That Ain’t No Termato...
...That’s My Wine

by Clark Smith
September 17, 2008

Overall, what impresses about Monterey as an omnibus wine growing region is its sheer ecological and viticultural diversity. As North American wines increasingly become defined by their regionality, overcoming the homogenizing effects of excessive focus on grape varieties, Monterey’s natural diversity can be expected to pay big dividends.

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The Carmel Valley appellation shares few of the gentle charms of the nearby seaside town of Carmel. This rugged AVA begins at Carmel Valley village, five miles inland, and is marked by high elevations and steep slopes with well-drained granite terraces. The valley, with less than 300 acres under vine, runs in a southeastern direction along the Carmel River and the Cachagua Creek. Dominated by red Bordeaux varietals -- such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot -- the appellation is distinctly warmer than the northern end of the Salinas Valley. Although it is classified as a cool region, its vineyards are generally situated at elevations above 1,000 feet, and are less influenced by the coastal fog and wind which affects the northern end of the Salinas Valley.