12. USA

Question 1

When did sparkling wine production start in the USA?

Answer 1

Goes back to the 19th Century, but modern sparkling started in 1965, and then in the 70s when many Cava and Champagne houses invested, most memorably, Domaine Chandon

Question 2

Where does most production occur?

Answer 2

California (more than half). Some also in Oregon and Washington

Question 3

Describe a typical TM Californian sparkling

Answer 3

Pinot and Chard
medium intensity ripe apple and lemon, toasty.
Medium + acidity 
Brut
Mid to super-premium prices

Question 4

Describe a typical tank method Californian sparkling

Answer 4

Additional fruit flavours, and often Extra-Dry, with noticeable sugar. Inexpensive to mid priced

Question 5

What geographical factors in California make fruit for sparkling able to be grown?

Answer 5

Cooler coastal regions that have Pacific ocean influence, or where fog/breezes can act as cooling influences.

Question 6

What other varieties are used for (mostly) tank method wines?

Answer 6

Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Syrah and Tempranillo

Question 7

What 3 Californian regions are the most important for sparkling wine production?

Answer 7

1. Anderson Valley (Mendocino County)
2. Russian River Valley (Sonoma County)
3. Carneros (Sonoma and Napa counties)

Question 8

What are the five less important growing regions for Californian sparkling?

Answer 8

1. Napa Valley (Napa county)
2. Monterey (Monterey county)
3. Edna Valley & Arroyo Grande (San Luis Obispo county)
4. Santa Maria Valley & Santa Rita Hills (Santa Barbera county)
5. Lodi (San Joaquin county)

Question 9

What make Washington State suitable for sparkling wine production?

Answer 9

Second largest producer after California.

Northerly latitude and high diurnal range.

Question 10

What area of Oregon is suitable for sparkling wine?

Answer 10

Willamette Valley - they already have great quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and acid retention is possibly due to cool climate. However technology for MT may be hard to come by as it’s not usual in the region

Question 11

What is interesting about the production of Blanc de Noirs in the USA?

Answer 11

It’s quite common, more than in other sparkling producing countries. But it’s unregulated, so can have white grapes included in the blend.

Question 12

How would a winery go about making a small run of sparkling to see DTC or at the cellar door?

Answer 12

Utilise the services of a custom crush facility that has the equipment and skills necessary to make MT wines, that it would be financially unfeasible for a winery to invest in themselves.

Question 13

How is the term ‘Champagne’ used in the USA?

Answer 13

Historically lots of producers use the labelling term “California Champagne”.
This is still allowed for brands established before 2006. New brands are not allowed to use the term.

Question 14

What are the three kinds of businesses that produce sparkling wine in the USA?

Answer 14

1. Specialist sparkling wine companies often started/owned by Champagne houses or Cava producers. E. Roederer Estate/Domaine Chandon
2. Wine companies that make a small amount of sparkling for DTC
3. Large wine companies that have a range of inexpensive sparkling options

Question 15

Describe the market of USA sparkling wines?

Answer 15

1. Large volume
2. Steady growth
3. Threats are inexpensive EU sparkling especially Prosecco