Author: Shubhankar Sen on Aug 04,2022

The world is home to many different types of wine, and the two most noteworthy are the French varieties and those grown in California. Both regions are known for producing red wines, but each has unique distinctions that set them apart. Both areas also have a reputation for being high-end markets. In California, this reputation comes from the expense of vineyard land, while in France, it stems from how outsiders perceive its wines. It's not uncommon to think that these two wine cultures are entirely separate, but there are many similarities between them as well.

To start with, French and California wines are made in the same way: by fermenting grape juice with yeast and bacteria to produce alcohol. They're also made from red grapes—Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot. However, things start getting very different quickly once we get beyond these surface-level similarities.

The Climate of France and California

The most important aspect of a wine's flavor is, without question, the climate in which the grapes are grown. The environment of red wine-making dramatically impacts the taste of the wine produced there; this is where French and Californian wines differ most. France's climate is characterized by long and warm summers, short and mild winters, and yearly rainfall. The vast majority of French vineyards are found in the country's Southern half, primarily in the regions of Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence, and the Rhône. On the other hand, California's climate is mainly affected by its large body of water. The Pacific Ocean creates fog and cools the vineyards of California's Central Valley, while the Sierra Nevada Mountains protect the vineyards on the state's Eastern edge from the heat.

The Way Wines Are Named

The majority of French wines bear the name of the region they are from, for example, "Bordeaux" or "Burgundy." Chardonnay and Merlot, for example, are the names of the main grape varietals used to make American wines. Some vineyards are in incredibly privileged places, while others are situated in more commonplace settings. The location's standing primarily influences the prestige and price of the wine produced. When terroirs overlap, a winemaker typically chooses the appellation that best describes the narrowest, most limited terroir the vineyard qualifies for. Smaller terroir wines sell for more money than wines with names of larger regions.

How Wines Are Made in France vs. California

The grapes used for making wines in France and California are the same, yet the final product is very different. This is due primarily to the two cultures' different philosophies when it comes to wine-making. Wine-making to make wine in California, the focus is almost entirely on the vineyard. California winemakers focus on creating terroir, or a sense of place that comes from growing grapes in a specific location. In contrast, the French approach is to create terroir in the winery. This means that winemakers pay less attention to the grapes and more to how they're fermented and aged. French winemakers believe that the winery is responsible for the grapes' flavor, while California winemakers think the grapes are responsible for the winery's flavor.

The two cultures have very different philosophies

When it comes to the taste of French and Californian wines, there are many significant differences. Among them is the alcohol content of the wines: French wines tend to be higher in alcohol than California wines. This is partly due to the higher percentage of alcohol-drying grapes used in the French wine-making wine-making addition. The two cultures have different ideas about sweetness and dryness. While the French like their wines on the sweeter side, Californians prefer a drier wine with less sugar. The grapes grown in the two places also create different wines in terms of taste. Grapes grown in France are more delicate than those grown in California, which are more robust and tannic. The difference in grape varietals grown in the two places is mainly responsible for the different flavor profiles of their respective wines.

In contrast, California wines are all about the vineyard

When it comes to French and California wines, the essential difference is where they're grown. The grapes used in French wines are primarily grown in the Southeast of France, while the grapes of California are produced almost entirely in the Central Valley. The Central Valley covers 7,000 miles between the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the San Joaquin River. The area is protected from the ocean's fog by a mountain range, meaning it gets little moisture from the Pacific. With the perfect amount of sun and heat, the area is ideally suited for growing red grapes, notably Cabernet Sauvignon. Californian winemakers make some wines in more "Old World" or European wine styles. Still, most of their production is New World-influenced, which is simpler and focuses more on fruit. Because of the consistently mild weather, many wineries can employ exceptionally ripe fruit, resulting in more fruity than earthy or mineral wines. With many Californian wines having an alcohol content above 13.5 percent, it also opens up the possibility of greater alcohol levels.

Climate and geography are critical factors for French wines

The geography of France and California is one of the most significant differences between the two locations. When it comes to French wines, the area where the grapes are grown is just as important as the grapes themselves. The French believe that the soil and climate are responsible for the taste of grapes and wine. Wines from grapes grown in stony ground will taste different from those produced in clay, for example.

Other Differences Between French and Californian Wines

While French and California wines are made with Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot, the varietals used in each place differ. The grapes most commonly used in California are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, and Pinot noir, while the most common grapes in France are Syrah, Grenache, and Cabernet Sauvignon. These varieties also have different tasting notes: Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its bold, tannic texture, while Grenache is softer and more delicate. Syrah has a robust and peppery flavor, while Merlot is weaker than the other varieties and has a solid black cherry aroma.

Differences in Tasting and Aromas

These tasting notes sometimes change once the grape juice is fermented and becomes wine, but there are significant differences in the aromas of French and California wines. The most famous French grape varieties smell of fruit, herbs, or flowers. Syrah smells of black pepper and pepper vines, Grenache has a strong raspberry aroma, and Cabernet Sauvignon smells of blackberries, cassis, and herbs. California wines have different smells. Cabernet Sauvignon has a black cherry aroma, while Merlot has a peppery scent. Zinfandel has a raspberry aroma and black pepper, while Pinot noir smells of blackberries.

Terroir is prioritized over grape varietal

French wines typically have a strong terroir or the characteristics of the specific region where their grapes were grown. Many American wines, especially the more affordable ones, are accurate to the character of the grape variety they were made from. 

Differences in Texture and Body

French wines are generally lighter than California's bold, heavy-bodied wines regarding texture and body. This is because the grapes grown in France are less tannic than those grown in California. The French also like to ferment their wine longer and at a lower temperature, which creates a lighter, less tannic wine. California wines are fermented quickly and at a high temperature, which makes a bolder wine with a higher level of tannins. The difference in texture also comes from the grapes grown in the two places. The grapes grown in California are more robust and tannic than the French grapes, so the wine made from them is bolder and heavier.

Bottom line

The only difference between French wine and a California wine is the name on the label. No matter where the grapes are grown, the finished product results from a combination of skill, weather, and the type of grapes used. The quality of French wine will depend on the skill of the winemaker and the climate in which the grapes were grown, just as the quality of a California wine will depend on those factors. In the end, French wine and Californian wine are essentially two different types of the same thing: both are made from fermented grape juice, and both can be enjoyed at the end of a long day. Follow PointWines.com for more information on luxury wines and drinks.