Next Thursday on the 4th of July, we’ll briefly turn our attention to the variety of wine that exist in America. All 50 states within the U.S.A are producing their own wines, making it the fifth largest wine-producing country globally, even though Alaska has to get grape juice imported in order to manufacture theirs. California can claim credit for 84% of all the wine that America produces.
Californian wine isn’t something I frequently discuss. Don’t mistake my silence for disapproval; Napa Valley Cabernets, in my view, easily rival the world’s distinguished ones. The cooler coastal areas yield exceptional chardonnay, pinot noir and syrah, while superb wines can be crafted from Zinfandel grown in the appropriate region. The high cost is the main deterrent – though the rest of the world seems to be gradually aligning. California does churn out a substantial quantity of economical, typically sweet, and easy-to-drink wines. The issue lies in the rarity of wines priced within the range of €20-40.
For potential buyers, JNwine.com boasts an extensive range of Californian wines such as Au Bon Climat, Schafer, Tyler, Cline and Ridge, which has always been a preference of mine. Other sources offering incredible selection of pinot, chardonnay and more are Stationtostationwine.ie and Whelehan’s Wines found in Loughlinstown, Co Dublin. Winesoftheworld.ie also offers a fair selection for just under €20.
Apothic Red Wine, despite the controversy surrounding it, has still been a public hit, with critics often berating it. The reasoning behind this is the roughly 16 grams of residual sugar per litre it contains, equivalent to about three solid tablespoons. Personally, it’s not the kind of wine I would go for, but I wouldn’t judge anyone who enjoys it.
Apothic Red 2021 from California, has a 13.5% alcohol percentage, and a price tag of €12. Its richness permeates with the sweet taste of jammy dark fruits, accompanied by hints of vanilla and milk chocolate, and finishes semi-dry. It pairs well with barbecued sticky ribs, a burger or chocolate brownies and can be found in Tesco, Dunnes, SuperValu, Molloys.
Truchard Carneros Chardonnay 2021 also from California, has an alcohol content of 14.1% and costs €47.95.
This rendition of medium-bodied wine offers ripe pineapple and peach notes with a hint of lemon zest, perfectly balanced with toasty new oak. Enjoy it with dishes like poached salmon in a buttery sauce, roasted butternut squash or even lobster. Available in Martin’s, D3; Bradleys, Cork, and Terroirs, D4.
Ridge Vineyards Geyserville 2020, sourced from Alexander Valley, California, is a rich wine with delicious traces of ripe cassis and plum, subtly accented by spices. The long smooth finish makes it a delightful accompaniment to barbequed beef. This wine priced between €55-60, can be found in a number of outlets like La Touche, Greystones; Terroirs, Donnybrook; 64 Wine, Glasthule, among others.
The Hirsch Bohan-Dillon Pinot Noir 2021, hailing from the Sonoma Coast, California, is a delectable wine. Aside from its strong aromatic profile, it also carries flavours of ripe raspberry and strawberry, complemented by a savoury touch and light tannins on the finish. Priced at €69, this lovely wine is available at outlets such as 64 Wine, Glasthule; Redmonds, D6; Wineonline.ie, and others.