Beverage Dynamics is the largest national business magazine devoted exclusively to the needs of off-premise beverage alcohol retailers, from single liquor stores to big box chains, through coverage of the latest trends in wine, beer and spirits.
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CALIFORNIA WINE CENTRAL Sculpterra Winery looking northeast toward Vina Robles vineyards. Central Coast Fact Box Major AVAs: Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara. Growing conditions: Very diverse given the large area of the region. Popular varietals: Chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon grow well here, in addition to pinot noir, zinfandel as well as Rhône varietals. It is an extremely flexible region given its wide geographical expanse and diversity of microclimates. Major vineyards and wineries: Au Bon Climat, Laetitia Vineyard Winery, Qupe Wine Cellars, Kendall Jackson. of emerging expensive, cult brands. "The most expensive are wines from vineyards like Bien Nacido, Sanford, Pisoni, Cargasacchi, Sea Smoke etc." says Jeff Gregory, general manager of restaurant FT33, a restaurant in Dallas. However, he adds that the, "quality is excellent for the price if you know who and what to look for." He adds that some of the cool-climate wines are outstanding as well as many of the appellation's Rhône and Bordeaux blends. Sharman seconds the fact that a wide range of values and higher-priced wines are available throughout these appellations. "In most cases, they are very well priced," he notes of the region's wines, however, "Syrah from Paso Robles has reached some staggering prices lately." California [wines] but have a nuance that is often lost in other AVAs," notes John Wright, sommelier at 550-room InterContinental hotel in San Francisco. He carries 20 to 30 wines from the region on his hotel's wine list, which is home to Italian restaurant Luce. He says that the bulk of them are hand sells. "They have an acidity that is often lacking [in other wines], a vibrancy of fruit that is refreshing." The Horizon The future of the region looks bright in many aspects. "A continued focus on great farming, varietal correctness and wines that are honest representations of their site will continue to push things forward for the region. I see more and more wine drinking turning to the Central Coast wines each year and I can't see that changing Blend Versus Single Varietal any time soon," says Gregory. The Central Coast is known Hon adds that brings a uniquely not only for the great diversity of diverse perspective to the grape types that grow well there, California winemaking scene. but as a region that has also been It is also the independent charsuccessful in producing single acter of many of the producers varietal wines as well as blends. that has helped to set the region Gregory says the majority of what apart. "It is a vibrant area with Top of L'Aventure hillside looking at his restaurant carries is single- Booker Vineyards. cutting edge winemakers that are varietal wines. willing to make the best wine posSome of the region's top varietals on-premise, sible, not make the best wine that critics tell them they according to a handful of operators, include many of the need to make," says Wright. He concludes that the Rhône whites, such as marsanne, roussane and viognier, region, "In another 20 years could easily rival or surpass according to Sherman. Chardonnays and syrahs are also Napa." attracting a lot of attention. Value and terroir continue to be sorted out in eyes "I love the way that they pair with food and they have of many operators who are trying to sort out new values a style that is uniquely their own. They are obviously and flavors from many emerging California regions. I 14 • Beverage Dynamics • www.beveragedynamics.com • May/June 2013