Wine tips
A beginner's guide to california wine
California wine is rated by experts as one of the best in the world. While its exact ranking may be subjective depending on which expert you talk to, the general consensus places it in the top five. California accounts for over 80% of wine production in the United States. The weather in the state is mostly dry year round which contributes to amazingly concentrated fruit flavors and aromas.
Warm weather in the state contributes to wines that have a higher concentration of alcohol than wines produced in cooler climates, such as France (13.5% vs 12%). In addition, California wines tend to be less acidic making it a good choice for those new to wine. This isn’t to suggest that other wines aren’t as smooth or as easy on your palate, but instead to observe that more alkaline wines may be a better starting point for those with a higher sensitivity to acidity and tartness.
Wines from Napa Valley and Sonoma County fit this category well, along with varieties of Cabernet and Chardonnay.