USA Flashcards
When did sparkling wine production begin in the USA? What were two important companies?
The mid-19th century, with Haraszthy and F. Korbel and Bros
When did the modern period of sparkling winemaking begin in the USA? What company was responsible for the innovation?
1965 when Schramsberg produced the first commercial US sparkling Chardonnay, a Blanc de Blanc Brut.
What was the fallout of Schramsberg’s 1965 Blanc de Blancs Brut production?
Champagne and Cava companies began arriving in the US in 1970, spearheaded by Moët and Chandon.
What types of sparkling wine are currently produced in the USA?
A range of styles including traditional and tank methods, as well as a small amount of Pet Nat.
What states in the USA are important producers of sparkling wine?
California (over half of production)
Oregon
Washington
What are the quality and pricing of US sparkling wines made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir?
Good to outstanding quality with mid- to super premium pricing
What is the typical character of traditional method sparkling wines from the USA?
Brut
Medium (+) acidity
Medium intensity aromas of ripe yellow apple, lemon, toasty autolytic notes
Do producers of sparkling wine in the USA often use Meunier in their wines?
A few do, but it is much less common than in Champagne
True or False
Tank method wines in U.S.A. are often made made in an Extra Dry style.
True, and the residual sugar is typically intended to be noticeable in these wines.
Does the USA produce fruit flavored sparkling wines?
Yes, often in the tank method
Where in California are the grapes for premium sparkling wines usually grown?
Near the coast or areas that are cooled by the Pacific Ocean
How does the Pacific Ocean cool grapes for California sparkling wines?
Cold air is drawn toward the hotter Central Valley, bringing cool breezes and/or fog to the coast, along river valleys, and between gaps in coastal mountains
Why do Chardonnay and Pinot Noir for the production of sparkling wine grow well in the coastal areas of California?
The cooling influences of the Pacific Ocean allow the grapes to maintain high acidity and moderate alcohol while still developing ripe flavors
What varieties are used to make California tank method wines?
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Pinor Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Syrah, and Tempranillo
When are grapes destined for sparkling wine harvested in the warmer areas of California compared to those in cooler areas? Do the musts undergo any correction?
The grapes are harvested earlier and may require additional sugar to compensate for under-ripe flavors
What are the important areas in California for sparkling wine production? Which are the most significant?
Anderson Valley, Russian River Valley, and Carneros are the most significant
Napa Valley, Monterey, Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande, Santa Maria Valley and Santa Rita Hills, and Lodi
Describe the geography of Anderson Valley AVA and the conditions that permit it to make high quality sparkling wine grapes.
Anderson Valley is in Mendocino County, north of Sonoma, and the northwestern part of the AVA is near the Pacific Ocean. Cool ocean breezes and fog travel along the river valley to moderate temperatures and reduce sunlight hours. Wide diurnal ranges are typical, which ensure high levels of acid.
Where in California is Roederer Estate located?
Anderson Valley AVA
True or False
Many wineries from outside Anderson Valley AVA purchase wines from the region
True
True or False
Still wine producers in Anderson Valley AVA also produce small amounts of sparkling wine
True
Describe the geography of Russian River Valley AVA and the conditions that permit it to make high quality sparkling wine grapes.
Located in the Petaluma Gap within Sonoma AVA, Russian River Valley receives cool breezes from the river and, by way of the coastal mountain range, the ocean.
Which California sparkling wine pioneer is based in Russian River Valley AVA?
Korbel
Describe the geography of Carneros AVA and the conditions that permit it to make high quality sparkling wine grapes.
North of Vallejo and San Pablo Bay, Carneros straddles the southern part of both Sonoma and Napa AVAs. It receives its cooling influences from the San Pablo Bay.