Californian wine has slowly but surely built a reputation for quality. These fine wines are the result of years of development and passion and of course the natural geographical conditions. The soil, climate and landscape have created a big variety of wine types. Variety is what kept wine makers interested and wine drinkers amused.
The County of Sonoma is one of the many wine regions of California. The different wine types are produced in 13 different AVA's. The number of viticultural areas is remarkable and further adds to the diversity. In Sonoma we find both cool climate grapes and warm climate grapes, both red and white wine types.
Wine
More than 70% of Sonoma's agricultural production is growing wine grapes, totaling in an acreage of over 60,000 acres of vineyards. Amongst the most common grapes planted are Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. Out of these, the Chardonnay is the most sought after wine. Let's take a look at some of Sonoma's white wines.
Chardonnay
The Chardonnay grape is the leading white varietal planted. We find it in the areas of Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill and Russian River Valley. This type of grape usually prefers cool conditions, but it does allow for slightly warmer ones too.
The warmer climate of Alexander Valley make the Chardonnay wine types more approachable young, offering a rich aroma, and a creamy feel. The wines developed from grapes grown in cooler climates are more complex. The scents of green apple and pear are the most common. These wines are semi-sweet, fruity delights.
Although Chardonnays are excellent by themselves they are best served with food. It goes great with appetizers such as gouda and hazelnuts. For an oceanic feel you can pair it with grilled fish fillets. If you really want to feel the richness of the Sonoma Chardonnay, pasta and chicken are ideal.
Gewurztraminer
Bearing it's roots in Germany, this white variety is grown in regions such as Alexander Valley and Russian River. It is a firm wine that will dominate your palate. The prime characteristic is its spiciness, or more appropriate, its perfume.
Like the Chardonnay, it is also influenced by warmth. The grape prefers cooler regions, like the Russian River but it is also grown in Alexander Valley, a warmer place. It is a tart wine type, that bears a distinct dryness and spiciness.
Because it has sweet notes such as those of honey and pear it can be enjoyed as a dessert wine or paired with fresh fruits. Foods that pair well with this wine type are grilled chicken, scallops and for a more exotic feel you can serve it with grab.
Riesling
Another grape originating from Germany, the Riesling makes for a fruity, acidic wine type. The prime feature of this grape is its capability to retain the natural flavors of the fruit. The interference of other elements such as yeast is minimal in the final taste.
The Riesling grape is very specific about the climate. It is grown in cold climate regions. Actually, the cooler the climate, the better. Cold climates make for crisp wine types that retain the fruit flavors better. Acidity is also better retained thanks to the cold weather.
It is a dry wine type and so it is best paired with spicy foods such as Mexican foods. There are also sweet varieties of this wine. The sweeter Rieslings go great with soft cheeses. Or you can just serve it as a dessert wine, in which case melons and apricots would be the best choice.
Sonoma County offers us a large variety of wine types, much larger than this list. The fact is that the many different microclimates of this region mean that no two wines are alike. We saw that some grapes prefer cold regions and others warm regions. It is all about the taste a wine maker pursues.
Sonoma County White Wine
White wines will always be all about the aromas and bouquets. To find out more about California wine types such as white and red wines check my blog at Let's Talk Wine. White wines are more delicate wines, that are best left to age for a few years in order to fully mature.