|
|
|
Paso Robles AVA |
|
Gaining worldwide attention for its distinctive wines, Paso Robles is emerging
as a leader in Californian viticulture. The largest AVA in San Luis Obispo
County, Paso Robles has 18,500 acres under vine. Aside from a small gap near the
town of Templeton, the Santa Lucia range shelters the region from the fog that
cools the southern San Luis Obispo AVAs. Paso Robles is famous for its
structured Cabernet Sauvignon and much of its acreage is planted with this
grape. However, a group of young dynamic winemakers, part of the group known as
the Rhone Rangers, is gaining attention with Syrah. Wines from the westernmost
section in the foothills have the highest profile, yet it is the more fertile
eastern half of the AVA that is responsible for the bulk of production.
Vineyards in the western section feature a mixture of both calcerous and
siliceous rocky soils and daytime summer temperatures often top 90°F. In the
evening, vines are cooled by ocean breezes cascading down the eastern mountain
slopes, which maintain the grapes' acidity. The eastern half of the AVA tends to
be warmer and drier. Wineries in this section of the AVA typically produce full
bodied wines with rich fruit character. These wines have softer tannins
and lower acidity, making them more approachable in their
youth.(www.appellationamerica.com) |
|
|
|