Wine makers, true wine connoisseurs and those who grow the grapes to make these delicious wines speculate and periodically argue over the question: what are the reasons for the amazing flavors of California wines. Indeed, where lies the source of the unique flavors of California wines, so appealing to wine tourism and popular all over the world!? There are several versions. According to one of them, the territorial location of the state plays a determining role, according to another – an exceptional soil, as if created specifically for growing grapes. Either way, 90 percent of all wine produced in the U.S. comes from California, and this is very good for Californians themselves, who are the main consumers of their own wines, drinking up to 20 percent of the noble beverage produced.
Wine producers offer on the consumer market not only a huge number of brands of the goods they produce, but also a great variety of grapes grown in the Golden State. Of course you can find the most noble varieties such as Chardonnay, Riesling, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Semillon and Pinot Noir, but the list of grapes grown in California is not limited to them! Not as famous, but not inferior in flavor are Grenache, Nebbiolo, Zinfandel, Mourvedre, Marsanne, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, Petite Sirah, Roussanne and Malbec. They are also grown very successfully in California and are in constant demand. The state supports with loans the production of sweet wines, which have to face competition from fortified, sparkling and champagne wines.
If we look at the Napa Valley region from a somewhat simplistic perspective, it can be roughly divided into three parts. First are the mountainous areas, followed by the vineyards on the slopes and the third area is the hills.
In the mountainous areas grapes are grown on clay soils with a predominance of red and white clay. On the slopes, the soil is mainly made up of volcanic rocks. And on the hills, sandstone predominates. The layer of fertile soil in these areas is not as deep as in the lowland areas, but its composition is very varied and complex. In addition, the vineyards here are provided with the necessary microclimate. Because of the cooler temperatures, the yields are lower, but the wines are fresher, more tart and full-bodied.
On a Napa Valley wine tour, you’ll find flat areas where the soil is mostly gravel and sediment, providing excellent natural drainage. These conditions are ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon. In addition, the valley floor is composed mainly of alumina and rocks. Vineyards here will be able to withstand the dry and hot summer season. In recent times, this has turned into a significant plus, as water is becoming a very valuable resource.