Napa Valley is one of the United States’ premier winemaking
regions. The area, which is still dominated by family-owned wineries, attracts
all types of wine lovers, from novices to collectors.
History
George Yount first planted grapes in 1839 and
was soon followed by other settlers who brought Vitis Vinifera to the region.
In 1861, Charles Krug established what is considered the first commercial
winery and led the charge for future companies, many of which still operate
today, such as Schramsberg, Beringer, and Inglenook.
The wine boom soon imploded: a surplus of
grapes, the invasion of phylloxera (a pest that decimates vines) in the
vineyards, and Prohibition nearly destroyed almost a century’s worth of work.
Luckily, winemakers began rebuilding Napa Valley once Prohibition was repealed.
While Napa Valley was gaining recognition
domestically, it was largely dismissed by the rest of the world. The famous
Judgement of Paris, where Chateau Montelena ‘s chardonnay and Stag’s
Leap Wine Cellars cabernet sauvignon beat out Burgundies and Bordeaux in a
blind tasting, quickly changed that, and Napa Valley Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignons were shot into the spotlight. These signature grapes still dominate
the landscape, but the next generation of winemakers are experimenting with a
range of varieties and giving new energy to this popular region.
Lay of the
Land
Napa Valley was established as California’s
first AVA in 1981. Now 16 sub AVAs, each with its own unique characteristics,
comprise the larger region. Surprisingly, Napa Valley is only 30 miles long and
a few miles wide and has only one-sixth the vineyard acreage as Bordeaux.
Follow the Silverado Trail, constructed in 1852, which links the town of Napa
and Calistoga. You could get whiplash by reading all the famous names,
like Duckhorn and Clos du Val that you pass along the way. West of
the Silverado trail is the St. Helena Highway, another major road full of
prestigious wineries such as Grgich Hills, Long Meadow Ranch,
and Cakebread Cellars. In total, there are about 475 wineries and 700
grape growers in Napa Valley.
As one of the most tourist-friendly wine
destinations in the world, many wineries create multi-sensory experiences in
their beautiful tasting rooms. Better yet, some don’t require appointments.
Whether you set a strict itinerary, or just follow your instincts, you’re sure
to discover something new and surprising.
What to
Drink
Cabernet Sauvignon
As the saying goes, “Cabernet is King” in
Napa; 50% of vineyards are planted with this popular international variety.
It’s often produced in a rich and lush style, with flavors of fruit, cocoa, and
leather. Tannins are usually prominent but soften as the wine ages. Cooler
sites may produce leaner styles of this Napa Valley favorite.
Chardonnay
The term “California Chardonnay” denotes a
certain style of Chardonnay; malolactic fermentation and oak use give this wine
distinct and popular buttery and creamy flavors. In more recent years,
producers have been pulling back on the oak and malolactic to allow the terroir
and fruit to shine through. Today, Napa Valley Chardonnay runs the gamut in
style; the fun is in tasting through the options from different wineries to
find your favorite.
Merlot
This grape took a hit after it was disparaged
in Sideways (which took place in Santa Barbara County, not
Napa Valley) but it’s seeing a resurgence in popularity. Known for its dense
fruit and soft tannins, drinkers are rediscovering how pleasurable this red
grape can be.
Sauvignon Blanc
Napa’s “other” white (“other” meaning 6% of
total plantings compared to chardonnay’s 15%), this wine takes it cues from
major Sauvignon Blanc regions, such as the Loire and New Zealand, but the fruit
is pure Napa. Highly aromatic with good minerality, wineries find their own
unique expressions, from lean and flinty to round and broad.
Pinot Noir
Although Pinot Noir is more closely
associated with Sonoma County, vineyards in certain microclimates in Napa
Valley have success with this delicate grape. Denser, riper berry notes and a
fuller body make Napa Pinots distinct from what you’d find in cooler climates,
but they showcase a personality all their own.
Zinfandel
The third most planted variety in California,
Zinfandel comprises only 3% of Napa’s plantings. It’s big, it’s outgoing, but
some of the best examples comes from Napa vineyards.
Along with these six varieties, many other
grapes make their way into the vineyards, such as Gewürztraminer, Cabernet Franc,
and Chenin Blanc.
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