Monterey County Wine Regions - Wine Love
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WINE REGIONS: Monterey County Monterey County is comprised of five appellations (also called a VA, or viticulture area) planted with about 30,000 acres of vineyard. Northern Monterey County's climate is cool and foggy, turning hotter and drier heading southeast. Although there is a fairly wide selection of grapes grown here, Monterey County provides over 50% of California's Riesling grapes. MONTEREY VA:Encompassing most of all the county's grape production, the Salinas Valley is known for outstanding Chardonnays and Rieslings. It also grows 60% of California's Pinot Blanc. Cabernet Sauvignon comprises about 10% of Monterey VA's grape production. Because the valley is short on rainfall, irrigation is critical. In fact, the growing conditions have prompted much of the state's wine technology advances. ARROYO SECO:A sub-zone of the Monterey VA, most of Arroyo Seco falls in a protected area against the coastal range foothills. The terrain is a gently sloping bench-land beginning south of Soledad , continuing through Greenfield and fanning westward to form a triangle. There are 5,000 acres of primarily Riesling and Chardonnay. CARMEL VALLEY VA:Carmel Valley is southwest of Carmel, California, the famous resort village. Running parallel to the Salinas River and Valley, which is further inland, Carmel Valley is at a higher elevation. It is warmer and receives more rain than Salinas Valley, making it better suited for red grapes. CHALONE VA:Situated high on the steep hills east of Salinas Valley bordering San Benito County, Chalone is one of the highest VA's in California at 1,650 feet above sea level. Its rocky, volcanic topsoil and heavy limestone deposits coupled with a dry climate provide tough growing conditions. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the two most widely planted grapes with low, but intensely aromatic and flavorful yields. GREENFIELD VA:At the southern end of the Salinas Valley on the Salinas River, Greenfield has a cool climate that can become very breezy in the summer. To prevent damage from the winds, mostly early ripening varietals are planted. Riesling has traditionally been the primary grape, with Chardonnay becoming increasingly popular. Alban Vineyards ARE WE MISSING ONE OF YOUR FAVORITES?
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