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California Central Coast Wines: What to Know and 5 Bottles to Try - Uptown Spirits

California Central Coast Wines: What to Know and 5 Bottles to Try

  • 8 min reading time

The California Central Coast has rapidly become one of the most popular wine regions in the country. The cool climate and diverse landscape make for a wide range of distinct wines.

This region is home to vineyards and wineries that produce some of the state’s best pinot noirs, chardonnays, and other varieties. 

But what do you need to know before you start your journey? And which bottles should you try first? Read on for all that and more.

Which Regions Are Considered to Be within California’s Central Coast?

The Central Coast of California is a region that encompasses the central area of the US state of California. It includes the coastline along with the inland and mountain regions. 

The Central Coast is often divided into two sub-regions: Northern Central Coast and Southern Central Coast.

The Northern Central Coast generally refers to the area between San Francisco Bay and Monterey Bay, while the Southern Central Coast encompasses the area south of Monterey Bay down to Ventura County. 

However, some definitions of the Central Coast also include parts of Santa Barbara County, Fresno County, and Kern County, in addition to those two counties.

The major cities located within California’s Central Coast region include San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, Stockton, Modesto, Santa Cruz, Salinas, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo. The region is also home to many smaller towns and cities such as Carmel-by-the-Sea, Cambria, Morro Bay, Paso Robles, and Pismo Beach.

What Kinds of Wine Are Made on the Central Coast?

There are many types of wine made on the Central Coast. The most common are Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir. 

However, there are also many other types of wine made in the region, including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and more.

The Central Coast is home to many different wineries, each with its own unique style. As a result, the wines produced in the region can vary greatly in taste and quality. However, all of the wines made on the Central Coast are known for being high quality and delicious.

Which Grapes Are Used in Central Coast Wine?

There are many different types of grapes grown in the Central Coast region of California, and each one contributes its own unique flavor to the wine. 

Some of the most popular grapes used in Central Coast wines include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Each of these grapes has its own distinct taste that helps to create the unique flavor profile of Central Coast wines.

  • Chardonnay is one of the most popular grapes used in Central Coast wines. This grape produces a wine that is full-bodied and has a rich, buttery flavor. Chardonnay is often used as a base for many different types of wines, including sparkling wines and dessert wines.
  • Sauvignon Blanc is another popular grape used in Central Coast wines. This grape produces a wine that is light-bodied and has a grassy, herbal flavor. Sauvignon Blanc is often used as a blending grape, adding its unique flavor to other wines.
  • Pinot Noir is a red grape that is typically used in lighter-bodied red wines. This grape produces a wine that has a fruity, floral flavor. Pinot Noir is often used as a blending grape, adding its unique flavor to other wines.
  • Merlot is a red grape that is typically used in full-bodied red wines. This grape produces a wine that has a soft, fruity flavor. Merlot is often used as a single varietal wine, meaning that it is the only grape used in the wine.
  • Cabernet Sauvignon is a red grape that is typically used in full-bodied red wines. This grape produces a wine that has a dry, tannic flavor. Cabernet Sauvignon is often used as a single varietal wine, meaning that it is the only grape used in the wine.

What Does Wine from the Central Coast Taste Like?

If you’re wondering what Central Coast wines taste like, there’s no simple answer. The truth is that each wine from this region is unique, and it can be hard to generalize the flavors. However, there are definitely some common characteristics that many Central Coast wines share.

In general, Central Coast wines tend to be very well-balanced. They have strong fruit flavors, but they’re not too sweet or too tart. They also have a nice acidity that makes them refreshing and easy to drink.

Another common characteristic of Central Coast wines is that they have a lot of depth and complexity. This means that there are often many different flavors present in each glass. 

You might taste citrus fruits, stone fruits, berries, or even herbs and spices. The best way to get a sense of the flavor profile of a particular wine is to try it yourself!

What Are Good Food Pairings with Central Coast Wine?

