"When a US winery wants to tell you the geographic pedigree of its wine, it uses a tag on its label called an Appellation of Origin. Appellations are defined either by political boundaries, such as the name of a county or state, or by federally-recognized growing regions called American Viticultural Areas (AVAs)"
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| California Wine Grape Appellations |
As I travel throughout California, I am constantly amazed at how different the wines taste in each growing region. Climate, altitude, soil composition, irrigation method and the skill of the winemaker are all factors in the final product. However, Mother Nature is the ultimate control freak in the equation.
In California, to say that one area is better than another in how grapes grow would be slightly inaccurate. Different types (varietals) of grapes grow in certain areas for several reasons. For instance, many grape growers plant a certain varietal of grape based on where the original vine was sourced...usually somewhere in Europe. Because California has several areas that are similar to the growing regions of France, Italy, New Zealand, and Spain, many of the 256 known varietals of vitis vinifera (wine grapes) grow well within the state.
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| Lodi Zinfandel |
The dominant red wine grape grown in California is the Zinfandel, but it is the second dominant of all grapes grown in the state. The Thompson Seedless reins as the most prolific of all classifications of grape. Used primarily in the production of raisins, the grape can be used to make wine and produce jams and jelly. Chardonnay is the dominant white wine grape produced in the state. Originating in the Burgundy region of France, the humble beginnings of this white wine grape began in the Livermore valley more than 130 years ago. Today, 80% of the Chardonnay produced in California was initially cloned from the original Livermore vines.(Btw, French Colombard is making a come back...Google it!)
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| Chardonnay, Clarksburgh AVA |
Today, there are more than 100,000 acres of wine grapes grown throughout the state. Beginning in early spring, the vines begin to bud and flower. Budding consists of small protrusions that extend from the previous years pruning. Vines can appear to be "butchered" as you look between the rows.
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| Sangiovese Buddings |
Each year, vineyards are pruned in late winter. Depending on the varietal, the vines are cut back to two stays. In layman terms, imagine a tree having several limbs extending from a main branch. each limb has several nodes that produces leaves. If you were to cut all of the nodes back to two nodes closest to the branch, you will get a good idea of how the vine looks after pruning. Pruning is done for many reasons. Yield control is the main reason, but pruning also trains the vines to follow a trellis for support.
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| Sangiovese, Amador County |
Spending numerous hours walking through vineyards, there is a peace that I experience which is indescribable. (Think of the movie Field of Dreams when Kevin Costner walks out of the corn field) Maybe it is because grape vines are characters in their own right. The vines require little in maintenance once established. After they reach maturity, they are pretty much mistreated to better produce good fruit. Allowed to struggle, they become better vines. (A friend of mine used this analogy in one of her sermons.) However, because they are vines, and they do reach out to one another, vineyard management is essential to continuously produce a healthy crop. Leave them alone, and they will grow out of control...which is not always a bad thing. Many good "field blends" produce good tasting wine. Ask for these when you go wine tasting.
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| Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma |
I am often asked how long a grape vine can live? Speaking with several growers, there are vines in California that are nearly two hundred years old. Zinfandels from the Fox Creek Vineyard in Amador county are between 120-140 years old, and the "Grand Per vineyard of the area is nearly 200! Although wine is no longer made from this vine, grapes continue to grow from its' antiquated canes.
Personally, I grow Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Petite Syrah, Syrah, Tokay and Cabernet Sauvignon. I have yet to get usable fruit from my attempt at growing, but I haven't killed any vines yet!
I am excited to have a hobby that allows me to be outdoors. Hopefully as I learn more about this wonderful fruit, I may try my hand at wine making.
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| Pinot Noir, Santa Rosa |
Experience the abundance of California vineyards and wine making. At many wineries, the owners are more than happy to share their knowledge with you. No question is too elementary, just ask. BTW, Please do not take it upon yourself to trespass on their property. It is easy to get injured in a vineyard. Ask them first. Many will oblige.
There are way too many growers who have educated me to list, but I thank each of them for sharing.
Until next time, Salute'!
Karen
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