The SOMM Journal

February / March 2017

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{ SOMMjournal.com }  109 { appellations } Often overlooked, overshadowed by reputable wine regions to the north and south, Monterey County boasts a coastal climate with mystical fog and enchanting scenery. Although its history of grape-growing dates back to the late 1700s, Monterey's modern era of winemaking is rooted in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The region reveals several exciting American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), stretching from the Monterey Bay in the north to the border of Paso Robles in the south. A "thermal rainbow" determines the character of the area—thick fog funneling through the Salinas Valley, a 40-degree temperature difference between the north and south, and strong, whipping winds. The deep marine canyon off of the coast near the city of Monterey, known as the Blue Grand Canyon, incites the effect and gives Monterey wine country its unique climate. Shining Light on Monterey County Wines PHOTO COURTESY OF J. LOHR VINEYARDS & WINES WITH DISTINCT CLIMATIC INFLUENCES, OVER 40 VARIETIES CALL MONTEREY AVAs HOME by Allyson Gorsuch The Arroyo Seco vineyards of J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines.

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