Californian Wines
Although this page is titled Californian wine, I would like
to now include all wine produced in the USA. American wine is
now grown in many states and I have have recently returned from
a wine tasting tour of Virginia, where I sampled very many truly
excellent wines.
Vineyards were first planted in California by the Spanish.
Then the grapes grown were meant for wine to be used in religious
ceremonies. Mexico supplied the original vines which, because
of the grape's religious use, it became known as the Mission
grape.
Then, in the late 19th century, California was struck with
an outbreak of phylloxera epidemic and many of the largest vineyards
were destroyed. Some resistant American rootstock was later
grafted to the popular Californian vines giving the Californian
wine industry a re-birthed opportunity that vineyards grasped
with both hands, quickly rebounding to tale full advantage by
planting new grape varieties which have since become internationally
renown. And 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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