Our American Wines

American wines can no longer be reduced to a handful of Californian icons.

From the precision of Oregon Pinot Noir to the sun-ripened richness of Sonoma Cabernet and the spiced generosity of Zinfandel, they tell a plural, modern and compelling story.

Exploring the wines of the United States means discovering a vineyard in motion — one capable of producing both accessible everyday bottles and wines worthy of the finest tables.

Why buy an American wine?

Long considered outsiders, American wines have established themselves among the world's great references. Since the famous Judgment of Paris in 1976, American estates have proven their ability to rival the finest European vineyards.

Buying an American wine today means choosing:

- expressive, easy-to-read wines
- modern and innovative viticulture
- precise styles suited to contemporary cuisine
- a uniquely diverse range of climates and terroirs

American wines win people over with their balance between power and freshness, ripeness and precision.

The great American wine regions

California: the historic heart of American wine
California accounts for the bulk of American wine production and international reputation. Napa Valley, Sonoma and Paso Robles produce structured Cabernet Sauvignon, gastronomic Chardonnay and generous Zinfandel. The sunny climate yields ripe, rich and expressive wines.

Oregon: elegance from a cooler climate
The Willamette Valley has become a world reference for Pinot Noir. The wines are finer, more precise, often compared to Burgundian styles. Oregon also stands out for its sustainable, artisanal approach to winemaking.

Washington State: power and precision
The Columbia Valley offers ideal conditions for structured, deep reds. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah develop remarkable intensity while retaining a lovely freshness thanks to significant day-to-night temperature swings.

The emblematic grape varieties of American wine

The American vineyard draws on a wide diversity of international varieties adapted to local terroirs.

- Cabernet Sauvignon: powerful, structured, often oak-influenced
- Zinfandel: fruity, spiced, sun-drenched
- Pinot Noir: elegant, digestible, aromatic
- Chardonnay: from crisp and taut to rich and creamy
- Sauvignon Blanc: lively and expressive

This diversity means there is an American wine for every table and every occasion.

American wine styles
Contrary to popular belief, American wines are not all about power.

They now cover a very wide spectrum:

- rich, generous wines from warmer climates
- elegant, fresh wines from cooler northern regions
- oak-aged wines for gastronomy
- fruity, accessible wines for immediate pleasure

American wine adapts to modern expectations: aromatic clarity, silky texture and precision.

Our selection of American wines
Our collection showcases emblematic estates that illustrate the stylistic diversity of American wine, with a strong focus on California and an opening towards cooler regions such as Oregon.
It features the cuvées of Francis Ford Coppola Winery, a major figure in Californian viticulture, including:

- fruity and accessible Pinot Noirs from Sonoma and Santa Barbara
- gastronomic Chardonnays, full-bodied and well-balanced
- structured Cabernet Sauvignons from Paso Robles
- generous, spiced Zinfandels typical of Dry Creek Valley

The selection also includes the Seghesio Family Vineyards Old Vine Zinfandel, a historic Sonoma reference known for its expressive, deeply characterful wines.

On the cooler-climate side, the Archery Summit Vireton Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley in Oregon brings a more refined and precise reading of American wine, with a style often compared to the great European Pinot Noirs.

This selection reflects two major expressions of American wine:
- the solar ripeness and aromatic richness of California
- the finesse and precision of the more northerly regions

A simple and coherent way to discover the major styles of American wine through recognised producers.

How to choose an American wine?
The choice depends primarily on the occasion and the food.

- for grilled meat or barbecue: Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel
- for poultry or fish: Chardonnay or Pinot Noir
- for spiced cuisine: fruity, supple wines
- for a first introduction to American wine: Pinot Noir or Chardonnay

American wines stand out for their ability to complement a wide range of cuisines, particularly contemporary and international cooking.

AVA: understanding American appellations
In the United States, AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) define the wine-growing zones. They guarantee the geographical origin of the wine, but offer considerably more freedom than European AOC systems.
This approach encourages innovation and stylistic diversity — key drivers of American wine's global success.

Food pairings with American wines
American wines find their place naturally at the table. They pair beautifully with:

- grilled meats and barbecue
- slow-cooked dishes and spiced cuisine
- fusion and contemporary cooking
- hard or aged cheeses

Their aromatic ripeness and supple texture make pairing straightforward and rewarding.

Why are American wines so popular today?
The success of American wines lies in their modernity. They speak to a new way of drinking wine: less formal, more intuitive, more international.

Their accessible style, technical precision and ability to complement the world's cuisines make them perfectly aligned with today's expectations.

FAQ – American Wine

What is the best American wine?
There is no single best American wine. Napa Cabernet, Oregon Pinot Noir and Sonoma Chardonnay are among the most sought-after styles.

Are American wines powerful?
Some are, particularly from California. But many regions produce wines that are more elegant and fresh.

American wine vs French wine: what are the differences?
French wines traditionally emphasise terroir and structure, while American wines favour the grape variety and fruit expression. The two styles are increasingly converging — with more freshness on one side and more accessibility on the other.

What is the difference between Napa and Sonoma?
Napa tends to produce more concentrated wines, while Sonoma offers a greater diversity of styles.

Which American grape variety should I choose?
Cabernet for structure, Pinot Noir for elegance, Chardonnay for gastronomy, Zinfandel for generosity.

Where to buy American wine online?
Buying American wine online gives access to a wider selection than most wine shops. Specialist retailers like Vinodelice offer a representative range of the great American regions and styles.