subject: Best Red Wines California - California's Best Red Wines [print this page] Best Red Wines California - California's Best Red Wines
Best Red Wines from California - Old Vine Zinfandel
When talking about the best red wines from California, Zinfandel must be included in the conversation, especially Old Vine Zinfandel. Old Vine Zinfandel vineyards are typically 50 years old or older, and produce some of the best red wines made in California. These are red wines of exceptional depth, concentrated flavors and character.
Sonoma County is a major growing regions for Zinfandel, as well as many other red wine varietals. There are three main appellations, or regions, where Zinfandel vineyards flourish. These include Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley and Alexander Valley.
The Russian River Valley of Sonoma County is a unique and ideal growing region for Old Vine Zinfandel due to the soil compositions and cooling influences of the Pacific Ocean fog that cools the vineyards.
Most old vine vineyards produce much less fruit than younger vines. For example, an old vine zinfandel vineyard may only produce as little as one-half to one tone per acre, whereas younger vines can typically produce about 4 - 6 tons per acre.
As you can imagine, there is a big trade off, but Old Vines Zinfandel grapes are very concentrated and produce highly concentrated red wines with exceptional depth and character.
The red wines made from Old Vine Zinfandel vineyards are typically full-bodied, rich wines with characteristics that include flavors of blackberries, dark cherries, raspberries, spice, and black and white pepper. Old Vine Zinfandel wines are typically very aromatic and coat the palate with red and dark berry fruit flavors with a long finish.
If you enjoy the big, rich red wines from California and have not tried an Old Vine Zinfandel, get your hands on a bottle and try it. You will experience first hand why these are some of the best red wines from California.
