Essence of Napa

Harvesting grapes in California's renowned Napa Valley. The region represents 30 percent of California's wine economy. Photo provided to China Daily

Family vineyard

Napa Valley is one of the world's smallest wine-growing regions, with only one-eighth the planted acreage of Bordeaux, yet it said to have the most diverse and complex soil and geology.

Napa Valley Vintners, a non-profit trade association, says Napa Valley harvests just 4 percent of California's wines by volume, yet the appellation is responsible for about 30 percent of the economic impact of wine in the state. Ninety-five percent of wineries in the valley are family-owned.

Because of Napa's long growing season, and the complexity of the climate and soils, its wines are said to have rich, deep fruit and suppleness while, as one expert puts it, "maintaining a nice balance on the palate".

Scott Meadows, general manager of Silenus Winery in Napa Valley, added: "These wines are very approachable and enjoyable to drink when young, and provide the flavors that Chinese consumers are looking for and pair well with all kinds of Chinese food."

Fongyee Walker, a wine educator and consultant in Beijing, says Napa wines can also age exceptionally well. However, in a wine-tasting seminar she joked: "I think this is the big problem when we talk about aging Napa wine. The trouble is it tastes so damn good, young. Who wants to put it in the wine cellar and leave it when it's so delicious?"

At a recent tasting in Beijing, Augustin Huneeus, proprietor of Quintessa winery brought his Quintessa 2005 Red Blend. The wine was favored by many attendees for its softness and roundness.

"2005 was a great, great vintage of Napa Valley," said Augustin Huneeus, proprietor of Quintessa winery. "The moderate weather lasted into November－a really late harvest for Napa Valley. It was the best vintage, I think, of the decade. Napa Valley's Mediterranean-type climate produces consistent results across vintages and almost always ensures that the grapes ripen as the winemaker desires."