C33 - California /checked Flashcards
1
Q
What is the biggest cooling influence in California?
A
The exceptionally cold California Ocean Current
2
Q
Where are most of the vineyards of California located?
A
North of Los Angeles
3
Q
What is the climatic role of the mountains in California?
A
They shield much of the state from the cooling effect of the ocean
4
Q
What is common evening weather for California?
A
Cold air, often accompanied by fogs is drawn in from the ocean, lowering night-time temperatures
5
Q
How and when do Californian fogs dissipate? How does this affect the vineyard climate?
A
The time it takes for the sun to burn off the fog in the morning, means that the cooling influence extends well into the day
6
Q
Describe the cooling effect of Californian fogs
A
Some years, the effect can be so dramatic that grapes can struggle to ripen fully
7
Q
Where in California does the cooling fog penetrate further inland?
A
Where there are gaps in the mountains
8
Q
Give examples of areas of California that act as funnels for the cold coastal air.
Why do they have this effect?
A
Monterey and Santa Barbara Counties
They are valleys at right angles to the ocean
9
Q
What is the climate like in areas of California that have no exposure to the ocean?
Give an example
A
Hot
Central Valley
10
Q
What is the second climatic feature that links all of California’s wine regions?
A
A lack of rain during the ripening season
11
Q
How is the lack of rain in California’s ripening season counteracted by grape growers?
A
Using drip irrigation
12
Q
What has been the effect of the lack of rain during autumn in California?
A
It has allowed growers to leave grapes on the vine for long into the season
13
Q
What has been the result on grapes of the longer ripening season in California?
A
They have concentrated flavours and very high sugar levels
14
Q
What has been the recent trend in Californian winemaking?
A
There has recently been a greater appreciation for freshness and many growers are picking slightly earlier
15
Q
What is the most widely planted BLACK grape in California?
A
Cabernet Sauvignon
16
Q
Give an overview of Cabernets from prime sites in California
A
They can produce extremely expressive wines that rival the quality of the best produced anywhere
17
Q
What is regarded as California’s ‘own’ grape variety?
A
Zinfandel
18
Q
What is the biggest viticultural difficulty with Zinfandel?
A
It tends to ripen UNEVENLY, with the result that harvested fruit can include raisined and underripe grapes
19
Q
How are underripe/early-picked Zinfandel grapes often used in California?
A
For large volumes of rosé wine
20
Q
How are Zinfandel-based rosés of California commonly labelled?
A
White Zinfandel
21
Q
Describe White Zinfandel
Flavour, colour, sweetness, alcohol
A
- Fruity
- Pale in colour
- Medium-sweet
- Low in alcohol
22
Q
Give an overview of Merlot-based wines in California
A
Approachable wines with soft tannins and ripe black fruit
23
Q
Which area of California has the largest plantings of Merlot?
A
San Joaquin in Central Valley
24
Q
What are the Merlot wines of San Joaquin, Central Valley like?
A
Simple and inexpensive
25
Give examples of areas that produce better qualities of Merlot in California (3)
What do they have in common?
1. Monterey
2. Napa
3. Sonoma
They are cooler sites
26
Describe the better quality Merlots of California
body, colour, tannin, alcohol, flavours
```
Luscious body
Deeply coloured
Soft, velvety tannins
High alcohol
Classic varietal flavours of blackberry and plum
```
27
Where in California do its premium Pinot Noirs typically come from? (3)
Moderate regions:
1. Russian River Valley
2. Los Carneros
3. Santa Maria Valley
28
What is the most widely planted grape variety in California?
Chardonnay
29
Describe the inexpensive, high volume examples of Chardonnay in California
flavour, acidity, oak
Where are they mostly made?
Fruity
Low to medium acidity
Sometimes a toasty note from oak staves or chips
Central Valley
30
Where are the more restrained, less oaky styles of Chardonnay being produced in California?
