California wine is an example of the farmers and artisans who craft their wine. The unique taste of these wines is due to the consistent weather conditions and fertile ground in which their grapes are grown. California wine areas believe in achieving the highest quality, best flavored wines through good stewardship of the land and using sustainable practices in winegrape growing.
The Spanish influence on most California wine is quite obvious. The Spaniards first planted vineyards in the 18th century as each mission was established. The grapes were grown for use in religious sacraments as well as for daily life. Early vine cuttings came from Mexico from the common black grape. This grape species, often referred to as the “Mission Grape,” was the chief varietal of the early mission vineyards.
The gold rush period in California saw the biggest growth in residents as well as wineries in the Sonoma and Napa Valleys. Celebrated vineyards such as Buena Vista, Charles Krug Winery, Inglenook and Schramsberg were established at that time.
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. Third on the list is the South Coast region which denotes the area south of Los Angeles all the way to Mexico which includes the Temecula Valley, Antelope Valley, San Pasqual, Ramona Valley, etc. The fourth region is the Central Valley which includes, of course, the central valley and the Sierra foothills and Lodi.
Varieties of Grapes and Wines
There are a number of types of grapes cultivated in the California wine regions. For instance, there are the French, Italian, Spanish grapes and new hybrids springin up each year.
You have probably heard of most of the popular grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah and 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.
New World Style Wines
California wine is commonly called “New World” wine. The temperate and warmer climate in California ripens the grape earlier making for a frutier flavored wine with 13.5% alcohol levels. The oak aged California wine making process produces a wonderful full body taste.
Rave Reviews for California Wine
The locally treasured California wine has emerged as an international treasure as well. California wineries compete in wine events all over the world and consistently earn high marks making California one of the sources for premier international wine of the month club.