View source for Arroyo Seco AVA

{{short description|Appelation that designates wine in Monterey County, CA}}
{{For|other places with similar names|Arroyo Seco (disambiguation){{!}}Arroyo Seco}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox wine region
| name = Arroyo Seco
| image = TTB Map Arroyo Seco AVA.png
| caption =
| official name =
| other name =
| type = [[American Viticultural Area]]
| year = 1983<ref name="Arroyo_Seco_Establish">{{cite journal |title= Arroyo Seco Viticultural Area  | url=https://www.ttb.gov/images/pdfs/Arroyo_Seco_final_rule.pdf|journal=Federal Register |publisher=[[Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives|Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF)]], [[United States Department of the Treasury|Treasury]] | date=1983-04-15 |pages= 16842–16847 |format=27 CFR 9 [T.O. ATF-131; Reference Notice No. 431] Final Rule|volume=48 |issue=74}}{{PD-notice}}</ref><br />2006 Amended<ref name="2006_Amended">{{cite journal |title=Realignment of the Santa Lucia Highlands and Arroyo Seco Viticultural Areas (2003R–083P) |journal=Federal Register |date=2006-06-15 |volume=71 |issue=115 |pages=34525-34527 |url=https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2006-06-15/pdf/E6-9365.pdf |publisher=[[Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau|Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)]], Treasury |format=27 CFR Part 9 [T.D. TTB–49; Re: Notices No. 29 and 35] RIN 1513–AA72 Final Rule}}</ref><br />2019 Amended<ref name="2019_Amended">{{cite journal |title=T.D. TTB-153: Expansion of the Arroyo Seco Viticultural Area |journal=Federal Register |date=December 14, 2018 |volume=83 |issue=240 |page=64274-64276 |url=https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2018-12-14/pdf/2018-27014.pdf|publisher= [[Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau|Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)]], Treasury |format=§ 9.59 Arroyo Seco, Rules and Regulations}}</ref><br />2021 Amended<ref name="2021_Amended">{{cite journal|title= Modification of the Boundaries of the Santa Lucia Highlands and Arroyo Seco Viticultural Areas | url=https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2021-08-25/pdf/2021-18208.pdf|journal=Federal Register|publisher=Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Treasury |date=2021-08-25|pages=47377–47380 |format=27 CFR Part 9 [Docket No. TTB–2020–0007; T.D. TTB–172; Ref: Notice No. 192] RIN 1513–AC55 |volume=86 | issue=162|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417194629/https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2021-08-25/pdf/2021-18208.pdf|archive-date=2023-04-17|url-status=live}}{{PD-notice}}</ref>
| wine years = {{years ago|1962}}<ref name="Arroyo_Seco_Establish"/>
| country = United States
| part of = [[California wine|California]], [[Central Coast AVA]], [[Monterey County wine|Monterey County]], [[Monterey AVA]]
| similar = [[Hames Valley AVA]], [[San Bernabe AVA]], [[San Lucas AVA]], [[Santa Lucia Highlands AVA]]
| sub regions =
| season = 245 days<ref name="Proposed"/>
| climate region = Region II-III<ref name="Proposed"/>
| heat units = 1875-2250 [[Growing degree-day|GDD]]<ref name="Proposed"/>
| precipitation = {{convert|9.5|in|mm|abbr=on}}<ref name="Proposed"/>
| soil = Mocho, Lockwood, Arroyo Seco, Rincon, Elder and Chular series. Coarse sandy
loams 
| total size = 1983: {{convert|28.5|sqmi|acre|1|order=flip}}<ref name="Arroyo_Seco_Establish"/><br />2006: {{convert|18040|acre|sqmi|0}}<ref name="2006_Amended"/><br />2019: {{convert|18130|acre|sqmi|0}}<ref name="2019_Amended"/><br />2021: {{convert|17982|acre|sqmi|0}}<ref name="2021_Amended"/>
| planted = 1983: {{convert|8500|acre|ha|0}}<ref name="Proposed">{{cite journal |title=Arroyo Seco Viticultural Area; Proposed Establishment| url=https://www.ttb.gov/media/68628/download?inline |journal=Federal Register |publisher=[[Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives|Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF)]], [[United States Department of the Treasury|Treasury]]| date=1982-11-03 |pages=49860–49863 |format=27 CFR Part 9 [Notice No.431] Proposed Rules|volume=47 |issue=213}}{{PD-notice}}</ref><br />2024: {{convert|7000|acre|ha|0}}<ref name="Monterey_Wine_Country">{{cite web |url=https://montereywines.org/vineyards/avas/|title=Monterey Wine Country |website=Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association|format=AVAS |date=2024}}</ref>
| vineyards = 32<ref name="Monterey_Wine_Country"/>
| grapes = [[Cabernet Franc]], [[Cabernet Sauvignon]], [[Chardonnay]], [[Gewurztraminer]], [[Grenache]], [[Merlot]], [[Mourvedre]], [[Muscat Canelli]], [[Orange Muscat]], [[Pinot blanc]], [[Pinot gris]], [[Pinot noir]], [[Riesling]], [[Sangiovese]], [[Sauvignon blanc]], [[Syrah]], [[Tempranillo]]/[[Valdepenas]], [[Vermentino]], [[Viognier]], [[Zinfandel]]<ref name="Appellation_America">{{cite web|website=Appellation America|date=2007|url=http://wine.appellationamerica.com/wine-region/Arroyo-Seco.html|title=Arroyo Seco (AVA): Appellation Profile|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090510040215/http://wine.appellationamerica.com/wine-region/Arroyo-Seco.html|archive-date=May 10, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref>
| varietals =
| wineries = 1983: 2<ref name="Arroyo_Seco_Establish"/><br />2024: 10<ref name="Appellation_America"/>
| wine produced =
| designation =
| comments =
}}

