American wine

The United States isn’t just vast in terms of geography – its impact on the global wine scene is equally huge. It's one of the big four producers – along with Italy, France and Spain – that make the lion’s share of the world’s wine.

American wine is as diverse as its many climates and regions. California, Oregon, and Washington State are notable wine-producing areas, each with unique styles. California is famed for its robust Cabernet Sauvignon and rich Chardonnay, Oregon for its delicate Pinot Noir, and Washington for its balanced reds.

Quality ranges from premium, meticulously created vintages to affordable, everyday wines. The US has made significant strides in quality, gaining worldwide recognition for its exceptional wines.

Winemaking thrives across all 50 states, but some are more active than others. California, Oregon and Washington are the best known for their premium wines – although the latter are less well-known in the UK. Other states, such as Virginia and Michigan, are slowly winning attention thanks to the efforts of their winemakers.

• California: California is the largest and most influential wine-producing state. It is best known for its red wines in various styles. World-class Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines come from Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Paso Robles and Santa Barbara winemakers.
• Oregon: Oregon focuses on small-scale, high-quality winemaking, working with over 70 grape varieties. A Mediterranean climate and cooler, wetter wine regions see Pinot Noir thrive, along with Pinot Gris, Riesling and Chardonnay.
• Washington: The second largest wine producer state in the US. With a significant French influence, Washington is known for its high-quality reds and whites. Varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc are grown on the sheltered eastern side of the state in Colombia Valley and Walla Walla, protected from extreme weather changes. Riesling is Washington’s pride and joy – crisp, aromatic and full of juicy stone fruit flavours.

The US is home to exceptional red wines, gaining domestic and international recognition. The likes of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel and Pinot Noir lead this list.

• Cabernet Sauvignon: The most widely planted grape in the US, Cabernet Sauvignon thrives in regions such as Napa Valley. Known for its full-bodied profile, it offers rich black fruit flavours paired with notable tannins, making it an excellent companion for hearty dishes.
• Merlot: Widely planted across the country, this versatile grape is known for its smooth, fruit-forward taste. Its adaptability allows it to produce wines ranging from medium to full-bodied, often with plum and black cherry notes.
• Zinfandel: A true American classic, Zinfandel delivers bold blackberry and strawberry hints. It’s known for making robust reds with hints of tobacco and spice, as well as lighter rosé wines. Particularly good examples come from Paso Robles.
• Pinot Noir: Thriving in cooler areas such as Oregon’s Willamette Valley and California’s Sonoma Coast, American Pinot Noir wines are typically light-to-medium bodied with flavours of cherry, often with floral notes. It’s a versatile red wine that pairs well with various foods. Where the grapes are grown can affect the styles of wine they make. For example, the juicy, jammy flavours of a California Pinot Noir come from the constant sunshine that ripens the grapes, but Pinot Noir wines from Oregon are lighter in colour and more delicate.

As with its red wines, American whites are equally impressive and diverse in flavour and style. Key white varieties include:

• Chardonnay: The most widely planted grape in the country, Chardonnay thrives across America but is grown extensively by winemakers in California, Oregon and Washington State. American Chardonnay wines come in a range of styles, from oaky and buttery to unoaked and crisp. Full-bodied, fruit-forward styles can be found in California, with tropical fruit, vanilla and butter flavours. But cooler-climate regions such as Oregon and parts of Washington produce Chardonnays with more acidity and citrusy, green apple flavours with a mineral hint.
• Sauvignon Blanc: Famed for its zesty profile, American Sauvignon Blanc has a lively acidity, complemented by citrus and tropical nuances, sometimes with a grassy undertone. Grown widely in regions such as California, Washington State and New York, it ranges from bone dry to subtly off-dry.
• Riesling: Found growing in America’s cooler regions, such as Finger Lakes in New York and parts of Oregon and Washington, American Riesling grapes have a delicate balance of sweetness and acidity, making their wines very food-friendly. They range from off-dry to slightly sweet, with green apple, peach and blossom flavours.
• Pinot Gris / Pinot Grigio: Oregon and California are home to American Pinot Gris, a crisp, refreshing variety. While Oregonian winemaking styles lean towards complexity and a fuller body, Californian winemakers focus on more fruit-centric wine with pear, melon and citrus flavours.
• Gewürztraminer: American Gewürztraminer is mainly grown in California and Washington. Expect bold aromatics such as blossom, lychee and spice in every glass.
• Viognier: American Viognier wines are loved for their aromatic and expressive character, with floral and stone fruit aromas such as apricot and peach. Predominantly grown in California and some parts of Virginia, these wines are often rich and full-bodied – and are an excellent alternative to Chardonnay.

Sometimes called “blush” on bottle labels, rosé wine is a steady favourite with wine-loving Americans. Easy-drinking and available in styles ranging from crisp and dry to juicy and sweet, it’s the lunch wine of choice nationwide. The most popular rosé wines in the US include:

• Juicy Grenache – dry rosé wines packed with juicy strawberry and rose flavours.
• Sweet White Zinfandel – similar flavours of ripe strawberry and watermelon and are typically on the sweeter side.
• Deeply coloured Cabernet Sauvignon – a heavier pink, known for its heartiness and lightly spiced hints.