Arroyo Seco Sauvignon Blanc Shines Beyond Spring

Sauvignon Blanc from California's Monterey County can be enjoyed year-round, not just in warmer months.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Wine writer Randy Fuller explores the Arroyo Seco AVA of Monterey County, California, and highlights the Luli 2016 Sauvignon Blanc as an example of how this varietal can shine beyond the typical spring and summer seasons. The article discusses the region's unique terroir, winemaking approach, and tasting notes for this particular Sauvignon Blanc.

Why it matters

While Sauvignon Blanc is often associated with warmer weather, this article challenges that notion by showcasing how the grape can produce complex, food-friendly wines that are suitable for year-round enjoyment, even during the fall and winter months. It highlights the diversity of California's wine regions and how specific terroirs can yield unique expressions of classic grape varieties.

The details

The Arroyo Seco AVA in Monterey County is known for its ancient riverbed soils full of shale, as well as its proximity to the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean. Winemaker Jeff Pisoni fermented the Luli 2016 Sauvignon Blanc in neutral barrels rather than stainless steel, resulting in a wine with a slightly weightier mouthfeel than typical California Sauvignon Blancs. The wine offers aromas of grass, orange peel, and lemon zest, with a rich minerality and tropical fruit flavors that balance the zippy acidity.

  • The Luli 2016 Sauvignon Blanc was released in 2017.

The players

Luli

A wine brand created through a partnership between Sara Floyd and the Pisoni family.

Jeff Pisoni

The winemaker who fermented the Luli 2016 Sauvignon Blanc in neutral barrels.

Griva Vineyard

The cold, windy, ancient riverbed vineyard where the Sauvignon Blanc grapes for the Luli 2016 were grown.

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What they’re saying

“In the coming weeks we'll be covering some nice choices from the Arroyo Seco AVA of California's Monterey County.”

— Randy Fuller, Wine Writer (nowandzin.com)

The takeaway

This article demonstrates that Sauvignon Blanc can be enjoyed year-round, not just in the warmer months, and that specific terroirs like the Arroyo Seco AVA can yield unique and complex expressions of the varietal that pair well with a variety of foods beyond just seafood and salads.