From the American dream to global acclaim
Red wines from the United States represent one of the most fascinating expressions of the New World of wine, a region that in just a few decades has managed to establish itself at the highest levels of quality worldwide. Since the historic victory at the ‘Judgement of Paris’ in 1976, when Californian wines outperformed the most renowned French wines in a blind tasting, American winemaking has undergone constant evolution, leading to the creation of wines with extraordinary personality and recognisability. The geographical vastness of the country has allowed the development of extremely diverse wine regions: from the warm Napa Valley with its powerful Cabernets to the cool hills of Sonoma and Oregon, ideal for more delicate varieties, to the emerging areas of Washington State and New York. Our selection explores this rich mosaic of terroirs, favouring producers who authentically interpret the different American microclimates and who are contributing to the stylistic evolution that has seen the gradual abandonment of extractive exuberance in favour of greater balance, freshness and territorial expression. Particular focus is given to the pioneers who made American winemaking history, alongside the new generations who are redefining the identity of American wine with more sustainable and terroir-respecting approaches.
California: from the giants of Napa to the gems of the coast
The heart of our collection is California, the epicentre of American wine excellence. Napa Valley remains the most prestigious region, famous for its Cabernet Sauvignons and Bordeaux blends of extraordinary power and longevity. The best examples selected show a perfect balance between the typically Californian fruity richness and a refined tannic structure that guarantees elegance and ageing potential. Particular attention is paid to the different sub-zones of Napa, from the volcanic soils of Howell Mountain to the alluvial gravels of Rutherford, each capable of imparting a distinctive character. Alongside the big names that have made the region's history, our selection highlights emerging producers who are exploring less interventionist approaches in the winery, for wines that express the character of the territory with greater transparency. The neighbouring Sonoma County is home to some of the finest American Pinot Noirs, especially from the coastal areas of Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast and Fort Ross-Seaview, where the cool ocean influence creates ideal conditions for this demanding variety. These wines are distinguished by an aromatic profile of extraordinary purity, with notes of red cherry, wild berries, undergrowth and a characteristic spiciness, supported by an elegant structure and vibrant acidity.
Beyond California: Oregon, Washington and the new frontiers
Our selection goes beyond California's borders to explore other rapidly evolving American wine regions. Oregon, with its cool, rainy climate, has established itself as a prime location for Pinot Noir, with interpretations that are stylistically close to Burgundy while maintaining a distinctly American identity. The Willamette Valley, with its diverse AVAs, offers Pinots of extraordinary finesse and complexity, characterised by an aromatic profile that combines red fruits, floral notes and a distinctive minerality, with a delicate tannic structure and brilliant acidity. Washington State, the second largest producing region after California, is an area of extraordinary interest for the production of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah wines of great character. The Columbia Valley and Walla Walla areas, with their volcanic soils and extreme temperature variations, produce wines with an important but refined structure, where the power of the fruit is accompanied by an unexpected freshness. Our collection also includes interesting examples from emerging regions such as New York (Finger Lakes), Virginia and Texas, areas that are rapidly gaining recognition for the growing quality of their red wines. Particular attention is paid to pioneering producers of organic, biodynamic and regenerative viticulture, who are leading the transformation of American winemaking towards more sustainable practices and a greater focus on the authentic expression of terroir, for wines that combine the generous character typical of America with a growing sense of balance, precision and territorial identity.
