Wines of California

Red Wines of California

• Cabernet Sauvignon
  (CA-burr-nay SO-vin-yawn): The king of red wines; makes the great red Bordeaux wines of France, and among the finest reds in California, Chile and Australia; full-bodied with rich currant flavors, but can be somewhat rough (tannic) when young; best with simply prepared beef and lamb dishes.



• Merlot
  (Mare-LOW): Similar to Cabernet, but softer and fruitier, with cherrylike flavors and hints of tobacco and mint; the current fab-rave among novice wine consumers, because it's easy both to drink and pronounce.



• Pinot Noir
  (PEE-know Na-WAHR): Makes the great reds of Burgundy in France, and good wines from California and Oregon; more delicate than Cabernet or Merlot, with strawberry and tea-leaf aromas and flavors; excellent with grilled salmon, roast chicken, and grilled lamb.



• Zinfandel
  (ZIN-fan-dell): California's native red (nobody's figured out where it came from) and perhaps the world's most versatile wine grape, making everything from blush wine (White Zinfandel), to light, beaujolais-style reds, rich, heavy reds, and even ports; has a zesty, berryish flavor that is perfect for tomato-sauce pastas, pizza, and grilled and barbecued meats.



• Syrah
  (see-rah): is the most famous red varietal from the Rhone region of France. Also grown in Australia, where it is known as Shiraz, and in California, Syrah is a juicy, medium-to-full bodied red with typical aromas of black raspberries with hints of violet, spice and smoke. Black plum and cherry flavors are evident on the palate, often with a distinctive meaty or bacon-like character which makes Syrah an excellent accompaniment to all manner of grilled and roasted meat dishes.

White Wines of California

• Chardonnay
  (SHAR-doe-nay): The world's most popular dry white; it's medium-to full-bodied, with rich apple and citrus flavors and sometimes a buttery tone from fermentation and aging in oak barrels; a good choice for simply prepared seafood and poultry dishes.



• Chenin Blanc
  (SHEN-in Blonk): A relatively light, fruity variety with melon, apple, and peach/apricot aromas and flavors; used to be more popular than it is today; a nice wine by itself or with casual meals (salads, sandwiches, etc.)



• Gewürztraminer
  (Guh-VERTZ-tra-meener): Another aromatic variety of German origin with aromas of rose petals, peaches, grapefruit, lychees, and allspice, and full, fruity, spicy flavors ideal with Asian food, ham, pork and grilled sausages.



• Moscato
  (MUSS-cat): A very flowery dessert-style wine, with floral and peach/apricot aromas and flavors; great with desserts of fresh fruit or fruit/nut tarts.



• Pinot Grigio
  (pee-no gree-gee-oh): is the well-know Italian version of France's Pinot Gris grape. Also successful in California, it is a great white wine for sipping as an aperitif or with lighter cuisines. Pinot Grigio from California tends to be more fruit forward than its Italian counterparts; light-bodied with floral aromas and citrus and white fruit flavors. The wine has a bright acidity which make it crisp, refreshing, and delicious when served well-chilled.



• Sauvignon Blanc
  (SO-vin-yawn BLONK): Generally lighter than Chardonnay, with bright melon and citrus aromas and a herbal character suggesting bell pepper or freshly mown grass; a versatile food wine for shellfish, lighter fish and chicken dishes, pasta with pesto and Caesar salad.



• White Merlot
  (white mare-loh): is one of the most delightful blush wines. Made from the Merlot grape, a portion of the wine goes directly to press without crushing to minimize the extraction of color from the skins, giving it a deep salmon pink color. The wine has bright, sweet cherry and raspberry aromas, with soft, juicy round cherry and berry flavors. It is an excellent choice with a wide variety of casual cuisines, especially ethnic casual cuisines, especially ethnic dishes with hot and spicy flavors.



• White Zinfandel
  (white zin-fan-dell): is a delicious, off-dry blush wine made from the red zinfandel grape. Bob Trinchero, owner of Sutter Home Winery, invented the varietal 30 years ago when he bottled up some of the light pink juice he had drawn off to make his prized Amador County Zinfandel even darker and richer. People loved the fresh and fruity wine which was America's favorite varietal for years until it was surpassed only by Chardonnay. Sweet aromas and flavors of red berries and watermelon and a crisp, refreshing texture make this a wonderful wine to enjoy alone or with your favorite foods.