The growth of the American wine industry over the past several decades has been remarkable. A 3.3 billion dollar industry in 1975, grape production and winemaking exceeded the 20 billion dollar level by 2010. The United States plays a major role in todays world wine market. In terms of vineyard acreage, the United States ranks fifth (behind Spain, France, Italy and Turkey). The United States is fourth in actual wine production, behind the European powerhouses of Italy, France, and Spain, but is only third in wine consumption, surpassed only by France and Italy. Many wine industry insiders believe the United States is on the way to becoming the worlds number one market for wine in the near future, as per capita consumption increases (while that of the Old World falls). This educational module deals with the wine regions of North America, the types of wine grapes grown and the styles of wines produced, and laws and classifications currently applicable in the United States. We also do one-page surveys of the Canadian and Mexican wine industries.

Conti Wallenburg , Brut, NVThis Sparkling Wine is made using the Classic method with the second fermentation in the bottle. The wine is put in bottles and then selected yeasts are added to remain at least 16 months prior to disgorgement.

Color: Delicate pink color with a subtle & persistent perlage. Nose and Palate: Aromas of bread, red flowers, ripe apple, cherries & peaches. Fine, well-rounded and persistent flavors with a long finish. Extremely elegant on the palate with a harmonious finish. Alcohol: 12% Appellation: On the Martignano hill, Trentino DOC, Trento, Italy

Excellent as an aperitif, and with all courses.

1Vidussi - Pinot Grigio, 2011The Vidussi Winery extends over marly soils with hillside vineyards. and with the best exposure of the Collio Region.Color: A straw yellow color. Nose and Palate: A crisp, refreshing Pinot Grigio, with a nose reminiscent of meadow flowers and nutmeg. Tasty & harmonious, this is a dry white wine with personality. Alcohol: 13%Appellation: Collio DOC, Italy (in the Friulan hill country, between Capriva and Cormons).

Serve with white meat, all fish dishes, salted meats, and egg based dishes.

2Montresor Monte Fiera - Bianco di CustozaThis is blended wine of 60% Garganega, 20% Fernanda, and 20% Chardonnay varietals. From a single vineyard on top of the Monte Fiera hill, facing Lake Garda

Color: Intense straw yellow color. Nose and Palate: Characteristic nose of musk and acacia wood. Full bodied and well balanced flavors of vanilla and fine wood, with good acidity and a lingering finish.

Alcohol: 13% Appellation: Bianco di Custoza DOC, Veneto, Italy

Excellent with spicy food, raw or barbecued oysters, white meat and medium aged cheeses.

3Casale dello Sparviero - Chianti Classico, 2009This is blended wine of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo grapes. Temperature controlled stainless steel fermentation. Aged 12 months in large oak barrels followed by a minimum 6 months in the bottle.

Color: Intense ruby red color with garnet hues. Nose and Palate: Intense aromas of ripe red fruits and black pepper. Lasting flavors of black pepper and cherries, followed by a delicate violet finish. Alcohol: 14% Appellation: Castellina in Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG, Toscana

Serve with grilled steaks, pork, chicken, cold meats, pastawith marinara sauce and semi mature cheeses, like Pecorino Toscano.

4Valpolicella Classico, Primo Ripasso, Castelliere delle Guaite, 2009This is a blended wine of 70% Corvina, 20% Rondinella, and 10% Molinara varietals. The wine undergoes the classic Ripasso method. It is then blended with the squeezed skins used to make Amarone (about 2-3%) to obtain another fermentation, giving extraordinary structure to the wine.

Color: Deep ruby red in color.Nose and Palate: Aromas of almonds and cinnamon. Dry on the palate, with a velvety smooth taste, and rich flavors of cherry, musk, spices and wood. Alcohol: 14.5% Appellation: Valpolicella Classico, DOC, Veneto

Excellent with roasted meats, game and mature cheeses.

5Vidussi - Ronchi di Ravez, 2011This is a blended wine 40% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Bianco, 20% Sauvignon varietals with a slow fermentation in small French oak casks.

Color: Strong straw yellow color. Nose and Palate: Intense bouquet with hints of vanilla, nutmeg, peach, acacia flowers and overripe tomatoes. Dry and fresh flavors of ripe fruit, fresh and sapid with a long finish. Alcohol: 13.0% Appellation: Collio DOC, Friuli

Excellent with fish dishes, boiled red meat, poultry, and a wonderful accompaniment to Prosciutto San Daniele and other Italian Salami.

6