More About California Wine

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More About California Wine

Monday, August 10th, 2009    Subscribe To Our Feed

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The families who grow premier California wine are pioneers and visionaries.  The soils, the climate, valleys and coastal influences help to develop grapes with exquisite flavors. 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 original Spanish pioneers had a large effect on the California wine growers. 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. 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 gold rush period in California saw the biggest growth in residents as well as wineries in the Sonoma and Napa Valleys. Notable wine producers like Buena Vista Winery, Charles Krug Winery, Inglenook Vineyards, and Schramsberg Vineyard were created during this period.

California Wine Territories

There are distinct California wine zones. They are divided into 4 main areas.  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. The Central Coast is the number two region which lies west of San Franicisco stretching down to Santa Barbara, Paso Robles, Santa Maria and Santa Ynez. Thirdly, there is the South Coast locales of Los Angeles, Temecula, Antelope, Romona Valleys on down to the Mexican border. The Central Valley is the fourth vicinity that would comprise of the Sierra foothills, Lodi and of course, the central valley.

Types 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.

The most familiar grape varieties are the Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot noir, Sauvignon blanc, Syrah and the Zinfandel. They also raise red wine grapes such as Barbera, Grenache and Petite Sirah. A few of their white wine grapes are the Gewurztraminer, Pinot blanc and Riesling.

California Wine Known as “New World Style”

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 wines achieve a full bodied flavor by making wine using oak aging process.

California Wines Earn High Marks

The locally treasured California wine has emerged as an international treasure as well. California is one of the most diverse winegrowing regions in the world and also one of the best sources for the premier recognized wine of the month club.  Another wine club worth mentioning is the well known California wine club which offers offers premium California wines at great pricing.

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