9 - Wines of the USA Flashcards
What percentage of US wine production is from California?
90%
Which four states account for nearly all of the US wine production, and what are their approximate contributions
California (90%), Washington (3%), NEw York (3%), and Oregon (1%)
What is the American Viticulture Area (AVA) requirement for a wine label in terms of grape sourcing?
At least 85% of the grapes must come from the specified AVA.
What major pest devastated American vineyards in the late 1800s and required grafting onto resistant rootstocks?
Phylloxera
What was the historical significance of the 1976 Judgment of Paris for California wines?
California wines rated best in both white and red categories in a blind tasting, which was a shock as FRance was considered the leading producer.
Describe the climate of Washington’s primary wine-growing region and how it impacts viticulture
Easter Washington’s Columbia River Basin has low rainfall and high sunlight, creating a dry, sunny environment ideal for grape growing with irrigation.
Which state is primarily known for its Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris production, particularly in the Willamette VAlley?
Oregon
What type of grape varieties are most commonly planted in New York, and for what other product are these grapes primarily used?
Vitis labursca varieties (such as Concord) primarily used for grape juice.
Name two French-American hybrid grape varieties commonly grown in OH
Vidal blanc and Seyval blanc
What is the role of Ohio’s Lake Erie Grape Belt in the state’s wine industry?
The LAke Erie Grape Belt has the most wineries per square mile in Ohio, benefiting from he climate moderated by the lake.
What regulations differentiate Oregon’s wine labeling for varietals from most other US Wine regions?
Oregon requires that 90% of teh grape variety must be present, compared to 75% in most other regions.
So, Oregon is more strict or rigorous here.
Name three top grape varieties grown in Washington
Cab SAuv, MErlot and Syrah
Who is known as the FAther of American Winemaking and wich grape did he used for his successful sparking wine?
Nicholas Longworth, who used CAtawba grape
What are the main varietals grown on the North Coast of California, especially in Napa and Sonoma counties?
Cabernet SAuv, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel
Describe the primary difference in climate between the Central Coast’s northern and southern wine regions in California
The northern CEntral coast is cooler, favoring Chardonnay and PInot Noir, while warmer regions like PAso Robles produce Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel
