July 30, 1927: Ralph E. Kunkee was born on this day. He advanced the research of Louis Pasteur on Malo-Lactic Fermentation in Winemaking. Malolactic fermentation, often known as Malo or MLF, is the process by which the astringent malic acid in wine is converted into the smoother and creamier lactic acid (the same acid found in milk). In addition to lowering the wine’s overall acidity, the procedure produces some carbon dioxide emissions.

July 30, 1935: On this day, the Burgundy wine region was legally recognized. Burgundy wine is produced in the valleys and slopes west of the Saône, a tributary of the Rhône, in the Burgundy area in eastern France. The most well-known wines made here are what are known as “Burgundies,” which are dry red wines made from pinot noir grapes and white wines derived from chardonnay grapes.

July 30, 1935: The Institut National des Appellations d’Origine (INAO) established the Châteauneuf du Pape appellation and established laws and restrictions that producers had to follow if they wanted to continue producing wine. The region was known for high rates of fraud at the time, and so Baron Pierre le Roy intervened.

July 30, 1985: North Yuba AVA was established, located in Yuba County in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The AVA boasts volcanic soils resulting from its topography. Key varietals produced in this AVA include Syrah, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Roussanne.

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