Monterey Wine Country
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Like so many of California’s great wine regions, Monterey is defined predominantly by a valley: The Salinas Valley. While the bulk of Monterey’s vines are planted on the valley floor alongside broccoli and other vegetables, the prize locations for grape vines are in the hills on either side of the Valley. It is in the hills, with their sparse soils and protection from the regular where the grapes for world class wines are grown.
The Salinas Valley takes a fairly straight southeastern route. The northwest end of the Valley is severely influenced by the fog and wind produced by the nearby Pacific Ocean. This maritime influence is the critical component in Monterey’s high quality grapegrowing movement. From the far north and into the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation in the mid-section of the valley you have Chardonnay and Pinot Noir country. Here the cool climate allows these varieties to ripen slowly, gaining flavor and complexity over time. While the west side of the valley is better developed with artisan vineyards, the eastern side near the Gavilan Mountains shows outstanding potential for these same cold climate grapes. The further southeast one travels the warmer the climate becomes as the fog and wind don’t dominate nearly as much. You find yourself in a region capable of producing outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Sirah and other grapes that take more sun and heat and more time to ripen. The Arroyo Seco and San Antonio appellations define this region. Finally, the Carmel Valley region sits between the coast and the Salinas Valley. The vineyards here tend to be placed high in the mountains, some at 2000 feet. The elevation makes the area well suited for Cabernet and other red wine varietals. Yet, depending on the elevation and perspective of the vineyard, cooler climate grapes have been planted recently in sites that are at a lower elevation and closer to the ocean There is a discovery process underway in Monterey as the recent excitement and success of many of its wines attract artisan-minded winemakers and grapegrowers to the area. These “new pioneers” are undertaking the search for growing sites capable of yielding outstanding fruit. We are excited to be part of this renaissance. Each of our wines is the culmination of intensive research and an ongoing search for vineyards of the highest caliber. |
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