Wine Laws of USA
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms established American Viticultural Areas, or AVAs, to define growing regions distinguished by geographical and terroir features. There are over 140 AVAs in the United States, including Napa Valley in California, Willamette Valley in Oregon and the Finger Lakes in New York. AVAs can extend beyond state boundaries, like the Columbia Valley which extends from Washington into Oregon. Unlike the French AOC, American AVA laws only establish growing area boundaries and do not govern which varietals can be grown or vineyard and winemaking practices. U.S. wine regulations include the following:
- If a wine label carries the name of an AVA, 85% of the grapes must come from that AVA.
- If a wine label carries the name of a county, 75% of the grapes must come from that county.
- If a wine label carries the name of a state, 75% of the grapes must come from that state. Some states vary on this law, such as California, where 100% of the grapes must come from California to carry the state’s name on the label.
- When a wine label carries a vintage, 95% of the grapes must be grown during the stated year.
- When a wine label carries the name of a grape variety, the wine must be made from at least 75% of that grape variety.
Wine Regions of USA
The Northeast
- Centered in the state of New York.
- Spreads as far as Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin and Oklahoma.
- Rugged climate.
- Sturdy and robust wines.
The Pacific Northwest
- States of Oregon, Washington and Idaho.
- Wine-making is relatively new.
- Climate is like that of northerly wine regions of Europe.
- Light, crisp and somewhat tart wines like those of Germany and Alsace.
California
- About 2/3rd of all wines consumed in USA is produced here.
- Microclimatic regions result in a wide variety of wines.
Napa Valley
- Napa Valley is most recognized for Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Beyond that, the most popular varieties are Merlot, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
- The grapes that grow in the valley are typically opulent and fruit-forward with blackberry and mocha flavors.
Sonoma
- Sonoma silently produces almost 2 times as much wine as Napa.
- It is responsible for some of the biggest names for Pinot Noir and Sparkling Wine in the United States.
- The entire Sonoma region varies from low, fog-covered valleys to sun-beaten hillside plots.
