Food and Beverage Service R. Singaravelavan

28. Wines of the USA, Australia, and Other Countries PART IV 28. Wines of the USA, Australia, and Other Countries

Chapter 28 Wines of the USA, Australia, and Other Countries At the end of the class, you will name the wine-producing regions of the USA and Australia understand labeling and wine laws know about the wines of South Africa, and Hungary

Wines of the USA Almost every state in the USA produces wines and of all the states, California is the leading wine producer, making about 90 per cent of the USA’s wine. An American viticultural area (AVA) is an approved wine grapegrowing region in the USA, identifiable by geographic features, with boundaries defined by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). On 20 June 1980, the first AVA (Augusta AVA) was recognized near the town of Augusta, Missouri.

US Wine laws There is a nationwide appellations system monitored by the TTB. The AVA identifies geographical areas of quality production. Wines from AVA must be made with at least 85 per cent of grapes from that area. If it is a varietal wine, then it should be made from at least 75 per cent of that grape. If the wine label mentions the vineyard, then 95 per cent of the wine should be made from the grapes grown in that vineyard.

Wine-producing Regions of the USA California North Coast, Central Coast, South Coast, Central Valley Sierra Foothills New York Washington Oregon

Wine Regions of California

Australian Wine The Australian wine industry is the fourth largest exporter in the world. The climate in most part of Australia is warm, which produces ripe, rich, fruity reds, and whites. Australia produces good quality varietal wines and these wines are reasonably high in alcohol with strong fruity flavour. Australian wines are ready for drinking earlier than some of the European wines that are made from the same grapes.

Australian Wine Some of Australia’s best reds are labelled shiraz, which is known as syrah in France. Major grape varieties of Australia are shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, semillon, and riesling. In Australia, GSM is a common name for a red wine consisting of a blend of grenache, shiraz, and mourvèdre.

Australian Wine Laws The Wine and Brandy Corporation enforces Australia’s Label Integrity Programme (LIP) which guarantees the following. If a varietal is mentioned, it must be made from a minimum of 85 per cent of that varietal. If the origin is mentioned, it must contain a minimum of 85 per cent of grapes from that area. If two grapes are used in the making, the label will carry both the names, the name listed first represents the higher percentage of the two. If the vintage is stated, it must contain a minimum of 95 per cent from the year mentioned.

Australian Wine laws If the term ‘show reserve’ is used on the label, the wine has won a medal at tasting competition. If the term ‘wood matured’ appears on the label, it means that the wine has oaky taste

Wine Regions of Australia South Australia Victoria New South Wales Western Australia Queensland Tasmania

Wine Regions of Australia

Wines of South Africa In 1973, ‘The Wine of Origin’ (WO) was introduced and it is governed by the South African Wine and Spirit Board. The WO seal on a bottle stating the origin guarantees that 100 per cent grapes come from that area. Wine regions under WO system fall into four categories which are mentioned in the following in the order of larger area first and the smallest last 1. Geographical units 2. Regions 3. Districts 4. Wards

Wines of South Africa All WO with grape name or vintage must have minimum 75 per cent of that grape or vintage. All WO wines must go through analytical test and tasting panel. Every bottle of wine passed by the board carries a seal which includes up to three-coloured bands on the neck of the bottle. A blue band guarantees the origin, the red band guarantees the vintage year, and the green band guarantees the grape variety stated on the label.

Wines of South Africa Each seal carries identification number. If the word ‘Estate’ is printed on the label, it means the wine is from that Estate while the word ‘Superior’ on the label indicates wine of superior quality according to the standards of wine and spirit board.

Wines of Hungary Two famous wines of Hungary are Tokay and Bull’s blood. Tokay: Tokay (Tokaji) is a premier wine of Hungary made in Toakj- Hegyalja region. It is very sweet and luscious comparable to the great Châteaux of Sauternes and the Trockenbeerenauslese of Germany. It is made from grapes that are subjected to noble rot. Styles of Tokay: Tokay Essencial/Essenz, Tokay Aszú, Tokay Szamorodni

Wines of Hungary Bull’s Blood ( Egri Bikavér) The most famous of the red wines is Bull’s Blood which is also known as Egri Bikavér. It comes from the vineyard around Egri and is produced from at least three grape varieties, of which the most important grape is the local variety kadarka.

Points to Remember Californian wines are well recognised for its range all over the world Californian wines are named after the grapes The AVAs are identified by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau ( TTB) Australia produces good quality varietal wines which are reasonably high in alcohol and have strong fruity flavour. In Australia, the Tem GSM is used for a red wine consisting a blend of grenache, shiraz, and mourvèdre grapes Two famous wines of Hungary are Tokay and Bull’s blood.