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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.
The star of the reds grown in this region is the Cabernet Sauvignon. It is the most widely produced, accounting for nearly half of the total production. Different varieties are produced by different vintners with the flavors depending on the vineyard in which the grapes were grown. Some of these flavors are blackberry, cherry, currant and plum. A complexity of flavor is added with the oak aging which creates spicy notes. As a Cabernet ages, the tannins soften and the flavors and aromas deepen.
Although Cabernet is most widely produced, the range of other red wine varieties has evolved steadily and there are surprises for wine lovers looking for other varieties. Merlot is another red wine produced in the region and is often used in blends. Pinot Noir is produced in the southern part with its cooler temperature. Zinfadel is another red that is often overlooked as it is not as widely produced. However, it is a well loved red that grows best on hillside sites that are warm and dry.
Red wine blends are also popular to drink as they often embrace the best of their component varietals. Three of these top red blends are Opus One, Dominus and Rubicon. They use Cabernet as the main component.
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.
The star of the reds grown in this region is the Cabernet Sauvignon. It is the most widely produced, accounting for nearly half of the total production. Different varieties are produced by different vintners with the flavors depending on the vineyard in which the grapes were grown. Some of these flavors are blackberry, cherry, currant and plum. A complexity of flavor is added with the oak aging which creates spicy notes. As a Cabernet ages, the tannins soften and the flavors and aromas deepen.
Although Cabernet is most widely produced, the range of other red wine varieties has evolved steadily and there are surprises for wine lovers looking for other varieties. Merlot is another red wine produced in the region and is often used in blends. Pinot Noir is produced in the southern part with its cooler temperature. Zinfadel is another red that is often overlooked as it is not as widely produced. However, it is a well loved red that grows best on hillside sites that are warm and dry.
Red wine blends are also popular to drink as they often embrace the best of their component varietals. Three of these top red blends are Opus One, Dominus and Rubicon. They use Cabernet as the main component.
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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You can visit www.napavalleyconnection.com for more helpful information about Buying Of Napa Valley Red Wines.
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