Paso Robles Estrella District - Wine Region of the Day

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Paso Robles Estrella District

The Paso Robles Estrella District is another of the eleven sub-appellations of the Paso Robles viticultural area.  The AVA is located in the northeastern portion of its parent and surrounds the Estrella River. The topography of the region begins mountainous and elevations decrease and even out into the floor of the river valley.  The elevations in the District range from 745 to 1,819 feet above sea level though the wineries are largely found from 1,000 to 1,600. 

The climate is moderately warm making the region ideal for Rhone varietals.  Marine influences and air flows due to elevation also moderate the temperatures which makes the region good for Bordeaux grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.  The rainfall amounts range from 12.5 to 15.5 inches per year but are supplemented by the fogs brought into the region from the ocean air. The soils of the District are also effected by the its topography.  The soils of the region are alluvial and have low fertility but enough drainage to allow the roots of the vines to establish themselves and enough clay to help maintain moisture. 

Paso Robles - Wine Region of the Day

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Paso Robles

Photo of Paso Robles by David Toomey for Qorkz. 

Paso Robles received its designation as an AVA in 1983. Sitting on 666,618 acres in San Luis Obispo County, Paso Robles is home to eleven sub-districts, including: Adelaida District, Creston District, El Pomar District, Paso Robles Estrella District, Paso Robles Geneseo District, Paso Robles Highlands District, Paso Robles Willow Creek District, San Juan Creek, San Miguel District, Santa Margarita Ranch, and Templeton Gap District. By far the largest region in San Luis Obispo County, Paso Robles has over 19,000 acres under vine. The region features a mixture of silica clay and chalky lime soils. Closer to the Pacific, the western edge of Paso Robles has warm daytime temperatures, often topping 90 degrees during the peak of the growing season. The grapes are cooled by the maritime breezes coming in off the Pacific Ocean. Moving east across the region, the climate becomes more aired and drier than its western counterpart. In the east, fruit ripens more quickly than in the west, giving it bright flavors with low acidity and tannin structure. The more famous western region features a longer growing season allowing the fruit to take its time to ripen and develop a balance of acidity and tannin. Cabernet Sauvignon is the varietal that is most prevalent in the eastern regions of Paso Robles while Rhone varietals such as Viognier and Syrah dominate the west. In all, there are over 40 grape varietals grown in Paso Robles, and the region has become well known for its blends.

Paso Robles Estrella District - Wine Region of the Day

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PASO ROBLES ESTRELLA DISTRICT

Photo of the Paso Robles Estrella District by David Toomey for Qorkz

The Paso Robles Estrella District is another of the eleven sub-appellations of the Paso Robles viticultural area.  The AVA is located in the northeastern portion of its parent and surrounds the Estrella River. The topography of the region begins mountainous and elevations decrease and even out into the floor of the river valley.  The elevations in the District range from 745 to 1,819 feet above sea level though the wineries are largely found from 1,000 to 1,600. 

The climate is moderately warm making the region ideal for Rhone varietals.  Marine influences and air flows due to elevation also moderate the temperatures which makes the region good for Bordeaux grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.  The rainfall amounts range from 12.5 to 15.5 inches per year but are supplemented by the fogs brought into the region from the ocean air. The soils of the District are also effected by the its topography.  The soils of the region are alluvial and have low fertility but enough drainage to allow the roots of the vines to establish themselves and enough clay to help maintain moisture.