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| <p>September 15, 2008</p> |
| <p>Mr. Francis Foote, Director</p> |
| <p>Regulations and Rulings Division</p> |
| <p>Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau</p> |
| <p>PO Box 14412</p> |
| <p>Washington DC 20044-4412</p> |
| <p>Dear Mr. Foote:</p> |
| <p>I would like to express my support for the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau’s (TTB) proposal to establish the 29,914 square mile “Upper Mississippi River Valley” American viticultural area (AVA) in portions of northeast Iowa, southeast Minnesota, southwest Wisconsin, and northwest Illinois. This designation will allow vintners and grape growers within the region’s boundaries to better describe the origin of their wines and grapes, and permit consumers the opportunity to better identify wines they may purchase from that unique area.</p> |
| <p>As provided in the TTB regulations, this region of the upper Midwest is clearly distinguishable by geographical features that set it apart from surrounding areas. These features include an unglaciated “driftless” topography and distinctive landforms that in turn affect the climate, soils, and hydrology – and hence grape growing characteristics - of the area. In addition, the geography has helped to define and establish an area that is both historically and culturally distinctive from surrounding areas. The regional history provides numerous examples of the name “Upper Mississippi River Valley” and its application to the proposed viticultural area.</p> |
| <p>The expansion of the wine and grape growing industry in the region also provides further impetus to creating this American viticultural area. The newly established AVA will help to foster awareness of the unique identity of wines produced from that region’s growing viticultural industry.</p> |
| <p>I would like to thank the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau - and those that petitioned the Bureau - for proposing this new AVA and providing me the opportunity to offer my comments.</p> |
| <p>Sincerely,</p> |
| <p>Bill Northey</p> |
| <p>Bill Northey, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture (electronic signature)</p> |
| <p>Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship</p> |
| <p>Wallace Building</p> |
| <p>Des Moines IA 50319</p> |
| <p><em>Henry A. Wallace Building </em>ι<em> Des Moines, Iowa 50319 </em>ι<em> 515-281-5321 </em>ι<em> agri@iowaagriculture.gov</em></p> |
| <p><em>The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is an equal opportunity employer and provider</em></p> |
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