TTB-2020-0010 as
posted on Regulations.gov (https://www.regulations.gov), the Federal e-
rulemaking portal. Please see the ``Public Participation'' section of
this document below for full details on how to comment on this proposal
via Regulations.gov or U.S. mail, and for full details on how to obtain
copies of this document, its supporting materials, and any comments
related to this proposal.
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. 175.
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 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 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 boundary;
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; and
A detailed narrative description of the proposed AVA
boundary based on USGS map markings.
Virginia Peninsula Petition
TTB received a petition from the Williamsburg Winery proposing to
establish the 673,059-acre ``Virginia Peninsula'' AVA. The proposed AVA
is
[[Page 61896]]
located in southeastern Virginia and encompasses the counties of James
City, York, New Kent, and Charles City, as well as the independent
cities of Poquoson, Hampton, Newport News, and Williamsburg. At the
time the petition was submitted, the proposed AVA had 5 commercial
vineyards, covering a total of approximately 112 acres. According to
the petition, an additional 61 acres of vineyards are planned for
planting in the near future. In addition, there are 5 wineries located
within the proposed AVA.
According to the petition, the distinguishing features of the
proposed Virginia Peninsula AVA are its geology and climate. Unless
otherwise noted, all information and data pertaining to the proposed
AVA contained in this proposed rule come from the petition for the
proposed Virginia Peninsula AVA and its supporting exhibits.
Name Evidence
The proposed Virginia Peninsula AVA is located on Virginia's
southernmost peninsula on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. The
petition included multiple examples of local, State, and Federal
websites that refer to the region of the proposed AVA as ``Virginia
Peninsula.'' For example, the government website for New Kent County,
which is located within the proposed AVA, notes that the county
airport's location ``on the Virginia Peninsula'' allows visitors easy
access to various historic and natural recreational sites.\1\ The
Virginia travel and tourism site's web page for the city of Hampton,
which is within the proposed AVA, notes that the city is ``located on
the Virginia Peninsula.'' \2\ Finally, the National Weather Service's
website includes a web page titled ``The Hurricane History of Central
and Eastern Virginia'' which notes that Hurricane Ernesto caused
significant damage ``across portions of the Virginia Peninsula'' \3\ in
2006.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ www.co.new-kent.va.us/index.aspx?nid=177.
\2\ virginia.org/cities/Hampton/.
\3\ www.weather.gov/media/akq/miscNEWS/hurricanehistory.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The petition also included examples of various businesses and
organizations within the proposed AVA that use the term ``Virginia
Peninsula'' in their names. For example, the Virginia Peninsula
Foodbank, the Virginia Peninsula Rotary Club, and the Virginia
Peninsula Regional Jail all serve the region of the proposed AVA. Other
examples include the Virginia Peninsula Association of Realtors, the
Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, and the Virginia Peninsula
Public Service Authority.
Boundary Evidence
The proposed Virginia Peninsula AVA is located on the natural
feature known as the Virginia Peninsula in southeastern Virginia. The
northern, eastern, and southern boundaries of the proposed AVA follow
the natural features that delineate the peninsula. The York River forms
the northern boundary of both the peninsula and the proposed AVA, while
the James River forms the southern boundary. The eastern boundary of
the proposed AVA is formed by the Chesapeake Bay. According to the
petition, the western boundary of the peninsula is less precisely
defined and is marked by a change in elevation and soil type. In order
to approximate this change in elevation and soil, the petition places
the western boundary of the proposed AVA east of the city of Richmond,
along the western boundary of New Kent County and Charles City County.
Distinguishing Features
The distinguishing features of the proposed Virginia Peninsula AVA
are its geology and climate.
Geology
According to the petition, the geology of the proposed AVA serves
to distinguish it from the region to the west. The proposed Virginia
Peninsula AVA, along with the regions to the north and south, is
located on the Atlantic Coastal Plain, a region of low topographic
relief with elevations ranging from sea level to approximately 250
feet. The Atlantic Coastal Plain is underlain by Cenozoic-era sand,
mud, and gravel which were deposited during periods of higher sea
levels. These sediments are geologically young, ranging from 4 to 5
million years in age to less than 100,000 years. As a result, very few
fault lines are found within the Atlantic Coastal Plain. According to
the petition, the geological formations of the proposed AVA are ideal
for viticulture, as the bedrock tends to be fractured, allowing for
greater root depth and greater rainfall permeability.
