Cienega Valley AVA (wine region) | |
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Type | American Viticultural Area |
Year established | 1982[1] |
Country | USA |
Part of | California, Central Coast AVA, San Benito AVA |
Grapes produced | Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignane, Chardonnay, Dolcetto, Grenache, Merlot, Negrette, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah, Zinfandel[2] |
The Cienega Valley AVA is an American Viticultural Area located in western San Benito County, California. It is part of the larger Central Coast AVA. The valley was once a major source of wine grapes for Almaden Vineyards before it was acquired by Constellation Brands in 1987. Approximately 1,100 feet (340 m) above sea level, the valley floor is divided by the San Andreas fault. Soil on the east side of the fault is predominately granite and sandstone, whereas soils on the west side of the fault are predominately granite and limestone.[2]