[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 14 (Thursday, January 22, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 3184-3189]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-01015]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau

27 CFR Part 9

[Docket No. TTB-2015-0002; Notice No. 146]
RIN 1513-AC12


Proposed Establishment of the Squaw Valley-Miramonte Viticultural 
Area

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

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) proposes to 
establish the approximately 44,690-acre ``Squaw Valley-Miramonte'' 
viticultural area in Fresno County, California. The proposed 
viticultural area does not overlap any 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 March 23, 2015.

ADDRESSES: Please send your comments on this notice to one of the 
following addresses:
     Internet: http://www.regulations.gov (via the online 
comment form for this notice as posted within Docket No. TTB-2015-0002 
at ``Regulations.gov,'' the Federal e-rulemaking portal);
     U.S. Mail: Director, Regulations and Rulings Division, 
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street NW., Box 12, 
Washington, DC 20005; or
     Hand delivery/courier in lieu of mail: Alcohol and Tobacco 
Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street NW., Suite 200-E, Washington, DC 
20005.
    See the Public Participation section of this notice for specific 
instructions and requirements for submitting comments, and for 
information on how to request a public hearing or view or obtain copies 
of the petition and supporting materials.

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 various 
authorities through Treasury Department Order 120-01 (Revised), dated 
December 10, 2013, to the TTB Administrator to perform the functions 
and duties in the administration and enforcement of this law.
    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 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 the standards for 
petitions requesting the establishment or modification of AVAs. 
Petitions to establish an AVA must include the following:
     Evidence that the region 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 viticultural 
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; and
     A detailed narrative description of the proposed AVA 
boundary based on USGS map markings.

[[Page 3185]]

Squaw Valley-Miramonte Petition

    TTB received a petition from Christine Flannigan, owner of the 
Sierra Peaks Winery and Purgatory Vineyards, on behalf of herself and 
other members of the Squaw Valley Grape Growers Group, proposing the 
establishment of the ``Squaw Valley-Miramonte'' AVA. The proposed Squaw 
Valley-Miramonte AVA is located in Fresno County, California, 
approximately 40 miles east of the city of Fresno. The proposed AVA is 
a largely rural region in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains 
and includes the communities of Squaw Valley, Dunlap, and Miramonte. 
The proposed AVA does not overlap any established AVAs.
    The proposed Squaw Valley-Miramonte AVA contains approximately 
44,690 acres and has 3 bonded wineries and 5 commercially producing 
vineyards, covering a total of 7.5 acres, distributed across the 
proposed AVA. The petition states that vineyards within the proposed 
AVA are small due to the region's steep and rugged terrain, which 
requires most vineyard work to be done by hand rather than by machine. 
According to the petition, the distinguishing features of the proposed 
AVA include its climate, topography, and soils. Unless otherwise noted, 
all information and data pertaining to the proposed AVA contained in 
this document are from the petition for the proposed Squaw Valley-
Miramonte AVA and its supporting exhibits.

Name Evidence

    The proposed Squaw Valley-Miramonte AVA derives its name from the 
communities of Squaw Valley and Miramonte. Squaw Valley is the largest 
community within the proposed AVA and is located in the western portion 
of the proposed AVA. The community of Squaw Valley appears on the 
Tucker Mountain USGS quadrangle map, as does a large valley labeled 
``Squaw Valley.'' Additionally, the same map shows the Squaw Valley 
Cemetery and the Squaw Valley School. The petition also included 
evidence that the name ``Squaw Valley'' is associated with businesses 
in the proposed AVA, including Squaw Valley Realty, Squaw Valley 
Trading Center, Squaw Valley Motel, and Squaw Valley Herb Gardens.
    In order to avoid confusion with other locations in the United 
States that are known as Squaw Valley, including the famous Squaw 
Valley ski resort in Placer County, California, the petitioner added 
``Miramonte'' to the proposed AVA name. As shown on the Miramonte 
quadrangle map, Miramonte is a small community in the easternmost 
portion of the proposed AVA. The Miramonte Conservation Camp, a State 
of California facility, is also shown on the Miramonte quadrangle map. 
The community of Miramonte is served by the Miramonte Post Office. TTB 
notes that several established AVAs have combined the names of 
geographic features or communities located within the particular AVA in 
order to provide a geographically distinct name for the AVA, including 
Pine Mountain-Cloverdale Peak (27 CFR 9.220) and Fort Ross-Seaview (27 
CFR 9.221).

