A Brief History of California Wine
The California wine vintage 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. 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 Spanish influence on most California wine is quite obvious. As the California missions were being setup in the 18th century, the Spaniards would create a vineyard. 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. The original mission grape plantations would primarily use the common black grape or “Mission Grape” as it was often called.
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 Territories
California wine is produced in specific locales. They are separated in to 4 separate locations. 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 central valley areas of the Sierra foothills and Lodi are the fourth section.
Varieties of Grapes and Wines
The California Wine country grows hundreds of variety of grapes. For instance, there are the French, Italian, Spanish grapes and new hybrids springin up each year.
You have probably heard of most of the popular grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah and Zinfandel. They also raise red wine grapes such as Barbera, Grenache and Petite Sirah. Some white grapes are the Chenin blanc, Gewurztraminer, Pinot blanc, Pinot gris, and Riesling to name just a few.
The New World Style California Wine
California wine is often referred to as “New World” wine. 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 wines achieve a full bodied flavor by making wine using oak aging process.
Winning California Wines
The locally treasured California wine has emerged as an international treasure as well. The rest of the world is quickly discovering the treasures of the California wine industry through the prestigous worldwide wine club. Another wine club worth mentioning is the well known California wine club which offers offers premium California wines at great pricing.
Mail this post