100 Wine Blogs, 100 Days Blog 48 Grape Varietals of Coastal California

Blog 48 Grape Varietals of Coastal California

While every grape growing region in the entire world will have the primary grape that it is known for, it may not be so true for coastal California. For instance, the Mendoza region in Chili is known for making their best wines from the grape varietal Malbec.

France has strict control on which varietals are grown in which regions and they are bound by laws to control what they can grow and how they can blend their wines. This may be good to some and bad to others. It controls the quality and insures stability from year to year. You know exactly what you are getting and what you are drinking.

California does not put these strict controls on their winemakers. They allow their grape growers free reign on which grapes they would like to grow and how they would like to blend and make their wines. However, they do have labeling laws that govern what can be placed on the label depending upon what is inside the bottle.

California grape growers decided to grow different varietals in different areas of California. For instance, Napa, California’s most widely planted wine grapes are Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. However, with the microclimates discovered throughout the valley, there are other chief varietals of grapes that thrive in Napa which winemakers use to create some of the best wines the region has to offer. Other varietals you will find in the Napa Valley region are: Merlot, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Nebbiolo, Syrah/Shiraz, Petit Syrah, Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris, Voignier, Barbera, Dolcetto and Malbec.

There are many wineries to choose from when visiting Coastal California. The grape varietals listed above are not just limited to the Napa Valley area; you may find these varietals and more throughout Coastal California. Be on the lookout to broaden your palate. You will not get bored and your palate will thank you.

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Bon Vin!
Veronica