California and its wines

The California is the most important wine region in the United States, producing around 90% of American wine and placing itself among the top five wine areas in the world. Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, varied soils and long growing season, California offers a wide range of styles, from great structured reds to fresh, mineral whites, by way of sparkling and dessert wines.

The region is famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, but also successfully grows Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah. The most famous areas include Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara and the Central Valley, each with unique characteristics that influence the wines produced.

What is the California wine district?

Californian viticulture stretches along the western coast of the United States, from From San Diego to Mendocino, covering a wide range of climates and terroirs. The region is divided into American Viticultural Areas (AVA), the equivalent of the Italian DOCs, with over 140 recognised AVAs.

The main AVA appellations include:

• Napa Valley AVA → The heart of Cabernet Sauvignon American.
• Sonoma County AVA → Pinot Noir e Chardonnay world-class.
• Paso Robles AVA → Powerful wines from Syrah and Zinfandel.
• Santa Barbara AVA → Refined Pinot Noir and Syrah.
• Central Valley AVA → The most productive area, with approachable, fruity wines.

The Great Wine Regions of California

1. Napa Valley

• Main grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay.
• Style: Complex reds, structured and long-lived whites.
• Famous appellations: Oakville, Stags Leap District, Rutherford.

2. Sonoma County

• Main grape varieties: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Zinfandel.
• Style: Elegant reds and mineral whites.
• Famous appellations: Russian River Valley, Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley.

3. Paso Robles and the Central Coast

• Main grape varieties: Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Style: Intense, spicy reds.
• Famous appellations: Paso Robles AVA, Santa Maria Valley AVA.

4. Santa Barbara and the South Coast

• Main grape varieties: Pinot Noir, Syrah, Viognier.
• Style: Aromatic, fresh wines, perfect for the maritime climate.
• Famous appellations: Santa Ynez Valley AVA, Sta. Rita Hills AVA.

Characteristics of California Wines

Colour

• Reds: Deep ruby red with purple highlights.
• Whites: Straw yellow with golden shades in the wood-aged wines.
• Sparkling wines: Bright yellow with fine bubbles.

Aromas

• Fruity: Berries, plum and cherry in the reds; apple, citrus and peach in the whites.
• Floral: White flowers in the whites; rose and violet in the Pinot Noirs.
• Spicy and Mineral: Vanilla and toast in oaked Chardonnay, notes of chocolate and tobacco in Cabernet Sauvignon.

Palate

• Structured and Complex: The reds of Napa and Sonoma, with elegant tannins and great aromatic depth.
• Fresh and Mineral: In the Sauvignon Blanc wines of the Central Coast and the Pinot Noir wines of Sonoma.
• Soft and Enveloping: In the Merlot wines and the whites aged in barrique.

Typical Grape Varieties of California

Black Grape Varieties

• Cabernet Sauvignon: The king of Napa Valley, powerful and long-lived.
• Zinfandel: The grape variety that symbolises California, rich and spicy.
• Pinot Noir: Elegant and complex, perfect in coastal areas.
• Syrah: Intense and spicy, typical of the Central Coast.

White Grape Varieties

• Chardonnay: Rich and buttery in the wines aged in wood, fresh and mineral in the stainless steel ones.
• Sauvignon Blanc: Aromatic and vibrant, perfect for the Californian climate.
• Viognier: Perfumed and silky, ideal for the South Coast.

Why Choose a Wine from California?

A wine from the California is a byword for innovation, quality and variety. Perfect alongside grilled meat, barbecued fish, aged cheeses and Asian fusion cooking, Californian wines offer a range of styles able to satisfy every palate.