Module 10: Chapter 16 - Wines of North America Flashcards
Where does the USA rank in global wine production?
4th, behind France, Italy, and Spain in volume output (over 350 million cases).
Why is the USA considered the driver of the global wine industry?
It is the largest consumer per capita of wine in the world, as well as its drinkers drinking better quality and more expensive wines than their counterparts in most other countries. It is amongst the world leaders in both imports and exports every year.
What states produce the most wine?
California is by the leader, at 88%. Followed by Washington state, New York, and Oregon. Behind those come (in a frequently changing order) Virginia, Texas, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Florida. Many remaining states have a thriving local wine scene, but contribute fractionally to the overall total.
How many commercial wineries in the USA?
More than 10,000, with at least one in all 50 states.
Where are the respective wine industries of Canada and Mexico located?
In Canada, the inland areas of British Columbia and the Great Lakes area of Ontario. For Mexico, in Baja California.
What halted the development of a strong wine tradition in the USA?
Prohibition. It took many years after the repeal to reemerge, and even longer to gain an international standing.
When did European vinifera varieties reach the USA?
Texas and New Mexico in the 1620’s, beginning in California in the 1770s.
Why did winemaking struggle to take off in the eastern USA? When did it begin making progress?
Native grapevines had a flavor component that was unpalatable, and European varieties lacked resistance to native pests, especially phylloxera.
Beginning in the 1800s, a sustainable industry developed around Concord grapes and a new hybrids that were disease and pest resistant, with a better flavor profile.
Why was progress slow in the western USA?
Lack of demand, primarily. First vineyards were brought by Catholic missionaries, for small scale sacramental wine production. The only grape was the unexciting Mission grape (Criolla family).
What changed that expanded the industry in the western USA?
The expansion west, victory in the Mexican wars of th 1800’s, and above the California gold rush in 1849. Population exploded, as did alcohol demand, and commercial wineries already present in southern California now began springing up in northern California as well.
New vineyards were planted primarily by Italian, Swiss, and German immigrants with vines brought or imported from Europe, leading to a thriving industry by the turn of the 20th century.
Why was phylloxera a problem in California in the early 20th century?
Vines did not naturally occur in the western United States, so infected cuttings brought back from Europe finally reached California in the late 1800’s.
Were individuals allowed to consume wine during Prohibition?
There were exceptions for religious and medicinal purposes, and families could make up to 200 gallons at home for family consumption. Most commercial wineries went out of business in this 13 year period.
What happened to grape production in California during Prohibition?
It actually increased, but winegrowers switched to higher yielding varieties, which made blends less distinctive in flavor and intensity after Repeal, that had to be marketed with misleadingly familiar names like Chablis and Burgundy.
When was Prohibition repealed?
With the passage of the 21st Amendment in 1933.
When did the industry really begin to rebuild itself?
In the 1960’s, largely attributable to a return to fashion and increased demand.
What are the big 3 names on the 1960’s wine industry?
Robert Mondavi, Mike Grgich, and Warren Winiarski. Several others also focused on producing wines to compete with French counterparts.
What happened in 1976?
The Paris Tasting on 1976 “The Judgement of Paris”
California Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon defeated the finest Burgundy and Bordeaux wines of France.
Red: Stag’s Lap Wine Cellars SLV 1973, made by Warren Winiarski from three year old vines.
White: Chateau Montelena Chardonnay 1973 (Calistoga) made under Jim Barrett.
This totally changed the game for California producers, and the focus became varietally labeled wines, and place of origin became very important to buyers.
Who were the Gallo brothers?
Ernest and Julio. Almost singlehandedly responsible for that consistent and reasonably price wine was on the table after Prohibition.
Who was Agoston Haraszthy?
Hungarian immigrant responsible from bringing many European vines to Sonoma in 1861.
Who was Chares Krug?
Founder of the first Napa Valley winery in 1861.
Who was Nicholas Longworth?
Founder of first successful US commercial winery in the 1830’s, made first US sparkling wine from grapes grown in Ohio River Valley.
Who was Robert Mondavi?
California winemaker instrumental in establishing reputation of Californian (and US by extension) wine quality amongst consumers.
Who was Frank Schoonmaker?
Wine journalist credited with introducing and promoting varietal labeling to help California better define its wines.
Who was Andre Tchelistcheff?
California winemaker who introduced many modern winemaking techniques to the USA and mentored many other winemakers.
Who was Bob Trinchero?
Son of Sutter Home co-founder Mario Trinchero, he developed the idea of making a white wine out of the Zinfandel grape. The commercial success of White Zin saved many Zinfandel planting from being torn up or abandoned.
What is the purpose of the USA’s three tier system?
Government oversight, and of course, tax collection.
What are the three tiers?
Producers or suppliers: Essentially synonymous with wineries, but also including importers as US-based representatives of foreign wineries.
Distributors or Wholesalers
Retailers: Both “on premise” where the alcohol is consumed on-site (bars, restaurants, hotels, etc) and “off-premise” retailers.
Under a strict interpretation of the US three tier system, what four things are true?
- Wineries can sell only to distributors, not directly to retailers or consumers.
- Foreign wineries must sell their wine through a US based import company.
- Distributors cannot have direct ownership of wineries or retail establishments and cannot sell directly to the public.
- Retailers must remain independent of the other tiers.
There are exceptions, like winery tasting rooms, but in a large degree the philosophy is implemented.
What is enforcement and collection arm of the US Treasury, and what is it responsible for?
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB).
It is responsible for enforcing laws relevant to alcohol production, importation, wholesaling, and the collection of alcohol excise tax.
What is responsible for enforcement of laws against smuggling and illegal production of alcohol?
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF)
Additionally, every state and most cities, counties, and towns have beverage control departments to enforce state laws.
Who are known as producers in the US 3-tier system?
Wineries, primarily, but also importers.
The term producer is interchangeable with supplier.
How may producers’ wine be sold?
To a distributor
To an importer, if crossing international boundaries.
In bulk to another winery
Direct to a consumer at the winery, state and local law permitting.
Direct to consumer shopping, if state and local law allows.
What is the middle tier in the US 3-tier system?
The distributor tier, though many other brokers and intermediaries may be involved besides the actual distributor.
How are distributors licensed?
State by state. Some operate in many states, but none yet in every state.
How do some distributors skirt the theoretical separation of producers and retailers?
By setting up technically separate companies that cooperate closely.
Is it possible to have multiple distributors for the same producers product?
Yes. In some states it is even necessary.
What is a control state?
A state wherein the state government itself has become the only legal distribution agent.
What is a franchise state?
A state wherein state laws grant distributors exclusive rights over suppliers brands, giving the distributor significant leverage and making it nearly impossible for the supplier to change distributors. The relationship is more is more equal in non-franchise states.
What is the usual function of retailers?
The interface between the wine industry and the consuming public. They buy wine from distributors, mark it up to cover costs and make profit, and make it available to consumers.
How is retail divided?
On-premise and off-premise.
