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Old Vine Carignan from Sonoma? Mountain-grown Malbec from Napa? Bright, fruity Albariño from Lodi? Yes, all these wonderful oddities exist across California. Among the sea of Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay that the Golden State is so well-known for, the savvy wine lover can also find an array of unique grape varieties that might be more synonymous with Old World regions in France, Italy, Spain and beyond.
If you love the delicate earth and rose petal aromas of Barolo and Barbaresco, take a look at a Nebbiolo from the Central Coast for an American take on this classic Piedmont variety. Maybe you enjoy the sultry, soft tannins and plush cherry fruit of cru Beaujolais. If that’s the case, look to stunning examples of Gamay from the Central Coast.
