by Maggie Elliot Photo Credit: Susan R. O'Hara An AVA, or “American Viticulture Area” is a grape-growing region producing distinct wines because of the unique terrain, climate, soil, and other factors of the land. In May, Idaho’s third AVA was designated, the Lewis Clark Valley AVA. Bordering the Lewiston and Clarkston state lines, the AVA is shared by two states, with twelve percent in Washington and the remaining in Idaho. Vineyards in the Lewis Clark Valley AVA are nestled between the steep Bitteroot Mountains. The deep, v-shaped valleys create ideal air drainage for wine grapes, inhibiting mold growth, lending frost protection, and the presence of cool summer nights work to develop acid retention. The soil is composed of silt based mollisols, carrying a high water holding capacity, promoting the need for minimal irrigation. The Lewis Clark Valley is set apart from other AVAs in the Northwest, as its landscape was not carved from ancient Missoula floods. I...
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