To the west of the proposed Virginia Peninsula AVA are the Hopewell
fault and the Atlantic Seaboard Fall Line, which mark the beginning of
the Piedmont and Blue Ridge regions of Virginia. The geology of these
regions consists of igneous and metamorphic rock, including granite and
gneiss. The bedrock is older than that of the proposed AVA, dating back
approximately 700 million years to the Precambrian age. The bedrock is
less porous and less fractured than the bedrock of the proposed AVA. As
a result, neither grapevine roots nor rain can penetrate as deeply as
within the more fractured bedrock of the proposed AVA.
Climate
The proposed Virginia Peninsula AVA is characterized by a humid
subtropical climate, with long, humid summers and moderate to mild
winters. The petition included on the average growing season high and
low temperatures, growing season maximum high and minimum low
temperatures, and the annual number of days during the growing season
with temperatures over 90 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit (F) for locations
within the proposed AVA, to the north, and to the south. Additionally,
the petition included data on the average annual and harvest period
rainfall amounts for the same locations. Data was not provided for the
region to the west. The data was collected from 2013 to 2017 and is
reproduced in the following tables.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\4\ ``Growing season'' is defined in the petition as the period
from the last spring frost to the first fall frost. The length of
the growing season varies from year to year but typically lasts from
April 10 to November 8.
Table 1--2013-2017 Growing Season \4\ Temperatures
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average days Average days
Location (direction from proposed AVA) Average high Average low Average Average over 90 over 100
maximum high Minimum Low Degrees F Degrees F
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Williamsburg (within)................................... 84 65 100 35 57 2.6
West Point (North)...................................... 81 61 96 32 32 0
Surry (South)........................................... 80 62 95 35 17 0
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 61897]]
Table 2--2013-2017 Rainfall
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average harvest Average number
Average annual period \5\ Average number Average number of harvest days
Location (direction from proposed AVA) rainfall amounts rainfall totals of harvest days of harvest days with over \1/2\
(in inches) (in inches) with rain without rain inch of rain
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Williamsburg (within).................................... 40.4 7 21 59 4.8
West Point (North)....................................... 36.5 4.8 19.2 58.2 2
Surry (South)............................................ 43 10.4 24.8 51.4 6.2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The climate data suggests that the proposed Virginia Peninsula AVA
has temperatures that are warmer than the regions to the north and
south. Rainfall amounts in the proposed AVA are generally greater than
in the region to the north and lower than in the region to the south.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\5\ The petition defines the harvest period as the period from
August 21 to November 8.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
According to the petition, temperatures above 90 degrees F reduce
photosynthesis in grapevines. Because photosynthesis is the process
which produces sugar, reduced photosynthesis rates would require fruit
to hang longer to achieve optimal sugar levels. The longer hang time
increases the risk of disease or animals destroying a crop before it
can be harvested. The petition states that, on average, almost 30
percent of the growing season days within the proposed AVA have
temperatures above 90 degrees. Additionally, frequent rains during the
harvest period, particularly rainfall amounts over \1/2\ inch, can
cause ripening fruit to swell or split and can dilute flavors. The high
growing season temperatures combined with frequent rainfall during the
typical harvest season mean that vineyard managers frequently face the
decision whether to pick grapes before they've reached peak ripeness,
or to let the fruit continue to ripen but potentially spoil.
Summary of Distinguishing Features
The evidence provided in the petition indicates that the geology
and climate of the proposed Virginia Peninsula AVA distinguish it from
the surrounding regions in each direction. The proposed AVA is located
on the Atlantic Coastal Plain, which is comprised of geologically young
sand, mud, and gravel over fractured bedrock. The geology of the
proposed AVA is distinct from that of the region to the west, which is
made up of the Piedmont and Blue Ridge regions, which are comprised of
geologically older igneous and metamorphic rock over less-fractured
bedrock. Climate distinguishes the proposed AVA from the regions to the
north and south, with average maximum and minimum temperatures being
warmer in the proposed AVA than in both of the other regions.
Additionally, when compared to the region to the south, the proposed
AVA has lower average annual rainfall amounts and more harvest days
without rainfall. Average annual and harvest period rainfall amounts in
the proposed AVA are higher than those within the region to the north.
