Varietals
Great wine begins with great grapes. Capitalizing on the state’s diverse geography and climates, California wine-grape growers can grow a wide range of grape varieties and styles. The Golden State boasts more than 100 different varieties of wine grapes, thanks to its diverse topography, soils, climates and growers.
With respect for tradition and a propensity for innovation, California’s wine-grape growers are able to produce some of the best grapes, and wines, in the world. Here’s a look at some of California’s most notable wine grapes:
Pronunciation
Pinot Noir is pronounced PEE-no nwahr.
Pinot Noir (Red)
A sometimes fussy grape, pinot noir needs a cool climate and careful handling to make fine wine. The name is derived from the French words for "pine" and "black," alluding to the variety's tightly clustered, deep purple, pine cone-shaped bunches of fruit.
Taste: Pinot noirs vary, but tend to be medium in body and flavor. They’re soft and smooth but intense and long-lasting, with flavors reminiscent of black cherries and truffles and often a subtle, fresh earth aroma.
Perfect Food Matches: One of the best wines for food, pinot noir is great with beef stew, roast beef or salmon, roast turkey and dark-meat poultry such as duck or quail, as well as mushroom risotto.
Varietal grape photos: Copyright © The Regents of the University of California.
