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About us wine export

US Wine Export Types

U.S. Wine export categories include sparkling, still, and non-alcoholic. Slight differences exist between them, necessitating careful attention to their uniqueness.

  • Sparking Wines: Sparkling wines are trendy in most countries. The U.S. produces about 400,000 cases of such wines annually. However, that's only about 2% of the total wine production. Sparkling wines are also well appreciated for their bubbles and elegance. They result from carbon dioxide production during fermentation, which adds to their texture. The most popular types available in the U.S. are Champagne, Prosecco, and Cava, although they are often called by different names.
  • Fortified Wines: Fortified wines undergo additional alcoholic content determination. That occurs by adding a distilled spirit, often brandy, to the wine. Besides, they are typically sweeter and have higher alcohol concentrations than standard wines, a practice that many importers rarely follow. Commonly, these wines have longer shelf lives and are often served in smaller quantities. Examples of fortified wines are port, sherry, and vermouth.
  • Dry Wines: Dry wines are another staple wine category loved by many worldwide. A wide variety of dry wines exist, produced from various grape types, each offering unique flavors and aromas.
  • Dessert Wines: Dessert wines are sweet wines that couple well with sugary dishes or can be enjoyed as stand-alone meals. These wine types often undergo processes that concentrate the sugars in the grapes, resulting in a highly sweet finished product. Common examples include ice wine, Sauternes, and Tokaji.

US Wine Export Ingredients

The major ingredients for making wine include grapes, yeast, and water. However, the difference in grape varieties and winemaking practices contributes to the wide range of wines available.

  • Grapes: Grapes are the main ingredients in all wines. However, different grape varieties produce different wines. For instance, Chardonnay grapes make white wine, while Cabernet grapes are used for red options.
  • Yeast: Yeast consumes the grape juice sugars and converts them to alcohol and carbon dioxide. It also contributes to the flavor and aroma of the wine. The most common type of yeast used in the U.S. is Saccharomyces cerevisiae. However, some winemakers use wild yeast strains for fermentation to achieve unique flavors.
  • Water: Water is used in different winemaking processes to a varying degree. For instance, it assists in the soaking of the grapes and during fermentation. Also, it helps to regulate the temperature of fermentation. It is also used in cleaning and sanitizing equipment.

US Wine Export Manufacturing

The wine manufacturing process includes grap harvesting, fermentation, aging, and bottling. However, the method used for making each type of alcohol determines the technique's uniqueness.

  • Harvesting: Most winemakers in the U.S. prefer hand-picking the grapes to ensure only the ripe ones are selected. Others use mechanical harvesters to expedite the process. However, the latter is often considered more prone to including unripe or spoiled grapes.
  • Fermentation: This is the phase in which grape juice turns into wine, thanks to yeast. The choice of yeast, whether wild or cultivated, and fermentation conditions influence the wine's flavor and quality. Most manufacturers allow for primary fermentation, where sugars convert to alcohol. Many also go for secondary fermentation, shifting the wine to barrels for further fermentation.
  • Aging: Aging is a critical phase in wine production that greatly affects the wine's flavor profile. Aging occurs in wooden barrels, usually oak, or stainless steel tanks. The most common aging options include oak and steel. While oak adds vanilla and spice notes, steel helps retain the grape's pure flavors. Manufacturers age the wine for a specific period before bottling to develop desired characteristics.
  • Bottling: The bottling phase involves transferring the aged wine into bottles for sale. Before this, some wines undergo filtering and fining to remove impurities. However, the processes are not mandatory for all wines, especially those marketed as natural or organic.

Benefits of US Wine Export

Some benefits of exporting wine to the U.S. include the high demand for diverse wines, advanced viticulture technology, and quality.

  • High Demand: The U.S. has a robust wine market, making it a prime destination for wine exporters. About 340 million gallons of wine are consumed in the country annually, equating to about 4.5 liters per person. The figure represents about 16% of the total global wine consumption. The U.S. also has a large population of wine enthusiasts seeking diverse wine options. They prefer both domestic and international varieties.
  • Advanced Viticulture Technology: The U.S. wine industry uses cutting-edge technology and practices to produce high-quality wines. American vineyards use modern grape-growing techniques, such as precision agriculture, to enhance grape quality. Hence, they are able to export premium-quality wines to other countries. Also, the U.S. has a broader range of wine styles, from still to sparkling and dessert wines, catering to different market preferences.
  • Quality and Safety Standards: U.S. wines comply with rigorous quality and safety standards, making them a safe choice for consumers. The strict regulations ensure that exported wines meet international quality benchmarks.

Precautions when Exporting US Wine

Buyers should consider various precautions, such as taxes, tariffs, and international regulations, when importing wine from the U.S.

  • Taxes and Tariffs: Various taxes and tariffs affect the total amount paid for the wines. Usually, each state has its unique tax rates on wine, affecting the overall cost. Also, countries impose import duties on alcohol, including wine. So, it is important to check both state and country regulations before importing wine.
  • Proper Documentation: Wine importation requires several papers to be presented, such as bills of lading, commercial invoices, and certificates of origin. Therefore, ensure the paperwork is right, as any mistake can lead to delays, fines, or even shipments getting seized.
  • Labeling Requirements: Wine bottles must strictly conform to certain labeling standards, especially for marketing their product. For instance, each label must contain the alcohol content, ingredients, and origin of the wine. Missing even a single detail can result in the wine getting rejected. Hence, familiarizing the country’s labeling guidelines is critical.
  • Quality Control: Wines are sometimes affected by temperature and other conditions during transportation. They, therefore, require special treatment to maintain their quality. Buyers should ensure proper packaging and transport methods, such as using insulated containers, to avoid spoilage.

Q&A

Q. Which wines are popular for export from the U.S.?

A. The most exported wines in the U.S. are red wines. They comprise about 60% of the total wine export. White wines closely follow, accounting for approximately 40%. However, sparkling wine only makes up a small portion of the total wine exported to other countries.

Q. Which country imports the most American wines?

A. The U.K. imports the most American wines. It imported about 3 million gallons of American wines in 2021 alone. The figure represented over 15% of total wine exports from the U.S.

Q. What is the average alcohol level of U.S. wine?

A. The average alcohol content of U.S. wine ranges from 8 to 15%. However, some types may exceed the range. For instance, fortified wines have higher alcohol levels, often exceeding 20%. On the other hand, niche products like ice wine typically have lower alcohol levels at around 7 to 12%.

Q. Which is the older wine producing state in the U.S.?

A. California is the state that produces most of the wine exported from the U.S. The state has a Mediterranean climate ideal for grape growing. It accounts for over 90% of the total wine production in the country.

Conclusion

American wines are diverse. Some of the renowned types include red, white, sparkling, dessert, and fortified wines. The major ingredients used to make the wines include grapes, yeast, and water. The wines are manufactured through a process that involves harvesting grapes, fermenting them, aging, and bottling. Delivering the wines to various destinations has numerous benefits, such as enjoying high demand, diverse quality, and adhering to safety standards. However, buyers should observe international regulations, taxes and tariffs, proper documentation, and labeling requirements.