Santa Lucia Highlands，红酒产区-沽酒网

中文名：
英文名：

Santa Lucia Highlands
位置：
葡萄园面积：

公顷
葡萄酒特点：
产区产量：
土壤：

Santa Lucia Highlands is a long, narrow AVA that runs down the western side of the Salinas Valley in Monterey, California. Oceanic influences from the cold Monterey Bay make the area suitable for the production of premium, cool-climate wines. The AVA has earned a reputation for intensely flavored Chardonnay and weighty Pinot Noir.

The AVA covers an area that runs south-east along the foothills of the Santa Lucia mountain range, stretching from the town of Gonzales to the neighboring AVA of Arroyo Seco in the south. Vineyards are planted on south- and east-facing hills, often at elevations of up to 1200ft (365m). Wine growing in the area dates back to the late 18th Century, when Spanish missionaries planted the first vines. The modern wine industry sprang up in the 1970s, and the area became an AVA in 1991.

The influence of the Pacific Ocean plays a major part in the climate of the Santa Lucia Highlands. The elevated slopes are subject to bright morning sunshine, and coastal breezes that sweep down the Salinas Valley provide a counter to this in the afternoon. Night-time and morning fogs also provide cooling influences, creating a classically cool-climate area with a long ripening period.

In fact, the Santa Lucia Highlands have one of the longest growing seasons in California, with harvest sometimes following the rest of the state by up to six weeks. This long growing season means that grapes can ripen slowly and evenly, developing complex varietal character and fresh acidity.

The soils in the Santa Lucia Highlands are well drained and have low fertility, making them perfect for the production of premium grapes. The combination of the soils and the exposure to wind stresses the vines, causing them to put all their energy into the production of fruit rather than the canopy. The resultant berries are small with thick skins, leading to great structure and depth of flavor in the wines.

The Santa Lucia Highlands AVA is synonymous with the Burgundy varieties, but excellent examples of Riesling and even some Northern Rhone-styled Syrah can be found here.