USA

Question 1

When did the modern era of sparkling wine making being in the United States?

Answer 1

In 1965 when Schramsberg produced a Blanc de Blancs Brut sparkling wine, which was also the first commercial use of Chardonnay in an American Sparkling wine.

Question 2

Name the first Champagne-owned sparkling wine house in California

Answer 2

Domain Chandon, 1973

Question 3

List the different methods used to produce sparkling wine in the United States

Answer 3

• Traditional Method
• Tank Method
• Pet Nat

Question 4

List the main varieties that are used to create sparkling wine in California

Answer 4

• Chardonnay
• Pinot Noir
• Pinot Gris
• Pinot Blanc
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Viognier
• Syrah
• Tempranillo

Question 5

What are the three most important regions for sparkling wine production in California?

Answer 5

• Anderson Valley (Mendocino County)
• Russian River Valley
• Carneros (both Napa and Sonoma)

Question 6

Where are the grapes for sparkling wine grown in Anderson Valley and why?

Answer 6

• Grapes for sparkling wine production are grown in the north-western part of the AVA since it is close to the Pacific.
• The cool ocean breezes and fog are conveyed along the Navarro river valley to help moderate temperatures and reduce sunshine.
• The fog and breezes play a part in the wide diurnal range that enables growers to maintain the high levels of acid desired for sparkling wine production

Question 7

Who is the most famous sparkling wine producer in Anderson Valley?

Answer 7

• Roederer Estate

Question 8

What are the moderating influences in the Russian River Valley that make it ideal for growing grapes destined for sparkling wine production?

Answer 8

• Cool breezes and fog provide cooling influences both via the river and through the Petaluma Gap in the coast mountains

Question 9

Which American sparkling wine pioneer is located in the Russian River Valley?

Answer 9

Korbel

Question 10

Name the two famous American sparkling wine producers located in Carneros

Answer 10

• Gloria Ferrer (Founded by Freixenet)

- Domaine Carneros (Taittinger)

Question 11

Why is Napa Valley not really ideal for growing grapes for sparkling wine?

Answer 11

It is just so hot in this region, so even famous wineries like Schramsberg, are now sourcing their fruit from cooler areas

Question 12

Why is Monterey a good AVA to produce sparkling wine in?

Answer 12

• Because of the main moderating influence of the Salinas Valley that is open to the ocean.
• The cooling influence of the ocean is particularly cold here due to a deep canyon in the ocean floor near this part of the coast.
• This creates cooler areas in the north part of Monterey that have large diurnal shifts which help retain the acid desired for sparkling wines

Question 13

What the two coolest AVAs in San Luis Obispo County?

Answer 13

Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande, this is due to their proximity to the ocean

Question 14

What makes the Santa Maria Valley and Santa Ynez Valleys unique?

Answer 14

They are both east-west running valleys that form channels which help funnels cool air and fog deep into Santa Barbara County, helping cool the Santa Maria Valley AVA and Sta. Rita Hills AVA

Question 15

Where is Weibel located, and what kind of sparkling wines are they producing?

Answer 15

Weibel is a producer located in Lodi, and they are known for producing large volume tank method and flavored sparkling wines.

Question 16

What state producers the most sparkling wine after California?

Answer 16

Washington

Question 17

Who is the largest sparkling wine producer in Washington?

Answer 17

Chateau Ste. Michelle

Question 18

What makes Washington a suitable spot for sparkling wines?

Answer 18

It sits at a northerly latitude and has a high diurnal range which helps the grapes retain high acidity

Question 19

Who is the largest specialty producer of sparkling wines in Oregon?

Answer 19

Argyle

Question 20

What is the typical amount of lees aging for traditional method sparkling wines from the USA?

Answer 20

3 years, adding to the intensity of autolytic notes and to the cost of production

Question 21

Are Blanc de Noirs and Blanc de Blancs protected terms in the United States like it is in the EU?

Answer 21

No, often producers will blend a small amount of white grapes to the blend.

A good example of this would be Schramsberg’s Blanc de Noirs, which includes 10% Chardonnay in the blend.

Question 22

What are the names of the large custom crush facilities for sparkling wine in Sonoma and Napa

Answer 22

• Rack & Riddle (Sonoma)

- Brut Custom Crush (Napa)

Question 23

What are the three different types of sparkling wine producers in the United States?

Answer 23

• Specialist sparkling wine producers that are founded by Champagne or Cava houses like Roederer or Gloria Ferrer. They have distribution across the United States.
• Producers that make small batches of premium sparkling wines, and are usually sold at the cellar door or DTC. A good example of this would be Schramsberg
• Large wine companies that produce inexpensive sparkling wines as part of a larger range, including companies with national and international distribution. Examples would include Barefoot and Cupcake

Question 24

How much sparkling wine was produced in the United States in 2018?

Answer 24

• 12,500 cases (150,000 bottles)