California
California is the largest and most important wine growing region in the United States. It extends for two thirds of the west coast covering 10 degrees of latitude, with a topography at least as complex as its climate which allows the producers of the region a great deal of choice. California wines have only risen to international prominence in the last few decades but the nation's wine history begins more than 200 years ago. The European vine plants were introduced by the colonizers and missionaries who cultivated the Mission grape variety, today not very widespread but fundamental for the viticulture of Central and South America. In the first half of the twentieth century, the wine industry was severely hampered by wars, prohibition and the crisis known as the Great Depression, but since 1970 the producers gave birth to a lively and thriving recovery and today California is home to some of the largest companies around the world as well as small wineries able to fetch astronomical prices for their cult wines. California currently produces 90% of American wine, both red, white and sparkling wines. Among the main red grape varieties we find Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah and Zinfandel, while the white grape varieties include Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The robust American rootstocks are known around the world for their resistance to the fearsome phylloxera aphid. Various soils and climates arise from a plurality of factors such as altitude, latitude and proximity to the cold waters of the Pacific Ocean. In summer, the cold coastal waters help to create a fog bank that can also move towards the hinterland, cooling the surrounding area. The mountainous areas of the region limit the influence of the maritime climate. Mainly two climatic areas are established: the colder one near the coast, suitable for the cultivation of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, and the one in the hinterland where the climate is warmer and more suitable for the cultivation of Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel, guaranteeing excellent results in both contexts.
Russian River Valley AVA Chardonnay Director's Cut 2021 Francis Ford Coppola
The Russian River Chardonnay of Francis Ford Coppola 's Director's Cut line is born in vineyards located in the Russian River Valley, the famous wine region of California.
It is produced entirely with Chardonnay grapes, harvested and selected only by hand. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature. Subsequently the wine ages for 8 months in partially new French oak barrels, before being bottled.
This Chardonnay is characterized by a bright golden yellow color. The...
View product pageChristian Moueix, Ulysses United States California Napa Valley 2012
Verite, Le Desir, Sonoma County United States California Sonoma County 2012
Dominus, Napa Valley United States California Napa Valley 2010
Au Bon Climat, Knox Alexander Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley United States California Santa Maria Valley 2018
Amuse Bouche, Red Blend, Napa Valley United States California Napa Valley 2014
Amuse Bouche, Red Blend, Napa Valley United States California Napa Valley 2013
Joseph Phelps, Insignia, Napa Valley United States California Napa Valley 2014
Au Bon Climat, Isabelle Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County United States California Santa Barbara County 2019
Lioco, Savaria Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains United States California Santa Cruz Mountains 2012
Zinfandel Saldo
The Saldo red wine is born in California from Zinfandel, Syrah and Petit Syrah grapes, coming from over 100 vineyards located in Aparicio, Baines, Bluxome Creek, Dark Horse, Di Stasio, Grist, Pastori, Pilgrim, Murrill Family and F. Teldeschi.
The grapes are vinified in thermocontrolled steel tanks. Subsequently the wine ages in both French and American oak barrels (30% new) for approx. 9 months.
Intense ruby red in colour, the wine reveals a bouquet of cherry, licorice and black pepper to the nose...
View product pageNapa Valley Merlot AVA 2018 Duckhorn
Merlot Duckhorn is mainly produced from Merlot grapes from different Napa Valley vineyards that reflect the various microclimates and soils of origin of this unique appellation. It is the result of a traditional red vinification, with aging for 15 months in partially new French oak barrels.
In the glass it is ruby red in color. Seductive aromas of cherry, raspberry and cocoa take shape. It has a silky mouth, with fine tannins that spreads over an elegant matured plum carpet.
It is the ideal compan...
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