1. Los Carneros
| 2. Russian River Valley
31
What is California's 'second' white variety?
Sauvignon Blanc
32
Where does the best Sauvignon Blanc in California come from?
The coastal regions
33
Give an overview of the best Sauvignon Blancs in California
acidity, flavours
High acidity and ripe citrus flavours
34
Where are the more affordable fruity, everyday Sauvignon Blancs of California from?
Warmer regions such as Central Valley
35
What does Fumé Blanc sometimes indicate when used in California?
An oaked style of Sauvignon Blanc, but some producers use this term for unoaked wines
36
Where in California is the majority of wine produced?
Central Valley
37
Briefly describe viticulture in Central Valley, California
Soil is very fertile and irrigation is used to increase yield
38
Where are California's premium wine regions located?
Primarily along the coast
39
Which 3 of California's five wine-making regions contain the majority of the state's well known County Appellations and AVAs?
1. North Coast
2. Central Coast
3. Central Valley
40
What are the principal winemaking counties of North Coast region in California?
1. Napa County
2. Sonoma County
3. Mendocino County
41
Describe the climate of the vineyards in North Coast region
- Strongly influenced by the ocean
| - Fog and cool breezes flow through the gaps in the coastal ranges and river valleys
42
What effect do the fogs and cool breezes of North Coast have on climate?
They affect average and diurnal temperature ranges that affect grape-plantings
43
Which AVA has the most expensive land and some of the most prestigious wineries of California?
Napa Valley AVA
44
What marks the boundary of Napa Valley AVA with Sonoma County?
The MAYACAMAS Mountains to the west
45
What do the Vaca mountains separate Napa Valley AVA from?
The northern part of the Central Valley
46
Where within Napa Valley AVA are the vineyards found?
On the valley floor and each valley side
47
What creates the diverse range of styles available in Napa Valley AVA?
The variety of cooling influences which creates a diverse range of climates
48
What are the most significant cooling influences of Napa Valley AVA?
The morning fogs and cool afternoon breezes from SAN PABLO BAY
49
What essentially is San Pablo Bay?
The northern extension of San Francisco Bay
50
Which area of Napa Valley AVA do the San Pablo Bay fogs and breezes moderate?
The southern part
51
What is the most southerly vineyard area on the valley floor of Napa Valley AVA?
Los Carneros AVA
52
What counties does Los Carneros AVA cover?
1. Sonoma County
| 2. Napa Valley
53
What 2 grapes are notably produced to a high quality level in Sonoma County? Why is this possible?
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
| It is cool enough to produce them to a high quality
54
What styles of wine are made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in Los Carneros AVA?
Still and traditional method sparkling
55
What are the (first) 4 principal AVAs just north of Los Carneros AVA along the valley floor?
1. Stags Leap District
2. Yountville
3. Oakville
4. Rutherford
56
What are Stags Leap District, Yountville, Oakville and Rutherford primarily renowned for?
Premium Cabernets Sauvignon
57
Of the areas most renowned for Cabernet within Napa Valley AVA, which has the least exposure to the cooling influences of San Pablo Bay? What is the result?
RutherfordIt's the warmest during the day
58
Which of the AVAs just north of Los Carneros AVA produces wines with the most power and structure? Why?
RutherfordIt's the least exposed to the cooling influences of San Pablo Bay and so is warmest during the day
59
Which other 3 varieties are widely planted in Napa's premium Cabernet AVAs?
1. Merlot
2. Chardonnay
3. Sauvignon Blanc
60
Describe the flavours produced by whites of Stags Leap District, Yountville, Oakville and Rutherford
They all typically show white TROPICAL fruit
61
What are the AVAs in the upper north of Napa Valley which receive the warmest daytime temperatures?
1. Saint Helena AVA
| 2. Calistoga AVA
62
What is the result of northern Napa's warm temperatures on its wines?