TTB Determination
TTB concludes that the petition to establish the approximately
673,059-acre ``Virginia Peninsula'' AVA merits consideration and public
comment, as invited in this document.
Boundary Description
See the narrative boundary descriptions of the petitioned-for AVA
in the proposed regulatory text published at the end of this document.
Maps
The petitioner provided the required maps, and they are listed
below in the proposed regulatory text. You may also view the proposed
Virginia Peninsula AVA boundary 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, 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 Sec. 4.25(e)(3) of the TTB regulations (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 Sec. 4.39(i)(2) of the TTB regulations (27 CFR
4.39(i)(2)) for details.
If TTB establishes this proposed AVA, its name, ``Virginia
Peninsula,'' 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 proposed regulation clarifies this point. Consequently,
wine bottlers using ``Virginia Peninsula'' in a brand name, including a
trademark, or in another label reference as to the origin of the wine,
would have to ensure that the product is eligible to use the AVA name
as an appellation of origin if this proposed rule is adopted as a final
rule.
Public Participation
Comments Invited
TTB invites comments from interested members of the public on
whether it should establish the proposed Virginia Peninsula AVA. TTB is
interested in receiving comments on the sufficiency and accuracy of the
name, boundary, geology, climate, and other required information
submitted in support of the AVA petition. Please provide any available
specific information in support of your comments.
Because of the potential impact of the establishment of the
proposed Virginia Peninsula AVA on wine labels that include the term
``Virginia Peninsula,'' as discussed above under Impact on Current Wine
Labels, TTB is particularly interested in comments regarding whether
there will be a conflict between the proposed area name and currently
used brand names. If a commenter believes that a conflict will arise,
the comment should describe the nature of that conflict, including any
anticipated negative economic impact that approval of the proposed AVA
will have on an existing viticultural enterprise. TTB is also
interested in receiving suggestions for ways to avoid conflicts, for
example, by adopting a modified or different name for the proposed AVA.
[[Page 61898]]
Submitting Comments
You may submit comments on this proposal by using one of the
following two methods:
Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: You may send comments via the
online comment form posted with this document within Docket No. TTB-
2020-0010 on ``Regulations.gov,'' the Federal e-rulemaking portal, at
https://www.regulations.gov. A direct link to that docket is available
under Notice No. 195 on the TTB website at https://www.ttb.gov/wine/wine-rulemaking.shtml. Supplemental files may be attached to comments
submitted via Regulations.gov. For complete instructions on how to use
Regulations.gov, visit the site and click on the ``Help'' tab at the
top of the page.
U.S. Mail: You may send comments via postal mail to the
Director, Regulations and Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and
Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street NW, Box 12, Washington, DC 20005.
Please submit your comments by the closing date shown above in this
document. Your comments must reference Notice No. 195 and include your
name and mailing address. Your comments also must be made in English,
be legible, and be written in language acceptable for public
disclosure. TTB does not acknowledge receipt of comments, and TTB
considers all comments as originals.
Your comment must clearly state if you are commenting on your own
behalf or on behalf of an organization, business, or other entity. If
you are commenting on behalf of an organization, business, or other
entity, your comment must include the entity's name, as well as your
name and position title. If you comment via Regulations.gov, please
enter the entity's name in the ``Organization'' blank of the online
comment form. If you comment via postal mail, please submit your
entity's comment on letterhead.
You may also write to the Administrator before the comment closing
date to ask for a public hearing. The Administrator reserves the right
to determine whether to hold a public hearing.
Confidentiality
All submitted comments and attachments are part of the public
record and subject to disclosure. Do not enclose any material in your
comments that you consider to be confidential or inappropriate for
public disclosure.
Public Disclosure
TTB will post, and you may view, copies of this document, selected
supporting materials, and any online or mailed comments received about
this proposal within Docket No. TTB-2020-0010 on the Federal e-
rulemaking portal, Regulations.gov, at https://www.regulations.gov. A
direct link to that docket is available on the TTB website at https://www.ttb.gov/wine/wine-rulemaking.shtml under Notice No. 195. You may
also reach the relevant docket through the Regulations.gov search page
at https://www.regulations.gov. For instructions on how to use
Regulations.gov, click on the site's ``Help'' tab at the top of the
page.
All posted comments will display the commenter's name, organization
(if any), city, and State, and, in the case of mailed comments, all
address information, including email addresses. TTB may omit voluminous
attachments or material that it considers unsuitable for posting.
