22 - USA Flashcards
How many AVAs are there? What % are in California?
246 with 60% in California
What are sub-AVAs?
Smaller AVAs established within an existing, larger AVA
What is an Appellation of Origin?
Similar to an AVA but defined by political boundaries e.g. county or state
>75% of grapes must be from within that boundary and wine must be finished within the same state
Outline federal labelling laws on variety, the appellation of origin, AVA and vintage.
Variety
- must contain >75% from that variety
- AO must also be stated
- Two or more varieties may be stated on the label if the % of each variety is listed.
AO
- >75% of grapes must come from that AO
- where there are overlaps label must state % of each variety from each state
AVA
- >85% grapes from AVA
- wine fermented + finished within state of the AVA but not the AVA itself
Vintage
- >85% of grapes for AO, 95% for AVA
Give an example of a state with stricter labelling laws than federal requirements.
Oregon -
- 100% grapes must be grown in Oregon
- if Oregon AVA listed then 95% must have been grown in that AVA.
To what extent is US production concentrated? Compare this to France.
Who are the three largest producers in the US market?
10,000 wine-producing companies, of which the largest 50 control 90% of domestic sales by vol
Far more concentrated than France, where 75% of sales are by small/medium local companies
- E&J Gallo
- The Wine Group
- Constellation Brands
What kind of viticultural technique has helped growers keep pace with consumer demand?
Head-grafting which allows varieties to be changed quickly
