California Central Coast AVA

Question 1

Name the two distinct Central Coast growing areas.

Answer 1

North Coast

South Coast

Question 2

Central Coast characteristics?

Answer 2

• Central Coast AVA is large and spans from Santa Barbara County in the south to the San Francisco Bay Area in the north.
• Most vineyards are in valleys that open up to the Pacific. Cold, moist air is drawn in creating a layer of morning cloud cover which reduces temperatures and sun exposure on the grapes.
• All Central Coast AVAs are affected by the Pacific Ocean’s cooling influence to some degree.
• Extremely diverse climate and topography.

Question 3

How many AVA’s in Central Coast?

Answer 3

40

Question 4

Central Coast North Coast AVA’s of note

Answer 4

Livermore Valley

Santa Cruz Mountains - (Ridge Vineyards, Bonny Doon)

Monterey - (Calera Wine Company)

Santa Barbara County (Au Bon Climat)

Question 5

Grapes of the Central Coast North?

Answer 5

Most important: Pinot noir, Chardonnay Syrah.

And: Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc Riesling Viognier Gewurztraminer.

Question 6

Name 4 important AVA’s of the Central Coast.

Answer 6

Paso Robles

Santa Cruz Mountains

Monterey

Santa Barbara

Question 7

Name some cool Coastal AVA’s

Answer 7

Santa Cruz Mountains

Sta Rita Hills

San Benito

Monterey

Santa Maria Valley

Question 8

Name some warm inland AVA’s

Answer 8

Paso Robles

Santa Ynez Valley

Ballard Canyon

Question 9

Name the third-largest grape producer in California.

Answer 9

• San Luis Obispo County

Question 10

Name the main grape varieties in the North.

Answer 10

• Cabernet Sauvignon,
• Merlot,
• Syrah
• Zinfandel

Question 11

Name the main grape varieties in the South.

Answer 11

• Pinot Noir
• Chardonnay

Question 12

What is special about the Santa Barbara County AVA?

Answer 12

• Has a coastal climate with a very long growing season, meaning that the grapes can hang longer on the vines and develop mature flavors, without the high alcohol content often associated with warmer climates.
• Low rainfall during the autumn reduces the risk of fruit spoiling, allowing it to ripen fully.
• The cool climate also results in higher acidity, balancing the mature flavors of the grapes and increasing their ageing potential.