A Brief History of California Wine
California wine is an example of the farmers and artisans who craft their wine. The soils, the climate, valleys and coastal influences help to develop grapes with exquisite flavors. California wine growers produce some of the finest wines in the world due to the attention winegrape growers give to matching grape varieties to climate and location.
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. Grapes were needed by the Catholic monks for reigious ceremony as well as basic provision. These vineyards were planted with the common black grape which was imported from Mexico. 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 Sonaoma and Nappa 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 Zones
California wine is produced in specific locales. There are 4 vicinities in particular. The first locale is the North Coast area which takes in counties of Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino and Lake. The second district would be the Central Coast areas west of San Francisco which reaches down into the Santa Barbara, Paso Robles and Santa Maria Valleys. Reaching all the way to the Mexican border from Los Angeles is the third section referred to as the South Coast vineyards that also include the Antelope and Temecula Valleys. The central valley areas of the Sierra foothills and Lodi are the fourth section.
Varieties of Grapes and Wines
There are a number of types of grapes cultivated in the California wine regions. You will find fine French, Italian and Spanish grape varietals and flavorful combination grapes coming from the agricultural community quite often.
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. Some white grapes are the Chenin blanc, Gewurztraminer, Pinot blanc, Pinot gris, and Riesling to name just a few.
California Wine Known as "New World Style"
California wine is commonly called "New World" wine. The temperate and warmer climate in California ripens the grape earlier making for a frutier flavored wine with 13.5% alcohol levels. California wines achieve a full bodied flavor by making wine using oak aging process.
California Wines Earn High Marks
More attention and rave reviews have been coming from the international arena as California wine producers craft higher quality wines each year. California is one of the most diverse winegrowing regions in the world and also one of the best sources for the premier wine of the month club .
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