Wines & Vines

May 2013 Packaging Issue

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GRAPEGROWING Valley (100 miles away), which causes the early evening temperatures to cool fairly quickly from very warm (90ºF and above) daytime highs. This diurnal fluctuation of warm days and cool nights along with dry air allows the Paso Robles area to produce high-quality fruit, which often is very ripe but balanced with good acidity. JEREMY BALL From Arroyo Grande to Santa Ynez Valley, many microclimates make it possible to grow a wide range of wine grapes. In 1981 the Santa Maria Valley (above) became the third AVA established in the United States. The east side of Paso Robles is a mix of large and small plantings ranging from productive and mechanized corporateowned vineyards to smaller hand-groomed blocks of interesting varieties not found in the commercial mainstream. Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah and Merlot dominate the acreage. The west side of Paso Robles has mostly smaller vineyards on some rugged, rocky terrain. Most vineyards rely on more hand labor and are capable of producing exceptional fruit owing to the unusual soils (one of the few regions of the state underlain by marine limestone formations) and limited amounts of black, silty clay soils that are fertile with good water-holding capacities. The climate is a bit cooler than the east side of Paso Robles, as there is more GrapeParts4Less.com Paying Too Much For Picking Rods? Now You Have A Low Cost Source! GrapeParts4Less.com supplies quality American made picking rods, closures, and parts for all major grape harvester brands. Call 559-277-7382 or visit our website. Mastercard or VISA accepted. Se habla Espaňol. GrapeParts4Less.com Your Low Cost Source For Quality Harvester Parts 76 W I N ES & V INE S MAY 20 13 GP4L_W&V_April_2012.indd 1 2/27/12 11:59 AM marine influence due to its close proximity to the Pacific Ocean. The wineries here produce wonderful handcrafted wines, and the limited amount of fruit produced is in high demand. Crossing over the Cuesta Grade into the charming city of San Luis Obispo, Calif., the climate becomes subtropical. Freezing temperatures are much more rare, fog

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