Taking it SLO along the coast...

This week we’re turning the spotlight north to highlight the newest AVA to be established in California, SLO Coast. We took some inspiration from this AVA for our highlighted wines of the week as well.

Your new favorite AVA - SLO Coast

This week we’re highlighting one of the newer AVA’s to be officially recognized, the San Luis Obispo Coast AVA. The central coast is filled with cool climate wines that are close in proximity to the ocean, but the SLO coast AVA is unique in that it has the highest percentage of vineyards within 6 miles of the ocean (97% to be exact).

The new AVA also encompasses the already previously established Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande AVA’s. Stretching from the edge of Santa Maria in the south to San Simeon/Cambria in the north, the region boasts some incredible coastlines and rolling valleys.

While Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are obvious varietals that thrive here, the SLO coast has also found a home to some lesser known varietals. Albariño has found a strong foothold in the region, with over 20% of the states production coming from this relatively small AVA. Albariño is a Spanish varietal that’s known for it’s high acidity and notes of melon, citrus, and stone fruit. Another popular varietal that has found its place along the SLO coast is Grüner Veltliner (check out our featured wines this week for one we'‘re loving).

If you’re hoping to visit this region be sure to check out just a few of our favorite wineries below.

• Center of Effort

• Baileyana

• Saucelito Canyon

• Kynsi Winery

• Timbre Winery

See a full list of all SLO Coast wineries here.

Uncorked

Center of Effort Oro Bianco

Our first featured wine this week comes from Center of Effort, located in Edna Valley. Founded in the late 70’s, Center of Effort was one of the earliest vineyards to settle in Edna Valley. This Chenin Blanc is actually one of the only plantings of Chenin Blanc in the region!

Nose: melon, papaya

Palette: pineapple, green apple, lemongrass, citrus

Pairs well with: steamed mussels with green curry

Available at: Region. wine bar in downtown SLO

Tatomer Paragon Grüner Veltliner

If you have yet to try Grüner Veltliner then you need to run out and grab a bottle of Tatomer’s. Primarily grown in Austria, Grüner Veltliner can express a complex, full bodied flavor profile. Graham Tatomer is well known for focusing on Austrian varietals after he immersed himself in the region for a number of years. This specific bottle comes from our previously reviewed SLO Coast AVA, and more specifically Edna Valley.

Nose: green apple, lime

Palette: apricot, honey, apple

Pairs well with: Keep it traditional with weiner schnitzel, or try this wine with your next artichoke appetizer.

Available at: Meritage Wine Market in Santa Barbara, Good Land Wine Shop in Goleta

What’s happening?

• Clambake @ The Victor: Ready to get your hands dirty and dig into a medley of seafood? The Victor in Santa Ynez is hosting a clambake Saturday, August 26th starting at 6PM. Tickets are $125 for the full table affair.

• Stolo Winemaker Dinner: Cavalier Oceanfront Resort is hosting a winemaker dinner with Stolo wines. Tickets are $85 for a 4 course meal paired with wine. The event is August 26th from 6PM - 9PM.

• Rusack Winemaker Dinner: Ox & Anchor in San Luis Obisbo is hosting a winemaker dinner on Tuesday, August 29th starting at 6PM. Expect to taste through 6 uniquely crafted dishes paired with Rusack’s best wines.

Cheers!

Issue #14