New Mexico's three AVAs are Middle Rio Grande Valley, Mimbres Valley and Mesilla Valley. High-altitude sites can reach about 6,000 feet, shaping ripeness and acidity. Syrah, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling and Zinfandel are among the common grapes. New Mexico Viognier can be full and spicy, with flavours reminiscent of Muscat and violets. Spanish missionaries planted the first grapes along the Rio Grande in 1629. By the late nineteenth century, the state produced more than one million gallons of wine a year. A 1926 Rio Grande flood damaged vineyards across the main growing region. Growers now use European grape varieties and hybrids for a range of wine styles. An AVA is a defined American grape-growing area.
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Elsewhere in Mountain & Southwest
- ArizonaNo producers listed yetArizona's three AVAs are Willcox, Verde Valley and Sonoita. Willcox leads the state in grape production, and growers work with almost 80 varieties.
- ColoradoNo producers listed yetColorado's vineyards sit at high elevations with short frost-free seasons and marked day-to-night temperature swings. Its warmer Grand Valley and cooler West Elks AVAs favour different grape choices.
- HawaiiNo producers listed yetHawaii includes the listed appellation of Ulupalakua. On Maui, MauiWine makes sparkling grape wine from vines grown on the island's largest volcano.
- IdahoNo producers listed yetIdaho includes Snake River Valley, Lewis-Clark Valley and Eagle Foothills. Microclimates in the two valleys can ripen late-maturing red grapes, while Viognier can be lush and soft.