Boundary Evidence

    The proposed Squaw Valley-Miramonte AVA is a region of steep, rocky 
slopes in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. To the 
north and east of the proposed AVA is the Sequoia National Forest. The 
San Joaquin Valley, which includes the cities of Fresno and Orange 
Cove, is to the south, west, and northwest of the proposed AVA. 
Elevations within the proposed AVA range from approximately 1,600 feet 
along its proposed western and southern borders to approximately 3,500 
feet along its proposed eastern border.
    The proposed northern boundary follows the northern boundaries of 
several sections on the Luckett Mountain USGS quadrangle map. Although 
the features of the region immediately outside the proposed northern 
boundary are identical to those within the proposed AVA, the proposed 
northern boundary marks the northern extent of current viticulture in 
the region. Approximately 5 miles north of the proposed northern 
boundary is the Sequoia National Forest, which was excluded from the 
proposed AVA primarily because its public lands are unavailable for 
commercial viticulture. The eastern portion of the proposed boundary 
also follows the boundary of the Sequoia National Forest. The southern 
portion of the proposed boundary follows the Fresno-Tulare County line 
and several section lines on the Tucker Mountain and Orange Cove North 
USGS quadrangle maps. To the immediate south of the proposed boundary, 
the elevations are lower and broad valleys are more numerous than 
within the proposed AVA. The San Joaquin Valley is just farther south 
of that area. The western portion of the proposed boundary follows 
straight lines drawn between mountain peaks and separates the higher 
elevations of the proposed AVA from both the lower mountain slopes to 
the immediate west of the proposed boundary and from the San Joaquin 
Valley, farther to the west.

Distinguishing Features

    The distinguishing features of the proposed Squaw Valley-Miramonte 
AVA include its climate, topography, and soils.
Climate
    The petition provided information on the temperature and 
precipitation within the proposed AVA and the surrounding regions.
    Temperature: According to the petition, the climate of the proposed 
Squaw Valley-Miramonte AVA is subhumid mesothermal (high humidity and 
precipitation amounts, with winter temperatures too warm to sustain 
snow cover). Daytime temperatures within the proposed AVA are generally 
cooler than in the neighboring San Joaquin Valley to the south, west, 
and northwest. However, nighttime temperatures are usually warmer 
within the proposed AVA than within the San Joaquin Valley because cool 
air drains off the slopes of the proposed AVA at night and settles in 
the valley. As a result of the warm nighttime temperatures, the 
difference between the average daily high and low temperatures within 
the proposed AVA is small, particularly during the growing season. The 
difference between the average daily high and daily low temperatures is 
known as the diurnal temperature range (DTR). The following two tables 
summarize the average monthly high and low temperatures in degrees 
Fahrenheit for the proposed AVA and the surrounding regions, as well as 
the average monthly DTR.

                                                    Table 1--Average Daily High and Low Temperatures
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   Purgatory Vineyards     Orange Cove \2\         Piedra \3\       Pinehurst \4\ (east)
                                                                  \1\ (within proposed       (southwest)           (northwest)     ---------------------
                                                                          AVA)         --------------------------------------------
                              Month                              ----------------------                                              Average    Average
                                                                   Average    Average    Average    Average    Average    Average      high       low
                                                                     high       low        high       low        high       low
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jan.............................................................         57         44         57         36         55         37         57         38

[[Page 3186]]

