What’s the most talked about within Napa Valley?
While Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are the most commonly planted in the Napa Valley, Napa Valley is a different story. Napa Valley holds many surprises for those who love wine and are who are looking for new varieties not found in the mainstream. For example, from Albarino to Zinfandel More than three dozen distinct grape varieties of wine thrive within Napa Valley. Napa Valley.
Below is a brief description of the most planted grape varieties that are grown in Napa Valley.
What is Variety and Varietal?
Variety could refer to wine itself (Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay), or to the style or type of wine, such as white, red, sparkling, for instance.
Varietal can be used to describe the wine that is that is made from one grape variety.
The glass of Chardonnay is a varietal winethat is made out of Chardonnay varieties of grapes.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The Cabernet Sauvignon is the acknowledged most coveted red grape within Napa Valley, accounting for 40 percent of our total production, and five percent of the total crop value. The vine is grown across Napa Valley and achieves a range of flavors based on the vineyard location. Its flavor displays a broad range of black fruit, such as cherry, currant and plum. It can also exhibit hints of spice due to the oak’s aging.
Food pairing: If they are young, they’re best paired with red meat dishes that are robust such as braised and game lamb, while the older Cabs make excellent companions for straightforward roasts, aged cheeses and steaks.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is the second-most planted variety of grape within Napa Valley, and grows with great success in the soils that are rich in calcium and cool climate of Los Carneros AVA which is where it is able to mature slow. Lees stirring, barrel fermentation as well as malolactic fermentations are among the most important methods employed by wineries to create distinct aromas and flavors this wine. In the end, Napa Valley Chardonnay can range in taste from light bright and crisp, to smooth, creamy and round.
Food pairing: This vast variety of cuisines can be paired with many different foods, from plainly cooked seafood to the majority of chicken and pork dishes.
Merlot
Merlot has been a staple within the Napa Valley since the early 1970s. Its beautiful aromas of fresh cherry, deep earthiness, soft texture and a silky smooth finish have enticed an influx of new wine drinkers who enjoy red wine. With the wide variety of winemaking sites and vineyards methods within Napa Valley, Merlot has proved its capacity to make wines that are both full-bodied and lighter. deeply textured wines.
Pairing with food: Pair Merlot with food similarly like you would the Cabernet Sauvignon but its lighter structure and tannins are an adaptable wine that can be paired with a variety of foods.
Pinot Noir
Its earthy and ethereal scents and the silky consistency that are characteristic of Pinot Noir have attracted wine lovers for many centuries. Coastal California possesses several areas which produce excellent Pinot Noir, and Napa Valley’s Los Carneros was one of the first regions to realize the potential of this wine. One of the most distinctive characteristics in the Pinot Noir is its vibrant acidity that makes it an excellent companion to food.
The food pairing Pinot Noir is one of the very few red wines that go perfectly when served with fish (think salmon, tuna , and bouillabaisse) as well as a broad selection of cheeses, and is ideal with game birds and lamb chops that are grilled.
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Sauvignon Blanc
The intense taste characteristic in Sauvignon Blanc grabs your attention. Fresh, grassy and vibrant acidity are among the best characteristics of this grape and it’s capable of displaying a wide range of fruit characteristics. The majority of Sauvignon Blanc is fermented in neutral vessels like concrete eggs and stainless steel in order to let its distinct characteristic characteristics to be evident.
Food pairing: Bright and fresh and ideal for warmer temperatures, Sauvignon Blanc goes great with light summer meals and salads , and it is delicious with goat cheese and shellfish.
Zinfandel
A highly versatile grape variety, Zinfandel was the mainstay of the winemaking industry in the 19th century of California. The old vines of Napa Valley are capable of producing heady, rich jammy wines that have notes of black pepper and spice. Zinfandel can also be produced in lighter, less food-friendly versions and is frequently used as the basis for vino fortified wine.
A food pairing strong and spicy flavor of Zinfandel makes it the perfect match for barbeque.