America

Question 1

Describe the climate of California’s wine regions.

Answer 1

California experiences a warm Mediterranean climate. It is influenced by the cold California Ocean Current and is shielded by coastal mountains. In the evening, cold foggy air is drawn inland. Some regions have high altitude sites and low rainfall.

Question 2

What are the main climatic influences of the Northern California Coast

Answer 2

The North Coast is north of San-Francisco Bay. It experiences a strong ocean influence, with fog and cool breezes. It is characterized by river valleys and coastal mountain ranges

Question 3

Describe the Climate in Napa County

Answer 3

Napa County is bordered by the Mayacamas Mountains to the west and the Vaca Mountains to the east. This region has a diverse range of climates due to several cooling influences.

Question 4

What grape varieties thrive in Los Carneros AVA, and what is its climate like?

Answer 4

Los Carneros AVA is Napas most southernly vineyard, located on the valley floor and extending into Sonoma. It has a relatively cool climate and is known for producing high-quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, used for traditional method sparkling or still wine.

Question 5

Name three AVAs along the Napa Valley floor, moving northwards, and describe their characteristics.

Answer 5

Stags Leap District AVA, Oakville AVA, and Rutherford AVA are located on the valley floor. Rutherford experiences the least cooling from San Pablo Bay, producing the most structured reds. These AVAs are renowned for Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot also widely planted. Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc exhibit ripe tropical notes.

Question 6

Describe the characteristics of wines from Saint Helena AVA and Calistoga AVA.

Answer 6

These AVAs are located north of the Valley and experience warm daytime temperatures. Cool air flows through the Chalk Hill Gap, resulting in cooler nighttime temperatures that help retain acidity. Cabernet Sauvignon is primarily grown, along with Zinfandel and Syrah.

Question 7

What distinguishes Howell Mountain AVA and Mount Vedeer AVA from the valley floor sites?

Answer 7

These AVAs are located in the foothills above the valley floor, cooled by altitude and above the fog layer. Howell Mountain faces west for full sun exposure, while Mount Vedeer faces east and is slightly cooler with less sun exposure. Wines produced on these sites are more tannic with less richness on the palate compared to those on the valley floor.

Question 8

How does Sonoma County compare to Napa County in terms of size and climatic variety?

Answer 8

Sonoma County is larger than Napa County and offers greater climatic variety.

Question 9

What are the climate conditions in Russian River Valley AVA, and what grape varieties is it best known for?

Answer 9

Russian River Valley AVA experiences cool and foggy conditions due to a mountain gap (Petaluma). It is best known for producing high-quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, both in still and sparkling wine styles.

Question 10

How does the climate in Dry Creek Valley AVA compare to Russian River Valley, and what grape varieties thrive there?

Answer 10

Dry Creek Valley AVA, north of Russian River, is notably warmer. Vines are planted on the hillside above the fog layer. It is known for old vine Zinfandel on the hillside and the cultivation of Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Rhone varieties on the valley floor.

Question 11

Describe the climate and the main grape varieties of Alexander Valley AVA.

Answer 11

Alexander Valley AVA, located still further north, experiences a warmer climate. It is known for producing fleshy, full-bodied, and soft-textured Cabernet Sauvignon and other international varieties.

Question 12

How does the climate of Sonoma Coast AVA differ from Sonoma Valley AVA, and what are their key grape varieties?

Answer 12

Sonoma Coast AVA is located to the west and influenced by the cold Pacific Ocean. It features south-facing slopes to maximize ripening. Sonoma Valley AVA runs parallel to Napa and is cooled by breezes and fogs from San Pablo Bay. Both regions are known for high-quality Chardonnay and old vine Zinfandel.

Question 13

Where is Mendocino County located in relation to Sonoma County, and what are its climatic characteristics?

Answer 13

Mendocino County is located north of Sonoma County and is known for its large and diverse wine regions.

Question 14

What are the distinctive climate characteristics and grape varieties of Anderson Valley AVA?

Answer 14

Anderson Valley AVA is known for its very cool climate, making it suitable for Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and sparkling wines.

Question 15

How does Mendocino AVA differ from Anderson Valley in terms of climate and wine production?