 
Feb.............................................................         52         41         61         37         63         40         51         35
Mar.............................................................         55         43         65         40         68         43         55         36
Apr.............................................................         62         48         70         43         76         46         59         36
May.............................................................         70         55         79         46         85         52         68         44
June............................................................         78         63         89         55         93         58         80         54
July............................................................         86         72         95         61         99         62         89         62
Aug.............................................................         89         75         95         60         98         61         90         63
Sept............................................................         85         71         92         58         92         57         87         65
Oct.............................................................         71         58         78         50         81         49         72         52
Nov.............................................................         60         47         64         39         66         41         60         40
Dec.............................................................         52         41         58         36         56         36         53         36
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                            Table 2--Average Monthly Diurnal Temperature Range (DTR)
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                                                     Purgatory
                                                     Vineyards      Orange Cove       Piedra         Pinehurst
                      Month                           (within       (southwest)     (northwest)       (east)
                                                   proposed AVA)
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January.........................................              13              21              18              19
February........................................              11              24              23              16
March...........................................              12              25              25              19
April...........................................              14              27              30              23
May.............................................              15              33              33              24
June............................................              15              34              35              26
July............................................              14              34              37              27
August..........................................              14              35              37              27
September.......................................              14              34              35              22
October.........................................              13              28              32              20
November........................................              13              25              25              20
December........................................              11              22              20              17
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    The data in the tables shows that the average monthly high 
temperatures in the proposed Squaw Valley-Miramonte AVA are generally 
cooler and the average monthly low temperatures are warmer than the 
temperatures in the regions to the northwest and southwest. As a 
result, the average monthly DTR within the proposed AVA is smaller than 
the average monthly DTR within the San Joaquin Valley. Average monthly 
high temperatures to the east of the proposed AVA are similar to the 
temperatures of the proposed AVA, but the average monthly lows in that 
eastern region are generally cooler, resulting in greater average 
monthly DTRs than are found within the proposed AVA.
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    \1\ Data obtained from private weather station for 2011-2012.
    \2\ Data obtained from California Irrigation Management 
Information System Station #142 from 2010-2012 (http://www.cimis.water.ca.gov).
    \3\ Data obtained from Intellicast weather Web site historical 
averages for Piedra, CA (http://www.intellicast.com/Local/History.aspx?location=USCA0861). The Web site does not list the 
years from which the data was gathered.
    \4\ Data obtained from Western Regional Climate Center Web site 
for 2010-2012 (http://www.raws.dri.edu/cgi-bin/rawMAIN.pl?caCPIH).
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    According to the petition, cool daytime temperatures and warm 
nighttime temperatures during the growing season produce higher levels 
of sugar and anthocyanins (pigments responsible for the color of grape 
skins) at harvest. Additionally, grapes grown in moderate climates such 
as the proposed Squaw Valley-Miramonte AVA have higher levels of malic 
acid (an organic compound that contributes to the flavor of grapes) 
than grapes grown in warmer regions, such as the nearby San Joaquin 
Valley. Finally, the cooler temperatures of the proposed AVA result in 
later harvest dates than occur in the warmer San Joaquin Valley.
    Precipitation: The petition included data on annual precipitation 
amounts within the proposed Squaw Valley-Miramonte AVA and the 
surrounding regions. The precipitation data set forth in the following 
table were collected from the same sources and during the same time 
periods as the temperature data in Tables 1 and 2.

              Table 3--Average Annual Precipitation Amounts
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Precipitation
        Location (direction from proposed AVA)             (in inches)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Purgatory Vineyards (within)..........................             40.85
Orange Cove (southwest)...............................             15.48
Piedra (northwest)....................................             12.27
Pinehurst (east)......................................             51.42
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The data in the table shows that the proposed Squaw Valley-
Miramonte AVA receives more rainfall annually than the regions to the 
northwest and southwest, within the San Joaquin Valley, and less 
rainfall than the region to the east in the higher elevations of the 
Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Sequoia National Forest. The high 
rainfall amounts within the proposed AVA increase the risk of erosion 
on the steep hillsides. In order to minimize erosion, vineyard owners 
plant cover crops between vineyard rows and mow between the rows, 
instead of using a disk harrow to till the soil. Vineyards located in 
areas with high rainfall amounts are usually more susceptible to

[[Page 3187]]

root diseases, fruit rot, and powdery mildew than vineyards in drier 
areas. However, the steep slope angles and thin soil within the 
proposed AVA promote rapid drainage, which reduces the risk of root 
disease. Additionally, the risk of fruit rot and mildew within the 
proposed AVA is mitigated because the leaf canopies are dried by 
breezes that rise from the San Joaquin Valley during the day and flow 
down from the higher elevations and through the proposed AVA at night.
Topography
    The proposed Squaw Valley-Miramonte AVA is located in the foothills 
of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The terrain is characterized by steep 
and rugged hillsides covered with boulders and oak woodlands, although 
a few valleys exist within the proposed AVA. Slope angles within the 
proposed AVA range from 5 percent to over 75 percent, and elevations 
range from approximately 1,600 feet to approximately 3,500 feet. The 
following table shows the elevations and average slope angles of the 
vineyards within the proposed AVA.

