ABC California Wine Tasting

It’s a well-known acronym in the wine trade: an ABC is a person who’ll drink ‘anything but Chardonnay’, and we know that applies to a few of you! Cali Chardonnay has a misunderstood reputation here in the UK, many assume the wines will be big, brash, buttery and wildly oaked. But let’s save that argument for another tasting. Today we’ll be exploring Californian wine with no Chardonnay, and whilst we are at it, no Cabernet Sauvignon either! These two grapes are far out in front as the most planted wine grapes in California. So what are you left with if you strip them out of your line up? Join Alex as he shares his wealth of knowledge, boosted from a recent trip to California, on what else you can enjoy in the California wine aisle. You’ve got your Rhone Valley whites, stunning Viognier, Roussane and Grenache Blanc to enjoy. And what about your reds? Thanks to the Rhône Rangers movement we have some stunning Syrah to pick from here (this is Alex’s favourite!), so expect to be wowed by the quality of the fruit from the vineyards. Did you know there’s a new wave of Italian varieties hitting the vineyards of California? We’ve tasted a Nebbiolo that we can’t wait to share! Let’s not forget Zinfandel, it’s claimed as California’s ‘own grape’, after all. Pinot Noir has long made waves in the cooler climate coastal areas, with price tags to match the Cabernets. But don’t forget Merlot, it’s long been held as the bargain of Napa Valley, with fruit commanding a fraction of the price of the Cabernet. So, look past the obvious and the widely available. California Wines has so much to offer, even for all you ABCs!