Despite Napa Valley only accounting for 4% of California’s total wine production, it remains one of the most important wine regions for the state.
In total acreage, Napa’s red grapes outnumber its white grapes by slightly more than three to one, or 33,060 total acres of red grades versus 10,208 acres of white grapes. Among these white grapes, approximately 65% are Chardonnay while of all the red grapes planted in the area, 56% are Cabernet Sauvignon.
Overall, Napa Valley is planted to 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, followed by 15% Chardonnay, 14% Merlot, 6% Pinot Noir, 6% Sauvignon Blanc and 3% Zinfandel. The remaining 14% is made up of dozens of other varieties, including Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Petite Sirah.
In 2010, red grapes accounted for 80.5% of Napa’s grape-farming revenue while white grapes accounted for just 19.5%. Additionally, the average price per ton for Napa Cabernet Sauvignon was $4,453, however Cabernet Sauvignon from a prime Napa vineyard can cost upwards of $15,000 per ton, making it by far the priciest grape on the market.
Source and photo: The Accidental Wino
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