Why do wines made from the same varietal

taste different among various producers?

The reasons are many from differences in the climates of the various grape-growing regions, to the type of soil under the vines, to the choices made in the method of production.
Starting with climatic differences, grapes grown in cooler climates retain a higher level of acidity than the same grape grown in a warm climate. Higher acidity will produce a crisper, more refreshing texture in the wine. On the other hand, grapes grown in warmer climate will have less acidity, greater ripeness, and thus a higher alcohol content when fermented, and produce a wine with a fuller, rounder body.Chardonnay grown in each of these two disparate environments produces two very different wine styles. This difference in crispness verses fullness is sometimes referred to as a difference in mouthfeel. The addition of oak in the fermentation or aging process also contributes to mouthfeel in the wine compared to one that gets little or no contact with oak.
Soils vary greatly around the world and even throughout California s many wine regions. Soils might be composed of chalk, limestone, clay, sand, gravel, loam or other components that may impart a unique flavor to the wine. For example, some people claim that grapes grown in the Rutherford area of Napa produce wines with an identifiable “Rutherford dust” character, described usually as a herbaceous spiciness.In addition to the above reasons, other factors, such as whether a wine is filtered or blended with another grape, will create a producer s overall style and character and thus differentiate it from other producers’ wines made from the same grape.

Len Napolitano lives in Central Coast wine country and is certified in wine by the Society of Wine Educators, Wine & Spirits Education Trust, and Chicago Wine School and continually gains knowledge from his frequent contact with California winemakers. More information is on his website, www.wineology.com . Send your questions about wine to: wineologist@earthlink.net or by mail to Len Napolitano in care of Wine Country This Week magazine. Wineology is a registered trademark of Len Napolitano.com