       Table 4--Proposed AVA Vineyard Elevations and Slope Angles
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           Elevation (in   Slope angles
                Vineyard                       feet)         (percent)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Riffelhoff..............................           3,000           15-35
Purgatory...............................           3,200           25-35
White Ginger............................           2,000              15
Adrian Joseph...........................     1,800-2,000           20-40
Buttercup...............................           1,800              15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Immediately outside of the northern boundary of the proposed Squaw 
Valley-Miramonte AVA, the terrain is similar to that found within the 
proposed AVA. However, this region was not included in the proposed AVA 
due to a lack of viticulture. The Sequoia National Forest, located 
approximately 5 miles north of the proposed AVA, was excluded from the 
proposed AVA not only because of its higher elevations but also because 
its status as a national forest makes the region unavailable for 
commercial viticulture. The Sequoia National Forest also borders the 
proposed AVA to the east, as does a small mountainous region that is 
not within the national forest that was excluded from the proposed AVA 
because its higher, steeper elevations are unsuitable for viticulture. 
To the south and west of the proposed AVA, the elevations become lower 
and the slope angles become shallower as the foothills give way to the 
broad, flat terrain of the San Joaquin Valley.
    The topography of the proposed AVA has an effect on viticulture. 
The ruggedness of the terrain limits the amount of flat, open spaces, 
so the vineyards are planted on the mountain slopes. The steepness of 
the slopes allows for only very limited use of mechanized spray and 
harvest equipment, so much of the vineyard work is done by hand. Due to 
the difficulty of working the vineyards by hand, individual vineyards 
within the proposed AVA are small. By contrast, vineyards within the 
San Joaquin Valley are generally much larger because the broad, open 
valley provides ample space for vineyards, and machinery can be used 
more safely and easily on the flat terrain. The steep slopes of the 
proposed AVA increase the risk of erosion, which is controlled by 
planting cover crops and mowing between the vineyard rows instead of 
disking. However, the steep hillsides also promote increased airflow 
and drainage, which lessen the risk of mildew and rot. Finally, the 
high elevations of the proposed AVA allow the vineyards to receive more 
sunlight than vineyards at lower elevations within the San Joaquin 
Valley because fog is generally not present at elevations above 1,600 
feet.
Soils
    The majority of the soils within the proposed Squaw Valley-
Miramonte AVA are derived from granitic material, mainly quartz 
diorite. The three most common soil series are the Vista, Sierra, and 
Auberry series. All three soil series are described as having good 
drainage, which reduces the risk of root disease. The soils within the 
proposed AVA have pH levels ranging from a slightly acidic 5.6 to a 
neutral 7.3, levels which are adequate for viticulture and do not 
promote overly vigorous vine or canopy growth. The soils within the 
proposed AVA are severely deficient in nitrogen, a nutrient necessary 
for vine growth, and therefore require supplementation. Additionally, 
soils in some of the vineyards within the proposed AVA have an excess 
of potassium, which interferes with the vines' ability to uptake 
magnesium. As a result, magnesium must be added to the soil in these 
vineyards.
    To the north of the proposed Squaw Valley-Miramonte AVA, the soils 
are primarily of the Coarsegold and Trabuco series. Coarsegold series 
soils are derived from weathered schist, while Trabuco series soils are 
derived from igneous rock. The most common soil series east of the 
proposed AVA are the Holland series, derived from weathered granitic 
rock, and the Aiken series, derived from volcanic rocks. The soils in 
the area directly east of the proposed AVA are more acidic than the 
soils within the proposed AVA due to deep mats of decomposing needle 
litter from conifer trees. South of the proposed AVA, rock outcropping 
complexes such as the Auberry Rock Outcrop and the Blasingame Rock 
Outcrop are common. Farther south, within the San Joaquin Valley, 
alluvial soils such as San Joaquin loam and San Joaquin sandy loam 
become common. To the west of the proposed AVA, the most common soil 
series are the Hanford and Greenfield series. The soils west of the 
proposed AVA are less acidic, have finer textures, and are comprised 
primarily of alluvium.
Summary of Distinguishing Features
    In summary, the climate, topography, and soils of the proposed 
Squaw Valley-Miramonte AVA distinguish it from the surrounding regions. 
The region to the north has higher, steeper elevations than the 
proposed AVA. The region to the east has higher, steeper elevations, as 
well as higher precipitation amounts and higher soil acidity levels 
than the proposed AVA. Portions of the regions to the north and east of 
the proposed were also excluded because they are part of the Sequoia 
National Forest and therefore are unavailable for commercial 
viticulture. To the south, west, and northwest of the proposed AVA lies 
the San Joaquin Valley, which has low elevations, flat terrain, and 
soils comprised primarily of alluvium. Additionally, within the San 
Joaquin Valley, average monthly high temperatures are warmer and annual 
precipitation amounts are lower than

[[Page 3188]]

within the proposed Squaw Valley-Miramonte AVA.

