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California's Paso Robles WhitesThursday, October 19, 2006Paso Robles, in the center of California's Central Coast , was a pretty obscure part of the wine world until a few years ago, but what a difference those few years have made. The few original winegrowers were joined by Napa and Sonoma wineries looking to expand, and somewhere along the way this area became a major player. But, like most areas, it has its own unique style.For instance, you don't see a lot of pinot noir from Paso Robles. Many would say its average temperature is too high. Only a few miles to the south, the Edna Valley is well known for pinot noir. One major difference can be found in the mountains. Edna Valley 's mountains run generally east to west, allowing Pacific breezes to cool the vineyards. In Paso Robles the mountains run north to south, blocking those same breezes. And while some parts of the area have their own sheltered microclimates, you can see by what succeeds that it's better known for grapes that thrive in warmer, drier weather. Consequently, Paso Robles is becoming a zinfandel capital, but isn't particularly known for merlot. Cabernet sauvignon does fine, but that group of grapes known as "Mediterranean varietals" (syrah, petite sirah, mourvedre, grenache for reds), do very well, as do some Italian varieties (nebbiolo, sangiovese). Since merlot and cabernet are severely overplanted now in northern California , this is great timing for Paso Robles wineries. Article: "e" wine of the week, Bruce Cochran Tags: San Luis Obispo Central Coast Wine |
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