They can be some of the most concentrated, full-bodied wines in the valley
63
How is the warmth of Napa's most northerly AVAs moderated? (3)
What is the effect on grapes?
1. Cool air through the Chalk Hill gap in the Mayacamas
2. Mountains can provide some relief from afternoon temperatures
3. Much cooler night-time temperatures help to retain grape-acidity
64
What is the 3 main grape produced in Saint Helena and Calistoga?
1. Cabernet Sauvignon
2. Zinfandel
3. Syrah
65
How are the vineyards of the valley sides in Napa Valley cooled, if not by the fog?
By their altitude
66
Other than altitude, what else has an important effect on vineyard climate in the vineyards of the valley sides in Napa Valley?
Aspect
67
Which 2 AVAs of Napa County have west-facing vineyards?
What is the result?
1. Howell Mountain AVA
2. Atlas Peak AVA
They get full exposure to the hot afternoon sun and tend to be warmer than those facing east
68
Which 3 AVAs of Napa County have east-facing vineyards?
What is the result?
1. Diamond Mountain District AVA
2. Spring Mountain District AVA
3. Mount Veeder AVA
Less/no exposure to the hot afternoon sun
Cooler than those on west-facing sites
69
What is the result on wines of the warmer afternoon exposure received in vineyards of Howell Mountain AVA and Atlas Peak AVA?
body, alcohol
They tend to be fuller-bodied and with higher alcohol levels
70
What is the general structural difference in the red wines of the valley sides in Napa Valley?
tannin
They tend to have higher levels of tannins and less richness on the palate than those on the valley floor
71
What are the principal variety of wines made from vineyards of the valley sides in Napa Valley?
5, ranked
1. Cabernet Sauvignon
2. Merlot
3. Cabernet Franc
4. Zinfandel
5. Chardonnay
72
Which is the larger of Sonoma and Napa County?
Sonoma County
73
Which of Sonoma and Napa has the greater variety of climates?
Sonoma County
74
Where is Russian River Valley AVA?
Sonoma County, to the west of Napa County
75
What are the weather conditions like in Russian River Valley AVA?
Why?
Very cool and foggy
Due to a break in the coastal ranges, known as the Petaluma gap
76
What wines is Russian River Valley AVA known for?
High quality, elegant (sparkling) wines made from:
| Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
77
What are the 3 main AVAs to the north of Russian River Valley AVA?
1. Russian River Valley AVA
2. Dry Creek Valley AVA
3. Alexander Valley AVA
78
What is the climate like in Dry Creek Valley and Alexander Valley AVA?
Perceptibly warmer than Russian River Valley AVA
79
What 2 varieties are planted chiefly in Dry Creek Valley AVA and where in the valley are they planted?
1. High quality, old-vine Zinfandel is planted above the fog layer on the hillsides
2. Valley floor vineyards are better suited to Sauvignon Blanc
80
Which AVA of Sonoma County is warmer still, than Dry Creek Valley AVA?
Alexander Valley AVA
81
How do the wines of Alexander Valley AVA compare with those of the other Sonoma AVAs?
They tend to be fleshier and fuller-bodied
82
What style of wine has Alexander Valley AVA built a particular reputation for?
Soft-textured, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon
83
Which varieties other than Cabernet does Alexander Valley AVA successfully make?
A range of international varieties
84
Which AVA lies to the west of Alexander and Dry Creek Valley?
Sonoma Coast AVA
85
What is the climate of Sonoma Coast AVA?
Greatly influenced by the cooling effect of the cold Pacific Ocean
86
How is ripening maximised in Sonoma Coast AVA?
By planting on SOUTH FACING slopes
87
What is the weather like in Sonoma Valley AVA?
It is heavily influenced by breezes and fogs from San Pablo Bay (like southern parts of Napa)
88
What 2 varieties is Sonoma Valley AVA best known for?
1. High quality Chardonnays
| 2. Old vine Zinfandels
89
Generally describe Mendocino County
Very large and diverse
90
Which county lies to the north of Sonoma County?
