When people talk about wines, they often mention France and Italy as wine countries or countries leading the wine industry. This stereotype comes with a high percentage of logic, which is valid to a certain extent, but that doesn’t mean that this is the only truth.
Some other countries also lead the industry in both production and quality, and one of them is definitely the USA, specifically California. And even though for many years Europeans had a resistant attitude towards American wines, they have realized that they were wrong. Today, more and more people from Europe love to taste an American glass of wine.
That is why here, we will see the top American wines that are shaping the legacy of the American wine industry outside of the USA, particularly in Europe. So let’s start.
Ridge Lytton Springs 2017
This wine is one of the best American red wines from the California wine region, with an impressive average rating of 95. It predominantly consists of Zinfandel grapes, around 75%, but it is also blended with Carignan, Petite Syrah, and Mourvedre. The alcohol percentage is a little more than the average 13.5% since Ridge Lytton Springs 2017 has 14.8%, and since wine is more viscous than water, it affects the wine’s body by making it richer and fuller wine.
In essence, this wine has a spice-filled and plummy effort with medium-body richness. It has a sappy floral character with a bright spine of acidity that also creates a clean and balanced finish. Also, it opens with cinnamon stick notions and autumn leaves over dried cranberries, red cherries, black cherries, underbrush, red currant.
Last but not least, it makes a beautiful food pairing with poultry, beef, lamb, and veal dishes, so there isn’t a reason why not to buy this remarkable wine that you can use to make a wonderful dinner for your friends!
Mayacamas Chardonnay 2018
Also, an impressive wine with an average rating of 95, Mayacamas Chardonnay 2018 is a white wine with 14.5% alcohol. Of course, it comes from the California wine region in the States, and it is made entirely of Chardonnay grapes.
This wine provides a well-crafted Chardonnay with seashell character, pear, light vanilla, and cooked apple on the palate. It has a serious structure since it is super integrated with a creamy palate that lasts for minutes. Also, Mayacamas is a fresh, mineral, and lively wine that has marzipan, green pear, acacia blossom, and lemon zest notes supported by lingering alinity.
If you want to taste some of the best American wines, you should definitely try Mayacamas Chardonnay 2018, a quality example of what Chardonnay wine should taste.
Col Solare Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
There can not be a list of best wines without a Cabernet Sauvignon wine. Col Solare Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 is an exciting wine that doesn’t come from the California region since it is made from grapes in the Washington wine region that also produces impressive wines. Col Solare Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 comes with a higher alcohol level than the average since it has 14.7% and an outstanding average rating of 95.
This wine is also impressive because it offers an exciting mix of aromas like cinnamon and rose petals, currants, and black cherry, followed by tasty notes of milk chocolate and vanilla. Also, it delivers various flavors of berries, cocoa, and dried fruit, and it has tannins that are rich and refined on the finish. Since most Washington wines are smooth and supple in texture, it pairs perfectly with lamb shanks, veal chops, and braised short ribs. You can also pair it with burgers and roasted winter vegetables, and you will get the perfect meal that will make the taste of Col Solare Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 even better.
Grgich Hills Fume Blanc 2017
Last but not least, a white and organic wine, Grgich Hills Fume Blanc 2017, comes with an average 13.5% alcohol level, and it is made out of Sauvignon Blanc grapes. It comes right from the famous California wine region that obviously is one of, if not the best wine region in the world that many wine experts would admit is valid, especially in recent years. The average rating is 91, but some experts give a 92 rating or more; nevertheless, it is a quality wine without a doubt.
On the nose, Grgich Hills Fume Blanc 2017 displays tropical and beautifully fresh notes of kiwi, peach, and pineapple that are followed by apple, melon, and lime on the palate. It has an interesting attack structure with mouth-watering freshness, a tremendous complexity on the mid-palate with an unwavering and linear acid structure that builds the frame, and enough minerality with impressive precision.
This Californian organic wine has a perfect crisp and balanced acidity that allows food pairings with savory goat cheese, filet of sole, and pork loin. So don’t waste any more time and purchase some Grgich Hills Fume Blanc 2017 or any other of the wines listed above to enjoy the American wine dream!
