California Roots wine is a private label line of wines sold exclusively at Target. The line features five different wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Moscato, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a Red Blend. With each bottle priced at just $5, California Roots wine has become a popular choice for budget-conscious wine lovers.

In this article, we will review California Roots wine, examining each of the five varieties in detail. We will explore the flavor profiles of each wine and provide our expert opinion on the quality of the wine. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or simply looking for an affordable bottle to enjoy with friends, our review of California Roots wine will provide you with the information you need to make an informed purchase decision.

History of California Roots

California Roots is a private label wine brand launched by Target in September 2017. The line features five different wines - Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Moscato, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a Red Blend - all priced at $5 per bottle.

The brand was created with the intention of providing affordable, quality wines to Target customers. The name "California Roots" is a nod to the brand's California origins and the roots of the grapevines used to produce the wines.

The grapes used in California Roots wines are sourced from various regions throughout California, including the Central Coast and the Central Valley. The wines are produced and bottled by Truett-Hurst Winery, a California-based winery known for its sustainable and eco-friendly practices.

Since its launch, California Roots has gained popularity among wine enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. The brand has received positive reviews for its quality and affordability, with many noting that the wines taste much more expensive than their $5 price tag would suggest.

Overall, California Roots has become a go-to brand for those looking for a budget-friendly wine option without sacrificing taste or quality.

Wine Varieties

California Roots wine offers a variety of wine types, including Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet, Moscato, Red Blend, Cabernet Sauvignon, and White Zinfandel. Each wine type has its own unique flavor profile, aroma, and color.

Chardonnay: This wine is a dry, white wine that is typically full-bodied with flavors of citrus, apple, and pear. It pairs well with seafood, poultry, and creamy pasta dishes.

Pinot Grigio: This wine is a light-bodied, dry white wine that is crisp and refreshing with flavors of green apple, lime, and lemon. It pairs well with light salads, seafood, and grilled vegetables.

Cabernet: This wine is a red blend that is full-bodied with flavors of blackberry, black cherry, and vanilla. It pairs well with red meat, game, and hearty pasta dishes.

Moscato: This wine is a sweet, white wine that is light-bodied with flavors of peach, apricot, and honey. It pairs well with spicy foods, light desserts, and fresh fruit.

Red Blend: This wine is a blend of different red wine varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. It has a full-bodied flavor with notes of blackberry, cherry, and chocolate. It pairs well with red meat, hearty stews, and strong cheeses.

Cabernet Sauvignon: This wine is a full-bodied, dry red wine with flavors of black currant, black cherry, and vanilla. It pairs well with red meat, game, and hearty pasta dishes.

White Zinfandel: This wine is a light-bodied, sweet pink wine with flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and watermelon. It pairs well with light salads, seafood, and grilled vegetables.

Overall, California Roots wine offers a variety of wine types that are suitable for different occasions and food pairings.

Tasting Guide

When it comes to tasting California Roots wine, there are a few things to keep in mind to get the most out of your experience. Here are some tips to help guide you through the tasting process:

Appearance: Start by observing the wine's appearance. Hold the glass up to the light and take note of its color and clarity. California Roots wines range from pale straw-colored whites to deep ruby reds.

Aromas: Give the wine a swirl and take a sniff. California Roots wines are known for their fruity and floral aromas. Look for notes of citrus, berries, and stone fruits in the whites, and red fruits, vanilla, and spice in the reds.

Taste: Take a sip and let the wine coat your palate. California Roots wines are generally on the sweeter side, with a light to medium body. The whites are crisp and refreshing, while the reds are smooth and easy-drinking. Some may find the wines to be thin or lacking in complexity, but others may appreciate their straightforwardness.

Blind Tasting: If you're up for a challenge, try blind tasting California Roots wines alongside other wines in the same price range. See if you can identify the California Roots wine based on its aroma and taste profile.

Food Pairings: California Roots wines are versatile and pair well with a variety of foods. The whites are great with light dishes like salads and seafood, while the reds are perfect with heartier fare like pasta and grilled meats.

Overall, California Roots wines are an affordable and approachable option for those looking for an easy-drinking wine. While they may not be the most complex or nuanced wines out there, they offer good value for their price point.

Price and Value

California Roots wines are priced at an affordable $5 per bottle. This price point is well below the average price for a bottle of wine and makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious wine drinkers.

Despite its low price, California Roots wines offer good value for money. The quality of the wine is surprisingly good for the price, and it is a great option for those who want to enjoy a glass of wine without breaking the bank.

It is important to note that while California Roots wines are not the most complex or sophisticated wines on the market, they are well-balanced and enjoyable to drink. They are perfect for everyday drinking or for casual get-togethers with friends and family.

Overall, California Roots wines offer excellent value for money and are a great option for those who are looking for an affordable yet enjoyable wine.

Quality and Ratings

California Roots wine has been gaining popularity due to its affordability and taste. Despite its low price point, the quality of the wine has been impressive, making it a great option for those on a budget. The wine is made from California grapes, which are known for their high quality and flavor.

In terms of ratings, California Roots wine has received mixed reviews. Some critics have given it high scores, while others have found it to be average. For example, Wine Enthusiast gave the 2018 Red Blend a rating of 86 points, calling it "acceptable" and noting its "simple red fruit flavors." On the other hand, some consumers have raved about the wine, calling it "superb" and "excellent."

