All About California Wine
It is quite a stereotype that the best wines come from Europe, like France and Italy. But do you know that a great contender from the United States is now on the rise in becoming the next best producers of wine in the globe? Because unlike in Europe, there are lesser regulations when it comes to cultivating wine. Ergo, a grape farm becomes more diverse, and the wine blend for each wine is beyond our imagination. There are tons of possibilities.
From the edges of the United States, California now becomes a top competitor in the wine industry. The wine production in the said country already has a long history, but today they shatter the wine market business with their exciting new releases that are out of this world.
What is With California Wine?
If France started the wine industry in the early 14th century, California later adapted grape cultivation in the 17th century, but it was merely for religious purposes, like for the Holy Sacraments for the Roman Catholics. When another century passed, a group of immigrants from Europe decided to start their wine business, commercially and this event started the whole California Wine.
The state of California is a place of excellent terroir for grape cultivation. It has all sorts of land formation essential in the healthy growth of these plants. There are vast areas like slopes, valley floors, hillsides, and the land that sits on the foot of the mountain. In it, the soil is desirable because of its composition like sandstone, red clay, and volcanic soil. Other than the soil, the moderate climate in California also helps with the perfect growth of these vineyards.
While AOC is a classification for specific areas suitable for cultivating and starting grape farms in Europe, the state of California has its version, it is the American Viticultural Areas or AVA. One of the many differences in the wine culture between these two vast continents is that in America, the wine farmers have greater freedom when it comes to planting varieties of grapes. If in France, an estate is only allowed to plant one or two types, in California, a farmer can plant all varieties, any variety that pleases him. Some of the most planted varieties in California AVA are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Semillon, Riesling, Malbec, Grenache, Mourvedre, Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese and many more.
Today, California houses 20,000 different wineries with their unique blend. All in all, California produces 60,000 different wines that the whole world enjoys. The communities in the said state are supportive of their local shops as they consume 20% of the annual production from their neighboring wineries. About 65% of the whole production is consumed and bought by Americans, while the rest circles the globe.
The Best Californian Wine
Diamond Creek Gravelly Meadow Napa Valley 2013 ― From the small region of Napa Valley, this wine is heaven-sent. This wine is red and bold in terms of style, an authentic Californian Wine. Diamond Creek Gravelly Meadow Napa Valley 2013 offers that long finish that captures the essence of blackberries, vanilla, spices, and red berries, a well-balanced drink. This wine is a pure Cabernet Sauvignon blend that is best with beef, lamb, goat cheese, and poultry dishes. You’ll never get tired of drinking this delight.
Quintessa Napa Valley 2012 ― The region of Rutherford is another area that produces quality grapes, desirable for wine-making. Quintessa Napa Valley 2012 is one of their many delights you’ll enjoy up to the last drop. The wine is a blend of many beautiful varieties like Merlot, Verdot, Petit, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. This is one powerful wine both in the nose and in the palate with flavors of ripe fruits and hints of spiciness. Always right with beef, venison, veal, and other poultry dishes.
Opus One, Napa Valley ― Choosing a California Wine is hard, but let me narrow down your options for you, this is a must-try, pure Californian wine. No wonder, the wine got an average score of no less than 4.5 in almost all wine ratings reviewed by people around the globe. The wine is a mixture of the varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, Petit and Verdot and is best with some lamb, beef and poultry dishes. A deep purple wine that enhances the flavors of sweet oakiness with notes of ripe fruits is pure perfection. It is also perfect in the nose. This wine will undoubtedly keep you coming back for more thrills.
Takeaway
Don’t be afraid to try new ones, especially Californian wine. Expand your choices, to know what wine suits your palate. If you’re so used to drinking French Wine and want to discover other choices, there are lots of options to choose from, but if you’re going to try something new and one of the best in the world, then I personally suggest that you know more about Californian Wine.
