California Dreamin’

In America, they do more than just elect presidents. They make good wine, too. Some Californian wines can even give many a Burgundy or Bordeaux winemaker a run for their money. High time, then, to discover The Golden State.

Of all American wine, 90% is made in California. Especially in the hot Central Valley wine region. For decades, it was mainly (sweetened) Chardonnays with rich vanilla notes that made it to our country. And the local reds also had exuberant jammy fruit. Made from grapes such as zinfandel, merlot or cabernet sauvignon, which were equally steeped in vanilla. They were buttery and alcoholic.

Not without reason, either, because plenty of people simply loved such a thick, buttery wine in their glass. But the tide turned. The widespread ABC rule (Anything But Chardonnay) at the beginning of this century showed that even Americans were ready for change.

When his wine labels in the shape of a film reel (the Director’s Cut) turned out not to fit, he simply changed the shape of his wine bottles.

Famous Californian morning fog

These days, more and more wine is being produced with purity and finesse. Because of the sun and warmth, they are somewhat fruitier than the average French wine. But it is precisely the typical Californian fog that is invaluable to the real California Flavor. Cooler wine regions with vineyards influenced by the sea have a fresh breeze and early-morning fog. This produces grapes with more aromas and fresh acidity. At the same time, more and more winemakers are also leaving excessive use of oak behind. With elegance and freshness as a result.

Napa versus Sonoma

Take the wine regions Napa Valley and Sonoma County. Sonoma—closer to the sea than its neighbor Napa—is the cooler of the two. Pinot noir, in particular, does well here. Director and film producer Francis Ford Coppola—you know, the one behind The Godfather and Apocalypse Now—makes magnificent examples at his own Francis Ford Coppola Winery. What’s more, he continues directing there. When his wine labels in the shape of a film reel (the Director’s Cut) turned out not to fit, he simply changed the shape of his wine bottles. Clever, because now you can recognize them from a thousand.

As far as we’re concerned: ABTC (All Back To Chardonnay)

And increasingly beautiful wines are also coming from Napa Valley—with world-famous wineries such as Mondavi and Chateau Montelena. You’ll find plenty of Merlot and Pinot Noir here, but it is especially the Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignons that impress (if you’ve seen the film Bottle Shock, you know what I’m talking about.).

So we can once again order our Californian ‘little Chard’ without embarrassment. The Golden State has also just come through three excellent wine years (2012, 2013, 2014), so as far as we’re concerned: ABTC (All Back To Chardonnay)

Check out our top 10 California wines here

Image: Romy Kooij | Miss WineLane