Although the Napa Valley is only 30 miles long and a couple of miles wide, it has become world renowned as one of the premier wine regions of the world. Napa Valley Red Wines are internationally acclaimed and sought after by wine lovers. Its Cabernet Sauvignon varieties are full-bodied, richly fruited and oak-aged for complexity of flavor.
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.
Situated north of San Pablo Bay, the valley runs between mountain ranges. Its geographical diversity and different micro-climates offer conditions particularly suited to cultivation of grapes. The soil is rich with various deposits, including volcanic lava and ash at the northern end. The Mediterranean climate means that days are warm, nights are cool and the growing season is long and consistent, all beneficial for the growing of grapes.
The star of the reds grown in this region is the Cabernet Sauvignon. It is the most widely produced, accounting for nearly half of the total production. Different varieties are produced by different vintners with the flavors depending on the vineyard in which the grapes were grown. Some of these flavors are blackberry, cherry, currant and plum. A complexity of flavor is added with the oak aging which creates spicy notes. As a Cabernet ages, the tannins soften and the flavors and aromas deepen.
There are a number of other reds also produced, with Merlot second in production. Merlot is produced as a varietal but it is also often used in blends. Pinot Noir is another red produced in the southern part of the valley where temperatures are cooler. Zinfadel is not as widely produced but is still a significant red wine. It prefers the warm, dry conditions on hilly slopes.
Blended wine is also produced by many vintners. These vintners are experimenting to produce visionary blends. These blends have the right balance and at the same time bring out best of each varietal in the blends. The three most elite reds produced in this region are blends.
The best known reds command top prices, particularly those from the boutique wineries. Price of wine is not only determined by taste but other factors too such as how many bottles are produced and how the wine has been rated by critics. There are many varieties available that fall into different price brackets. It is still possible to find excellent varieties at reasonable prices and many of these are sold at online stores.
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.
Situated north of San Pablo Bay, the valley runs between mountain ranges. Its geographical diversity and different micro-climates offer conditions particularly suited to cultivation of grapes. The soil is rich with various deposits, including volcanic lava and ash at the northern end. The Mediterranean climate means that days are warm, nights are cool and the growing season is long and consistent, all beneficial for the growing of grapes.
The star of the reds grown in this region is the Cabernet Sauvignon. It is the most widely produced, accounting for nearly half of the total production. Different varieties are produced by different vintners with the flavors depending on the vineyard in which the grapes were grown. Some of these flavors are blackberry, cherry, currant and plum. A complexity of flavor is added with the oak aging which creates spicy notes. As a Cabernet ages, the tannins soften and the flavors and aromas deepen.
There are a number of other reds also produced, with Merlot second in production. Merlot is produced as a varietal but it is also often used in blends. Pinot Noir is another red produced in the southern part of the valley where temperatures are cooler. Zinfadel is not as widely produced but is still a significant red wine. It prefers the warm, dry conditions on hilly slopes.
Blended wine is also produced by many vintners. These vintners are experimenting to produce visionary blends. These blends have the right balance and at the same time bring out best of each varietal in the blends. The three most elite reds produced in this region are blends.
The best known reds command top prices, particularly those from the boutique wineries. Price of wine is not only determined by taste but other factors too such as how many bottles are produced and how the wine has been rated by critics. There are many varieties available that fall into different price brackets. It is still possible to find excellent varieties at reasonable prices and many of these are sold at online stores.
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.
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