California Wines Cleanse The Pallet With Variety Of Flavors

If California was a country of its own it would rank fourth among wine producing nations in the world, just behind Spain, France and Italy.
Franciscan missionaries planted what would become the first sustained vineyards in what is now California in the late 1700s.
Today California is widely known as the top producer of wine in the United States and yields some of the top wines in the world.
Some of the top wines California produces annually include: • 2001 Corison Kronos Vineyard - This aromatic Cabernet is produced from 30-year-old vines surrounding the winery of Cathy Corison located just off Highway 29 in Napa Valley.
• 2001 Beringer (Private Reserve) - This wine combines fruit flavors from six Napa Valley vineyards.
The premier Cabernet has been in production at this vineyard since 1977.
• 2002 Dalla Valle - Soft tannins and a splash of Cabernet Franc characterize this Napa Cabernet found in Oakville.
• 2002 Diamond Creek Gravelly Meadow - Al Brounstein has been bottling this Napa Cabernet since the early '70s.
It is characterized with an enchanting scent of red cherries and anise.
Those looking to sample some of California's wines will enjoy a Pinot Noir tasting tour along the state's famed Highway 128.
In addition to the Golden State's noted red woods, acres of vineyards line this 40 mile stretch.
Some of the state's best known vineyards can be found here, including Lazy Creek Vineyards, Navarro Vineyards, Greenwood Ride and Goldeneye Winery.
Sonoma Valley is another area offering tours with a wide selection of vineyards.
The Sonoma yields some of California's best sparkling wines.
You don't have to live in California to enjoy wine from the 1,200 wineries nestled throughout the state.
Red and white wines are the most common California wines served in restaurants throughout the U.
S.
and several cities throughout the world.
In fact, some California wines have topped famous wines from France in taste tests.
However, those looking to directly purchase California wine can only do so in certain states that have an agreement with California wineries.
All is not lost though, as California wines can be ordered online and are even a part of some "wine of the month" clubs.
For a true taste of California wines a trip to state would provide a better sampling of what is offered.
Aside from wine tours, some restaurants in California have wine tasting parties.
California Cabernet Sauvignon helped but the state on the map during the wine renaissance of the '60s.
California even has its own unique style of grape.
The grapes used to produce Red Zinfandel result in a powerful and fruity wine that is distinctly American.
The state of California has seven grape varieties producing an eclectic mix of wines in several flavors.
The varieties of grapes in the state include Chardonnay, Merlot, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc.
These wines are found in the four wine regions of California, which are the North Coast, South Coast, Central Coast and Central Valley.