California Wines

 

Introduction.

The first Californian vines were planted in 1823 by Franciscan monks in the Sonoma Valley, in order to make a Californian wine for the sacraments. As immigration into California continued it wasn’t long before other Europeans were starting to develop the vineyards that had been started. However, the big breakthrough didn’t come from a French or Spanish or Italian immigrant, but a Hungarian. In 1857 Count Agoston Haraszthy planted the then largest vineyard in California and, at a stroke, became the ‘father of Californian wine’ with his winery - The Buena Vista Winery.

California wine in general.

California alone produces 90% of all the wine made in the USA. In total, just within California state, there are 327,000 acres (132,000 ha) of land being worked as vineyards. These vineyards can be found along the length and breadth of the state, whose latitude, mainly coastal climate and sheltered valleys make it ideal grape growing territory. Whilst half of all the grapes grown in the state are in the regions running east of San Francisco from north to south, along the Sacramento Valley and San Joaquin Valley - it is the north coast that has the most wineries. These north coast vineyards actually produce some of the best wines in the country. Notably by growing the best: Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. However, if you were to ask most people which was the best known ‘wine growing’ area in California you might well hear either Sonoma Valley or Napa Valley as the answer. With Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc probably being the best known wines coming out of California - here’s some tips about the other three main wines form this region.

Classic Californian wines.

Pinot Noir - in the early years vine growers in California struggled with this somewhat delicate grape. However, four districts have proved quite successful at growing it and producing a more than passable Pinot Noir wine. They are: Carneros, Russian River Valley, Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Maria Valley. In the 1980s it was discovered that these districts can all use the cooling fogs rolling in off the Pacific, which have the effect of slowing down the rate at which the grapes mature and produces a complex wine full of character. A typical example would be the Kendall-Jackson Pinot Noir which has a big, rich taste, an intense spicy aroma that’s full of fruits and a deep ruby to cherry red color. Other noted producers are Saintbury, Sanford, Rex Hill and Sonoma-Cutrer.
Chardonnay - not just in America but internationally too, California has a good reputation for producing Chardonnay wines that will be well received as a white wine gift any time. The coastal vineyards of California produce rich and oily Chardonnays comparable to French ones from Meursault, with a rich buttery texture and a great clean taste. Whereas, moving a little inland towards say the Napa Valley vineyards, there Chardonnay’s take on a more fruity taste, especially of lemons. As you then move further north through California the wines can become a little more sharp and acidic, as you’d expect with the slightly cooler climate. Nonetheless even here the Chardonnay will more than do with a fish or chicken dish. If you can get one try a 1999 unfiltered Napa Valley Chardonnay from Newton for a great treat in a wine at a great price too. Other labels to look for include: Stag’s Leap and Duckhorn.
Merlot - it is no exaggeration that California produces some of the best New World Merlot wines. The absolute best ones definitely come out of Sonoma Valley and can be drunk as an ‘anytime anywhere’ wine or enjoyed more thoroughly with a meal, especially of lamb or beef. Colors are often intense dark garnet and ruby reds with a fruity leather aroma. The taste will be full and smooth with a lingering finish. 1999 is again the year to go for, with Epic Merlot from Newton being recommended. Stag’s Leap is also worth looking out for on a bottle of Californian Merlot, especially if you want to send a red wine gift to someone.