The American wine industry and the best red wines from California

When we think of the United States of America and wine, California and the best Californian red wines are sure to spring to mind. Let’s explore this magical world from overseas!

Growing grapes in California

Wine was produced in the USA as early as the 16th century, but it was not widely produced until the 1620s in New Mexico. It was thanks to European settlers and their enthusiasm for wine that they started working with the muscadine grape, a variety indigenous to the area.

Today, grape growing is practised in many places, but three states, California, Oregon and Washington, produce the largest share of wine. We will now take a closer look at the best red wines from California and where they are grown. Of course, we also offer a selection of quality red wines from this region.

The most common grape varieties grown here are Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Syrah.

The history of grape growing in California

In the 1680s, the Spanish Jesuit missionaries cultivated a variety of grape called Vitis vinifera, which was used to make the communion wine for the Lord’s Supper. This grape was grown here in large quantities until the late 1800s. Later, the Franciscan missionaries made the vineyards even more flourishing, and under their direction, significant vine plantations were established.

Then, in 1976, an incredible turning point in California wine production occurred: in a blind tasting, the wines from here beat several of their famous French counterparts. With this victory, California wines became world famous.

The California wine regions

California has a basically Mediterranean climate, with hot and dry summers and cool and wet winters. Annual rainfall varies by region, but very hot and dry summers are a problem everywhere.

The California wine region is divided into four major wine producing regions: the North Coast, Central Coast, Central Valley and South Coast. El Paso de Robles is located in the Central Coast region and has recently gained world recognition for its great winemakers’ wines, such as those of the Daou brothers.

The best California red wines

The most important grape variety in the region is Zinfandel, followed by Cabernet and Merlot. Most red wine is produced here, with only a small quantity of white. However, there is an incredible variety of grape varieties, with 40 different varieties growing in this part of California. This cavalcade has resulted in an incredibly diverse and varied range of wines.

And the best of the best could be included in the exclusive offer of Borsuttogó, such as the wines of the aforementioned Daou winery. After eight years of searching, the Lebanese-born brother and sister found the place where they still produce their wines. The exceptional climatic conditions here make this landscape similar to the highest vineyards in France, and this is what makes Paso Robles a truly unique wine region.

These wines are characterised by elegance and power, with a moderate alcohol content combined with high acidity, promising longevity. They age with finesse, elegance and refinement. These red wines are reminiscent of Bordeaux reds in style, and place Paso Robles among the world-class wine producing regions.

If you would like to taste the best California red wines, please contact us.