To Drink or Not to Drink: California Wines

[Haylley Johnson]

I've recently turned 21 and am trying to slowly figure out the expansive world of wine. Over the past few years, I've constantly heard wine connoisseurs debate over whether or not California wines are legitimate. Why is this such a debate? Are California wines worse than wines from anywhere else? I've heard many people sing their praises, but I also have a family friend who is a wine distributor and would say that French wines are the best wines.

[Morganna]

California wines don't have the same reputation French wines have (from what I understand, I am NOT a wine drinker AT ALL, let alone a connoisseur) primarily because of the relative newness of the California wine industry.  However, California wines have done very well in blind tasting competitions in the past.  I think that the idea that California wines aren't as good as French wines was really blown out of the water in the 1970s when a new vineyard participated in a competition in France, and totally blew away the French wines (I learned this information from a movie that was based on the actually competition, and looked up a little information afterwards, so I'm not 100% sure of my facts).

I tend to think anyone who says "only French wines are good, everything else is merely passable" or whatever version of that comes out their mouth is very probably just being a total snob and isn't really basing it on anything other than their own personal preferences (as opposed to a detailed double blind analysis of the question).

[Haylley Johnson]

Thanks Morgana! From what I've (minimally) experienced, I think that the "new-ness" of California wines and the fame of French wines really does play into people's perceptions of quality. I guess I'll just need to keep researching and make my own determination as to what I like.

I'm curious about the movie you watched. Was it called "Bottle Shock"? I've seen the film around, but never actually picked it up. Was it any good?

[tonyo]

For what it is worth, anyone that dismisses California wines is an IDIOT !  Yes, there are some awful wines from California (as there arew from France, Italy, Germany, South America, Australia, and other areas of the US).  However, there are wonderful examples of all varietals grown in California. It really depends on your personal tastes.  You will often here terms like "old world" (Europe), New World (USA primarily) in terms of wine.  New World style wines tend to be more fruit forward, "bigger", higher in alcohol, and meant to be consumed young (you can get New World style wines from Europe, much depending on the style of the winemaker).  I find the primary difference is that Old World wines tend to be best consumed WITH food (as is the tradition in Europe) while many New World wines are best if you are having wine as a stand alone beverage.  For example, a big 15.5% Zinfandel is not going to match with many foods (cheese, BBQ) but on it's own, it has enough fruit (not to be mistaken with "sweeteness") and the acidity and tannins are subdued enough to enjoy alone. 

The best way to disprove the claim against CA wines is to drink them and take note of what you like.  Yes, there are some great wines form France (and the classics 1st Growths are going to cost you a small fortune).  I say, keep your money in the USA and enjoy some truly spectacular wines from CA, WA, and OR.

[Morganna]

I'm curious about the movie you watched. Was it called "Bottle Shock"? I've seen the film around, but never actually picked it up. Was it any good?

Yeah! That was it.  It was a cute little movie.   Of course, I adore Alan Rickman.

[Haylley Johnson]

You mentioned that "fruit" does not mean sweetness, tonyo. What does the term "fruit" describe exactly?

I'll add Bottle Shock to my netflix list then! Thanks Morganna.

[tonyo]

Fruit, to me, as part of the flavor profile.  In wine sweetness is really measured by residual sugar so a "fruit forward" wine may not be sweet if the residual sugar is low.  I hope that helps lend some clarity.

[Haylley Johnson]

Interesting. I'll keep that in mind the next time I try a new wine. Thanks!