The United States of America

Question 1

When did the modern day sparkling wine industry start in North America?

Answer 1

in 1965

Question 2

Who is sited as been one of the first premium producers of California Sparkling Wine?

Answer 2

Schramsberg

Question 3

What famous producer came to Napa valley to legitimize “Champagne” production in California?

Answer 3

Chandon (1973)

Question 4

California is home to over ____% of the US’s production of sparkling wine?

Answer 4

50%

Question 5

Where are premium grapes for sparkling wine grown in California?

Answer 5

Coastal regions cooled by the Pacific Ocean

Question 6

What are the 6 most important regions for California sparkling wine?

Answer 6

Anderson Valley (Mendocino County), Russian River Valley (Sonoma County), Carneros (Sonoma & Napa County), Napa Valley (Napa County), and Monterey (Monterey County).

Question 7

The Anderson Valley

Answer 7

The North West of this region is very close to the Pacific Ocean. Cool ocean breezes and fog are conveyed along the Navarro River Valley to help to moderate temperatures and reduce sunshine. This region is home to the Roederer Estate (founded by the Champagne house of the same name).

Question 8

Russian River Valley

Answer 8

Cool breezes and fog probide cooling influences both via the river and through the Petaluma Gap. The Russian River is home to the famous sparkling wine house Korbel, a pioneer of California sparkling winemaking.

Question 9

Carneros

Answer 9

While not on the coast, this region gets significant cooling influence from the San Pablo Bay. Its home to Gloria Ferrer (Freixenet) and Domaine Carneros (Taittinger)

Question 10

Napa Valley

Answer 10

While most of this region is too hot for viticulture, important wineries that produce sparkling wine were founded here. Many of the regions producers will source grapes from nearby cooler regions like Carneros and Sonoma. Schramsberg is a classic producer and still independently owned.

Question 11

Monterey

Answer 11

The main Salinas valley opens up to the Pacific Ocean. This creates cool areas in the northern parts of Monterey County with high diurnal shift which allow for production of high quality sparkling wine.

Question 12

Edna Valley & Arroyo Grande (San Luis Obispo County)

Answer 12

These two AVAs are in the coolest part of San Luis Obispo, because of their proximity to the coast and the cold ocean.

Question 13

Santa Maria Valley & Santa Rita Hills

Answer 13

The East-West running Santa Maria Valley and Santa Ynez Valley form channels to allow cool breezes and fog to seep into the Santa Barbara County.

Question 14

Lodi

Answer 14

The Central Valley and Lodi are too warm for grape growing for premium sparkling wine. However, companies such as Weibel produce large volumes of Tank Method and flavored sparkling wines.

Question 15

Washington State

Answer 15

Washington State is the second largest producer of sparkling wine in the US. Chateau ste. Michelle is by far the largest producer in the region. With a northernly latitude and high diurnal range, grapes retain high acidity for sparkling wine.

Question 16

Oregon

Answer 16

Oregon has increasingly added sparkling wine to its offer of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The cool climate of the Willamette Valley allows fruit to ripen slowly and to retain naturally high acidity. Many producers do not specialize in sparkling wines, so they take base wines to specialist companies such as Radiant Sparkling Wine.

Question 17

What methods are used to produce sparkling wine in North America?

Answer 17

All methods. From Traditional to Carbonation.

Question 18

What is unique about Californias wine business as it pertains to sparkling wine?

Answer 18

Many wineries are now making small batches of sparkling wines sold only though tasting rooms and/or direct to consumer. Many wineries chose to use off-site specialists such as Rack & Riddle in Sonoma.

Question 19

What is unique about the term Champagne in California?

Answer 19

Although Champagne is a protected term, many producers in California have been making sparkling wine for over 100 years. If brands were established before 2006, they are legally allowed to state “California Champagne” on the label, however, many do not in an attempt to preserve the authenticity and respect of Frances Champagne region.

Question 20

What are the 3 different types of companies producing sparkling wine in the US?

Answer 20

-Specialist sparkling wine companies, often founded by Champagne and Cava houses. These companies have wide distribution throughout the USA & export wines abroad. An example listed is Roederer Estate.
-Wine companies that produce small batch, premium sparkling wines. These wines are sold at the cellar door, direct to consumer, and in the wineries own restaurant, or locally. Examples include Schramsberg.
-Large wine companies that produce inexpensive sparkling wines as part of a larger range of goods. These companies tend to have large production and massive distribution. Examples include Barefoot and Cupcake.

Question 21

Is sparkling wine consumption in America growing or shrinking?

Answer 21

Its been growing steadily in the last 15 years. However, market share for affordable sparkling wine has lost market share to the onslaught of Prosecco and Cava hitting the North American market. Younger people tend to prefer foreign sparkling wine over cheap, domestic products.