Overall, California Roots wine is a great option for those who are looking for a budget-friendly wine that still delivers on taste. While it may not be the best wine on the market, it is definitely worth trying out. Additionally, the variety of options available, including Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Moscato, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a Red Blend, means that there is something for everyone's taste preferences.

Buying Guide

When looking to purchase California Roots wine, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you are getting the best product for your money.

First, consider your budget. California Roots wine is a great option for those looking for an affordable wine option. Retail prices for California Roots wine typically range from $5-$10 per bottle.

Next, consider the type of wine you are looking for. California Roots offers a variety of options including Cabernet Sauvignon, Red, and Rosé. Each type of wine has its own unique flavor profile and can pair well with different types of food.

When choosing a specific product, consider the alcohol content. California Roots wines typically have an alcohol content between 12.5%-13.5%.

If you are looking for a specific flavor profile, consider the region the wine comes from. California Roots wines are made in California and showcase the unique flavors of the region.

Finally, consider reviews from other customers. Products we love are often recommended by others who have tried them. Look for reviews online or ask for recommendations from friends or family members who have tried California Roots wine.

By considering these factors, you can choose a California Roots wine that fits your budget and taste preferences.

Community Reviews

One of the best ways to get a sense of the quality of a wine is to look at community reviews. California Roots wine has received mixed reviews from the community. Some people love it, while others think it's not worth the $5 price tag.

The community score for California Roots Cabernet Sauvignon on Influenster is 4.7 out of 5, based on nine reviews. Paula Bernardino, one of the reviewers, said, "This wine is straight up delicious. I prefer it to the more expensive bottles I have."

On the other hand, the Wine Curmudgeon gave the California Roots Cabernet Sauvignon a scathing review, saying, "Smells like boysenberry juice, tastes too much like children's cough syrup, and finishes with that old Big Wine standby, charred chocolate fake oak."

Overall, it seems that California Roots wine is a polarizing product. If you're curious about it, it might be worth trying a bottle for yourself and seeing what you think.

Flavor Profile

California Roots wine line features five different wines, each with its own unique flavor profile. The Chardonnay has a classic taste with notes of vanilla and citrus, while the Pinot Grigio is light and refreshing with a hint of tropical fruit. The Moscato is sweet and fruity, with flavors of peach, melon, apple, mango, and citrus.

The Cabernet Sauvignon has a jammy wine flavor with a strong blackberry taste, and finishes with charred chocolate fake oak. It's not so much that it doesn't taste like cabernet, but that it's overpriced at $5. The Red Blend is a sad medley of fruit flavors, including strawberry and blackberry, in a well-designed bottle.

Overall, the California Roots wine line is an affordable option for those looking for a decent wine without breaking the bank. The sugar content varies between the different wines, with the Moscato being the sweetest at 13.3% ABV. If you're looking for a sweet and fruity wine, the Moscato is a good option. However, if you prefer a drier wine, the Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio may be more to your liking.

Production Process

California Roots is a private label wine brand owned by Target. The production process for California Roots wine is not publicly available, but we can make some educated guesses based on the information available.

Variety and Vintage

California Roots wine offers a variety of wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Moscato, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a Red Blend. The vintage of each wine is not specified on the label, which suggests that the wine may be a blend of grapes from multiple vintages.

Appellation

The appellation for California Roots wine is simply listed as "California," which means that the grapes can come from anywhere within the state. This allows the winemaker to select grapes from different regions to create a consistent flavor profile for each wine.

Producer

The producer of California Roots wine is not disclosed on the label. However, it is likely that Target sources the wine from a large-scale producer or co-op winery that specializes in producing affordable wines.

Grape

The specific grape varieties used in California Roots wine are not disclosed on the label. However, we can make some educated guesses based on the flavor profiles of each wine. For example, the Chardonnay is likely made from Chardonnay grapes, and the Cabernet Sauvignon is likely made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.

In conclusion, the production process for California Roots wine is not publicly available, but we can make some educated guesses based on the information available. The wine is likely a blend of grapes from multiple vintages, sourced from different regions within California, and produced by a large-scale producer or co-op winery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy California Roots wine?

You can buy California Roots wine exclusively at Target stores or online on Target's website.

Is California Roots Moscato sweet?

Yes, California Roots Moscato is sweet with fruity flavors of peach and apricot.

California Roots Cabernet Sauvignon Red Wine review

California Roots Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied wine with black-cherry and black-olive flavors, and maple and milk-chocolate notes that give it a slightly sweet feel. It has a 13.5% alcohol content and is available at Target for $5.

California Roots Sauvignon Blanc review

California Roots Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp and refreshing wine with flavors of citrus and tropical fruits. It has a 12.5% alcohol content and is available at Target for $5.

What is the alcohol content of California Roots wine?

The alcohol content of California Roots wine varies by type. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Red Blend have a 13.5% alcohol content, while the Sauvignon Blanc has a 12.5% alcohol content. The Moscato has a 10% alcohol content, and the Pinot Grigio has a 12% alcohol content.

Is California Roots Cabernet Sauvignon sweet?

California Roots Cabernet Sauvignon has a slightly sweet feel due to its maple and milk-chocolate notes, but it is not overly sweet. It is a full-bodied wine with black-cherry and black-olive flavors.