http://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2003/07/03/03-16703/seneca-lake-viticultural-area-99r-260p#p-8 In US Government Regulations, Section 4.25a(e)(1), title 27 CFR, defines an American viticultural area as a delimited grape-growing region distinguishable by geographical features, the boundaries of which have been delineated in subpart C of part 9. The establishment of viticultural areas allows the identification of regions where a given quality, reputation, or other characteristics of the wine is essentially attributable to its geographic origin. The establishment of viticultural areas is intended to help wineries to accurately describe the origin of their wines to consumers and to help consumers identify the wines they purchase. Establishment of a viticultural area is neither an approval nor endorsement of the wine produced there. [ - ]

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