Napa Valley Wine Regions - Wine Love
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WINE REGIONS: Napa Valley Napa is synonymous with California wine. Not the oldest wine region in the state, it is unquestionably home to much of American wine's best and brightest . Internationally renown for intense Cabernet Sauvignons and Chardonnays, Napa wineries also produce world-class wines from Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, and nearly every other commercially viable wine grape. In addition, these vintners led the forefront of new Rhone-style and Italian blends. Napa County can be viewed as several distinct appellations, (or VA districts). At the northern head lies the Guenoc Valley, which spills over into Lake County, and borders nearby Chiles Valley. Calistoga is a resort town at the north end of Napa Valley. Known for its big, rich Cabernets and spicy Zinfandels, Calistoga is also home to a series of natural hot springs around which many small Resorts and Spas have been developed. There are a variety of small, fine cuisine restaurants that cater to wine enthusiasts. At the southern end of Napa lies the famous Carneros region. Split between Napa and Sonoma Counties, the cooler, foggy weather spurred by San Pablo Bay is perfect for Burgundian wines. Most Carneros acreage is comprised of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Since Brut, Blanc de Noir and Blanc de Blanc champagnes are created from these two premiere varietals. Carneros is Mecca for the California sparkling wine industry. Howell Mountain and Mt. Veeder each provide distinctive growing conditions. Howell Mountain is known for its Zinfandel and Rhone vintages, while Mt. Veeder, due west of Yountville (in the southern foot of the Mayacamas Mountains) touts Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Spring Mountain, also part of the Mayacamas Mountain Range, has a winemaking tradition dating back to the 19th century. Vineyards there yield solid red varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah, but also grow fine Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. St. Helena, the historic "Main Street" town just north of Napa proper houses approximately two-dozen wineries and yields truly grand Chardonnays. On its western hillside slopes excellent Cabernet Sauvignon is grown while the sunnier eastern hills produce Zinfandel and Syrah. Oakville is home to some of Napa Valley's most famous vineyards. The Cabernet grown here is produces a distinctive mint-and-eucalyptus aroma, and their Sauvignon Blancs rival the finest of Bordeaux. The Rutherford Bench, a geological formation encompassing its namesake town Rutherford is adjacent to Oakville. The outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon produce here possess intense currant and black cherry flavors with hints of earthiness and clove. In a humorous, but structurally impressive tribute to the surrounding geology, Franciscan Winery built its own "Rutherford Bench," a massive wooden bench carved with "Rutherford" sitting majestically in front of their tasting room. Both Oakville and Rutherford wineries also create fabulous Chardonnays among their other varietals. Once a sleepy village for those wanting a quieter domicile during their Napa travels, Yountville is rapidly becoming the preferred Resort and Cuisine center of the wine country. Less famous for its wine production, Yountville is a hub to several crucial growing areas and wineries. , Rutherford Hills and other wineries. Stag's Leap, the premiere section of the Silverado Trail wine region east of Napa is known for rich, smoothly balanced and too often very expensive Cabernet Sauvignon. Following the "trail" northward, visitor will find a wide range of wine styles and prices at the many smaller wineries along the way. No matter which Napa Valley you visit, one theme prevails: uncompromisingly excellent wines. And though even a week is insufficient to thoroughly explore this Wine Heartland, you will deliciously appreciate any time spent in Napa Valley. ALPHABETICAL LISTING of WINERIES A B Beaulieu Vineyards (BV) Bell Wine Cellars Beringer Vineyards Bettinelli Vineyards C D E F G H J K L M Louis M. Martini Winery Mayacamas Vineyards N O P Q R S Sterling Vineyards Stony Hill Vineyard T V W Z ARE WE MISSING ONE OF YOUR FAVORITES? |
