California wines
Dominus, Napa Valley2020
California, United-States
$283.92
Your guide to California
History of wines from California
The history of California wines dates back to the mid-18th century when Spanish missionaries arrived and planted vineyards at their missions. These vineyards were primarily planted with Vitis Vinifera vines, a species native to the Mediterranean region, to produce wine for religious sacraments. The first recorded planting was by Eusebio Francisco Kino at Misión San Bruno in Baja California in 1683, and Father Junípero Serra planted California's first vineyard at Mission San Juan Capistrano in 1779[1][2][3].
The California Gold Rush of the mid-19th century significantly boosted the wine industry. The influx of settlers, particularly European immigrants, increased local demand for wine. This led to the establishment of the first commercial winery, Buena Vista, in 1857 by Agoston Haraszthy. Other notable wineries like Gundlach Bundschu and Inglenook were also founded during this period. Chinese immigrants played a crucial role in developing the industry, but their contributions were largely diminished by the Chinese Exclusion Act[1][2][3].
The industry faced significant challenges, including the phylloxera epidemic and Prohibition. However, it recovered rapidly after Prohibition was repealed. The Judgment of Paris in 1976 marked a turning point, where California wines outperformed French wines in a blind tasting, gaining international recognition. This event led to a renaissance in California winemaking, with innovative techniques and modern technology elevating the state's wine production to global standards[1][2][4].
Terroir of California
California's terroir is characterized by its diverse landscapes and climates. Napa Valley, known for its Mediterranean-like climate, traps heat in its valleys, making it ideal for red wines. In contrast, regions like Mendocino County and the Central Coast benefit from cool maritime climates and varied soil types, resulting in clean, elegant wines. The Central Coast, stretching from San Francisco Bay to Santa Barbara County, is marked by cool temperatures and maritime influences, allowing grapes to ripen slowly and retain acidity.
Southern California's AVAs, ranging from Malibu to Mexico, experience sunny days with varying temperatures and diverse soil types like shale and granite. The unique transverse mountain ranges in Southern California, such as the Santa Lucia Highlands, channel cool ocean breezes inland, creating an environment conducive to growing cool-climate varietals like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Sonoma County, with its 19 AVAs, offers a wide range of microclimates and growing conditions, ensuring individualism in wines and viticultural approaches[1][2][5].
Top grapes in California
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widely planted grape in California, renowned for producing full-bodied red wines with robust tannins and a complex array of flavors including blackberry, cassis, and various spices. Thriving in the warmer climates of regions like Napa Valley and Sonoma County, this grape variety benefits from the long growing season, which allows it to develop deep, rich flavors and the structure necessary for aging. Wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon are often high in alcohol and possess a significant aging potential, making them favorites among collectors and wine enthusiasts alike.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is the most popular white grape in California, known for its versatility and ability to adapt to different climates and winemaking techniques. In cooler areas like the Sonoma Coast, it tends to produce wines with crisp acidity and flavors of green apple and citrus, while in warmer regions such as the Central Coast, it develops richer notes of tropical fruits, vanilla, and butter due to malolactic fermentation and oak aging. This adaptability makes Chardonnay a favorite among both winemakers and drinkers, offering a wide range of styles from lean and mineral-driven to lush and creamy.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir, with its delicate and finicky nature, thrives in California's cooler wine regions such as the Central Coast, Sonoma County, and the Russian River Valley. This grape is celebrated for producing elegant and complex red wines that are highly expressive of their terroir, featuring aromas and flavors of red fruits like cherry and raspberry, often accompanied by earthy undertones and floral notes. The cooler climate allows for a slow ripening process, which is crucial for developing the grape's nuanced flavors and maintaining the balance between acidity and sweetness, making it a beloved choice for those who appreciate subtlety and complexity in wine.