American wine: 4 regions, 6 suggestions

From sunny California and Washington State to the cooler temperatures of Oregon and New York State, our neighbour to the south enjoys a wide range of climates and soil types that allows many different kinds of varietals to be grown. By combining tradition, innovation and creativity, Americans have been able to develop truly iconic wines whose excellent value for money make them incredibly popular year after year. 

California: The heart of American winemaking

California is by far the most well-known winemaking region in the States, producing 80% of the country’s yield. It’s an area characterized by a complex topography and climatic variations that created many distinctive terroirs with multiple varietals.

One great example of this is Joel Gott 815 California 2021, which combines grapes from California’s best regions to produce the kind of Cabernet Sauvignon that the state excels at. Napa grapes add roundness, Sonoma some gentle spice and Lake County, a clean, salty quality. This wine’s barrel aging is balanced by freshness, resulting in a pleasant, complex and robust flavour profile with bold tannins and solid notes of black fruit, chocolate and vanilla.

Mer Soleil Chardonnay Monterey County 2022 takes its name from the fresh sea breeze off Monterey Bay and the warmth of the Santa Lucia Highlands—two elements conducive to viticulture. The product of time-honoured family expertise, this wine combines lush fruit flavours with notes of cream and toasted almonds, reflecting the keen aromatic richness California Chardonnays are known for. 

Washington: A worthy challenger

Right behind California in terms of wine production, Washington State enjoys ideal soil conditions, 300 days of sunshine annually that result in optimal grape ripening, and cool nights that preserve the grape’s acidity. Today you can find rich, well-structured and complex wines made from over 80 different varietals, principally Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Riesling, and Chardonnay. 

Made from a blend of mostly Syrah topped off with Merlot, StoneCap Syrah 2021 presents a heady aroma typical of the region with bright florals and smoky, caramelized notes. The sandy soil polishes the tannins, providing a refined texture that leads to an enjoyable finish that lingers, with flavours of black fruit and mocha.

Oregon: Pinot noir country

Oregon focuses on quality rather than quantity. Boasting a cloudy, cool and temperate climate from the Coast Range, as well as extremely fertile soil, the state produces world-class wine, 60% of which is Pinot Noir. Its celebrated Willamette Valley consists of mainly family-run and small-scale operations that have distinguished themselves with smooth, crisp wines. 

Celilo Falls Pinot Noir Oregon embodies the region’s terroir with its smoky notes—thanks to the volcanic soil—as well as hints of cherry, fig and plum. This organic wine is moderately robust and offers a rich, generous texture, opening up to reveal supple tannins. 

Oregon is also known for white wines, such as Erath Pinot Gris Oregon. Delicate yet elegant, it presents a fruity aromatic profile typical of the region’s temperate climate, with refreshing acidity heightened by a seductive mouthfeel.

New York: A rising star

Less well known than its compatriots out west, New York State has made a name for itself with crisp white wines and lively, invigorating sparkling wines. They’re made with hybrid varietals and vitis vinifera like Chardonnay and Riesling, the latter celebrated for its sophistication and verve. The areas of Finger Lakes and North Fork have been attracting the attention of wine lovers and writers more and more.

Planted in New York State for the first time in the 1950s, Riesling has become the signature grape of Finger Lakes. It’s used to make excellent wines such as Ravines Riesling Finger Lakes 2019. This dry Riesling reveals dazzling flavours of Asian pear, white peach, lime, and kiwi. A subtle mineral quality adds a delicious complexity balanced by a little acidity.  

Whatever your preferences or budget, American wine regions have everything it takes to wow your palate. Check out the selection of US wines available at the SAQ!

In partnership with United States Department of Agriculture.

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