Other Varieties
Cabernet Sauvignon is the cornerstone of Oakville viticulture, and by far the most widely planted grape in the district, but many estates grow other grape varieties as well. The accolades earned by wines made from these other grapes prove that Oakville’s climate and soils are well-suited to growing several other varietals.
Merlot
Several Oakville wineries make outstanding Merlots. Like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot is native to Bordeaux. It ripens earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon and more easily in cool vintages. Merlot’s generous plum and currant flavors, soft tannins and velvety mouthfeel can make beautiful stand-alone wines, but it also blends very gracefully with Cabernet Sauvignon. Standout Merlots from Oakville include those from Paradigm and Swanson.
Cabernet Franc
DNA testing determined that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from the crossing of Cabernet Franc with Sauvignon Blanc. In Oakville, Cabernet Franc is generally used as a minority blending grape, adding a little more complexity to Cabernet Sauvignon wines with bright fresh fruit flavors and spicy aromas.
Petit Verdot
In warm years when it ripens properly, Petit Verdot adds an inky dark color and firm tannin to Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines. Most winemakers use this grape very sparingly, as a small amount can give the desired effect.
Malbec
A small number of Malbec vineyards are planted in Oakville. This variety originated in France and also makes the most highly regarded wines of Argentina. Here in Oakville, it generally contributes inky color and deep blackberry fruit to Cabernet Sauvignon-based blends.
Zinfandel
Napa Valley has long produced focused, intensely-flavored Zinfandels with dense berry and spice flavors. Zinfandel played an important role in the history of winegrowing throughout California, and Oakville producers like Paradigm, Miner Family and Downing Family continue the tradition.
Syrah
Also known as Shiraz, you won’t find a lot of Syrah vines in Oakville, but wineries like Downing Family have shown that Oakville is capable of producing first class Syrah wines with bold fruit, plush mouthfeel and the variety’s trademark spiciness.
Sauvignon Blanc
This white grape is grown alongside Cabernet in many parts of Bordeaux— and particularly in the Graves district. In Oakville, Sauvignon Blanc is seldom overly grassy, has ripe melon flavors, subtle mineral notes and the rich texture of Sauvignon Blanc from Graves. Likewise, it is sometimes blended with lesser amounts of Semillon. Robert Mondavi To Kalon “I Block” Fumé Blanc is perhaps California’s most exotic, opulent and rare old-vine Sauvignon Blanc.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is not as widely planted in Oakville as it once was, but in the hands of producers like Oakville Ranch, Miner Family, Robert Mondavi Winery and Groth, Oakville continues to produce critically acclaimed, full-bodied Chardonnays with ripe, exotic flavors.