Mimbres Valley is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in south-western New Mexico. The AVA, which is the largest in New Mexico, was established in December 1985. It covers 636,000 acres (113,500ha) of semi-desert, 2000 acres (810ha) of which is under vine. Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah dominate the plantings, along with southern European varieties such as Tempranillo, Sangiovese and Dolcetto.
The AVA covers the land surrounding the watershed of the Mimbres River between the towns of Silver City and Deming. The river itself rises in the Black Range and drains into the desert around Deming. The Mogollon Mountains are just north of the Mimbres Valley, and the Florida Mountains lie directly east of Deming.
©Southwest Wines
The climate in the Mimbres Valley is continental, with hot, dry summers and cold winters. Temperatures during the growing season are moderated by the high altitude of the region, ranging from 4000ft to 6000ft (1200–1800m) above sea level. The vineyards benefit from intense desert sunshine during the day, followed by significantly colder nights. This diurnal temperature variation effectively shuts down the development of sugars overnight, slowing the ripening process and helping to retain acidity in the sun-baked grapes.
Low annual rainfall means that growers in the Mimbres Valley are heavily dependent on drip irrigation, water for which comes from the Mimbres River. As a result of the agricultural demands placed upon it, the river is nowadays more akin to a stream.
The deep, alluvial soils in the area have been deposited over time by the river and have proved excellent for viticulture. These clay and silt loams are porous and free-draining, and by limiting drip irrigation, growers are able to control the vigor and yield of the vines, leading to small, highly concentrated berries with thick skins. The wine produced from these berries is rich and intense, with a firm tannic structure.
Mimbres Valley wines are usually consumed by an enthusiastic local consumer base and are rarely seen outside New Mexico. However, the high quality of the terroir here – not dissimilar to Argentina's famed Mendoza region – means that this is likely to soon change.
