Americas
Americas (/əˈmɛrɪkəz/) refers, in the context of wine, to the combined regions of North America and South America, both of which form an important part of the so-called New World of wine. Together they account for a significant share of global wine production and export markets.[1]
Background
Viticulture across the Americas is diverse, reflecting the vast geographical and climatic range from Canada to Patagonia. European settlers first introduced grapevines in the sixteenth century, and over time imported Vitis vinifera varieties became the foundation for the continent’s wine industries.[2]
North America
North America is dominated by the United States, where California produces the majority of the country’s wine, supported by important regions in Oregon, Washington and Canada. Key grape varieties include Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. Canada and northern states of the USA are also recognised for ice wine.[3]
South America
South America’s leading producers are Argentina and Chile, with Uruguay and Brazil also contributing to the regional identity. Argentina has become internationally associated with Malbec, while Chile is noted for Carménère alongside Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon blanc. The continent offers a wide stylistic range, from high-altitude vineyards in the Andes to coastal-influenced terroirs.[4]
See also
References
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., Mitchell Beazley, 2019, ISBN 978-1784724030.
- ↑ Pinney, A History of Wine in America: From the Beginnings to Prohibition, University of California Press, 1989, ISBN 978-0520062249.
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015, ISBN 978-0198705383.
- ↑ Anderson & Pinilla, Wine Globalization: A New Comparative History, Cambridge University Press, 2018, ISBN 978-1108411238.