There are a few things to consider when pairing food with Central Coast wine. The first is the weight of the wine. 

Lighter-bodied wines like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay pair well with poultry and seafood, while heartier reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are better suited for red meat and richer dishes

The second is the acidity of the wine. Wines with higher acidity levels can cut through fatty or richness in food, so they pair well with creamy or oily dishes. Finally, consider the sweetness of the wine. Drier wines can handle sweeter foods, while sweeter wines may be overwhelmed by them.

With these things in mind, here are some suggested food pairings for Central Coast wines:

  • Pinot Noir: This light-bodied red wine pairs well with poultry, seafood, and lighter fare. Try it with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or a summer salad.
  • Chardonnay: This medium-bodied white wine is versatile and can be paired with a variety of dishes. Try it with roasted turkey, baked fish, or creamy pasta.
  • Cabernet Sauvignon: This full-bodied red wine pairs well with red meat, hearty dishes, and rich cheeses. Try it with grilled steak, lamb chops, or a hearty stew.
  • Syrah: This full-bodied red wine pairs well with red meat and robust dishes. Try it with grilled steak, lamb, or a hearty beef stew.
  • Zinfandel: This medium- to full-bodied red wine pairs well with grilled meat, spicy dishes, and rich cheeses. Try it with barbecued chicken, Cajun shrimp, or sharp cheddar cheese.
  • Merlot: This medium-bodied red wine pairs well with red meat, poultry, and pasta dishes. Try it with grilled steak, roasted chicken, or a creamy pasta sauce.

5 Central Coast Wine Bottles to Try

1. Au Bon Climat Santa Barbara Chardonnay

Au Bon Climat Santa Barbara Chardonnay is a white wine that has been produced in the Central Coast region of California. The wine is made from Chardonnay grapes that are grown in the cool climate of the Santa Ynez Valley. 

This results in white wine with fresh, floral aromas and flavors of citrus and stone fruits. The wine has crisp acidity and a creamy texture, making it a perfect pairing for food.

2. Field Recordings SKINS Orange Wine

Field Recordings’ SKINS Orange Wine is a must-try for any fan of Californian wines. This unique wine is made using a process called “skin contact fermentation,” which gives it its beautiful orange hue. 

The result is a dry, complex wine with notes of citrus and stone fruit. It’s the perfect wine to enjoy with friends on a warm summer day.

3. Stolpman Vineyards La Cuadrilla

If you’re ever in the Santa Ynez Valley, make sure to stop by Stolpman Vineyards and give their La Cuadrilla a try. 

This Grenache-based blend is medium-bodied and packed with flavors of dark fruits, spice, and earth. It’s a great wine to enjoy on its own or with food, and it’s definitely one of our favorite bottles from the Central Coast.

4. Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas Rouge

Wines from the Central Coast are some of the most popular in the world, and Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas Rouge is one of the best. This wine is a blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre, and it shows off the beautiful terroir of the region. 

The nose is full of dark fruit aromas, and the palate is rich and complex. This is a wine that will age gracefully, so don’t hesitate to buy a few bottles to enjoy over the next few years.

5. Tyler Pinot Noir

Tyler Pinot Noir is a must-try for any wine lover. This Central Coast wine has aromas of black cherry, cola, and spice, with flavors of dark fruit and oak. It’s perfect for pairing with food or enjoying on its own.

If you’re looking for a Pinot Noir that’s sure to please, Tyler Pinot Noir is a great choice. 

This Central Coast wine has everything you could want in red wine, from its aromas of black cherry and cola to its flavors of dark fruit and oak. It’s perfect for pairing with food or enjoying on its own, so be sure to give it a try. You won’t be disappointed.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to explore the best of California Central Coast wines, these five bottles are a great place to start. 

With their diverse range of styles and flavors, they offer something for everyone, from first-time wine drinkers to experienced oenophiles. So what are you waiting for? Grab a bottle (or two) and get exploring!


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