Chardonnay is the most commonly planted grape, which reflects the abundance of cooler climate terroirs in the region.
Philip Hahn of Hahn Vineyards praises the opportunities in the region to grow grapes in different climatic areas for blending within the Central Coast region. For example, cooler climate grapes can be blended with the same or other varietal from warmer regions to result in more interest and complexity in the finished wine.
So what’s a consumer to expect from wines labeled Central Coast? At a minimum Central Coast appellations, even the warmer ones such as Paso Robles will reflect the maritime influence of the cool Pacific Ocean with significant diurnal temperature swings, warm or hot days and cool evenings. Areas such as Monterey will have lower overall daytime temperatures, as well as cool evenings, and grapes will take longer to mature on the vine.
Overall consumers can expect Central Coast grapes to produce wines that reflect ripe fruit flavors and appropriate alcohol levels due to warm daytime temperatures that promote sugar production in grapes. At the same time cool nighttime temperatures promote acid preservation in the ripened grapes to preserve freshness and palate-cleansing qualities in the finished wine.