A History Of California Wine
California wine vintages are 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 growers produce some of the finest wines in the world due to the attention winegrape growers give to matching grape varieties to climate and location.
The impact of the first Spanish settlers on the California wine industry is huge. 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. Early vine cuttings came from Mexico from the common black grape. The original mission grape plantations would primarily use the common black grape or “Mission Grape” as it was often called.
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
California wine is produced in specific locales. They are separated in to 4 separate locations. The number one vicinity is referred to as the North Coast area which is located north of San Francisco comprising of Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, and Lake Counties. 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. Thirdly, there is the South Coast locales of Los Angeles, Temecula, Antelope, Romona Valleys on down to the Mexican border. 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. 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. You have tasted some of their red wine grapes like Barbera, Grenache, Malbec and Sangiovese. Some white grapes are the Chenin blanc, Gewurztraminer, Pinot blanc, Pinot gris, and Riesling to name just a few.
The New World Style California Wine
California wine is often referred to as “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. California wines achieve a full bodied flavor by making wine using oak aging process.
Rave Reviews for California Wine
The locally treasured California wine has emerged as an international treasure as well. 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.
