Sediment

The particulate matter (usually harmless) and color pigments that may precipitate out of a wine as it ages. The presence of sediment is not negative; many of the best wines in the world throw off sediment as they age.

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.

Cane

A vine shoot (or stem) that has turned from green to tannish brown and has become hard and fibrous. Shoots turn to canes in the fall in order to withstand the oncoming winter. A vine’s… Continue reading

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