USA

Question 1

USA Overview

Answer 1

• range of styles: traditional, tank, Pet Nat
• most production (over 50%) in California, also Oregon and Washington
• traditional method wines typically brut and use Champagne varieties (not much Meunier though)

Question 2

California - climate influences/considerations

Answer 2

• predominantly grown in coastal regions cooled by the cold Pacific Ocean
• cool air from the coast is drawn towards the hotter Central Valley, bringing cool breezes and/or fog to areas by the coast, along river valleys and gaps in coastal mountains
• produces grapes with ripe flavors but with high levels of acidity and moderate alcohol

Question 3

California Sparkling Wine Regions

Answer 3

• 1. Anderson Valley (Mendocino County) - wide diurnals, cool ocean breezes and fog conveyed along the Navarro river – Roederer
• 2. Russian River Valley (Sonoma County) - cool breezes and fog provide cooling influences via river and through the Petaluma Gap – Korbel
• 3. Carneros (Sonoma and Napa County) - not on the coast but is cooled by the San Pablo bay – Gloria Ferrer, Domaine Carneros
• most important

4. Napa Valley - many grapes sourced from cooler areas or blend some with Napa fruit
5. Monterey - Salinas valley is main cooling influence
6. Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande (SLO County)- close to coast and ocean
7. Santa Maria Valley and Santa Rita Hills
8. Lodi - mostly tank method and flavored sparklers

Question 4

Washington State

Answer 4

• second largest producer of sparkling wine in the USA
• northerly latitude and high diurnal range contribute high acidity
• Champagne blends as well as single varietal wines made from others (ie Muller Thurgau, Riesling, Gewürztraminer)
• mid price

Question 5

Oregon

Answer 5

• Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
• cool climate of the Willamette Valley allows fruit to ripen slowly and retain naturally high acidity
  (Argyle)

Question 6

Different types of companies producing sparkling wine in the USA

Answer 6

1. Specialist sparkling wine companies founded by Champagne or Cava houses (ie Roederer)
2. Companies producing small batch, premium sparkling wines (ie Schramsberg)
3. Large wine companies producing inexpensive sparkling wines as a part of a larger range (ie Cupcake, Barefoot)