CALIFORNIA WINE

READING BETWEEN THE WINES:

California wines are known and loved all over the world, and I’m not just talking about the ones from Napa Valley and Sonoma either. Many vineyards statewide are producing fabulous Merlots, Cabernets, Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays, and more.

Once you’ve tried some of the golden state’s best, you’ll wish they all could be California swirls.

THE REGION

The California wine region covers several areas on the warmer west coast of the United States. The major regions are Napa Valley and Sonoma County with a lesser number of listings from Mendocino County, Monterey County, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Santa Cruz, to name a few.

Napa Valley

The area known as Napa Valley is tiny and only produces about 5% of California's grapes. It's reputation though, is anything but small. Napa's vineyards are located both on the valley floor and also on the mountain sides of the east and west sides.

The mountainous vineyards have poorer soil which produces fewer quantities of grapes, but often are of higher quality. This is because the vines have to struggle and therefore more nutrients go to the grapes instead of the leaves.

Sonoma Valley

The Sonoma Valley expands an area of about 160 square miles. Many types of grapes are grown because of the varying terroir. Many areas receive a substantial amount of fog which creates a cooler climate than much of the rest of California.

Some of the Major AVA's include: Chalk Hill, Dry Creek, Knights Valley, Russian River, Sonoma Mountain, and Sonoma Valley.

THE GRAPES

CALIFORNIA REDS:

Cabernet Sauvignon

This big and bold red grape made its way to California from France and consistently outdoes its family back in Bordeaux. Straight up, this grape offers some of California’s best single varietal Cabs and lovely blends that are nicknamed “Red Meritages.”

Merlot

Don’t let the sweet and softer-spoken Merlot fool you. As it gains more and more popularity in the States, this red berry is giving its friend Cab a run for its vino. Although its charm seems to be wowing more limited regions, Merlot produces a smooth, well-balanced red.

Pinot Noir

The ladylike Pinot Noir prefers a cooler California climate in which to display her graceful, sexy, and smooth red wines. This wine is elegant and absolutely fruity-ful.

Zinfandel

Believed to be the same variety as the southern Italian grape Primitivo, Zinfandel is the pride of California. The cheapest examples can be light and somewhat insipid, but quality Zins are spicy, sturdy and powerfully rich. Good ones can be expensive and Mendocino County produces some of the best.

CALIFORNIA WHITES:

Sauvignon Blanc

This grape’s dualistic personality produces two styles of white: a barrel-fermented smoky and creamy wine with zing or an outta-the-barrel-soaked zippy herbal style. Both tend to be refreshing and ripe.

Chardonnay

Popular the world over, this grape plays into California’s richer and heartier whites. If fermented in oak, this grape oozes vanilla flavors and smells while those that are melolactically fermented will be buttery and rich. Chardonnay goes well with most foods and is a staple among Califonia wine growers.

Gewürztraminer

The Gewürztraminer grapes pull roots from the Alsace region in France and, in California, enjoy a cooler climate. Spicy and dry, this grape brings a swirl of floral aromas and clove flavors to the glass.

CHOOSING A CALIFORNIAN

Various Napa Valley Producers

Various Sonoma Producers

Various Mendocino Producers

Various Monterey Producers

Various Santa Cruz Producers

Various Santa Barbara Producers

References

www.cellarnotes.net
www.epicurious.com
www.tastings.com
www.wineaccess.com
www.winespectator.com