TTB Determination

    TTB concludes that the petition to establish the approximately 
44,690-acre Squaw Valley-Miramonte AVA merits consideration and public 
comment, as invited in this notice of proposed rulemaking.

Boundary Description

    See the narrative description of the boundary of the petitioned-for 
AVA in the proposed regulatory text published at the end of this 
proposed rule.

Maps

    The petitioner provided the required maps, and they are listed 
below in the proposed regulatory text.

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 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, 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 of the TTB 
regulations (27 CFR 4.39(i)(2)) for details.
    If TTB establishes this proposed AVA, its name, ``Squaw Valley-
Miramonte,'' 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)). TTB 
does not believe that the term ``Squaw Valley,'' standing alone, has 
viticultural significance, as this name is associated with multiple 
locations outside the proposed AVA. Although the USGS Geographic Names 
Information System (GNIS) lists 6 uses of the name ``Squaw Valley'' 
within the proposed AVA, it also lists an additional 33 uses in 7 
States, including locations in Placer, Lake, Shasta, Plumas, and Lassen 
Counties in California. Additionally, TTB does not believe that the 
term ``Miramonte,'' standing alone, has viticultural significance, as 
this name is also associated with multiple locations outside the 
proposed AVA. The GNIS lists 6 uses of the term ``Miramonte'' within 
the proposed AVA, but also lists an additional 17 uses within 
California and Colorado. Therefore, if TTB establishes this proposed 
AVA, only the full name ``Squaw Valley-Miramonte'' will be recognized 
as a term of viticultural significance under 27 CFR 4.39(i)(3). The 
text of the proposed regulation clarifies this point. Consequently, 
wine bottlers using the name ``Squaw Valley-Miramonte'' 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. The approval of the proposed Squaw Valley-
Miramonte AVA would not affect any existing AVA.

Public Participation

Comments Invited

    TTB invites comments from interested members of the public on 
whether it should establish the proposed Squaw Valley-Miramonte AVA. 
TTB is also interested in receiving comments on the sufficiency and 
accuracy of the name, boundary, soils, climate, and other required 
information submitted in support of the petition. Please provide any 
available specific information in support of your comments.
    Because of the potential impact of the establishment of the 
proposed Squaw Valley-Miramonte AVA on wine labels that include the 
term ``Squaw Valley-Miramonte,'' 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 AVA 
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 AVA.

Submitting Comments

    You may submit comments on this notice by using one of the 
following three methods:
     Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: You may send comments via the 
online comment form posted with this notice within Docket No. TTB-2015-
0002 on ``Regulations.gov,'' the Federal e-rulemaking portal, at http://www.regulations.gov. A direct link to that docket is available under 
Notice No. 146 on the TTB Web site at http://www.ttb.gov/wine/wine_rulemaking.shtml">http://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.
     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.
     Hand Delivery/Courier: You may hand-carry your comments or 
have them hand-carried to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 
1310 G Street NW., Suite 200-E, Washington, DC 20005.
    Please submit your comments by the closing date shown above in this 
notice. Your comments must reference Notice No. 146 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.
    In your comment, please clearly state if you are commenting for 
yourself or on behalf of an association, business, or other entity. If 
you are commenting on behalf of an 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 or hand delivery/courier, 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 notice, selected 
supporting materials, and any online or mailed comments received about 
this proposal within Docket No. TTB-2015-

[[Page 3189]]

0002 on the Federal e-rulemaking portal, Regulations.gov, at http://www.regulations.gov. A direct link to that docket is available on the 
TTB Web site at http://www.ttb.gov/wine/wine_rulemaking.shtml under 
Notice No. 146. You may also reach the relevant docket through the 
Regulations.gov search page at http://www.regulations.gov. For 
information on how to use Regulations.gov, click on the site's ``Help'' 
tab.
    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 the Bureau considers unsuitable for 
posting.
    You may also view copies of this notice, all related petitions, 
maps and other supporting materials, and any electronic or mailed 
comments that TTB receives about this proposal by appointment at the 
TTB Information Resource Center, 1310 G Street NW., Washington, DC 
20005. You may also obtain copies at 20 cents per 8.5- x 11-inch page. 
Please note that TTB is unable to provide copies of USGS maps or other 
similarly-sized documents that may be included as part of the AVA 
petition. Contact TTB's information specialist at the above address or 
by telephone at 202-453-2270 to schedule an appointment or 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 a viticultural area 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 of September 30, 
1993. Therefore, no regulatory assessment is required.

