Monterey AVA
The Monterey AVA is an American Viticultural Area located in eastern Monterey County, California. It was established in 1984. It is part of the larger Central Coast AVA. It runs roughly from its northern point, north of Monterey Bay to its southern point, abutting Paso Robles, California. Approximately of wine grapes are currently cultivated in the Monterey AVA.
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 in most parts of the region, although the southern part of the Monterey AVA reaches 100 degrees at times. The soil is sandy and most regions require extensive irrigation from the Salinas River.
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.