'''Arroyo Seco''' is an [[American Viticultural Area|American Viticultural Area (AVA)]] in [[Monterey County, California|Monterey County]], [[California]], southeast of [[Monterey Bay]]. 
The state's 15th appellation was established on May 16,1983 by the [[Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives|Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF)]], [[United States Department Of The Treasury|Treasury]] after reviewing the petition submitted by the Arroyo Seco Winegrowers and Vintners, an association composed of grape growers and vintners with vineyards, to establish a viticultural area within Monterey County known as "Arroyo Seco."<ref name="Arroyo_Seco_Establish"/><ref name="Petition"/><ref name="Advisor">{{cite web |title=The Arroyo Seco AVA Celebrates 40 Years of Viticulture History and Innovation |url=https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2023/06/13/arroyo-seco-ava-celebrates-40-years-viticulture-history-and-innovation/ |website=Wine Industry Advisor |location=Greenfield, CA |format=Press Release |date=2023-06-12}}</ref>

Arroyo Seco is a triangular shaped area adjacent to the [[Arroyo Seco (Salinas River tributary)|Arroyo Seco Creek]] which flows into the [[Salinas River (California)|Salinas River]] near [[Soledad, California|Soledad]]. The [[appellation]] encompassed {{convert|28.5|sqmi|acre|1}} in the [[Salinas Valley]] with about {{convert|8500|acre|ha|0}} of cultivation and two bonded wineries. Its proximity to the [[Pacific Ocean]] produces the maritime climate, and is best suited for those cool climate grape varieties.<ref name="Petition">{{cite web |title=Petition for Establishment of Arroyo Seco American Viticultural Area |url=https://www.ttb.gov/media/68630/download?inline |website=TTB.gov |publisher=Arroyo Seco Winegrowers and Vintners |date=1981-11-01}}{{PD-notice}}</ref>

In 2019, the [[Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau|Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)]], Treasury expanded Arroyo Seco by {{convert|90|acre|ha|0}}, however in 2021, TTB ruled on a modification of the shared boundary between Santa Lucia Highlands and Arroyo Seco AVAs. The boundary modification transferred {{cvt|148|acre|ha|0}} of foothills terrain from the west side of the Arroyo Seco to the southeastern area of the Santa Lucia Highlands. One vineyard containing approximately {{cvt|135|acre|ha|0}} was affected by the realignment, and the vineyard owner included a letter of support in the petition. The modification reduced Arroyo Seco AVA by less than 1 percent and did not affect the boundaries of the Monterey or the Central Coast AVAs.<ref name="2021_Amended"/>

==History==
Arroyo Seco is the name historically given to a [[Spanish Empire|Spanish]] [[land grant]] and [[Ranchos of California|rancho]] existing on the banks of the Arroyo Seco Creek. The name ''arroyo seco'' meaning "dry stream" in [[Spanish language|Spanish]] has been used continually through the years in conjuction with the river and rancho however, its link to a viticultural area is relatively recent as stated in the petition. The Arroyo Seco area was identified as a grape growing region by the [[A. J. Winkler|Winkler]]-[[Maynard Amerine|Amerine]] report in 1935. However, the area's history of viticulture actually did not occur until 1962 when vines were planted by [[Mirassou Winery|Mirassou Sales]], a [[San Jose, California|San Jose]] winery. In 1963, [[Wente Vineyards|Wente Brothers]] of [[Livermore, California]], planted wine grapes along the Arroyo Seco Creek which were known as Wente's Arroyo Seco Vineyards. Since 1963, many vineyards were established in the region and Arroyo Seco has been referenced in numerous magazines, newspapers and wine publications describing vintages sourced here.<ref name="Arroyo_Seco_Establish"/>

