More About California Wine
The families who grow recognized california wine are pioneers and visionaries. The warm summer and rainy winter and spring in the coastal areas produce superior tasting wines. 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 impact of the first Spanish settlers on the California wine industry is huge. A vineyard was always part of the building of a California mission village during the 18th century. 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. Up until the 20th century this variety, also known as the “Mission Grape”, was the dominant grape.
The famous “California Gold Rush” increased the population in the Sonoma and Napa Valleys and some of California’s oldest wineries were started during that period. During this time well known wine companies such as Buena Vista Winery, Charles Krug Winery, Inglenook Winery and Schramsberg Vineyard were founded.
California Wine Zones
California wine is produced in specific locales. 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. Thirdly, there is the South Coast locales of Los Angeles, Temecula, Antelope, Romona Valleys on down to the Mexican border. The central valley areas of the Sierra foothills and Lodi are the fourth section.
Types of Grapes and Wines
The California Wine country grows hundreds of variety of grapes. 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. You have tasted some of their red wine grapes like Barbera, Grenache, Malbec and Sangiovese. They are also known for the white wine grapes of Chenin blanc, Gewurztraminer, Pinot gris,etc.
California Wine Known as “New World Style”
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.
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. 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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