Question About Comparing 'Central Coast' with Napa/Sonoma . . .

WINE TALK
21

Frankly -

When I think of the Central Coast - I think of Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo - Santa Barbara is just close enough to LA to kind of keep it separate - I think when most people think about Central Coast wines - they think of big, strapping Zins and Syrahs -

And I do think that when most people think of Santa Barbara, it’s as a small, separate environment -

Where should Monterey be considered a part of?

22

In Sonoma, where they belong! [cheers.gif]

23

Larry – Interesting topic, and I guess I illustrate the problem:

Having lived in the Bay Area for 14 years and having driven up and down the coast, I certainly knew the difference between Paso Robles and Santa Barbara. But until I checked on-line a minute ago, I always assumed the Santa Lucia Highlands was close to the latter. Because the AVA was only created long after I moved east, I had no idea.

So Christmas has already been an edifying day for me. Thanks!

I think the problem you describe can be traced to the fact that the winegrowing is not so intense in these areas, and doesn’t have as long a history, so no one area alone (PR, SB, SLH) has the awareness that Napa/Sonoma does. Also, the Central Coast appellation stuck in the minds of many of us, even though it is a catch-all that stretches from San Francisco to Santa Barbara.

24

Tom,

I hear what you’re saying . . . but I just don’t think most people ‘separate’ SB when thinking about the Central Coast . . .Of course, I could be wrong, and if you have a sense of perspective different than mine . . .

I would beg to differ, though, about the genearl thoughts when people think of ‘Central Coast’ . . . I do believe they think of syrah and zin for sure, but also very much Pinot and Chard . . .

Cheers!

25

As far as Monterey goes, I think it belongs more in the ‘Central Coast’ than does SB . . . just my $.02 . . .

Cheers!

26

I often find myself grouping Monterey with SCM producers.

27

I think I read something recently that said SCM fell under Central Coast too!

28

Here’s a map of the AVA boundaries – a catch-all if there ever were one!

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29

Wow, what an awesome assessment. Dude must have studied under Magellan.

30

I believe the differences Larry, et al., are championing will become more clearly defined and recognized with time and consumer experience. Old world wine regions have the advantages of time and strict governmental regulation (wrt permitted varieties) on their sides; CA wine growing regions (relatively) lack these advantages.

31

god, this is plain awful as a reference.

Even with the SBC area, just try a summer day and start up by Brian’s winery, then head down 246 pass Wes Hagen’s place, past the flagpoles of Buellton and get a feel for the temperature baseline. Make the pass under the 101 and head towards Solvang and past town, then look at the temps again. I’m no expert in the micro climes of the SBC area, but this simple comparison is one I have seen for myself.

Further, try standing out on Gary Franscioni’s front yard, at the top of his driveway at 2PM in the afternoon in April (which is the front yard of Rosella’s vineyard of the SLH AVA as it slopes up the hill). Try that wind and cool blast on for size, hence the name of his wines “ROAR” and the roar of that wind. Certainly Monterey is within this impact area so to your question, Larry, I think of Monterey as SLH.

The with Paso, it’s neither SLH or SBC for me, althought the landscape reminds me a lot of the latter.

These are all distinct and separate climates and producing areas, probably frustrating as much for Larry as it might be for the burg lover who sees a vast difference in Vosne Romanee or Puligny as you stand on different parts of the slope.

32

I think what really confuses people is the Santa Ynez Valley (and where it sits in all of this). Santa Barbara is Chardonnay and Pinot Noir country to most people (who do their homework) - but here’s this little valley making what is quite possibly the best Sauvignon Blanc in the state and the Merlot and Cabernet coming out of the new Happy Canyon AVA is just going to blow people away -

I see where you are coming from because you have to constantly educate your customers on the nuances of each district, yet distancing yourself from Paso Robles & the like - there really is such a huge difference between the districts - and are the consumers understanding this?

I do think in time it will flesh out - Sonoma was just Sonoma years ago, and today people understand the big differences between the Dry Creek Valley and Alexander Valley for example -

It’s just a matter of time before people will flesh out the Central Coast as well…