489:. Gabilan Mountains AVA also experiences higher annual rainfall amounts than the regions to the east of the Coastal Ranges. However, due to its higher elevations, the Gabilan Mountains experiences less marine fog incursion than many of the lower elevations in the Central Coast AVA. Additionally, due to its smaller size, the soils and elevations of the Gabilan Mountains AVA are less varied than those of the large, multi-county Central Coast AVA. Finally, TTB determined that the Mt. Harlan and Chalone AVAs will remain a part of the Gabilan Mountains AVA. All three AVAs are high elevation areas that experience less marine fog than the lower neighboring regions. Like the Gabilan Mountains, the Mt. Harlan contains soils of the Sheridan, Cieneba, and Auberry series, and the Chalone AVA soils contain large amounts of calcium derived from limestone. However, the Mt. Harlan and Chalone viticultural areas have characteristics that distinguish themselves from Gabilan Mountains and justify their continued existence as unique viticultural areas within the larger region. Both the Mt. Harlan and Chalone contain a narrower range of elevations due to their smaller size. Additionally, due to its proximity to the Hollister and Cienega Valleys that funnel storms in from the Pacific Ocean, Mt. Harlan AVA receives more rainfall each year than the Gabilan Mountains as a whole. However, Chalone is sheltered from the Pacific storms by the
472:
within
Gabilan Mountains are higher. The area receives an average 17.24 inches (437.90 mm)of rain each year, with over 12 inches (305 mm) of that falling during the fall and winter months. The region to the north averages 14.19 inches (360.43 mm) annually, while the region to the east receives 16.06 inches (407.92 mm). To its south, the average annual rainfall total is 12.06 inches (306.32 mm), and the amount for the region to the west is 12.83 inches (325.88 mm). Higher rainfall amounts during the fall and winter months act to clear the soil and send nutrients and carbohydrates to the dormant vines' roots. Within the AVA, the drier summers reduce the risk of moisture-related diseases damaging the fruit and keep the sugars and acids balanced closer to harvest.
38:
502:
will not be affected by the establishment of this AVA. The establishment of the
Gabilan Mountains AVA will allow vintners to use "Gabilan Mountains" and "Central Coast" as appellations of origin for wines made primarily from grapes grown within the Gabilan Mountains AVA if the wines meet the eligibility requirements for these appellations. Additionally, vintners may use "Gabilan Mountains" as an appellation of origin in addition to or in place of "Mt. Harlan" or "Chalone" for wines made primarily from grapes grown in the Mt. Harlan or Chalone AVAs if the wines meet the eligibility requirements for either of these appellations.
481:
that they reach physiological ripeness. The soils are primarily from the
Sheridan-Cieneba-Auberry association and are well-drained to excessively drained. According to the petition, the quick-draining soils cause stress to the vines during the growing season, resulting in intense flavors and rich, hardy skins that are less frequently associated with vines grown in poorly drained soils. By contrast, the soils to the east and west of the Gabilan Mountains AVA are medium textured soils on floodplains and alluvial fans. The soils east of the AVA are primarily from the San Benito-Gazos-Linne association.
467:
north of the AVA each average nine hours of fog and low cloud cover daily, while the region to the south averages seven hours. Paicines, to the east and sheltered from the marine air by the
Hollister Hills, receives an average of only 2 hours of fog and low cloud cover daily. The low amounts of fog and lack of low clouds allow grapevines more access to direct sunlight, which assists
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587:
480:
The soils of
Gabilan Mountains AVA are moderately coarse textured soils over a granite bedrock. It is rich in calcium due to the high limestone content. The high calcium content causes grapes to carry acid later into the growing season, allowing growers to let the grapes remain on the vines longer so
466:
The climate of the
Gabilan Mountains viticultural area distinguishes it from the surrounding regions, particularly with respect to fog and rainfall. The area averages fewer than 2.5 hours of fog and low clouds per day each year during the months of June through September. The regions to the west and
484:
TTB determined that the
Gabilan Mountains AVA will remain part of the established Central Coast AVA as Gabilan Mountains AVA shares some broad characteristics with the Central Coast. For example, the primary characteristic of the Central Coast AVA is its marine-influenced climate, which results in
501:
The establishment of the
Gabilan Mountains viticultural area does not affect the existing Central Coast, Mt. Harlan, or Chalone AVAs, and any bottlers using "Central Coast," “Mt. Harlan" or "Chalone" as an appellation of origin or in a brand name for wines made from grapes grown within those AVAs
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of the vines for proper maturation. The lack of fog and low clouds also reduces the amount of humidity in
Gabilan Mountains, reducing the chance of mildew developing in the vineyards. Although the AVA has less fog and low cloud cover than most of the surrounding regions, annual rainfall amounts
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on
September 14, 2022, becoming the state's 147th official AVA after the TTB reviewed the petition from Parker Allen of Coastview Vineyards, proposing to establish the "Gabilan Mountains" viticultural area. Gabilan Mountains encompasses about 98,000 acres (153 sq mi) including the
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established Mt. Harlan and Chalone AVAs, and resident to 4 wineries and 6 commercial vineyards cultivating approximately 436 acres (176 ha). The average elevation within the region is 2,370 feet (722 m) placing it above the heavy
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mountainous region with high elevations. According to the petition, the average elevation within the AVA is 2,370 feet (722 m). By contrast, all surrounding regions have lower elevations. To the north, the average elevation in the
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446:. Gabilan Mountains higher elevations place it above the heavy fog and marine layer. As a result, its cool climate lacks the humidity from the fog and low-lying clouds. The lower humidity levels significantly reduce
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In 1974, vintner Josh Jensen purchased a limestone-rich parcel near Mt. Harlan in San Benito County located 100 miles (161 km) south of San Francisco and about 37 miles (60 km) inland from the
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deterred the planting of wine grapes. During Prohibition, only 400 acres (162 ha) of vineyards survived in Monterey County and this acreage was halved in the years following
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366:. In 1946, Chalone vineyards were expanded by its subsequent owner, William Silvear, with more Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc plus newly planted Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir.
