The families who grow California wine are pioneers and visionaries. The warm summer and rainy winter and spring in the coastal areas produce superior tasting wines. The winemakers in the various California wine regions have an appreciation for the territory in which they live and work that makes it possible to create palate pleasing world class wines.
The original Spanish pioneers had a large effect on the California wine growers. As the California missions were being setup in the 18th century, the Spaniards would create a vineyard. Grapes were needed by the Catholic monks for reigious ceremony as well as basic provision. The vineyard would be sown with the common black grape that was transplanted from Mexico. This grape species, often referred to as the “Mission Grape,” was the chief varietal of the early mission vineyards.
The largest expansion in populace and wineries in the California areas of Sonaoma and Nappa Valleys was during the years of the gold rush. During this time well known wine companies such as Buena Vista Winery, Charles Krug Winery, Inglenook Winery and Schramsberg Vineyard were founded.
California Wine Regions
There are distinct California wine zones. They are separated in to 4 separate locations. First, there is the North Coast region that refers to an area north of San Francisco that includes the Sonoma and Napa Valleys as well as Mendocino and Lake County. Second is the Central Coast of California that are areas west of San Francisco all the way to Santa Barbara County that includes well known places such as the Paso Robles, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Ynez Valley and more. Reaching all the way to the Mexican border from Los Angeles is the third section referred to as the South Coast vineyards that also include the Antelope and Temecula Valleys. The fourth region is the Central Valley which includes, of course, the central valley and the Sierra foothills and Lodi.
Types of Grapes and Wines
The California Wine country grows hundreds of variety of grapes. There are French, Italian and Spanish grapes as well as hybrid grapes and new varieties being developed all the time.
The most familiar grape varieties are the Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot noir, Sauvignon blanc, Syrah and the Zinfandel. They also grow red wine grapes that you may be familiar with such as the Barbera, Grenache, Malbec, Petite Sirah and Sangiovese. They are also known for the white wine grapes of Chenin blanc, Gewurztraminer, Pinot gris,etc.
The New World Style California Wine
California wine is often referred to as “New World” wine. California wine is produced with a riper grape which gives it a rich, fruity flavor and higher alcohol content. California wine making more often uses aged oak to produce full bodied wines.
Winning California Wines
More attention and rave reviews have been coming from the international arena as California wine producers craft higher quality wines each year. The rest of the world is quickly discovering the treasures of the California wine industry through the wine of the month club. Another wine club worth mentioning is the California wine club which offers offers premium California wines at great pricing.
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