California wines contain more alcohol.

The NY Times and LA Daily News both have articles on the rising alcohol content of California wine.

California with approximately 850 wineries accounts for over 90% of total U.S. wine production. Many highly acclaimed wineries are producing wines with higher alcohol content.

While most wines from France, Italy and other parts of the world contain 12 percent to 13 percent alcohol, California wines are reaching 14, 15 or even 16 percent. You may expect higher alcohol content in Syrah, but these days Zinfandels and other grapes not known for yielding high alcohol levels are reaching well above 15 percent.

Few percentage points may seem insignificant until you consider that a 15 percent bottle contains 25 percent more alcohol than a 12 percent bottle.

The higher levels of alcohol in California wines may be due to the plentiful California sunshine that makes grapes ripen easier than the cooler European climates. It may not alter the balance and characteristics of the wine.

U.S. Dietary Guidelines list moderate wine consumption (1 glass per day for women and 2 glasses for men) as part of a healthy diet.

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