America is the world’s fourth-largest wine producer, and California makes the vast majority of it. American wine ranges from soft, fruity everyday reds to some of the most sought-after Cabernet Sauvignon on the planet. Here’s a quick guide to what’s worth trying.
California: sunshine in a glass
California’s warm, sunny climate produces ripe, generous, fruit-forward wines. The Pacific Ocean brings cooling fog to coastal areas, which helps keep wines fresh and allows cooler-climate grapes like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to thrive too.
The key regions
- Napa Valley: California’s most famous region, best known for rich, powerful Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Sonoma: more varied and slightly cooler, making excellent Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Zinfandel.
- Paso Robles and the Central Coast: warm-climate reds and Rhône-style blends.
- Lodi: famous for old-vine Zinfandel.
- Oregon and Washington State: further north, Oregon makes superb Pinot Noir, while Washington produces excellent Cabernet and Merlot.
Napa Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Cabernet is big, ripe and polished, with blackcurrant, cassis, vanilla and chocolate. The best can age for decades. In 1976, at the famous “Judgement of Paris” tasting, a Napa Cabernet from Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars beat top Bordeaux in a blind tasting, putting California firmly on the map.
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon comes from that very estate. The Prisoner Cabernet Sauvignon is rich and modern, and Beaulieu Vineyard Rutherford Reserve is a historic Napa name.
Zinfandel: California’s own red
Zinfandel is genetically the same as Italy’s Primitivo, but California has made it its own. It’s ripe, jammy and spicy, with bramble fruit and black pepper, perfect for barbecues. Western Cellars Zinfandel is a fun introduction.
Everyday California reds
California also makes plenty of smooth, easy-drinking reds for relaxed evenings. Apothic Winemaker’s Blend is rich and velvety with notes of vanilla and mocha. Cali by Snoop is soft and fruity, and Dark Horse Merlot is smooth and generous. Bogle Phantom is a bold, characterful blend for something a little more special.
American whites
California Chardonnay ranges from rich and buttery to fresh and restrained. If you love the creamy, oaky style, California is the place to look. Oregon and cooler parts of California make more elegant, Burgundy-like versions.
Sparkling wine
Several Champagne houses have set up in California. Chandon Brut, from the Moët & Chandon family, is a great-value, easy-going fizz.
What to eat with American wine
- Napa Cabernet: ribeye steak, rack of lamb and hard cheeses.
- Zinfandel: barbecued ribs, burgers and pizza.
- Smooth red blends: chilli, pasta bake and cheeseburgers.
- Oaked Chardonnay: lobster, roast chicken and creamy pasta.
FAQs
Why is Napa Cabernet so expensive?
Land in Napa is some of the most expensive vineyard land in the world, and top wines are made in small quantities with long oak ageing.
What’s the difference between Zinfandel and Primitivo?
They’re the same grape. Zinfandel is the Californian name; Primitivo is the Italian one.
Try our guide to the best wine with steak for more Cabernet pairings.