July 12, 1966: On this day, Vino Nobile was given the DOC (Denomination of Controlled Origin) status. The red wine is produced primarily using Sangiovese grapes in the Italian town of Montepulciano.

July 12, 1968: On this day, Rosso Piceno gained its status as an Italian appellation for red wine in the region of Marche. The proportion of grapes in the mix may change, but for the wine to be called Rosso Piceno Sangiovese, it must be made from at least 85 percent Sangiovese grapes.

July 12, 2004: Red Hills Lake County AVA was established, located along Clear Lake’s southern shores in Lake County. The AVA is found in the northern part of the Mayacamas mountains, elevated between 1350 and 3700 ft above sea level. The majority of its grapes are cultivated at elevations of 2000 to 2600 feet. The AVA boasts well-drained volcanic soils resulting from the mountainous terrain; it experiences temperature shifts during the day and night that allow extended ripening and grapes to maintain acidity. The AVA’s major varietals include Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, and Syrah.

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