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Building a top wine list is a challenging task. You can add plenty of Old World and New World wine types to your restaurant wine list. You can even source many exotic and unique wines to help your business stand out from the rest. The process of building a wine selection is lengthy and requires a great understanding of different varieties of wine and their characteristics.
If you are a restaurant owner in the United States, however, there is one category of wines you should not miss. American wine types are becoming increasingly popular and you can build some of the best wine pairings with them. It’s not only about the 4th of July wine but having a wine selection that can be enjoyed year-round.
To help you build your wine selection and impress your customers with quality American wine, we have created a list. In this list, you will find the wines we recommend you look into and include in your wine list. Because these wines are all produced in the USA, it will be easier to build a beverage inventory filled with them. So analyze your food menu first to figure out what types of wines will go well with the dishes and then read our suggestions. You will find great recommendations!
American Wine to Add to Your Wine List
Deciding what type of American wine to order is easy only when you know more about each specific type. Below, we have broken down the characteristics of the most popular American wines and explained why they are a hit among wine enthusiasts and regular consumers. Let’s dive right in!
Key Takeaway: There are many different types of American wine that deserve attention. They are diverse and of high quality, which is why wine directors and restaurant owners need to get more of them in their wine selections. American wine is easier to source and is well-loved by customers, too.
Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley
This Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied wine with robust flavors of dark fruits like blackberry, plum, and blackcurrant. The wine often has hints of oak, spices, and vanilla. The location where this wine comes from is Napa Valley, which is a place renowned for producing some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignons in the world. They are known for their richness, depth, and age-worthiness. You can pair the Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley with hearty dishes like steaks and roasted meats.
Chardonnay from Sonoma County
The Chardonnay from Sonoma County offers a range of styles. It ranges from crisp and clean with notes of green apple and citrus to rich and buttery with flavors of tropical fruits, vanilla, and oak. Sonoma County Chardonnays are celebrated for their versatility and balance. They can complement seafood dishes, as well as poultry, creamy pastas, and more.
Pinot Noir from Oregon's Willamette Valley
The Pinot Noir from this region is light to medium-bodied with delicate flavors of red fruits like cherry, strawberry, and raspberry. It’s often with floral and earthy undertones. The cool climate of the Willamette Valley is ideal for producing elegant and complex Pinot Noirs, which is why this is among the most popular types of American wine. These wines are versatile and food-friendly, pairing well with salmon, duck, and mushroom-based dishes.
Zinfandel from California's Paso Robles
Zinfandel is bold and fruity with flavors of black pepper, ripe berries, and spices. Often has a higher alcohol content (ABV) and a robust and jammy character. Paso Robles Zinfandels are known for their vibrant and expressive profiles. They are great for pairing with barbecued meats, spicy dishes, and hearty stews. A great American wine to add to your selection!
Sauvignon Blanc from Napa Valley
This Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and refreshing with bright acidity and flavors of lime, passion fruit, and green apple. It also has some grassy and herbal notes. Napa Valley Sauvignon Blancs are appreciated for their vibrancy and zesty character. They are perfect as an aperitif and pair well with light dishes such as salads, shellfish, and goat cheese.
Merlot from Washington State
Merlot is a medium to full-bodied wine with soft tannins and flavors of plum, black cherry, and chocolate. The Washington State produces high-quality Merlots that are approachable and versatile, making them great for pairing with a variety of dishes like lamb, pork, and pasta. Make sure you include this great wine in your Amecian wine selection.
Syrah/Shiraz from California's Central Coast
Yet another full-bodied wine. This Syrah, however, has flavors of blackberry, blueberry, and pepper, often with smoky or meaty undertones. It’s produced on the Central Coast and this Syrah is known for its intensity and depth, pairing well with grilled meats, sausages, and hearty stews.
Riesling from New York's Finger Lakes
Riesling ranges from dry to sweet and has bright acidity and flavors of green apple, citrus, peach, and floral notes. Finger Lakes Rieslings are highly regarded for their balance and complexity, making them excellent with spicy foods, seafood, and Asian cuisine. It’s among the most popular types of white wine and customers often look for a high-quality Riesling.
Petite Sirah from California
The Petite Sirah from California is a full-bodied wand tannic wine with bold flavors of blackberry, plum, and black pepper, often with a chewy texture. Petite Sirah is appreciated for its robustness and aging potential, making it a great match for barbecue, game meats, and rich stews. It’s a great addition to any wine list of an American restaurant.
Zinfandel from Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma
Another Zinfandel to consider is the one from Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma. Similar to Paso Robles Zinfandel but often with more balance and elegance, featuring flavors of ripe berries, spice, and sometimes a hint of licorice. Dry Creek Valley Zinfandels are known for their consistent quality and versatility, pairing well with a range of foods from pizza to grilled meats.
Rosé from California
Can’t have such a list without mentioning a good rosé. This American wine is light-bodied with flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and citrus, often with a dry, crisp finish. Rosé has become increasingly popular for its versatility and refreshing nature, making it suitable for summer menus and light fare like salads, grilled vegetables, and seafood.
Frequently Asked Questions about American Wine
If you want to know more about American wine, you should read the following section. We have answered some of the most frequently asked questions regarding these wines and are giving more helpful information.
What Makes Napa Valley Wines Special?
Napa Valley is renowned for its ideal climate, diverse soils, and innovative winemaking techniques, which produce world-class wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon. The region's commitment to quality and consistency has made it a benchmark for premium wines.
Are American Sparkling Wines Good Quality?
Yes! American sparkling wines, especially those from California (like Napa Valley and Carneros), are known for their high quality. These wines are made using traditional methods and offer excellent value and flavor profiles similar to Champagne.
What Are Avas, and Why Are They Important?
AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) are designated wine grape-growing regions in the U.S. with specific geographic and climatic features that influence the characteristics of the wines produced there. AVAs help consumers identify wines with distinct regional qualities and standards.