10 Underrated Wine Varietals You Must Try in California

Often spending the majority of my weekends trying new varietals of wines in my local region, I’ve experienced my fair share of wine tasting in California.

And one of the biggest things I’ve learned is that California is a world-renowned destination for some amazing wines.

Of course we love our red Cabernet’s and our buttery white Chard’s, but I’m here to tell you that there’s so much more than what’s listed at the top of every menu.

California has pioneered wine making. So much so, that even parts of Italy purchase their famous Sangiovese grapes, from California itself.

Let me repeat that. Italy produces their Italian wine, using grapes grown in California…

So here are some of the best-kept underrated wines that you should try next, grown in California of course.

1. Chenin Blanc

Originally grown in France, the Chenin Blanc has made it’s way to California as the new classic, easy drinking white wine. They can range from dry to sweet in taste with floral notes and a hint of honey and apple.

This varietal is one of my favorite easy drinking white wines to sip on a hot day when chilled.

It has a high acidity, making it pair great with foods such as lunch meats (especially pork) and soft cheeses. The perfect luxury pool wine for the summer.

2. Grenache

As one of the most widely planted red grapes in the world, it’s no assumption that California grows some of the best grenche grapes on this planet.

There are multiple countries who purchase California grenache grapes for their own wine making. Making California the hub of some of the best grown grapes for wine makers throughout.

This one is dangerously drinkable. Often a very “velvety” and smooth red, with strong notes of berries and spices. It goes perfectly with almost any dinner meal, but especially red meats and chocolatey desserts. One of my favorite red’s that should never get looked past when in California, trust me.

3. Malbec

Full-bodied and absolutely delicious, Malbec grapes are a perfect red wine for those cozy nights in. They have strong tannins, if that’s something you enjoy (the dryness you get as an after-taste).

Originally grown in France and Argentina, California has take its turn on this flavorful grape.

With flavors of plum, leather, cocoa but mostly a fruit-forward palette, this wine has developed into a new favorite of mine throughout various California wineries. I just love its rich a velvety texture.

4. Viognier

Viognier (vi-on-ney) is an amazing, aromatic white wine that barely few people are talking about, but luckily I’ve seen this wine appear more and more on tasting menus in Southern California.

These wines are often aged in oak and resemble similarities to Chardonnay. I find Viognier to be more aromatic on the nose, often smelling sweet however these wines are typically more dry to taste.

Always served chilled, and never needing decanting, this white wine goes perfect with almost any dish served.

5. Red Blends (from local winemakers)

Red blends have gone through a visionary moment in California with winemakers from Napa and Sonoma County perfecting the combination of flavors.

Red blends are hugely popular but they don’t get the credit they deserve sometimes. When purchasing a red blend, try to buy from a local winery with a local winemaker. These red wines are some of the most delicious wines you will ever have.

They combine some of their best reds together to make something new – and it’s perfectly combined with wines that you’ll never have again because it’s formulated from wines made years ago.

6. GSM

A “GSM” is a type of red blend that includes 3 varietals of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. They are typically strong in flavors such as raspberry, blackberry and has a dry, sage and herb-like flavoring.

I love these red blends and they are becoming more and more popular throughout California. It’s the perfect red to cozy up on the couch with or to enjoy with a steak dinner.

I’ve never had a bad GSM while tasting in the golden state. Just remember to decant this wine for at least 30 minutes after opening. It really helps bring all the flavors out in the wine and makes it that much more delicious.

7. Pinot Noir

The famous Pinot Noir has been done in many countries and states around the world, however being that this is my favorite wine of all time, I had to include it on my list.

The difference between Pinot Noir made from California grapes vs. any other region, is that California makes their Pinot’s with a perfect balance of light fruit and herb.

Meaning that you don’t just taste black pepper and ‘forest floor’, or just taste raspberry and cherry. But rather you get a combination of the two if done correctly.

Again, I’d always recommend purchasing from a notable winemaker in your region. They often make some of the best wines.

8. Picpoul

Picpoul is an old French wine that has become increasingly popular over the last couple of years.

It’s an amazing choice of white wine to pair with any type of appetizer or sea food.

There can be flavors of green apple, citrus and lemon. Recently I had to joy of tasting a Picpoul that had strong pineapple flavors. I’m not the biggest pineapple fan but I was very impressed with this one. I shared it with my family on a hot summer day by the lake and everyone enjoyed it.

9. Tannat

Tannat is a dark red grape from France that has some of the highest levels of antioxidants.

These red wines are rich in flavors including black currant, plum, licorice and even smoke.

They aren’t for everyone, however if you ever get the opportunity to try a Tannat wine, I would highly suggest it. They are some of the boldest reds I’ve try and they age extremely well over time. A perfect gift for someone who likes to save wine for a special occasion!

10. Zinfandel

Lastly, is the Zinfandel.

I used to have a love-hate relationship with this wine. No matter how hard I tried to figure out what I loved or didn’t love about this wine, I couldn’t quite figure it out.

They are full-bodied red wines that always seem to have a different taste to them each time I drink it.

Yet despite my indifference, I feel like Zinfandels can be phenomenal.

California tends to produce “jam-y” and rich flavors with a very strong finish. Their uniqueness to producing Zinfandel’s surpasses many red wines I’ve discovered in the past and it’s definitely worth the try.

Always remember that wine preferences are highly subjective, so what’s unimpressive to one, may be a favorite to another.

And that’s the beauty of wine tasting. You don’t need to love everything!

Exploring these lesser-known varietals can be a fun way to expand your wine palate and discover hidden gems.

I hope you try one or as many of these wines as you can this year. They are truly phenomenal to taste and a great way to escape from the day-to-day busy life!