WINES OF USA

• The USA is the world’s fifth largest producer of wines. When one mentions American wines, most people automatically think of California. California is the major producing area of USA as it producers almost 90 percent American.
• North America’s history of wine making dates back to 1521, when invading Spaniards planted the first vines. Wines have been produced in California since late 18^th

CLASSIFICATION OF AMERICAN WINES

The American wines are classified into three categories:

1. GENERIC WINES: Generic wines are those wines which are named after the long established European areas. Many North American and Australian wines are labeled as Claret, Burgundy, Chablis, Hock, and even Champagne.
2. VARIETAL WINES: These are the wines of North America, which are labeled after the main grape variety is used for making wine. For example: Zinfandel, Grenache, Cabernet –Red, Sultana
3. PROPRIETARY WINES: These are the best wines of California, most famous being Robert Mondavi.

 WINE REGIONS OF USA

• California, huge amount of wines is produced in California, majority being “Jug Wines” from the hot central valley. California’s top wines are produced by smaller “boutique wineries”.

NORTH COAST AREA

It is divided into following countries:

• MENDOCINO COUNTRY: Anderson valley is the coolest region, most suitable for growing vine. Louis Roederer produce sparkling wine by “ methode Champenoise” using chardonnay and pinot noir grape variety.
• SONOMA COUNTRY: Sonoma has a wide variation of climate and therefore produces many styles of wines some of the top wines of this country are:

1. Wines from wineries like Simi
2. White wines of chateau St. Jean
3. Cabernet wine of Chalk hill
4. Sparkling wine of iron hourse.

• NAPA VALLEY: Due to different microclimates there are wide range of wines from this place. The vineyards are located on hill side and narrow valley floor. Robert Mondavi tireless great man of this region has been responsible for broadcasting and spreading the gospel of California wine.

THE CENTRAL AND SOUTH CENTRAL COAST: the most important areas include Monterey. Chalone, Santa Cruz, Santa Ynez valley. Some very good wines of this region are:

• Cabernet by Ridge
• Pinot noir by Calera
• White wines of Chalone and Jekel
• Chardonnay of Zaca Mesa.

 THE CERNTAL VALLEY produces JUG WINE. The famous ones are:

1. Spicy red Alicante Bouschet by Angelo Papagni
2. Sweet Muscat called Essensia by Quady.

THE PECIFIC NORTH WEST:

1. OREGON: it is one of upcoming state on the wine industry. Unlike California wines which are often too high in alcohol and low in acidity, Oregon wines have the acidity necessary for a great wine. The AVAs of Oregon are: Willamette Valley, Columbia valley, Umpqua valley, Eyrie vineyards producing good chardonnays.
2. Washington State: It depends on irrigation from Columbia River. The vineyards are located to the east of Cascade Mountains in Columbia basin. The various grape varieties grown in this region are Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, Riesling and Chardonnay. The AVA’s of this region are: Walla Walla Valley, Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley being common for Oregon and Washington State.
3. IDAHO: it is the smallest of North West vineyards. The vineyards are situated at high altitude. The climate is continental i.e. hot summer and very cold winter. The wines which have gained popularity are Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling.  
4. NEW YORK STATE: the climate of finger lake region of New York State in the east of USA is similar to that of Germany, with hard cold winters and a short hot summer season. The species of vine planted is Vitis Riparia. it is known for its indigenous (native) wines.