7 amazing reasons why Californian wines are a great choice

An astonishing 3 out of every 5 bottles of wine we drink in the USA come from California, and the state is the fourth largest wine producer worldwide. With a massive 635,000 acres dedicated to growing vines, and over 4000 producers, the industry exports to 142 countries. 

So, what accounts for the strength of the industry, and the worldwide popularity of Californian wine?  Whether you’re an experienced wine connoisseur, someone who enjoys a flavorful tipple now and again, or a total novice to this rich and fascinating subject, let’s consider some of the factors which come together and make Californian wines such a great choice. 

  1. The flavors appeal to all palates

One of the main reasons for the widespread popularity of Californian wines is their flavor. They tend to be full of intense fruity flavors and aromas, appealing to the varied tastes of wine-lovers not only in the USA but all over the world. 

For example, try sampling dry whites such as Pinot Gris with its characteristically strong peach, citrus, and floral notes, or Gewurztraminer from the Anderson Valley with distinctive hints of floral and lychee aromas. 

If red wine is more to your taste, a dry full-bodied Petit Verdot will not only offer interesting flavors of blueberry but also notes of violets.  Merlots, from Carneros or Paso Robles, also offer intense flavors, reminiscent of plums, tea leaves, and even chocolate.

So fine Californian wines, while easy to drink, can rival the complexity of even the best ‘old world’ wines, from France, Spain, and Italy. And with over 60,000 different wines to select from, you’ll never be short of choice.

  1. There’s a rich heritage

It’s often mistakenly believed that wine-growing in California only started recently, yet there’s a rich history that also contributes to its interest and variety. Far from being a new industry, its heritage of more than 200 years has enabled growers to refine their production techniques, which are now considered to be among the best in the world. 

Although grapevines were first grown in the late 18th century, the Californian wine industry took off at the end of the 19th, in the Napa and Sonoma valleys.  Word spread rapidly about the perfect climate, rich soil, and the availability of land, so by 1900, there were already 200 commercial vineyards in California. 

  1. The feminine touch

What’s also interesting is the contribution that women winemakers have made and are making to the development of the industry.   And not only do they contribute to the business side of things, of the 4200+ commercial vineyards in California, by 2020 a woman will be the lead winemaker in approximately 14% of them and this percentage is expected to grow.

  1. Advanced production process

From the early 1970s, California winemakers have developed and refined many innovations in the wine production process that have ensured their wines have a more consistent and higher quality. Traditionally made wines, wherever they were produced, tended to have the same flaws, but the improvements created by California winemakers have led the world in preventing them. 

What is the benefit of this for drinkers of Californian wines? Put simply, it means that if you enjoyed a particular wine, you can be sure that you’ll enjoy the same experience and quality when you buy subsequent bottles. 

  1. Clear provenance

In France, you can tell if the wine you’re drinking is authentic by the ‘AOC’ on the label, which confirms that it has been produced in a specific region or even district.  With Californian wines, there’s a similar system that guarantees quality and provenance – via the American Viticulture Areas. 

An AVA is similar to an AOC in that it signifies the unique and specific area for distinct wine-growing grapes with its soils, micro-climate and terroir (topography), ensuring that the specific style of wine can only be produced in that area.

This benefits consumers, who want to know that the wine they’ve purchased is specific to an area – with its unique terrain and climate- rather than an anonymous blend of wines of different styles and qualities. 

For example, the beautiful and diverse regions include Anderson Valley, Monterey, Napa Valley (of course), Santa Barbara, and Sonoma Country, each with their speciality – so whatever your taste, you’ll find varieties that you love and can stick with. 

It also allows you to sample offerings from a range of wineries in the same area, and appreciate the distinctive qualities of each one, while not losing the essential characteristics of a single area’s wine. 

  1. Great marketing

Sounds strange in a list of reasons why Californian wine is such an amazing choice? Well, possibly. But the thing that the marketers of Californian wines realized is that with thousands of wines to choose from, they can find the perfect ones for every palate, every occasion, and every price point. 

So, while Californian wines may not be among the world’s cheapest, you can be sure they offer value for money.

Also, to add that final extra touch, many of them are presented in attractively shaped bottles, with eye-catching labels. Not the most important factor in choosing a wine, you might say, and you’d be right. However, they can add a touch of design flair to a contemporary table setting and create interest for your guests.

6) The climate

If you like wines full, soft, and fruity, then those from warmer climates will be perfect for your taste. For perfectly chilled wine every time, consider investing in Integrated wine coolers.

Look out for wines produced between 2012 and 2015.  2017 and 2018 were also great years. The ideal weather conditions in those years produced exceptional grapes, especially those from the Napa Valley, Sonoma, and Santa Cruz areas. The good news is that these wines should mature and develop well when kept in the right conditions.  

In summary, California offers the perfect climate and soil for growing a whole variety of excellent grapes. The winemakers of the region offer an unrivaled combination of heritage and innovative technology to create wines that appeal to all tastes.  Why not get started on your exploration of these amazing wines?

 

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