Mousseux

French for sparkling. Some VIN MOUSSEUX are made by the MÉTHODE CHAMPENOISE (with SECONDARY FERMENTATION taking place in the bottle); other less expensive mousseux are made in large tanks.

Where is the oldest AVA (American Viticultural Area) in the United States located?

A. New York

B. California

C. Virginia

D. Missouri

The oldest AVA in the U.S. is Augusta, Missouri, which was awarded the status on June 20, 1980. The region is home to a plethora of grape varieties including chambourcin, vignoles, concord, and Norton/Cynthiana (this latter variety became the official state grape in 2003). Missouri is also, along with Yamanashi, Japan, a recently elected member of Wine Origins, a global organization with 25 members that focuses on protecting wine place names. Other members of Wine Origins include: Willamette Valley, Jerez, Tokaj-Hegyalja, Washington State, Santa Barbara, Oregon, Burgundy, Texas, Rioja, Napa Valley, Walla Walla Valley, Long Island, Paso Robles, Chianti Classico, Bordeaux, the Duoro, Champagne, Sonoma County, McLaren Vale, Victoria, British Columbia, the Barossa, and Western Australia.

Bud

The small node on a grapevine shoot that carries within it the grape clusters for the year to come. In the early spring (just about now), these buds open, allowing the frail green shoots and tiny… Continue reading

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