When it comes to American-made sparkling wine, the answer to the question of what it is called can be a bit surprising. In the United States, it is legally required to be called sparkling wine, regardless of the grapes used or the production method employed. This means that unlike in France, where only sparkling wine made in the Champagne region can be called Champagne, American producers use the term “sparkling wine” for their bubbly creations.
So, you may wonder why American-made Champagne cannot be referred to as such. Well, it all goes back to the concept of terroir. Champagne is not just a generic term for sparkling wine; it is a protected designation of origin, meaning it can only be used for wines that come from the Champagne region in France. This region has unique soil, climate, and winemaking traditions that give Champagne its distinctive characteristics.
In America, while wine producers can use traditional Champagne grape varieties like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, they cannot use the term Champagne on their bottles. Instead, they must label their product as sparkling wine to comply with legal requirements and to avoid misleading consumers.
This doesn’t mean that American sparkling wines lack quality or finesse. On the contrary, there are outstanding domestic sparkling wine producers who have mastered the art of creating refined and elegant bubbles. Many of these wineries are based in California, a region known for its excellent vineyards and winemaking techniques.
One such esteemed producer is Chandon, a winery located in Napa Valley. Chandon is a branch of the legendary French Champagne house, Moët & Chandon, bringing generations of expertise to their American operations. Their sparkling wines are crafted using traditional methods, including fermentation in the bottle, resulting in a product that rivals the elegance of its French counterparts.
Schramsberg, also situated in California, is another notable American sparkling wine producer. With a rich history dating back to the 19th century, Schramsberg has become renowned for their méthode champenoise sparkling wines. Their dedication to quality and their meticulous winemaking process has earned them international acclaim.
Roederer Estate, located in the Anderson Valley of California, is yet another American winery that excels in producing exceptional sparkling wines. Inspired by the Champagne tradition, they carefully handcraft their wines using estate-grown grapes. Their commitment to excellence shines through in every bottle they produce.
While it may be unfortunate that American sparkling wine cannot bear the esteemed Champagne label, it is essential to celebrate and appreciate the unique character that domestic producers bring to the table. Sparkling wine made in the United States offers its own distinct flavors, influences, and stylistic choices.
In conclusion, if you ever come across a bottle of American-made bubbly, remember that it is referred to as sparkling wine rather than Champagne. However, don’t let that deter you from experiencing the world-class quality and craftsmanship that these domestic producers offer. So next time you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply sipping champagne, give American sparkling wine a chance to dazzle your taste buds and surprise you with its own unique charms.
