The Central Valley of California and the vine

The Central Valley of California

The Central Valley is about 600 km from north to south and 80 km from east to west.

It is a set of flat topography and low altitude, which is at the center of the state of American Californie. they land is enhanced by intensive agriculture, and is crossed by two rivers, the Sacramento (north) and San Joaquin (south). It is a major traffic artery linking Northern California to Southern California.

The floors are tectonic origin and covered by molasses resulting from the erosion of the mountains. Bounded on the west by the Pacific Coast Ranges, in the east by the Sierra Nevada, on the north by the waterfall Mountains and south by the Tehachapi Mountains.

The climate of the Central Valley is influenced by the coastal mountain chains that impede ocean winds bring rain and freshness.

Away to inland rainfall decreases; Central Valley receives little water: in Fresno, total annual precipitation is 260 mm with an average temperature of 16.8 ° C. The southern region is the driest. These climatic differences partly determine the choice of farmers.

The vineyards in this valley that lies mainly in the surrounding cities: Lodi, Madera, Fresno, Clarksburg Acampo.

Lodi

Is located in San Joaquin County are sols is flat and lies at an altitude of about 15 m. the area is covered pasture but also grain fields.

Well-known center of wine production, Lodi is sometimes called the world capital of Zinfandel, but less prestigious than they valleys of Sonoma and Napa.

The Mediterranean climate is classic, with warm days and cool nights. Located east of San Francisco Bay on the banks of the Sacramento River, the climate allows producers to produce, delicious full-bodied wines, that contain a refreshing natural acidity.

In recent years Lodi has been recognized through its Zinfandels and a few other varieties. Among the cultivated varieties have found them: Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Petite Verdot, Barbera Petite Syrah, Carignan, Lemberger, for red wines, and: Verdelho, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio Riesling Kerner Albariño Viognier Sauvignon Blanc for white wines, as well as blended wines.

The precise control, of the vine growth due to irrigation management. Bring a unique combination that allows the grapes to mature, with minimal impact on the earth, and rivers with rich soil minerals granite base, lend complex flavors to the wines of Lodi.

The discovery of Madera

Just in south of Yosemite National Park. Madera area has a long tradition of wine production and is one of the oldest grape growing regions in America. The Madera Vintners Association, is dedicated to promoting the potential of rich wine growing in the region.

In the late 1800s, settlers arrived from Italy, Armenia, France. Few of the original cellars have survived near Madera, long been known for the production of dessert wines and ports.

Since few small wineries have joined the flagship wineries. This current revival is driven by the recognition of Madera County as a wine growing region.

There are now numerous small family wineries along the Madera Wine Trail. Many of these vineyards are located among the vineyards from which they harvest their grapes.

Generational roots wineries are found in their attentive care and expertise which ensures production of high quality fruit.

This microclimate is cooled by the San Joaquin River to the southwest and the mountains of the Sierra Nevada to the east. Warm summer temperatures and different soil types in Madera County provide a basis for the development of the grapes Grown in the region or have found for the red grapes: Palomino, Syrah, Merlot, Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Primitivo, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and blended wines.

For white grapes: Muscat, Albariño, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Muscat Canelli, Moscato, Sauvignon Blanc, as well as wines from traditional method and white wine blends.

Tourists come enjoy the Madera Wine Trail and the rich history of the region have the opportunity to find bed and breakfasts, or winemakers themselves can you offer wine tastings.