San Antonio Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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San Antonio Valley

The San Antonio Valley received its designation as an AVA in 2006. The San Antonio Valley is located in Monterey County and is bordered to the west by the Santa Lucia Mountains.

Unlike many of the wine regions in the United States, there is a long history of viticulture in the San Antonio Valley.   It was home to the Mission San Antonio de Padua that was founded in 1771 by Father Junipero Serra.  Franciscan Missions in Alta California could not rely on supplies from Spain and were required to be self-sufficient.  This meant making flour for bread and grapes for wine.  The Mission is still in operation as a parish church and visitors can see the original wine pressing vats and wine cellar.

The valley is located in the southern part of Monterey County and is located between the Santa Lucia Mountains near the Salinas Valley and includes San Antonio Lake and Fort Hunter Liggett Military Reservation.  The terrain contains gently rolling hills which form a basin or bowl shape.

The climate is typically warm and dry but benefits from the cooling breezes of nearby Lake San Antonio and the Pacific Ocean.  The region averages approximately 3,000 GDD on the Winkler Index indicating that it is the prime climate for Bordeaux and Rhone varietals.  The cool marine air that is so common for Monterey County is mostly absent. The region tends to be hotter and drier during the growing season but cooler during the spring and autumn.

Soil composition is also unique in San Antonio Valley.  Nearby Hames Valley is primarily composed of soils from the Lockwood series that are alluvial fans and terraces of siliceous shale.  San Antonio Valley has a more varied soil profile with 40 different types being represented.  The soil is primarily gravelly loam and clay that are mostly alluvial but with more gravel, sand and clays in the mix.

The region is known for its production of Bordeaux and Rhone varietals but is becoming home to Spanish and Portuguese grapes as well.  You can find Albarino, Barbera, Cabernet Franc,  Cabernet Sauvignon,  Chardonnay, Dolcetto,  Grenache,  Malbec,  Marsanne,  Merlot,  Mourvedre,  Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Pinot Grigio, Primativo, Roussanne, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tempranillo, Tinta Cao, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Francesca, Touriga Nacional, Zinfandel being produced in San Antonio Valley.

2014 Troon Blue Label Longue Carabine, Applegate Valley - Wine of the Day

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2014 Troon Blue Label Longue Carabine, Applegate Valley

2014 Troon Blue Label Longue Carabine, Applegate Valley

$29

A creative co-ferment of grapes native to the South of France:Marsanne 43.81%, Viognier 27.35%, Vermentino 12.65%, Riesling 8.79%, Roussanne 5.0%, Sauvignon  Blanc 2.4%; farmed to savor the natural attributes of granitic soils, washed down the mountains covered in Madrone, Oak and Ponderosa pine.  Full bodied and exotic, this is a substantial wine, but it’s still balanced with the bracing acidity you would expect from Oregon. The aromas and flavors are laced with hints of honeysuckle and ripe peaches.  An ideal match for roast chicken, veal and cheeses.  For those that love the exotic, lush and complex white blend of the southern Rhône Valley will adore Longue Carabine.

2013 Nobelle Wines Belle Rivière - Wine of the Day

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 2013 Nobelle Wines Belle Rivière

$36

Marsanne, the most underestimated Rhone white varietal, expresses its full potential here, with a traditional rhone yeast and a classic batonnage twice daily for six weeks. It can take as much aging in oak as a chardonnay, up to 36 months in big vats! Some of the most exclusive marsannes in the world are made this way.

This vintage reminds me of white fruit: peach, pear and especially quince which is my favorite fruit. As you taste it, a fresh zest apple comes up front, followed by a dense mouth feel with a lot of weight. Served chilled at 45F, this 2013 Marsanne can age beautifully for the next 10 years.

2014 Troon Blue Label Longue Carabine, Applegate Valley - Wine of the Day

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2014 Troon Blue Label Longue Carabine, Applegate Valley

$29

A creative co-ferment of grapes native to the South of France: Marsanne 43.81%, Viognier 27.35%, Vermentino 12.65%, Riesling 8.79%, Roussanne 5.0%, Sauvignon Blanc 2.4%; farmed to savor the natural attributes of granitic soils, washed down the mountains covered in Madrone, Oak and Ponderosa pine.  Full bodied and exotic, this is a substantial wine, but it’s still balanced with the bracing acidity you would expect from Oregon. The aromas and flavors are laced with hints of honeysuckle and ripe peaches.  An ideal match for roast chicken, veal and cheeses.  For those that love the exotic, lush and complex white blend of the southern Rhône Valley will adore Longue Carabine.

2013 Nobelle Wines Belle Rivière - Wine of the Day

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2013 Nobelle Wines Belle Rivière

$36

Marsanne, the most underestimated Rhone white varietal, expresses its full potential here, with a traditional rhone yeast and a classic batonnage twice daily for six weeks. It can take as much aging in oak as a chardonnay, up to 36 months in big vats! Some of the most exclusive Marsannes in the world are made this way.

This vintage reminds me of white fruit: peach, pear and especially quince which is my favorite fruit. As you taste it, a fresh zest apple comes up front, followed by a dense mouth feel with a lot of weight. Served chilled at 45F, this 2013 Marsanne can age beautifully for the next 10 years.