==Terroir==
[[File:J. Lohr Arroyo Seco Vineyard Rows.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Arroyo Seco Vineyards]]
===Topography===
Arroyo Seco's topography distinguishes it from the surrounding areas consisting of sloping [[benchland]] surrounding the Arroyo Seco Creek. The highest elevations of over {{convert|600|ft|m|0}} occur to the west on the [[Sierra de Salinas]], foothills of the [[Santa Lucia Mountains]]. A [[ridgeline]] of between {{convert|300|and|500|ft|m|0}} in elevation separates Arroyo Seco from areas immediately to the south. From these elevations, the area slopes
gradually downward to the lowest points of {{convert|180|ft|m|0}} elevation on the north
along the Arroyo Seco Creek, and {{convert|220|ft|m|0}} elevation on the west along the Salinas
River. It is this sloping benchland high above the Salinas River which provides adequate drainage and freedom from frost for area vineyards.<ref name="Arroyo_Seco_Establish"/>

===Climate===
The climate of the Arroyo Seco area is unique in amount of rainfall, temperature range, and the
variability of the winds. The major climatic influences are the Pacific Ocean and Monterey Bay. To the west, the Santa Lucas Mountains block damaging Pacific rains from the area. Winds off Monterey Bay, however, blow down the Salinas River, cooling the valley and providing a moderate
climate. The cooling effects of the wind make the northern Salinas Valley quite cold. [[Gonzales, California|Gonzales]] is classified as Region I on the scale developed by Winkler and Amerine to measure degree days, with 350 degree days. In the Arroyo Seco area, the climate is considered Region II. Soledad, to the immediate north, registers 2880 degree days while Wente's Arroyo Seco Vineyards average between 1875 and 2250 degree days. The cooling effect of the wind diminishes further south. [[King City, California|King City]] averages 3150 degree days, placing it in Region III while [[San Miguel, California|San Miguel]] is classified as Region IV. The growing season is approximately 245 days. Rainfall is sparse in the Arroyo Seco viticultural area. Soledad averages just 9.5 inches per year, less than received to the north where Salinas averages 13.7 inches and Gonzales 12.3 inches per year. Because of the sparse rainfall, all vineyards within the Arroyo Seco region irrigate, using water from Arroyo Seco Creek rather than from the Salinas River.<ref name="Arroyo_Seco_Establish"/>
[[File:Arroyo Seco Chard.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Arroyo Seco Chardonnay]]

===Soil===
The soils in the Arroyo Seco area consist of a series of gravelly and fine sandy loams well suited to the cultivation of grapes. The proposed viticultural area consists of an alluvial
fan formed by well drained soils with slopes ranging from 0 to 9 percent. Principal soil series include Mocho, Lockwood, Arroyo Seco, Rincon, Elder and Chular. The prominent soils, Chular
and Arroyo Seco, are coarse sandy loams derived from decomposed granite washed down from the Gabilan Mountains. These soils are gravelly and low in lime content similar to the vinyards in the [[Medoc]] and [[Graves]] districts of [[Bordeaux]], and to the better vineyards in the [[Palatinate (wine region)|Palatinate]]. The boundaries of the proposed Arroyo Seco viticultural area are based on a combination of climate, physical features, soils and irrigation sources. The proposed boundaries and the appropriate U.S.G.S. maps are fully described in the. regulatory language. ATF notes that it has received a petition for an adjacent viticultural area immediately south of the proposed Arroyo Seco area.<ref name="Arroyo_Seco_Establish"/>

==Viticulture==
Arroyo Seco AVA has celebrated four decades of viticulture and innovative wine-making showcasing varietals such as its Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Noir with newer vintages like the [[Musqué]] clone of Sauvignon Blanc. As one of California's early pioneer AVAs, Arroyo Seco winegrowers, vintners, and landowners had the desire and knowledge to grow the AVA using science, geology, hydrology, and microclimate data contributing to the state's international standing as a primer viticulture producer.  Today, the region hosts a blend of large wineries, many of which have been here for 40 years or longer, and many small and prestigious wineries that source its distinctive fruit throughout California. The Arroyo Seco Winegrowers Association provides advocacy, marketing and support services to its winery and winegrower members by educating consumers, media and trade audiences on the distinct characteristics of Arroyo Seco. As the third oldest AVA in Monterey County, it helped establish the county's historic reputation has a popular destination for American viticulture.<ref name="Advisor"/>

==See also==
* [[California wine]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://www.arroyosecowinegrowers.com/ Arroyo Seco Winegrowers]
* [https://www.ttb.gov/AVA/ TTB AVA Map]

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[[Category:American Viticultural Areas]]
[[Category:American Viticultural Areas of California]]
[[Category:American Viticultural Areas of Monterey County, California]]
[[Category:Salinas Valley]]
[[Category:1983 establishments in California]]