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Californian Wines
It was the Spanish who first planted vineyards in California.
The grapes grown then were to produce wine meant mainly to be
used in religious sacraments. The original vine cuttings came
from Mexico and, due to the grape's association with the church,
it became known as the Mission grape.
But, alas, the late 19th century witnessed the advent of the phylloxera epidemic
in California and many of the largest vineyards were destroyed.
Thankfully, resistant American rootstock was grafted to the
popular Californian vines and the Californian wine industry
quickly rebounded and took advantage of the opportunity by planting
new grape varieties which have sinec become internationally
popular. Now nearly 300 grape varieties are being grown in California.
Popular Californian Wines are:
Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot noir, Sauvignon
blanc, Syrah, Zinfandel
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