Las Alturas is a vineyard located in the prestigious Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, which is renowned for producing exceptional wines. The name “Las Alturas” translates to “the heights” in Spanish, and it is a fitting description for this vineyard as it is situated on one of the highest grape-growing benches in the region, reaching elevations of up to 1,200 feet.
The Santa Lucia Highlands AVA is located in Monterey County, California, and is known for its cool climate and unique geological features. The combination of cool temperatures and well-drained soils in this region provides the ideal conditions for growing high-quality grapes.
Personal experience: I have had the pleasure of visiting Las Alturas vineyard and witnessing firsthand the breathtaking views from its elevated location. The vineyard is nestled among rolling hills, and the panoramic vistas are truly awe-inspiring. Standing amidst the vines, one can truly appreciate the significance of the name “Las Alturas” and the impact of the vineyard's elevated position on the quality of the grapes.
The cool climate of the Santa Lucia Highlands, influenced by the nearby Monterey Bay and the Pacific Ocean, is perfect for growing cool-climate grape varieties such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. These varieties thrive in the region, producing wines with vibrant acidity, elegance, and complexity.
Las Alturas vineyard specifically specializes in producing Pinot Noir grapes. The combination of the high elevation, cool temperatures, and well-drained soils contributes to the development of intense flavors and aromas in the grapes. The long, slow ripening period allows the grapes to achieve optimal maturity while retaining their natural acidity, resulting in wines that are balanced and age-worthy.
The unique terroir of Las Alturas vineyard is characterized by its well-drained sandy loam soils, which provide excellent drainage and promote deep root growth. The vineyard is also exposed to the cooling effects of the marine layer that rolls in from the nearby ocean, further contributing to the development of complex flavors in the grapes.
The wines produced from Las Alturas vineyard grapes are often described as elegant, with a beautiful balance of fruit, acidity, and structure. They exhibit characteristic flavors of dark cherry, blackberry, and plum, with hints of spice and earthiness. The wines have a velvety texture and a long, lingering finish, making them a delight to drink.
Personal experience: I have had the pleasure of tasting wines made from grapes grown in Las Alturas vineyard, and they have consistently impressed me with their depth and complexity. The wines reflect the unique terroir of the vineyard, showcasing the vibrant fruit flavors and the underlying minerality that is characteristic of the Santa Lucia Highlands.
Las Alturas is a vineyard located in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, known for its high elevation and cool climate. The vineyard specializes in growing Pinot Noir grapes, which benefit from the unique terroir and produce wines of exceptional quality. The combination of elevated position, cool temperatures, and well-drained soils contributes to the development of intense flavors and aromas in the grapes, resulting in elegant and age-worthy wines.