Monterey AVA

Monterey AVA

The Monterey AVA is an American Viticultural Area located in eastern Monterey County, California. It was established in 1984 and is part of the larger Central Coast AVA. The Monterey AVA is known for its unique climate and geography, which contribute to the production of a wide variety of wine grapes.

Geography and Climate

The Monterey AVA is located in the Salinas Valley, which runs from Monterey Bay in the northwest to the Paso Robles AVA in the southeast. The valley is bordered by the Santa Lucia Range to the west and the Gabilan Range to the east. The cool, maritime influence of Monterey Bay and the Pacific Ocean creates a long growing season in the Monterey AVA, which allows the grapes to develop complex flavors and aromas.

The Monterey AVA is also characterized by its diverse soils. The valley floor is composed of alluvial deposits, while the hillsides feature a mix of granite, limestone, and volcanic rock. These diverse soils contribute to the unique characteristics of the wines produced in the Monterey AVA.

Wine Production

The Monterey AVA is home to over 40,000 acres of vineyards, making it one of the largest winegrowing regions in California. The region is known for its production of both red and white wine grapes. The most widely planted grape varieties in the Monterey AVA are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Riesling.

The cool climate of the Monterey AVA is particularly well-suited to the production of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. These grapes benefit from the long growing season, which allows them to ripen slowly and develop complex flavors. The region's Merlot and Riesling grapes also produce high-quality wines with distinctive characteristics.

Wineries and Vineyards

There are over 175 wineries in the Monterey AVA, ranging from small, family-owned operations to large-scale producers. Some of the most notable wineries in the region include Chalone Vineyard, Hahn Family Wines, and J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines.

In addition to these established wineries, the Monterey AVA is also home to a number of up-and-coming vineyards. These vineyards are pushing the boundaries of viticulture in the region, experimenting with new grape varieties and winemaking techniques.

See Also

• California wine
• Central Coast AVA
• Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
• Arroyo Seco AVA

External Links

• Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association
• Wine Institute of California