California offers some of the country's finest red wines.
California, especially the Napa Valley region, is known worldwide for its wines. Red wine is often thought of as healthier than white wine because of its high content of antioxidants. The skin of red wines is left on during the fermentation process, giving the wine its color. Whether you like softer tones or big, bold varieties, there is a red wine out there for you.
Syrah
Syrah is a spicy and hearty red that can range anywhere from your average-bodied red to a full-bodied dark red. It often has flavors of black pepper and black fruit. If treated with oak, Syrah may have toffee notes. This red wine pairs well with meat stews, beef, steak and wild game. A recommended Syrah from California is Peju winery's estate Syrah. It is 7 percent cabernet sauvignon and 93 percent Syrah. The cost is $42 per bottle in November 2010.
Merlot
Merlot is a good red wine to begin with if you have never ventured into the realm of heavy bodied wines. It is easier to drink and lighter bodied than some types of red wine. Merlot pairs well with almost any food. It often has herbal flavors and notes of black cherry. A recommended California merlot is a Napa Valley Merlot 2007 from Duckhorn Vineyards. It has been scored 92 out of 100 points and costs $52 per bottle in 2010.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel red wine only comes from the state of California. It comes from a versatile grape, allowing for many different varietals of zinfandel. There is a range from blush wines, also known as white zinfandel, all the way to heavy bodied and rich reds. There are flavor notes of berry, and zinfandel is often described as zesty. It goes well with pizza, barbecued or grilled meats, and tomato sauce. Try Manzanita Creek Winery's 2005 Zinfandel Stealth for $55 per bottle (in 2010). It was given a score of 91 points out of 100.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet sauvignon is often blended with merlot of Cabernet Franc. It is a firm and full-bodied red that contains heart healthy polyphenols. It often contains notes of bell pepper, black cherry or chocolate. It goes well with red meat that is simply cooked, such as hamburgers. Try Trilogy from Flora Springs Winery. It was rated 93 points out of 100 by The Wine Advocate. It is blended with about 20 percent merlot and costs $65 per bottle in 2010.
Pinot Noir
Pinot noir is not often blended, and the grapes are only grown in certain conditions. It is a difficult grape to grow, but pinot noir is smooth, soft and delicate. This is a good wine for those who enjoy lighter-bodied reds. Pinot noir is a fruity red wine, often containing flavors of cherry, plum and strawberry. Other notes include earthy mushroom and tea leaf. Try pairing this red wine with chicken, grilled salmon or lamb. A good California pinot noir is from Rodney Strong Vineyards. Try the 2008 reserve at $40 per bottle in 2010.
Tags: bottle 2010, well with, black cherry, blended with, comes from