Mendocino County
91
Name a notable AVA of Mendocino County
Anderson Valley AVA
92
What is the weather like in Anderson Valley AVA?
Name 2 varieties that are produced
Very cool
Aromatic whites made from varieties such as
1. Riesling
2. Gewurztraminer
also Sparkling wines
93
Describe conditions in Mendocino AVA
Much warmer and drier than Anderson Valley AVA
94
How does Mendocino AVA achieve such relatively warm, dry conditions?
It's protected behind coastal hills that rise up to 900 metres
95
Describe wines from Mendocino AVA
3 grapes
Full-bodied with soft tannins
Often made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Syrah
96
List 3 major wine-producing counties of the Central Coast area in California
1. Monterey County
2. San Luis Obispo County
3. Santa Barbara County
97
How can the climate of Santa Cruz Mountains AVA best be described?
Moderate
98
What is the biggest moderating influence in Monterey AVA?
The Pacific Ocean
99
Which 2 varieties are planted closest to the coast of Monterey AVA? Why?
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
So that they receive maximum influence from the daily strong, cool winds from the ocean
100
Which is the most notable of the slope-AVAs along the Salinas Valley in Monterey County?
Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
101
What variety Santa Lucia Highlands AVA most noted for producing?
High-quality Chardonnay with citrus and tropical fruit flavours and balanced acidity
102
What is the major AVA of San Luis Obispo County?
Paso Robles AVA
103
Of which 3 varieties does Paso Robles AVA have major plantings?
1. Cabernet Sauvignon
2. Merlot
3. Syrah
104
Describe the climate of the eastern zone of Paso Robles
Hot, sunny weather and deep, fertile soils
| Supple, fruity wines for high volume brands
105
Describe the climate of the western zone of Paso Robles
Cooled by marine air
| Reputation for high quality Zinfandel and Rhône varieties
106
Which AVA lies to the south of Paso Robles AVA?
Santa Maria Valley AVA
107
Where is Santa Maria Valley AVA
Santa Barbara County, Central Coast
108
Describe Santa Maria Valley AVA
Significantly cooler than Paso Robles AVA
Well-suited to growing premium Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes
109
What is the result of the slow-ripening in Santa Maria Valley AVA?
It can yield wines with concentrated fruit flavours balanced by high acidity
110
What 2 wines are produced in Santa Ynez Valley AVA?
1. Red wines from Syrah
| 2. Bordeaux varieties
111
Which AVA is in the far west of Santa Ynez?
Sta. Rita Hills AVA
112
Describe conditions in Sta. Rita Hills AVA
Much cooler than Santa Ynez Valley AVA
113
Why is Sta. Rita Hills AVA so much cooler than Santa Ynez Valley AVA?
It's strongly influenced by the ocean
114
What variety does Sta. Rita Hills AVA specialise in?
Pinot Noir
115
What other varieties does Sta. Rita Hills AVA produce?
Chardonnay and a number of aromatic varieties
116
Which areas is Central Valley comprised of?
Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys
117
Which area produces the vast majority of Californian wine?
Central Valley
118
Describe the climate of Central Valley, California
Mostly hot and dry
119
Name 2 varieties that were bred in Central Valley, California
1. Rubired
| 2. Ruby Cabernet
120
Which traditional varieties are widely planted in Central Valley?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay
| Colombard, Chenin Blanc and Barbera
121
Which AVA straddles the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys in the middle of Central Valley?
Lodi AVA
122
What is unique about the conditions in Lodi AVA?
Despite being in Central Valley, it is still kept relatively cool, as it is east of the huge Sacramento Delta and thus benefits daily from cooling breezes from San Francisco Bay
123
What varieties are grown in Lodi AVA?
What variety in particular?
Most varieties
Home to some of the oldest and best Zinfandel vineyards in the state
