The wide world of Californian Wine
When many people think of Californian wine, the first thing that pops into their head might be Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, it could be the Zinfandels made in Lodi or even the Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays found all along the North Coast. Whilst these 4 styles of wine are likely the most famous wines produced in the U.S.A. they are only a slice of what is produced.
California produces over 80% of all U.S. wine and is the 4th largest wine producer in the world. There are over 110 different varieties of grape vine grown in California, giving wine makers plenty of choice for crafting their wines. With 635,000 acres/256,975 hectares of grape vines, there are tons of grapes grown throughout the Golden State. In fact grape vines are grown in 49 of 58 counties in California; across the state’s 141 federally approved American Viticultural Areas.
American Viticultural Areas, or AVAs, are the American term for an appellation. There are 6 main regions in California, each with smaller AVAs nestled within that, and even some with AVAs nestled within their AVAs. For example, Stags Leap is an AVA within the Napa Valley AVA, which is in turn in the North Coast AVA. The 6 regional AVAs and the larger AVAs found within them are as follows:
- North Coast - Lake County, Los Carneros, Mendocino County, Napa Valley, Solano County & Sonoma County
- Central Coast - Livermore Valley, Monterey County, Paso Robles, San Benito County, San Francisco Bay, San Luis Obispo County, Santa Barbara County, Santa Clara Valley, Santa Cruz Mountains
- Sierra Foothills - Amador County, Calaveras County, El Dorado County, Nevada County, Placer County, Yuba County
- Inland Valleys - Lodi and the Delta, Madera County, Sacramento Valley, San Joaquin Valley
- Southern California - Cucamonga Valley, Los Angeles Area, San Diego County, Temecula Valley
- Far North California
To celebrate the amazing range of wines produced in California we have put together a selection of wines from the Golden State for you to enjoy. Here is the low down on each of the classy Californian wines that we have chosen to give you a taste of what the Golden State has to offer.
The Eshcol Chardonnay from Trefethen is crafted with select estate lots. Its bouquet is beautifully complex with fresh notes of green apple, lemon, tangerine, and orange blossom. Balanced with excellent texture, bright acidity, and a long,lively finish.
The Napa Valley based Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc/Viognier is crisp and refreshing with ripe fruit flavours of pineapple, lychee, Meyer lemon and fuzzy white peach that linger through the lively finish, balanced by vibrant acidity and subtle hints of white tea and clean mineral.
The North Coast Cartlidge and Browne Cabernet Sauvignon reveals a cornucopia of fruit and invites serious attention; plum, blackberries and cherry pie notes coast alongside a savory edge of dried herbs and dusty tannins. Best part? The mouth-filling, velvety textured, lingering finish.
The Klinkerbrick Brickmason Blend from Lodi is a blend of 80% Zinfandel, 10% Petite Sirah, 10% Syrah. Aromas of strawberry jam, dried plums & figs on the nose. Rich juicy palate with ripe tannins, raspberry and a hint of mocha on the finish suggesting a plush ripe style.
Angeline Russian River Pinot Noir, from Sonoma, embodies the classic Russian River Valley style, offering vibrant acidity with notes of spiced cherry, raspberry reduction, and pomegranate with notes of allspice and soft, silky tannins. Ideal for duck, turkey or other gamey poultry dishes.
The Golden State - California Selection - £85 (this case includes one bottle of each of the five above)