The Napa Valley is one of the smallest wine-growing regions in the world. It is merely 30 miles long and a few miles wide. However, this has not prevented Napa Valley Red Wines from becoming internationally renowned. The region is best known for its Cabernet but it also produces many other varieties that have helped to put it on the map as a premier growing region.
Many of the wineries that still exist today were first established in the late nineteenth century. The modern era of wine-making was ushered in when various new procedures and techniques were introduced in 1938. One of these was the aging of wine in French Oak barrels. However, it was only in about the 1960s that wine of significant quality began being produced. Today more than 450 wineries produce varieties with extraordinary depth of character.
The valley is found north of San Pablo Bay and it is surrounded by mountains. The climate, geology and topography of this region all contribute to making it perfect for growing grapes. Warm days and cooler nights as well as consistently long growing seasons all have an impact of the quality of these grapes.
Cabernet Sauvignon accounts for almost half of the total production of wine in the region. The variety depends on the vineyard where the grapes are grown and the rich fruity flavors include blackberry, plum, currant and cherry. The oak aging adds to the complexity of the wine providing smoky, vanilla notes. A young wine can be dense and powerful but as it ages the tannins soften out and the flavors and aromas become increasingly complex.
Although the region is primarily known for the Cabernet Sauvignons, there are a number of other significant reds produced. The region is also known for its production of Merlot which when not produced as a varietal, is used in blends. Pinot Noir is the third most produced varietal and grows in the Carneros region in the south which is the coolest district. Zinfadel is another important red in the wine portfolio. It is not as widely produced but its rich flavor is enjoyed by many wine lovers. It grows best on hillside sites in a warm, dry environment.
Red wine blends are also popular to drink as they often embrace the best of their component varietals. Three of these top red blends are Opus One, Dominus and Rubicon. They use Cabernet as the main component.
Some of the best reds are very expensive. The cost of wine depends on many factors besides taste, such as how critics have rated the wine and number of bottles produced. However, wine lovers are still able to find excellent varieties that may not have quite the same depth as the very top tier but come pretty close. They are sold at many online stores where it is possible to make a comparison of prices.
The vintners in this region benefit from living in one of the most geologically diverse wine regions worldwide. Most wineries are family-owned and these families are passionate about their area and turning their exceptional grapes into world class wine. Whether it is the savory, peppery varieties produced on hilly areas or fruity varieties in the valley, there are those to suit the tastes of every red wine lover.
Many of the wineries that still exist today were first established in the late nineteenth century. The modern era of wine-making was ushered in when various new procedures and techniques were introduced in 1938. One of these was the aging of wine in French Oak barrels. However, it was only in about the 1960s that wine of significant quality began being produced. Today more than 450 wineries produce varieties with extraordinary depth of character.
The valley is found north of San Pablo Bay and it is surrounded by mountains. The climate, geology and topography of this region all contribute to making it perfect for growing grapes. Warm days and cooler nights as well as consistently long growing seasons all have an impact of the quality of these grapes.
Cabernet Sauvignon accounts for almost half of the total production of wine in the region. The variety depends on the vineyard where the grapes are grown and the rich fruity flavors include blackberry, plum, currant and cherry. The oak aging adds to the complexity of the wine providing smoky, vanilla notes. A young wine can be dense and powerful but as it ages the tannins soften out and the flavors and aromas become increasingly complex.
Although the region is primarily known for the Cabernet Sauvignons, there are a number of other significant reds produced. The region is also known for its production of Merlot which when not produced as a varietal, is used in blends. Pinot Noir is the third most produced varietal and grows in the Carneros region in the south which is the coolest district. Zinfadel is another important red in the wine portfolio. It is not as widely produced but its rich flavor is enjoyed by many wine lovers. It grows best on hillside sites in a warm, dry environment.
Red wine blends are also popular to drink as they often embrace the best of their component varietals. Three of these top red blends are Opus One, Dominus and Rubicon. They use Cabernet as the main component.
Some of the best reds are very expensive. The cost of wine depends on many factors besides taste, such as how critics have rated the wine and number of bottles produced. However, wine lovers are still able to find excellent varieties that may not have quite the same depth as the very top tier but come pretty close. They are sold at many online stores where it is possible to make a comparison of prices.
The vintners in this region benefit from living in one of the most geologically diverse wine regions worldwide. Most wineries are family-owned and these families are passionate about their area and turning their exceptional grapes into world class wine. Whether it is the savory, peppery varieties produced on hilly areas or fruity varieties in the valley, there are those to suit the tastes of every red wine lover.
No comments:
Post a Comment