The families who grow California wine are pioneers and visionaries. 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 impact of the first Spanish settlers on the California wine industry is huge. The Spaniards first planted vineyards in the 18th century as each mission was established. Grapes were needed by the Catholic monks for religious ceremony as well as basic provision. 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 largest expansion in populace and wineries in the California areas of Sonoma and Napa Valleys was during the years of the gold rush. Notable wine producers like Buena Vista Winery, Charles Krug Winery, Inglenook Vineyards, and Schramsberg Vineyard were created during this period.
California Wine Territories
California wine is produced in specific locales. 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. 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. For instance, there are the French, Italian, Spanish grapes and new hybrids springing up each year.
You will recognize such names as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot noir and more. 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.
California Wine Known as “New World Style”
California winemakers produce “Old World” wines as well as their trademark “New World” wines. 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. California wine making more often uses aged oak to produce full bodied wines.
Winning California Wines
The locally treasured California wine has emerged as an international treasure as well. California is one of the most diverse wine growing regions in the world and also one of the best sources for the premier wine of the month club .
