The state of California is renowned for its beauty, stunning beaches, and its ability to set the standard in film, almost as much as it is known for its wine. California produces ninety percent of the wine made in the United States, and it’s not just any wine. California wineries are responsible for some of the finest wines in the world, rivaling even the historic French vineyards.
History of Winemaking in California
The father of California wine country is Agoston Haraszthy, who began his journey as a Hungarian soldier before immigrating to the United States, where he became a successful merchant. He single-handedly imported over one hundred sixty-five vines from the greatest vineyards in England, introducing an astounding three hundred different grape varieties to Northern California, where he founded Buena Vista Winery.
The first commercial winery in the state was established in St. Helena, Napa Valley, in 1861, followed by the first Bordeaux-style winery, Inglebrook, in Rutherford, California, in 1879. By 1900, American-produced wine had gained considerable popularity and was regularly exported to several countries. Much of the success of American wines is attributed to a devastating disease that affected vineyards in Europe; nonetheless, California wine was winning competitions worldwide.
Interestingly, the first commercial winery founded in 1861 was Charles Krug. In later years, the Krug estate became part of the Mondavi family’s property. In 1965, Robert Mondavi left his family’s winery to establish his own in Oakville, California. The Mondavi Winery paved the way for the growth of Napa Valley and popularized labeling wines by variety, such as Chardonnay or Riesling, instead of using names from European regions.
Climate
What makes California so well-suited for vineyard growth? The answer lies in its climate and soil. The climate of Napa Valley, one of the two most popular wine-growing regions in the state, resembles that of the Mediterranean. The valley boasts several microclimates due to various geographical influences. The southern end of the valley floor is cooler during the growing season because of its proximity to San Pablo Bay, while the northern floor remains warmer due to its more enclosed nature. The soil is enriched with sediment from the receding bay, as well as ash deposits from Mount St. Helena. This productive soil, coupled with ample precipitation, creates an ideal grape-growing climate.
Fine wines are among the most difficult products to procure, but California seems to have the edge. White wine production accounts for forty percent of the wine produced in the state, and California whites are recognized worldwide for their superiority. California’s white varieties include popular options such as Pinot Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Riesling, along with lesser-known varieties like Viognier, Chenin Blanc, Muscats, and Gewürztraminer.
The growing season in Napa Valley begins relatively cool and rainy, with a late spring. The long, moderate summers encourage growth and berry size, leading to excellent Chardonnay production.
Varietals
In 2001, Chardonnay accounted for twenty-one percent of the wine grapes produced in California, with the following top varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon at fifteen percent, Merlot at eleven percent, Zinfandel at ten percent, and French Colombard at eight percent. These constitute the top five wine grapes produced in the state.
The most popular white wine produced in California wine country is Chardonnay. It is easy to drink and complements a variety of meals and occasions. Chardonnays range from light to rich, with a host of fruity undertones. One of the most common Chardonnays from this region is Kendall Jackson Chardonnay. It has a medium body with wonderful oaky tones complemented by flavors of vanilla, pineapple, peach, and apple that finish smoothly. Kendall Jackson Chardonnay has earned acclaim for many years from prestigious sources, including a rating of 89 from Wine Advocate and 85 from Wine Enthusiast. This wine comes from one of the top producing wineries in Northern California’s Sonoma Valley. Founded in 1982 by the Jackson family, Kendall Jackson Vineyards made history by earning the first-ever Platinum Award from the American Wine Competition in 1983.
While California wineries excel in white wines, they also produce remarkable reds. Cabernet Sauvignon is the most popular varietal, known for its robust flavor without being overly heavy. A close runner-up is Merlot, a full-bodied wine with deep red overtones. One of the lighter reds commonly produced in the region is Pinot Noir, which ranks among the most sought-after wines in the state, offering a more muted flavor profile.
One notable producer of Cabernet is Cedar Mountain, recognized by Wine Enthusiast as one of “America’s great Cabernet Sauvignon producers,” with “consistent quality over the past five years” (Wine Enthusiast, Vol. 7, Num. 10). Located in Livermore Valley and founded in 1990, their first release in 1993 included a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon that quickly gained national acclaim, leading to gold and double gold vintages. Owners Rick and Linda Ault produce Cabernet that exhibits firm tannins with flavors of tobacco and cherry, making it an excellent choice for cellaring or enjoying today.
Of the top thirty wine-producing companies in the United States, nine of the top ten are based in California, with E & J Gallo being number one. They operate winemaking facilities in Modesto, Livingston, Sonoma, and Napa, producing seventy-five million cases of wine each year. E & J Gallo includes notable wineries such as Frei Brothers, Gallo of Sonoma, Redwood Creek, Turning Leaf, Bridlewood Cellars, Anapamu Cellars, Indigo Hills Winery, Mirassou Vineyards, Rancho Zabaco, and Louis M. Martini. Together, these ten vintners produce over 443,000 gallons of wine, making them the largest producers in the country.
Top California Wine Picks
Here is a list of some of the top wines from California in 2006. The standout Cabernet Sauvignon was the Shafer 2002 Hillside Select, released in September and noted as the perfect Cabernet and Cabernet of the year, according to The Wine News. It is a bold and powerful wine, featuring black fruit flavors complemented by chocolate and vanilla.
Next is the Merlot from Beringer: the 2002 Bancroft Ranch, Howell Mountain vintage, rich with blackberry and black cherry fruits. It is a powerful yet graceful wine that deserves respect.
An affordable Pinot Noir tops the list: the Merry Edwards 2003 Klopp Ranch. It offers a wonderful bouquet with vivid flavor. With only 1,250 cases released, it makes an excellent cellaring and investment wine.
For red Zinfandels, the Rancho Zabaco 2004 Toreador from Monte Rosso Vineyard stands out. Cultivated from old vine Zinfandel, it boasts a bold aroma and is ripe for storing, with only 650 cases produced.
Lastly, in the category of Chardonnay, one of California’s most notable varietals, the Grgich Hills 2004 Estate Grown Chardonnay tops the list for 2006. It is classy, aromatic, and features an oaky finish.
Best Bets
When exploring California wineries through tours, it is highly recommended to visit the quaint, smaller vineyards. These offer the most intimate wine experiences, as opposed to more commercialized operations. Smaller wineries produce excellent varieties and offer tastings of their best vintages. The staff are always ready to spend quality time with visitors, making the trip well worth it. In contrast, larger vineyards like Sterling boast over 200,000 visitors, making them the state’s most commercialized wine producers. Their productivity is apparent during any visit, where guests often sample lower-end wines and receive little individual attention.
