In 1976, at the Judgement of Paris, US red wine crossed the threshold into the world of fine wine. Upon tasting a particularly excellent Napa Valley offering, one judge exclaimed “Ah, back to France!”, forever shattering the idea that good wine only came from Europe. These days, there is no line in the sand, and the United States, (California in particular) has a wealth of gorgeous red wine to offer. The only difficulty is deciding where to start. Many of the United State’s finest bottles are available in the 8wines online store, and in this article, we will explore the regions and names you should watch out for this coming year.
USA Wine Regions
The United States has long been revered as a land of endless opportunity, and grapes are grown in almost every corner of the original “New World”. Not all wine-growing regions are created equally, however, and there are certain parts of the US that have proven particularly fruitful for red wine.
Virginia, touching the United State’s Eastern coast, is recognised as the birthplace of the American wine tradition. The first colonists began making wine here in the 17th century, but it wasn't until the 1980s that viticulture truly took off. Nowadays, Virginia is home to over 300 wineries and 4,000 acres of vines, consisting of Viognier, Cabernet Franc and Norton - the oldest red wine grape in the country. Much like the early settlers, viticulture slowly spread west, into the Midwest and Southwest, before finding a real home in the “Wild West”.
On the west coast, Washington State is the first port of call for any discerning wine consumer. This region has been slowly growing in stature and quality in recent years, to a point where Washington Pinot Noir is being recognised as a serious contender to Burgundy.
Much like the famous French province, Washington boasts an intriguing mixture of “old guard” wineries such as Chateau Ste Michelle, and younger wineries with more of a DIY attitude, such as the vibrant Charles Smith - you can read more about Washington in our dedicated article here. Neighbouring Oregon is also on the rise, benefiting from many of the same environmental factors as Washington.
However, the real stronghold for US red wine is California, where 85% of all wine in the country is made.
A Guide to the California Wine Region
California, also known as the Golden State, usually conjures up an image of thirsty, sun-baked fields and a vast blue ocean. In reality, it is a long stretch of land, spanning 10 degrees of latitude and boasting a massively diverse collection of terroirs. While AVAs such as Sonoma and Alexander Valley are more typically Californian in climate, sites like Napa Valley and Mendocino County can be surprisingly cool and laden with fog from the Pacific Ocean. California wines are diverse, utilising cool and hot climate grapes.
What wine is most famous in California?
Cabernet Sauvignon is, without a doubt, the most prevalent grape in the Golden State. Californian Cabs are known for being rich, full-bodied fruit bombs, with distinctive vegetal notes of mint, bell pepper and eucalyptus leaf.
Other important Californian red grapes to try include Zinfandel, which (much like the wild frontier mountain men of the olden days) has a reputation for being rugged and full of alcohol. Pinot Noir and Merlot are also important grapes in the West, and fruit-packed Syrah, which often falls halfway between a classically lean French Syrah and a ripe Australian Shiraz.
5 Best California Wineries you can Visit
Duckhorn
Located in St. Helena, just north of San Francisco, Duckhorn Vineyards is one of the most reliable producers of Napa Valley red wine. Founded by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn in 1976, the winery has always had a focus on Bordeaux varietals, producing a brilliant range of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon wines, now complemented by some lighter issuings of Pinot Noir. Even if you can’t visit in person, their wines have the ability to transport you via the senses.
Three Palms is a focused single-vineyard Cabernet, heavily influenced by volcanic soils, which grant the wine an intriguing mineral vein. It has a rich, powerful character and a vivid red colour, making it an excellent benchmark for your journey through Napa Valley.
If you want to broaden your horizons, Duckhorn also produces a stunning Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced exclusively from the estate’s own vineyards. Featuring a splash of Merlot, this is a bold, Bordeaux-style red, perfect for extended ageing.
DAOU
Founded by Lebanese brothers Daniel and Georges in the late 1990s, DAOU Vineyards offer a genuinely unique take on Californian red wine. After leaving Lebanon in 1975 during the civil war, the Daou brothers found a new home and mission in the sun-scorched land of Paso Robles. This corner of the Central Coast offers a perfect combination of Napa-esque terroir and limestone-rich soils, akin to those found two oceans away in Bordeaux, which is a significant inspiration for the winery.
