The Napa Valley is one of the smallest wine-growing regions in the world. It is merely 30 miles long and a few miles wide. However, this has not prevented Napa Valley Red Wines from becoming internationally renowned. The region is best known for its Cabernet but it also produces many other varieties that have helped to put it on the map as a premier growing region.
There are some of the 450 wineries in this region that have existed since the 19th century. The wine industry was subjected to a number of setbacks from the time it first came into existence. Techniques and new procedures, such as allowing the wine to age in oak barrels, were introduced in 1938 and this helped to take the industry into the modern era. However, it was only in the 1960s that quality varieties began to develop.
Situated north of San Pablo Bay, the valley runs between mountain ranges. Its geographical diversity and different micro-climates offer conditions particularly suited to cultivation of grapes. The soil is rich with various deposits, including volcanic lava and ash at the northern end. The Mediterranean climate means that days are warm, nights are cool and the growing season is long and consistent, all beneficial for the growing of grapes.
Cabernet Sauvignon accounts for almost half of the total production of wine in the region. The variety depends on the vineyard where the grapes are grown and the rich fruity flavors include blackberry, plum, currant and cherry. The oak aging adds to the complexity of the wine providing smoky, vanilla notes. A young wine can be dense and powerful but as it ages the tannins soften out and the flavors and aromas become increasingly complex.
There are a number of other reds also produced, with Merlot second in production. Merlot is produced as a varietal but it is also often used in blends. Pinot Noir is another red produced in the southern part of the valley where temperatures are cooler. Zinfadel is not as widely produced but is still a significant red wine. It prefers the warm, dry conditions on hilly slopes.
Three elite reds produced in this area are actually red wine blends. The most visionary blends capture the essence of their components while being well balanced at the same time. Most of these blends consist largely of Cabernet.
Some of the best reds are very expensive. The cost of wine depends on many factors besides taste, such as how critics have rated the wine and number of bottles produced. However, wine lovers are still able to find excellent varieties that may not have quite the same depth as the very top tier but come pretty close. They are sold at many online stores where it is possible to make a comparison of prices.
These wineries are mostly family-owned and these families are passionate about wine-making and preserving their land. Exceptional grapes are being turned into world renowned varieties and they are determined this will continue. There are varieties coming from this small region suited to the taste and budget of all red wine lovers.
There are some of the 450 wineries in this region that have existed since the 19th century. The wine industry was subjected to a number of setbacks from the time it first came into existence. Techniques and new procedures, such as allowing the wine to age in oak barrels, were introduced in 1938 and this helped to take the industry into the modern era. However, it was only in the 1960s that quality varieties began to develop.
Situated north of San Pablo Bay, the valley runs between mountain ranges. Its geographical diversity and different micro-climates offer conditions particularly suited to cultivation of grapes. The soil is rich with various deposits, including volcanic lava and ash at the northern end. The Mediterranean climate means that days are warm, nights are cool and the growing season is long and consistent, all beneficial for the growing of grapes.
Cabernet Sauvignon accounts for almost half of the total production of wine in the region. The variety depends on the vineyard where the grapes are grown and the rich fruity flavors include blackberry, plum, currant and cherry. The oak aging adds to the complexity of the wine providing smoky, vanilla notes. A young wine can be dense and powerful but as it ages the tannins soften out and the flavors and aromas become increasingly complex.
There are a number of other reds also produced, with Merlot second in production. Merlot is produced as a varietal but it is also often used in blends. Pinot Noir is another red produced in the southern part of the valley where temperatures are cooler. Zinfadel is not as widely produced but is still a significant red wine. It prefers the warm, dry conditions on hilly slopes.
Three elite reds produced in this area are actually red wine blends. The most visionary blends capture the essence of their components while being well balanced at the same time. Most of these blends consist largely of Cabernet.
Some of the best reds are very expensive. The cost of wine depends on many factors besides taste, such as how critics have rated the wine and number of bottles produced. However, wine lovers are still able to find excellent varieties that may not have quite the same depth as the very top tier but come pretty close. They are sold at many online stores where it is possible to make a comparison of prices.
These wineries are mostly family-owned and these families are passionate about wine-making and preserving their land. Exceptional grapes are being turned into world renowned varieties and they are determined this will continue. There are varieties coming from this small region suited to the taste and budget of all red wine lovers.
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