The Napa Valley Wines

In the wine world, Napa Valley Wines are very much well known. Whenever a wine connoisseur or simply a consumer with some knowledge about wines is out wine shopping, Napa Valley Wines are expectedly on their list of must buy wines or must order wines. Why is this so? Because Napa Valley is considered one of the top wine regions in the US with a history dating back to the nineteenth century.  Napa Valley’s rare diversity of microclimate is ideal for growing fine wine grapes. The Napa Valley holds many surprises for wine lovers for wine grape varieties off the beaten path.

The Chief Napa Valley Wine Grape Varieties

Cabernet Sauvignon Wines

Cabernet Sauvignon Wines come from the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, acknowledged “king” of red grapes in Napa Valley. Some Napa Valley Cabernet vines from the 19th century are still producing, but most were replanted in the last 20 years. Cabernet Sauvignon is a complex grape; its character can emerge as black currants, green olives, herbs, bell peppers or combinations of these with mint and leather. Cabernet Sauvignon wines age beautifully. When young, Cabernet Sauvignon wines are best matched with robust red meat dishes; older Cabernet Sauvignon wines on the other hand are superb accompaniments to roasts and steaks, plus wine and cheeses also complement.

Chardonnay Wines

Chardonnay is among the most widely planted grape variety in Napa Valley. In France, the great white Burgundies are made from the Chardonnay grape and Napa Valley wine labels have repeatedly won wine tasting competitions against them, even in France! Napa Valley makes several types of Chardonnay, ranging from fresh, crisp wines to rich, complex wines with layers of flavors. With such a wide range of styles, Napa Valley Chardonnays accompany a variety of dishes, from simply prepared seafood to lighter red meats.

Merlot Wine Grapes

Merlot wine grapes have long been available in Napa Valley. Traditionally used as a blending wine, Merlot wines gained popularity in the early 1970s. Merlot wines showed lovely cherry-like aromas with hints of their sibling Cabernet wine’s herbaceousness. Because Merlot wine grapes’ tannins are softer than those found in Cabernet wine grapes, the Merlot wines are drinkable at an earlier age than most Cabernet Sauvignon wines. At the same time, Merlot wines reward aging by gaining finesse and complexity much as the Cabernet Sauvignon wines do. Serve Merlot wine with any dish that calls for Cabernet Sauvignon wines if you don’t have the latter or try merlot wines with lighter meats such as pork or veal.

Pinot Noir Wines

Pinot Noir has been called the fickle grape variety because it makes some of the world’s best fine wines but is also one of the most difficult grapes both to grow and vinify. In France, these wines are exceptional only a few years in a decade. In California it has taken decades to make truly great Pinot Noir, and much progress has been made in the last eight to 10 years. Pinot Noir is less tannic and has less pigment than Cabernet Sauvignon wines and Merlot wines, so the wines are somewhat lighter. They can be very drinkable at two to five years of age and the best will improve for several years after that.

Sangiovese Wines

Sangiovese is an Italian varietal that has gone from cult status to full-blown success in the ’90s. Napa Valley produces Sangioveses that are often ready to enjoy upon release. With hints of cherries, black tea and spice these wines enhance a wide variety of foods. Certainly with an array of creamy dishes and cheeses, mushrooms and game, this wine says mangia! In the mouth, Sangiovese is usually lighter than Cabernet Sauvignon wines, yet more full-bodied than its French cousins such as Gamay and can be as comfortable at a well-set table as at a picnic.

Sauvignon Blanc Wines

Sauvignon Blanc wines appear under two names: Sauvignon Blanc and Fumé Blanc. Sauvignon Blanc wines are increasingly popular as they have a distinctive character, often described as fruity with a touch of herbaceousness, and very good acidity. As with Chardonnay, you will find a range of styles of Sauvignon Blanc wines – those that are crisp and “grassy” and others that have a ripe pineapple richness augmented by an oak bouquet. Because of their acidity, Sauvignon Blanc wines and Fumé Blanc wines are very enjoyable with shellfish and seafood.

Zinfandel Wines

Zinfandel, one of California’s most versatile and friendly grape varieties, was the mainstay of 9th century wine making. Much of the world’s Zinfandel acreage is planted in the Napa Valley. This varietal is vinified as a light, easy drinking red and a heavier, richly flavoured version that rewards bottle aging well. With such a range of wine types, there is a Zinfandel for just about every wine enthusiast and for every imaginable food.

Petit Verdot Wines

Petit verdot is a variety of red wine grape, principally used in classic Bordeaux blends. It ripens much later than the other varieties in Bordeaux, often too late, so it fell out of favour in its home region. When it does ripen, it is added in small amounts to add tannin, colour and flavour to the blend. It has attracted attention among wine makers in the New World, where it ripens more reliably and has been made into single varietal wine. It is also useful in ‘stiffening’ the mid palate of Cabernet wine blends. When young its aromas have been likened to banana and pencil shavings and strong tones of violet and leather develop as it matures.

Cabernet Franc Wines

Cabernet Franc is lighter than Cabernet Sauvignon wines, contributing finesse and a peppery perfume to blend with more robust grapes. Depending on growing region and the style of wine, additional aromas can include tobacco, raspberry, and cassis, sometimes even violets. The Cabernet Franc’s color is bright pale red.