6
Signature Wines and Wineries of Coastal California
Vina Robles, page 125
Seven Oxen Winery, page 109
Anchored midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco,
Paso Robles AVA offers a completely different portfolio of wines
because of its inland location and extreme triple-digit summer
heat. This is where Bordeaux and Rhône varietals rule. The area's
terroir is unique, offering more than 30 different types of soil
series from calcareous to granites and volcanic. Paso's 11 sub-
appellations are spread throughout 40,000 acres of vineyards
that stretch 42 miles east to west and 32 miles north to south.
While Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widely planted varietal,
Paso is known for its big bold reds, blending Bordeaux and Rhöne
style grapes producing what is become the distinctive Paso Blend.
The region's heritage Zinfandel grape often finds its way in these
"muscle-flexing" blends that can at times include more than eight
different varietals. However, due its diversity Paso can also grow
some remarkable Italian and Spanish varietals such as Sangiovese,
Tempranillo, and Garnacha.
Further up north, Monterey County's cool coastal region along
the Santa Lucia Highlands prides itself in exceptional Chardonnay
and Pinot Noir. On the eastern side, the warmer Carmel Valley
area produces full-bodied Bordeaux varietals. The Central Coast
region is also home to off-the-beaten path wineries ensconced
in the steep mountain topography of Santa Cruz Mountains and
along Santa Clara Valley, also known as Silicon Valley.
