About Cider from USA

About Cider from USA
The United States is one of the most important players in the wine industry. On sheer numbers alone, the US is the fourth largest country in terms of total production; but it is the outstanding quality of wines from the US that is an additional part of its worldwide prestige. While the first wines produced in the colonies date back to the late 18th century, it has only been since the mid-1960s that the US has entered the premium wine market on a large scale. California, especially Napa Valley and Sonoma County were the areas that drove the new quality movement. Other areas in California also were home to great wines; soon Washington and Oregon were home to first-class wines as well. New York State, especially the Finger Lakes are was rediscovered for its Rieslings and soon wineries started opening in states such as Texas, Virginia and North Carolina. Today, 90% of domestic premium wine is produced in California and there are several wine types that share the spotlight; these include Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, Pinot Noir from Sonoma's Russian River Valley as well as Santa Barbara County and Chardonnay from several regions, such as Monterey and Sonoma County. Bordeaux-styles reds from Washington State have received great acclaim as have Oregon Pinot Noirs. Today, the United States is in an enviable position of being one of the largest producers of wine as well as one of the most celebrated.

Top Picks for USA

Cider

Six Byrd Cider  Small Batch Prickly Pom Fruit Cider
93 points
$7
This Cider is exactly what it says it is; a true technical achievement and a marvel of balance.
Woodchuck Hard Cider  Pineapple Mimosa Cider
93 points
$10
An excellent pineapple focused Cider, with highly approachable flavors; indispensable at a summer pig roast and imminently chuggable.
Woodchuck Hard Cider  Chucks Imperials Wild Tropics Fruit Cider
93 points
$10
A truly superb balancing act of flavors, and the tropical fruit essence is delicious.
Easton Cider Co.  Apple Blend Common Cider
93 points
$15
Best Buy
Crisp and clean with a good balance of acidity and fruit without feeling too sweet as to mask the natural flavors of apple.
93 points $15 Best Buy
Brick River Cider Co.  Honey Crisp Apple Low Alcohol Cider
93 points
A very fruity and delightful cider, the elderflower adds some classy depth and the acidity keeps everything in balance; very well done.
Highpoint Cider  Tram-Line Mosaic Dry Hopped Cider
93 points
A fantastic use of Mosaic, that shows off the properties of this hop in a pure and focused way that most beers can't; exceedingly well done.
Woodchuck Hard Cider  Chucks Imperials Cheeky Cherry Fruit Cider
92 points
$10
Impressive balance and ability to express the cherry, apple, and lychee in almost exact equal proportions.
Highpoint Cider  Transplant New England Style Semi-Dry Cider
92 points
True and authentic, this naturally cloudy cider doesn't hide it's rustic heritage and keeps you guessing until the end.
Wyders  Prickly Pineapple Fruit Cider
92 points
Very lively and tropical fruity; have with some pineapple pork kabob skewers!
Wicked Grove  Hard Cider
92 points
$7.99
Best Buy
A fruity and floral slightly sweet Cider with confectionary aromas but zippy acidity; will make a great palate refresher after a pulled pork sandwich.
92 points $7.99 Best Buy