A Brief History of California Wine

admin — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 06:50:00 +0000

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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Vintage Bottle of Krug Champagne Sets New World Record

admin — Sun, 03 May 2009 19:35:00 +0000

Vintage Bottle of Krug Champagne

Breaks Record

A Little More Reasonably Price Bottle Of Krug Champagne

There is a need for even the more affluent to limit there luxury expenses, in these economic times, and champagne has take a little hit with sales down anywhere form 13% to 35% depending on the brand of champagne. People are still choosing to buy or send champagne as a gift, but are sending champagne that is less expensive than they would have sent even a couple of years ago.

However, there will always be a market for rare vintage wines, and champagnes.

According to the Luxist article

At an “Acker Merrall & Condit’s first Hong Kong auction of 2009, a 1928 Krug set a new world record for the most expensive bottle of Champagne sold at auction. Decanter reports that the 75cl bottle, from the Krug Collection range (the library collection of the renowned Reims Champagne house) went for HK$164,560 ($21,200) which was far above above the highest estimate of HK$120,000.”

It was noted that the last record set at auction for a bottle of champagne went to Methuselah 1990,which sold for $17,625 in 2005.

Krug is a very collectible champagne brand and is well received at most wine auctions.

The complete Article can be found at Luxist

In a report by Deidre Woollard

Champagne is one of those elegant gifts that is classy and well received, and sure to bring a warm smile to the recipient. It is not necessary to buy a vintage bottle of champagne. There are many wonderful bottles that can be found in all price ranges.

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