American wine refers to wine made in the United States. The country is the fourth largest wine producer in the world, with California leading production. American wines range from dry table wines to sweet fortified varieties.
History
The earliest wine produced in what is now the United States was made between 1562 and 1564 by French Huguenot settlers using Scuppernong grapes near Jacksonville, Florida. Wine production began in New Mexico in 1629, making it the oldest wine-producing region in the country. Commercial winemaking began in the 1830s in Cincinnati, Ohio, with Nicholas Longworth producing sparkling wine from Catawba grapes.
Types and styles
The United States has 266 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) across 33 states, with 146 in California alone. Popular red grape varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Zinfandel. Common white varieties are Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chenin Blanc. American wines can be labeled with the state name if 100% of the grapes come from that state.
How it is made
By law, American wine must contain at least 75% of the grape variety specified on the label. The wine must also list the winery and place of origin. Oregon has stricter requirements, requiring 90% of a named grape variety in its wines unless blended with grapes from associated regions.
Adapted from the Russian Wikipedia article Виноделие в США, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Styles and varieties
- California wine
- Washington wine
- Missouri wine
- Texas wine
- Virginia wine
- Arizona wine
- Colorado wine
- Alaska wine
- Idaho wine
- Arkansas wine
- Utah wine
- Wisconsin wine
- Mississippi wine
- Alabama wine
- Louisiana wine
- Vermont wine
- Montana wine
- West Virginia wine
- Maine wine
- Wyoming wine
- South Dakota wine
- North Dakota wine