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. 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 Spanish influence on most California wine is quite obvious. A vineyard was always part of the building of a California mission village during the 18th century. 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. The original mission grape plantations would primarily use the common black grape or "Mission Grape" as it was often called.
The gold rush period in California saw the biggest growth in residents as well as wineries in the Sonoma and Napa Valleys. 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 several areas that produce California Wine. There are 4 vicinities in particular. 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. The second district would be the Central Coast areas west of San Francisco which reaches down into the Santa Barbara, Paso Robles and Santa Maria Valleys. 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
The types of grapes available in the California wine country is almost as varried as its people. 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.
The New World Style California Wine
California wine is commonly called "New World" wine. Because of the consistently warm weather they tend to use a riper grape that gives the wine a fruitier flavor as well as higher alcohol levels. The oak aged California wine making process produces a wonderful full body taste.
California Wines Earn High Marks
California wines are garnering national and international merit. California is one of the most diverse winegrowing regions in the world and also one of the best sources for the premier wine of the month club. Another wine club worth mentioning is the California wine club which offers offers premium California wines at great pricing.
