North American Wine

American Wines from Great Wines Direct

Wine has been produced in America for more than 300 years, and today wine is produced in all 50 states, although most of it comes from California, where almost 90% of American wine is produced. The USA has the title of 4th biggest wine producing country worldwide following France, Italy and Spain.

North America is home to many native grape species – vitis vulpina, vitis rotundifolia, vitis riparia and vitis labrusca being just some of them. However, America’s wine cultivation industry has its basis on the vitis vinifera variety which was originally brought to the country with the original settlers from Europe. Over 1,100,000 acres of US soil is dedicated to growing grapes for wine production, and this makes it the 6th most vineyard planted country worldwide following France, Italy, Spain, China and Turkey.

Although most of America’s wine comes from the hot climates of California, the Pacific North West region also produces grapes including the Cabernet Sauvignon variety. There are around 3,000 commercial vineyards in operation across the US with one winery at least in all of the states.

Thanks to the variety of terrains and climates around the USA, the wines that are produced in different regions have very distinctive characteristics that make them a joy to explore. From the hot southern climates of Alabama, where sweet wines dominate to the cold regions of Alaska where grapes may not be cultivated but wines are certainly produced, America’s offerings are diverse and, in the main, surprisingly good.

Over the last few years, the industry has seen considerable expansion and investment with the result that many more US wines are starting to emerge into the international market and are being recognised for their quality.

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Red 15

Beaulieu Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 75cl £48.64

The Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon expresses juicy blueberry and purple grape notes, alongside savoury nuances of crushed graphite, mulberry leaf and Bovril; the aromas intensify as the wine is exposed to air On the palate, the flavours are intense and yet the texture is mellow, with velvety tannins and balanced acidity There is an appealing buttery richness, and the juicy fruit flavours persist well on the finish This is made up of 95% Beaulieu Vineyards estate-grown fruit, split roughly 50:50 between the Rutherford and Calistoga districts The 5% that does not come from Beaulieu land is selected from top growers and sites, that the winemaker judges will enhance the balance of the final composition The wine is aged 18 months in French, American and European oak barrels, of which 30% are first-fill

Red 15.5

Louis M Martini Monte Rosso Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 75cl £124.32

The Monte Rosso vineyard lies at 1,000 feet in the Mayacamas mountains in Sonoma County At this elevation, it is above the fog that so frequently affects California's coastal districts, and so experiences plenty of sunshine, tempered by the coolness of altitude These conditions lead to fantastically intense, succulent black cherry aromas, with more than a hint of spiciness Big, rich, velvety and utterly delicious With decanting, this is a super-impressive wine young, although it will also reward extended cellaring Marvellous

Red 16

Louis M Martini Monte Rosso Gnarly Vine Zinfandel 2018 75cl £74.80

From one of California's Grand Cru vineyards, it starts with the intense aromas of rich blackberry, blackcurrant and pepper aromas, the palate has striking power and breadth This leads to a sweep of dark fruit flavours of blackberry, plum, blackcurrant The fine tannins and outstanding balance of power create a wine of poise and elegance

Red 13.5

Bonterra Young Red 2020 75cl £18.91

Aromas of black currant, black cherries and a touch of wood smoke with flavours of plums, dark berries, toasty oak and vanilla spice On the palate, this wine has an elegant and restrained style with good structure and balance, soft tannins and a long finish

Southern Comfort 70cl NV £28.55

Archers Peach Schnapps 70cl NV £19.15

Sailor Jerry Spiced Dark Rum 70cl NV £30.52

Buffalo Trace Bourbon 70cl NV £36.19

Deep amber colour A complex aroma of vanilla, mint and molasses Sweet, notes of brown sugar and spice that give way to oak, toffee, dark fruit and anise Long and smooth with a serious depth

Bulleit Bourbon Whiskey 70cl NV £40.46

This robust and full-bodied style is crafted in small batches, using pure limestone-filtered water

Four Roses Yellow Label Bourbon 70cl NV £32.32

Yellow Label remains true to its original recipe, although this is tweaked to achieve consistency during blending A blend of all ten Four Roses recipes (approximately 2/3rd OE and 1/3rd OB mash bills) and is aged for between 5 and 6 years It is generally blended from no more than 200 casks A brand that dates back to the late 19th century This Yellow Label bottling of Four Roses was originally sold the European and Japanese markets and is made up of whiskeys aged between 5 and 6 years of age Sweet and crisp on the nose Marmalade and zesty citrus, sweet grain, toffee and a lovely caramel note Well-balanced smooth palate Notes of zesty citrus, manuka honey, sweet grain, winter spice and toasty oak Good length with sweet oak

Maker's Mark Bourbon 70cl NV £37.37

Maker's Mark is regarded by many as being the first Kentucky Straight Bourbon to market itself as a 'premium' brand It is also noted for its high corn content and being blended in batches of 150 casks which fill around 3,000 cases Rich and smooth, this is said to be the first Kentucky Straight Bourbon marketed as a premium brand

43.2

Woodford Reserve Bourbon 70cl NV £47.76

Light amber colour Rich nose of dried fruit, tangy fresh hints of citrus mild wood spice and vanilla notes Rich, silky rounded and smooth, complex flavours and textures including toffee/chocolate mingled with citrus and spicy warm cinnamon and cocoa on the finish

Jack Daniels Jack Daniel's 70cl NV £34.88

Sweet, oaky medium bodied whiskey The best selling American whiskey in the world