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373:. By the late 1960s and early 1970s, the quality of some California wines was outstanding but few took notice as the market favored French brands. At the legendary
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430:, located to the south, is 331 feet (101 m). To the east of the AVA, the average elevation ranges from 778 feet (237 m) within the established
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The oldest producing vineyard in Monterey County, Chalone Vineyard Estate rests on the Gavilan Mountain Range on the north slope of Chalone Peak
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346:. Winegrowing, however, never became important in Monterey County because it was considered a "poor area" for viticulture. Strong winds off
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and at 2,000 feet (610 m) above sea level, Calera Wine Company is one of the most elevated cool-climate vineyards in California.
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The distinguishing features of the Gabilan Mountains AVA are its elevation, climate, and soils. The area is located in the
872:(Much to France's chagrin, a blind taste test 25 years ago in Paris inadvertently launched California's fine wine industry)
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314:. As a result, Gabilan Mountains AVA has a cool air climate without the humidity from the fog and low-lying clouds.
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In 1919, French immigrant and entrepreneur, Charles L. Tamm, traveled through California searching for the
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438:. West of Gabilan Mountains, the average elevation ranges from 480 feet (146 m) in the enlongated
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In the early 1960s, the modern era of viticulture took root and Monterey County gained prominence as a
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Moderately coarse textured soil over granite bedrock, Sheridan-Cieneba-Auberry, high limestone content
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higher rainfall amounts than occur in the inland valleys on the eastern side of the
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in California. It is the tenth and newest AVA established in Monterey County by the
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358:. Later, Chalone Vineyard grew and its grapes were sold in the 1940s and '50s to
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334:. On the north slope of Chalone Peak at1,800 feet (550 m), Tamm planted
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763:(Chalone's arid, rocky landscape has retained a reputation for great wines)
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and receives less rainfall annually than Gabilan Mountains AVA as a whole.
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is 345 feet (105 m). The average elevation within the established
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385:. The identical vintage ranked "1st Place" in a repeat event at the
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794:"Wine Talk; Vineyard That Attracted a Special Breed of Winemaker"
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This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the
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This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the
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on May 24, Chalone Vineyard's 1974 Chardonnay ranked 3rd in the
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American Viticultural Areas of San Benito County, California
330:. He found a property in Monterey County which is currently
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American Viticultural Areas of Monterey County, California
647:. Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association. 2024.
545:"Establishment of the Gabilan Mountains Viticultural Area"
293:(AVA) located in the mountainous region on the border in
16:
Appelation that designates wine in Monterey County, CA
671:"Gabilan Mountains AVA Approved on the Central Coast"
614:. Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association.
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397:. The property was formerly an early 20th-century
42:South and North Chalone Peaks of the Gabilan Range
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760:"Chalone: Monterey County's unlikely appellation"
548:(27 CFR 9 87 FR 49986 , RIN 1513–AC72 Final Rule)
381:category scored predominantly by renown French
562:Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
303:Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
716:Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF)
442:to 512 feet (156 m) within the existing
8:
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21:
450:pressure, which allows growers to use less
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326:with limestone soil similar to his native
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434:and 1,105 feet (337 m) within the
861:"The Day California Wines Came of Age"
618:from the original on December 31, 2023
20:
904:from the original on January 31, 2024
837:from the original on January 14, 2024
729:from the original on December 7, 2022
681:from the original on January 31, 2024
575:from the original on January 30, 2024
458:practices during the growing season.
7:
792:Prial, Frank J. (January 28, 1998).
