
California Red Wine
Learn about California red wine, common tasting notes, where the region is and more ...
California is a winemaking colossus; by itself it is the fourth largest producer in the world. Red wine accounts for 56% of the total by volume, and red grapes 63% of total acres planted. In addition, a number of California red wines are heralded as being among the most prestigious and sought-after wines in the world.
While the state’s incredibly diverse geography, soils and microclimates allow for a wide array of styles, the key factor unifying California red wine is the abundance of sunshine and a long, consistent growing season. This leads to well-developed fruit marked both by impressive ripeness and balancing acidity.
The state’s most famous red wine region, of course, is Napa Valley, where Cabernet Sauvignon reigns as king. But California boasts a wealth of other impressive appellations. The much larger and climatically varied Sonoma County also produces world class California Cabernet, along with wonderful examples of California Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.
Fine versions of Cabernet and Zinfandel hail from Paso Robles as well, which is also gaining fame with Rhone varietals like Syrah and Grenache. As for Pinot Noir, terrific examples can be found from AVA’s such as Anderson Valley, Carneros, Santa Lucia Highlands and Sta. Rita Hills. Wineries in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties are making wonderful Syrahs, and the Sierra Foothill appellations are proving to be an experimental hotbed, with Italian and Spanish varietals employed to great effect.
This of course is a mere sketch. The subject of California red wine is as deep and broad as an ocean, and absolutely a joy to explore!
- Cabernet Sauvignon27965
- Pinot Noir20160
- Zinfandel10097
- Other Red Blends6967
- Merlot6734
- Bordeaux Red Blends6452
- Syrah/Shiraz6332
- Petite Sirah2381
- Rhône Blends2074
- Cabernet Franc1191
- Grenache1055
- Sangiovese869
- Other Red Wine614
- Barbera563
- Malbec510
- Tempranillo415
- Mourvedre310
- Petit Verdot196
- Primitivo186
- Carignan161
- Nebbiolo109
- Dolcetto91
- Bonarda75
- Valdiguie62
- Gamay53
- Tannat42
- Aglianico36
- Teroldego34
- Pinotage30
- Cinsault28
- Pinot Meunier26
- Trousseau24
- Nero d'Avola13
- Grignolino12
- Alicante Bouschet11
- Mondeuse10
- Lagrein9
- Carmenere8
- Sagrantino8
- Refosco7
- Blaufrankisch6
- Pais5
- St. Laurent5
- Montepulciano4
- Negroamaro4
- Touriga Nacional3
- Zweigelt2
- Freisa1
-
Opaque Petit Verdot 2017Petit Verdot from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
- WE
-
OVIS Petit Verdot 2016Petit Verdot from Red Hills, Lake County, North Coast, California
- WE
- WW
-
Decades 5 Petit Verdot 2016Petit Verdot from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- V
- JD
-
Jeff Runquist R Petit Verdot 2019Petit Verdot from California
-
Scarlett McGah Family Vineyard Petit Verdot 2017Petit Verdot from Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
-
Michael David Winery Inkblot Petit Verdot 2019Petit Verdot from Lodi, California
-
Decades 5 Petit Verdot 2010Petit Verdot from Napa Valley, California
-
McManis Family Vineyards Petit Verdot 2016Petit Verdot from California
-
Michael David Winery Inkblot Petit Verdot 2014Petit Verdot from Lodi, California
- WE
-
Scarlett McGah Family Vineyard Petit Verdot 2014Petit Verdot from Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
-
McManis Family Vineyards Petit Verdot 2017Petit Verdot from California
-
McManis Family Vineyards Petit Verdot 2015Petit Verdot from California
-
Michael David Winery Inkblot Petit Verdot 2017Petit Verdot from Lodi, California
- WE
- WW
-
Murphy-Goode Petit Verdot 2000Petit Verdot from Sonoma County, California
- W&S
-
Jeff Runquist R Petit Verdot 2013Petit Verdot from California
-
Michael David Winery Inkblot Petit Verdot 2016Petit Verdot from Lodi, California
-
Michael David Winery Inkblot Petit Verdot 2013Petit Verdot from Lodi, California
- WE
-
Matchbook Petit Verdot 2020Petit Verdot from Dunnigan Hills, Yolo County, California
-
Jeff Runquist R Petit Verdot 2018Petit Verdot from California
-
Michael David Winery Inkblot Petit Verdot 2015Petit Verdot from Lodi, California
-
Jeff Runquist R Petit Verdot 2016Petit Verdot from California
-
Opaque Petit Verdot 2016Petit Verdot from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
- WE
-
Michael David Winery Inkblot Petit Verdot 2018Petit Verdot from Lodi, California
-
Baron Herzog Petit Verdot (OU Kosher) 2014Petit Verdot from California
-
Murphy-Goode Petit Verdot 2001Petit Verdot from Sonoma County, California