Cienega Valley AVA
A viticultural area established in 1982 in San Benito County, California. It lies about 25 to 30 miles inland from the Monterey Bay along the foothills of the Gabilan Range, which separates San Benito County from Monterey County. Almaden Vineyards once had a big presence here. Pietra Santa vineyard & winery grows Zinfandel, Sangiovese, Dolcetto, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and small amounts of Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio (Pinot Gris). DeRose Vineyards grows Zinfandel, Négrette, Viognier, and Cabernet Franc.
The New Wine Lovers Companion, 2nd Edition, by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Copyright © (1) 2003, 1995 by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Reprinted by arrangement with Barron's Educational Series, Inc.