You may also obtain copies of this proposed rule, all related
petitions, maps and other supporting materials, and any electronic or
mailed comments that TTB receives about this proposal at 20 cents per
8.5 x 11-inch page. Please note that TTB is unable to provide copies of
USGS maps or any similarly-sized documents that may be included as part
of the AVA petition. Contact TTB's Regulations and Rulings Division by
email using the web form at https://www.ttb.gov/contact-rrd, or by
telephone at 202-453-1039, ext. 175, to request copies of comments or
other materials.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
TTB certifies that this proposed regulation, if adopted, would not
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small
entities. The proposed 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 proposed rule is not a significant
regulatory action as defined by Executive Order 12866. Therefore, no
regulatory assessment is required.
Drafting Information
Karen A. Thornton of the Regulations and Rulings Division drafted
this document.
List of Subjects in 27 CFR Part 9
Wine.
Proposed Regulatory Amendment
For the reasons discussed in the preamble, we propose to amend
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.___ to read as follows:
Sec. 9.___ Virginia Peninsula.
(a) Name. The name of the viticultural area described in this
section is ``Virginia Peninsula''. For purposes of part 4 of this
chapter, ``Virginia Peninsula'' is a term of viticultural significance.
(b) Approved maps. The 5 United States Geological Survey (USGS)
1:100,000 scale topographic maps used to determine the boundary of the
Virginia Peninsula viticultural area are titled:
(1) Norfolk, Virginia-North Carolina; 1985;
(2) Petersburg, Virginia, 1984;
(3) Richmond, Virginia, 1984;
(4) Tappahannock, Virginia-Maryland; 1984; and
(5) Williamsburg, Virginia, 1984.
(c) Boundary. The Virginia Peninsula viticultural area is located
in James City, York, New Kent, and Charles City Counties, Virginia, as
well as the independent Virginia cities of Poquoson, Hampton, Newport
News, and Williamsburg. The boundary of the Virginia Peninsula
viticultural area is as described below:
(1) The beginning point is on the Norfolk, Virginia-North Carolina
map at the intersection of the Newport News City boundary and the James
River Bridge. From the beginning point, proceed northwesterly along the
Newport News City boundary to the point in the James River where the
city boundary becomes concurrent with the James City County boundary;
then
(2) Proceed northwesterly along the James City County boundary to
the point where it becomes concurrent with the Charles City County
boundary; then
[[Page 61899]]
(3) Proceed along the Charles City County boundary, crossing onto
the Petersburg, Virginia, map and continuing along the Charles City
County boundary to the point where it intersects the Henrico County
boundary at Turkey Island Creek; then
(4) Proceed north-northeasterly along the concurrent Henrico
County-Charles City County boundary to its intersection with the
Chickahominy River, which is concurrent with the New Kent County
boundary; then
(5) Proceed northwesterly along the Chickahominy River-New Kent
County boundary, crossing onto the Richmond, Virginia, map to its
intersection with the Hanover County boundary; then
(6) Proceed northeasterly along the Hanover County-New Kent County
boundary to its intersection with the King William County boundary at
the Pamunkey River; then
(7) Proceed southeasterly along the King William County-New Kent
County boundary, crossing onto the Tappahannock, Virginia-Maryland map,
to the intersection of the concurrent county boundary with the York
River; then
(8) Proceed southeasterly along the York River, crossing onto the
Williamsburg, Virginia map, to the intersection of the river with the
Chesapeake Bay north of Tue Point; then
(9) Proceed southeast in a straight line to the shoreline of Marsh
Point; then
(10) Proceed southeasterly, then southwesterly along the shoreline
to the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel; then
(11) Proceed southwest in a straight line, crossing onto the
Norfolk, Virginia-North Carolina map, to the northeastern terminus of
the Hampton City boundary; then
(12) Proceed southwesterly along the Hampton City boundary to the
point where it intersects with the Newport News City boundary; then
(13) Proceed southwesterly, then northwesterly along the Newport
News City boundary, returning to the beginning point.
Signed: July 22, 2020.
Mary G. Ryan,
Acting Administrator.
Approved: August 3, 2020.
Timothy E. Skud,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, (Tax, Trade, and Tariff Policy).
[FR Doc. 2020-17628 Filed 9-30-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4810-31-P