Monterey AVA

Region Hierarchy

United States
- California
  - Central Coast AVA
    - Monterey County
      - Monterey AVA
        
        Santa Lucia Highlands AVA

Climate(s)

Moderate, Warm

Elevation

Notes

The Salinas Valley is strongly influenced by the Pacific Ocean from the south to the north.
Monterey County notes: Cool breezes from Monterey Bay are funneled south down the valley.
Central Coast AVA notes: Notably warmer than the North Coast areas

Links

Wiki

Grape(s)

Color	Grape	Notes
Red	Cabernet Sauvignon Grape	Grown further north where its warmer Grape notes: High tannins due to thick skin. Buds late and needs a long growing season. Often blended with Merlot to gain softness. Usually destemmed and crushed.
Red	Merlot Grape	Grown further north where its warmer Grape notes: Aroma/Flavors vary according to ripeness. Often blended with Cab. Sauvignon to add softness. Buds and ripens early.
Red	Pinot Noir (Nero) Grape	Widely grown Grape notes: Low tannins due to thin skin. Susceptible to rot. Early budding and ripening.
Red	Syrah / Shiraz Grape	Grown further north where its warmer Grape notes: Shiraz in Australia; all elsewhere Syrah. Small with thick, dark skins.
White	Chardonnay Grape	Widely grown

Wines(s)

Type	Wine	Notes
Still Red	Cabernet Sauvignon Wine	Wine notes: Often able to age well.
Still Red	Merlot Wine
Still Red	Pinot Noir Wine	Wine notes: Burgundy Pinot Noir is typically drunk young.
Still Red	Syrah (Shiraz) Wine	Wine notes: High tannins due to thick skin
Still White	Chardonnay Wine