Drafting Information

    Karen A. Thornton of the Regulations and Rulings Division drafted 
this notice of proposed rulemaking.

List of Subjects in 27 CFR Part 9

    Wine.

Proposed Regulatory Amendment

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, TTB proposes to amend 
title 27, chapter I, part 9 of the 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.___  Squaw Valley-Miramonte.

    (a) Name. The name of the viticultural area described in this 
section is ``Squaw Valley-Miramonte''. For purposes of part 4 of this 
chapter, ``Squaw Valley-Miramonte'' is a term of viticultural 
significance.
    (b) Approved maps. The six United States Geological Survey (USGS) 
1:24,000 scale topographic maps used to determine the boundary of the 
Squaw Valley-Miramonte viticultural area are titled:
    (1) Orange Cove North, Calif., 1966;
    (2) Pine Flat Dam, Calif., 1965; photoinspected 1978;
    (3) Luckett Mtn., Calif., provisional edition 1987;
    (4) Verplank Ridge, Calif., provisional edition 1987;
    (5) Miramonte, Calif., 1966; and
    (6) Tucker Mtn., Calif., 1966.
    (c) Boundary. The Squaw Valley-Miramonte viticultural area is 
located in Fresno County, California. The boundary of the Squaw Valley-
Miramonte viticultural area is as described below:
    (1) The beginning point is located on the Orange Cove North map, at 
the southwest corner of section 21, T14S/R25E. From the beginning 
point, proceed north-northwesterly in a straight line to the marked 
3,355-foot elevation point on Bear Mountain, section 5, T14S/R25E; then
    (2) Proceed northeast in a straight line, crossing onto the Pine 
Flat Dam map and over the marked 3,354-foot elevation point on Bear 
Mountain, section 32, T13S/R25E, and then continuing northeasterly in a 
straight line and crossing onto the Luckett Mountain map, proceed to 
the marked 3,489-foot summit of Dalton Mountain, section 22, T13S/R25E; 
then
    (3) Proceed easterly in a straight line to the Sequoia National 
Forest boundary line at the northwest corner of section 28, T13S/R26E; 
then
    (4) Proceed east along the Sequoia National Forest boundary line, 
crossing onto the Verplank Ridge map, and continue south, then east, 
then south along the national forest boundary line, crossing onto the 
Miramonte map, and then continue south, then east along the national 
forest boundary line to the northeast corner of section 5, T14S/R27E; 
then
    (5) Proceed south along the eastern boundary lines of sections 5, 
8, and 17, T14S/R27E, to the southeast corner of section 17; then
    (6) Proceed east along the northern boundary line of section 21, 
T14S/R27E, to the northeast corner of that section; then
    (7) Proceed south along the eastern boundary lines of sections 21, 
28, and 33, T14S/R27E, to the Fresno-Tulare County boundary line at the 
southeast corner of section 33; then
    (8) Proceed west along the Fresno-Tulare County boundary line, 
crossing onto the Tucker Mountain map, to the southwest corner of 
section 34, T14S/R26E; then
    (9) Proceed north along the western boundary lines of sections 34, 
27, 22, and 15, T14S/R26E, to the northwest corner of section15; then
    (10) Proceed west along the southern boundary lines of sections 9, 
8, and 7, T14S/R26E, and sections 12 and 11, T14S/R25E, to the 
southwest corner of section 11; then
    (11) Proceed south along the eastern boundary lines of sections 15 
and 22, T14S/R25E, to the southeast corner of section 22; then
    (12) Proceed west along the southern boundary line of section 22, 
T14S/R25E, and, crossing onto the Orange Cove North map, continue west 
along the southern boundary line of section 21, T14S/R25E, returning to 
the beginning point.

    Signed: January 15, 2015.
Mary G. Ryan,
Acting Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2015-01015 Filed 1-21-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4810-31-P