Monterey AVA

Monterey AVA
Wine region
Type American Viticultural Area
Year established 1984, amended in 1987[1]
Country United States
Part of California, Central Coast AVA
Sub-regions Arroyo Seco AVA, Hames Valley AVA, San Bernabe AVA, San Lucas AVA, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Total area 35,758 acres (14,471 ha)[2]
Grapes produced Albarino, Alvarelhao, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Chenin blanc, Gewurztraminer, Grenache, Malbec, Malvasia, Merlot, Orange Muscat, Petite Sirah, Pinot blanc, Pinot gris, Pinot noir, Riesling, Roussanne, Sangiovese, Sauvignon blanc, Semillon, Souzao, Syrah, Tannat, Tinta Cao, Touriga Nacional, Valdiguie, Viognier, Zinfandel[3]

The Monterey AVA is an American Viticultural Area located in eastern Monterey County, California. It was established in 1984.[4] It is part of the larger Central Coast AVA. It runs roughly 100 miles (160 km) from its northern point, north of Monterey Bay to its southern point, abutting Paso Robles, California. Approximately 40,000 acres (160 km2) of wine grapes are currently cultivated in the Monterey AVA.[4]

The Monterey AVA includes parts of the Carmel Valley and the Salinas Valley, and contains five smaller American Viticultural Areas. The northern portion is a cool growing region, but one with a very long growing season. Daytime temperatures rarely exceed 75 °F (24 °C) in most parts of the region, although the southern part of the Monterey AVA reaches 100 degrees at times.[4] The soil is sandy and most regions require extensive irrigation from the Salinas River.[3]

Over 50% of the grapes grown in the Monterey AVA are chardonnay. In the northern area, Riesling and Pinot noir are popular, while in the south, Bordeaux varietals are most often grown.[4]

References

  1. ↑ Code of Federal Regulations. "§ 9.98 Monterey." Title 27: Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; Part 9 — American Viticultural Areas; Subpart C — Approved American Viticultural Areas. Retrieved Jan. 24, 2008.
  2. ↑ Wine Institute (2008). "American Viticultural Areas by State". Retrieved Jan. 24, 2008.
  3. 1 2 Appellation America (2007). "Monterey (AVA): Appellation Description". Retrieved Jan. 24, 2008.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association: Monterey AVA


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