Answer 15

Mendocino AVA is much warmer and drier, protected by coastal hills. It often produces full-bodied, soft wines, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Syrah being prominent grape varieties.

Question 16

Describe the climate and notable AVAs in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Answer 16

The Santa Cruz Mountains, in the northern part of the Central Coast, have a moderate climate. The region features hillside locations with infertile soils, producing elegant Cabernet Sauvignon, along with high-quality Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Question 17

What are the key characteristics of wines from the Monterey AVA?

Answer 17

The Monterey AVA follows part of the Salinas Valley and experiences a strong Pacific influence. It heavily plants Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in cooler sites near the coast, and Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah in the warmer south.

Question 18

What distinguishes the climates of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties from other regions in the Central Coast?

Answer 18

These counties, in the southern part of the Central Coast, have mountains running east-west. This funneling effect brings in cool ocean breezes from the mainland.

Question 19

Describe the characteristics of the Paso Robles AVA.

Answer 19

Paso Robles has warm, fertile land for high-volume production in the east, along with cooler maritime air in the west. It is known for high-quality Zinfandel and Rhone varieties.

Question 20

What are the notable features of the Santa Maria Valley AVA?

Answer 20

The Santa Maria Valley AVA, located further south, is exposed to coastal influences and is significantly cooler. Fog can cover lower-lying vineyards. It is known for producing premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with high acidity and balanced fruit.

Question 21

What are the key characteristics of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys?

Answer 21

These inland valleys make up the majority of California’s wine production. They are known for high-volume, inexpensive wines, often labeled simply as “California.” The climate is hot, dry, and irrigated.

Question 22

Which grape varieties are widely planted in the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys?

Answer 22

Varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Colombard, and Chenin Blanc are widely planted. Additionally, new varieties like Rubired and Ruby Cabernet were bred for these conditions.

Question 23

What is distinctive about the Lodi region’s location and what grapes thrive there?

Answer 23

Lodi is located between the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys, east of the Sacramento Delta. It benefits from cooling breezes from San Francisco Bay. Lodi is known for having some of the oldest Zinfandel vines in the state.

Question 24

Where is the Willamette Valley AVA located and what are its key climate characteristics?

Answer 24

The Willamette Valley AVA is located west of the Cascade Mountains, south of Portland. It has a moderate climate influenced by cooling Pacific breezes, featuring a dry growing season with long sunny days and cool nights.

Question 25

Which grape variety is most widely planted in the Willamette Valley AVA, and what are its typical characteristics?

Answer 25

Pinot Noir is the most widely planted grape variety. It produces wines with ripe red fruit flavors, hints of cinnamon, high acidity, and a distinctive profile.

Question 26

What distinguishes the Southern Oregon AVA from the Willamette Valley AVA in terms of climate and grape varieties?

Answer 26

The Southern Oregon AVA experiences the warmest conditions in Oregon. While cooler hillsides are present, this region allows successful ripening of Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Syrah.

Question 27

Describe the climate conditions of the Columbia Valley AVA and the Yakima Valley AVA in Washington State

Answer 27

Both the Columbia Valley AVA and the enclosed Yakima Valley AVA lie in the rainshadow of the Cascade Mountains, making irrigation necessary. They experience long daylight hours, cool nights, and consistent summer temperatures. However, winter freezes can occasionally reduce crops.

Question 28

Which grape varieties are most widely planted in Washington State, and what are their characteristics?

Answer 28

Washington State is known for full-bodied Merlot, elegant Cabernet Sauvignon, concentrated Syrah, and fruity Chardonnay, which are among the most planted varieties. Additionally, some Riesling is grown.

Question 29

What is the dominant type of vine species in New York State, and why is it used for wine production?

Answer 29

New York State is dominated by American and Hybrid vine species, which are chosen for their winter hardiness, making them suitable for wine production.

Question 30

Describe the Finger Lakes AVA and its significance in New York’s wine production.

Answer 30

The Finger Lakes AVA is the most important area in New York’s wine production. It is characterized by vineyards planted very close to deep glacial lakes, extending the growing season and storing heat well into November. This region is known for high-quality Riesling, along with other varieties such as Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and Chardonnay.