The Pessimist is a rich and chewy tannin-laden blend of Syrah, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel and Tannat. These four Californian staples harmonise wonderfully, creating a hedonistic, berry-rich wine, with deeper savoury notes of dark cocoa, smoke and roasted coffee beans. It is undeniably bold, for lovers of deep, dreamlike reds.
Soul of a Lion elevates matters even further. This is a majority Cabernet Sauvignon blend, with splashes of peppery Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It is a highly collectable wine, deserving of a spot in any serious wine enjoyer’s cellar - you can age it for over a decade, or pair it with an equally decadent meal.
Caymus
Caymus Vineyards is one of the more recognisable names on this list, famed for its range of premium bold red wines. The winery was founded by Chuck Wagner in 1972, and to this day it is still owned and operated by the Wagner family. Located in Rutherford, Napa Valley, the historic estate is a fantastic place to visit if you get the chance.
We’ll start off by recommending the Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon, an opulent and highly collectable bottle of wine, with almost limitless potential for cellaring. It is a full-bodied tasting experience, with deep layers of dark fruit that bear characteristically “Caymus” notes of overt ripeness. Those at the winery like to leave their grapes on the vine a little longer than usual, allowing for more mature tannins and a complex harmony of flavours.
Chances are, you’ve never heard of a wine with a production cycle like The Red Schooner. It is a 100% Malbec wine, where the grapes have been shipped from Mendoza, Argentina during the Southern Hemisphere’s harvest season, in February/April. This allows Caymus to fully maximise the potential of its cellar, producing delicious wine while other Northern Hemisphere cellars are lying dormant. The Red Schooner is a well-travelled red, as inky and black as the hold of a ship, yet bursting with fragrant fruity aromas and powerful notes of cherry, chocolate and vanilla essence.
If you’re a fan of lighter reds, Caymus also offer a bottle of Pinot Noir. Sea Sun is the pet project of Charlie Wagner, son of founder Chuck. Its grapes are sourced from breezy, coastal regions of California, such as Santa Barbara and Monterey. It is a generous, light-bodied red, replete with subtle spices, ripe red fruits and dark berries. Perfect for pairing with succulent meats or cellaring for a few years.
Rombauer
Rombauer Vineyards has been a Californian institution since 1980. Founded by Koerner and Joan Rombauer, the estate boasts some of the finest wine-making facilities in the country and a selection of incredible vineyards from around Napa Valley, Sonoma County and the Sierra Foothills.
Our single recommendation is Rombauer’s highly-rated Merlot. Sourced from a mixture of estate and grower vineyards, this is an ocean-influenced red, with a smooth, decadent character. It’s the perfect choice if you struggle to stomach the boisterous character of Cabernet Sauvignon, and offers a silky, easy-drinking taste of the California coast.
Orin Swift
All of the wineries we have discussed so far project an elegant, Old-World image of wine-making. Orin Swift is a mould-breaking winery, buying into the artful side of viticulture - at least in terms of their packaging. It was founded by David Phinney in 1998, after a stint working for Robert Mondavi Winery as a seasonal harvester.
Machete is a great example of Phinney’s unique approach to wine-making. Each bottle bears one of 12 different images, captured by photographer Caitlin Mitchell. The wine itself is a careful blend of Petite Sirah with Rhone varietals Grenache and Syrah, resulting in a bold, fruity bottle of red. Buy it for the collectable label - drink it for the delicious notes of plum, black forest gateaux, dried herbs and tobacco smoke.
If you’re exploring the Orin Swift Cellar in St. Helena, we also heartily recommend trying a bottle of Papillon. On paper, it is a classic Bordeaux blend, composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. However, in the mouth, it is undeniably New World in character. The fruity power of Cabernet Sauvignon is the conductor, with the other varietals filling out the orchestra.
Which wine varietals are in California?
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is the most prevalent red varietal in California, so there is always a Cab to suit every budget and occasion. If you want to explore the full scope of Californian Cabernet, look no further than our own 6-bottle tasting case, assembled by the expert vino heads at 8Wines. A Californian Cab is known for being bold, angular and immensely fruity, so it’s a classic pairing for steak. The wine’s high acidity and hefty tannins enable it to cut through a lot of fat. It’s a great pairing for a variety of meats, aged cheddar or gouda, or aromatic herbs like rosemary and thyme.
Chardonnay
In California, Chardonnay is the only grape varietal more popular than Cabernet Sauvignon. Californian Chardonnay is often aged in oak, giving it a round, buttery mouthfeel to complement the zesty fruits. If white wine is your thing, we have also put together a Chardonnay tasting case, perfect for pairing with seafood, simple pasta and pesto dishes, or creamy cheeses such as Brie, Mozzarella, and Monterey Jack.
Pinot Noir
Californian Pinot Noir offers something a bit different from the intricate bottles you’ll find in Burgundy. The typical flavour profile is spicy and juicy, with underlying earth tones that make it a brilliant wine to pair with mushroom dishes. Try pairing anything from our Californian Pinot Noir tasting case with a sticky mushroom risotto, roast turkey, smoked salmon, or a variety of semi-soft cheeses such as Comté and Gruyère.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel is considered to be one of the grapes that helped to define the Californian style, and California style Zinfandel is usually big and bold, with a slightly rustic feel and lots of alcohol. It’s a great way to start getting a feel for the region. Our premium Zinfandel tasting case is full of rugged mountain wines, ideal for pairing with smokey foods. Think along the lines of barbecued meats and vegetables, pasta bakes, Thanksgiving turkey, or hard pokey cheese like Manchego and aged Cheddar.
California Red Blends
In terms of varietals and style, Californian wine is heavily influenced by the region of Bordeaux, so it’s no surprise that the state is full of red blends. They come in Bordeaux-style, containing the classic Bordeaux varietals, as well as some unique blends that American wine-makers can truly call their own. Our red blend tasting case explores all of the options, from majority Zinfandel blends with splashes of Charbono and Grenache, to meaty Petite Sirah and Syrah-dominated powerhouses. In any case, Californian red blends are perfect for pairing with a variety of meaty dishes and aged cheeses.
Merlot
Generally speaking, Merlot will be one of the softest and most approachable red wines that you can find in California. It shows some wonderfully expressive fruits but maintains a plush and velvety mouthfeel. It’s a great partner for tender, herby lamb, filet mignon, or pungent soft cheeses such as Gorgonzola. Our tasting case features some of the most approachable wines in the region and all of the greatest wineries.
Commonly Asked Questions About American Red Wines
- What are some popular American red wine varieties?
The most popular red wine in the United States is Cabernet Sauvignon, followed by Pinot Noir, Merlot, Zinfandel and Syrah - in that approximate order. There are also some lesser-known US red wines that are native to the continent, such as Norton, Concord, and Mustang.
- How do American red wines differ from their European counterparts?
Like most New World regions, American red wines generally contain fruitier and more ripe flavours than their European counterparts. They also tend to be higher in alcohol, and can tend to put less of an emphasis on a “sense of place” than in Europe - though results vary depending on the producer!
- What are the key factors that influence the taste and quality of American red wines?
Terroir and production methods are the two main factors that affect the taste and quality of American red wines. Terroir is a French term that describes all of the environmental factors that influence a crop, such as soil type, altitude, and the overall climate.
- Can you recommend some top-rated American red wines for beginners?
There are several brilliant winery’s in California and Washington, offering 90+ rated US red wines at affordable prices. We recommend this Cabernet Sauvignon from Bread and Butter, as well as this classically Californian, high-alcohol content Zinfandel from Edmeades. Charles Smith is also a fantastic, approachable producer from Washington, who makes a delicious Cabernet Sauvignon called Substance.
- Are there any notable organic or biodynamic American red wines available?
Organic and biodynamic farming is a huge movement in the wine world right now, with more and more cellars moving towards sustainable methods each year. To name just a few, Cline’s Ancient Vine’s Zinfandel, the Frog’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon, or Cline’s Sonoma Coast Syrah. The Cline family are particularly notable in terms of sustainability and are known for employing 2000 sheep and goats as a natural form of weed control.
When it comes to wine, America really is the land of opportunity. Whether you’re exploring the wild coast of California, the original pioneer vineyards on the East Coast, or the Deep South, you are bound to discover a new favourite. The 8Wines website is a fantastic place to start - our selection of American red wines has been carefully cultivated over the years, and if you live in Europe, we can deliver to you. We recommend casting your net far and wide, to discover which winery suits your tastebuds the best.
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