Monterey AVA

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]

Monterey AVA
Wine region
TypeAmerican Viticultural Area
Year established1984, amended in 1987[1]
CountryUnited States
Part ofCalifornia, Central Coast AVA
Sub-regionsArroyo Seco AVA, Hames Valley AVA, San Bernabe AVA, San Lucas AVA, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Total area35,758 acres (14,471 ha)[2]
Grapes producedAlbarino, 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 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. "§ 9.98 Monterey" (Title 27: Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; Part 9 — American Viticultural Areas; Subpart C — Approved American Viticultural Areas). Code of Federal Regulations. Retrieved January 24, 2008.
  2. "American Viticultural Areas by State". Wine Institute. 2008. Archived from the original on January 27, 2008.
  3. "Monterey (AVA): Appellation Profile". Appellation America. 2007. Archived from the original on July 6, 2008. Retrieved January 24, 2008.
  4. "Monterey AVA". Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association. Archived from the original on February 2, 2009.


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