773:from the original on January 2, 2024
758:May, Meredith (September 13, 2013).
651:from the original on August 15, 2022
641:"AVAS (American Viticultural Areas)"
342:, when the grapes were used to make
804:from the original on August 9, 2013
387:San Francisco Wine Tasting of 1978
338:sourcing for wineries even during
188:98,000 acres (153 sq mi)
14:
1009:2022 establishments in California
739:
585:
568:: 49986–49990. August 15, 2022.
859:Peterson, Thane (May 8, 2001).
722:: 16842–16847. April 15, 1983.
701:"Arroyo Seco Viticultural Area"
769:. Hearst Communications, Inc.
274:
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172:17.24 in (437.90 mm)
169:Precipitation (annual average)
1:
350:and the arid climate of the
291:American Viticultural Area
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375:Paris Wine Tasting of 1976
52:American Viticultural Area
444:Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
193:Size of planted vineyards
35:
26:
196:436 acres (176 ha)
833:. September 13, 2013.
704:(27 CFR 9 Final Rule)
677:. September 28, 2022.
424:Santa Clara Valley AVA
139:San Antonio Valley AVA
66:Years of wine industry
898:Duckhorn Wine Company
645:Monterey Wine Country
612:Monterey Wine Country
491:Santa Lucia Mountains
371:wine-producing region
352:Salinas River Valley
961: /
874:on October 18, 2007
299:San Benito Counties
23:
965:36.610°N 121.375°W
927:Coastview Vineyard
894:"The Calera Story"
436:Cienega Valley AVA
228:Cabernet Sauvignon
1004:Santa Lucia Range
395:Pacific coastline
360:Almaden Vineyards
344:sacramental wines
287:Gabilan Mountains
284:
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123:Carmel Valley AVA
118:San Benito County
110:Central Coast AVA
104:Other regions in
98:San Benito County
90:Central Coast AVA
22:Gabilan Mountains
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970:36.610; -121.375
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932:Chalone Vineyard
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867:. Archived from
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831:Chalone Vineyard
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553:Federal Register
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454:and pursue more
332:Chalone Vineyard
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164:Region I and III
131:Hames Valley AVA
58:Year established
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497:Industry Impact
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428:Arroyo Seco AVA
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256:Sauvignon Blanc
212:Grapes produced
177:Soil conditions
127:Arroyo Seco AVA
114:Monterey county
94:Monterey county
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487:Coastal Ranges
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364:Wente Brothers
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224:Cabernet Franc
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153:Mt. Harlan AVA
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865:Business Week
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827:"Our History"
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906:. Retrieved
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876:. Retrieved
869:the original
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839:. Retrieved
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775:. Retrieved
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731:. Retrieved
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683:. Retrieved
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653:. Retrieved
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620:. Retrieved
611:
577:. Retrieved
557:
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479:
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440:Monterey AVA
432:Paicines AVA
416:
391:
368:
348:Monterey Bay
336:Chenin Blanc
321:
312:marine layer
286:
285:
240:Chenin Blanc
204:of vineyards
135:Monterey AVA
27:
18:
968: /
956:121°22′30″W
942:TTB AVA Map
908:January 31,
841:January 31,
808:January 31,
733:January 31,
685:January 31,
655:January 31,
579:January 31,
340:Prohibition
277:of wineries
149:Chalone AVA
145:Sub-regions
29:Wine region
983:Categories
953:36°36′36″N
777:January 1,
622:January 4,
506:References
383:oenophiles
379:white wine
248:Pinot Noir
236:Chardonnay
220:Bordelaise
185:Total area
106:California
86:California
452:fungicide
413:Elevation
399:limestone
252:Roussanne
232:Carignane
902:Archived
878:July 19,
835:Archived
802:Archived
771:Archived
724:Archived
720:Treasury
679:Archived
649:Archived
616:Archived
570:Archived
566:Treasury
328:Burgundy
295:Monterey
268:Viognier
260:Semillon
244:Grenache
608:"About"
560:(156).
462:Climate
456:organic
408:Terroir
324:terroir
318:History
216:Aligoté
82:Part of
74:Country
937:Calera
767:SFGate
714:(74).
448:mildew
402:quarry
356:Repeal
289:is an
727:(PDF)
573:(PDF)
264:Syrah
910:2024
880:2006
843:2024
810:2024
779:2024
735:2024
687:2024
657:2024
624:2024
581:2024
476:Soil
362:and
310:and
297:and
61:2022
48:Type
308:fog
275:No.
202:No.
69:105
985::
900:.
896:.
863:.
845:.
829:.
818:^
800:.
796:.
765:.
718:,
712:48
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706:.
673:.
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632:^
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558:87
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88:,
912:.
882:.
812:.
781:.
748:.
737:.
689:.
659:.
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583:.
280:6
207:4
Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Additional terms may apply.
