California, renowned for its sun-soaked beaches, rolling surf, and majestic mountains, beckons adventurers to explore its diverse landscape. From the rugged peaks of its impressive mountain ranges to the tranquil shores of its sandy beaches, the Golden State offers a myriad of opportunities for enthusiastic backpackers seeking thrilling escapades.
Adding to its literal natural beauty, California is the hub city for wine in the US, where 84% of all country’s wine comes from California, including top california red wines. Being more alcoholic and less acidic, California wines give a rich taste due to their warmer weather, soil minerals, and unique micro-environments.
Top-tier Californian fine wines make it the most important wine region of the world outside France and Italy. And as someone who is stepping into the wine world, trying California wines should be on one’s checklist. Diving into the wine world as a beginner can be intriguing and intimidating at the same time. We can simplify the process for you. Here are the top 10 California wines that you should give a try this season.
CALIFORNIA RED WINES
Cabernet Franc: On the nose, having a distinctive herbaceous and bell pepper aroma, and as an early maturing grape that grows in cooler mountainous settings, it gives violet notes. The wine’s fruit-forward flavor and its adaptable body make it an easy blend with cabernet sauvignon and merlot. Higher acidity contributes to versatile food pairings like tomato-based dishes, vinegar-based sauces, and rich veggies. Growing in the hearts of Napa Valley Wines, Sonoma, and San Luis Obispo Counties, it’s a classic you can’t miss.
Grenache: Grenache is the second most widely planted grape in the world, producing rich, flavourful red wines. It’s versatile and medium-bodied, giving a range of flavors – from red raspberry, cherry, and blackberry to hints of the earth. It pairs well with grilled shellfish, roasted meats, and charcuterie including salami and sliced ham.
Pinot Noir: Sitting on the top with the title of most highly prized grape in the world. Pinot noir is a symphony of red fruits with unveiling layers of earthiness and spice. It is delicate, rich, silky, and subtle, quite contrary to its medium-bodied and high acidity. It pairs very well with roasted leg of veal, grilled salmon and duck.
Sangiovese: It is a very scarce grape variety outside Italy but it’s adaptable nature has given it different palate variations. California’s Sangiovese is fruit-forward, along with spice, cherry, and raspberry flavors complimented with subtle floral aromas. High tannins Sangiovese will pair well with rich roasted meat, cured sausages, and hard cheeses.
CALIFORNIA WHITE WINES
Chardonnay: The spectrum of flavors and aromas is very broad, from rich and toasty with vanilla to unoaked and fruit-forward with hints of minerality notes, it’s the state’s most widely planted grape. High acidity lean styles and sparkling styles of chardonnay work well with creamier dishes, and also with seafood. On the other hand, oaked Chardonnays pair well with richer foods.
Gewürztraminer: On the nose, it has a distinctive lychee and rose aroma, unveiling ginger, orange blossoms, and honey delicate spiced notes. The deep golden color and varietal full-bodied wine pair well with smoked white flesh, spicy stir-fried dishes, and slightly sweet desserts.
Marsanne: Deeply coloured with almond and honeysuckle aromas, this wine can be light, dry, or sweet and is a great alternative to Chardonnay. Rich and fruity flavors contribute to its excellent pairing with rich shellfish and its citrusy notes compliments south Asian cuisine.
Sémillon: Is loved as one of the world’s most popular white wines. It is fruit-forward with herb, spice, flower, mineral, and earth aromas. It holds upto bolder aromatic dishes because of its moderate body and fresh flavor. Pair sweet Sémillon with peach cobbler and pears sauteed in butter.
CALIFORNIA SWEET WINES
Sparkling Rose: The wine has strawberry notes and is always a crowd pleaser due to its versatility and freshness. Oftenly made from fruity varieties like Pinot Noir or Grenache, it is an excellent choice to bring to a party where serving dishes are unknown. It can be carried through a whole meal, which makes it appealing to be added to your collection
Dessert Wines: Popularly known as late-harvest wines, these wines are refreshingly sweet, making it perfect for a warm afternoon. They are made from a number of varieties, including Muscat, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Zinfandel. Pair sweet dessert wines with sweet desserts, and light dessert wines with light desserts.
If you reside in another city or country and wish to gift your special someone with wines, you can opt for wine gift delivery california, ensuring a memorable day for them.Whether it’s surprising a loved one on their birthday or celebrating a special occasion from afar, sending California wines adds a touch of luxury and thoughtfulness to any gesture.
