Although California has an outstanding reputation for fine white wines, don’t overlook some of it’s red wine offerings. The climate, soil conditions and proximity to water make much of California highly suitable to growing wine grapes. There are three very nice red wines that are produced in California that you should consider when giving a gift of California wine.
Merlot is a thin-skinned red grape that originated in Italy in the early 19th century. California has dedicated well over 50,000 acres to growing the Merlot grape varietal. For many years, Merlots were primarily used as a blending wine but the proper vintage can be enjoyable on it’s own.
Some of the highest quality Merlot grapes are grown in California, mainly in the Sonoma and Napa Valley wine regions. The excellent soil conditions in those areas help to produce Merlots that are delicious stand alone wines. The variety in soils can produce Merlots that range from a smooth, velvety wine to wines that are more similar in composition to Cabernet Sauvignon.
Merlots are low in tannin which creates a smooth, easy-to-drink wine that has a low acidity level. This is due partially to...