California Flashcards
What is the name of Americas GI system?
BAsed on American Viticultural Area (AVA)
What are some basic rules of AVA?
- AVAS can include land in more than 1 state
- there is federal laws specifying the minimum percantage of varietals
Explain the climate and topography of California.
Extends for 1100 North to South
- massive influence of cold california cold ocean current
- North of LA is very mountainous and where most vineyards are. These mountains pritect from cooling effect of the ocean.
- Cold air and fog is drawn from the ocean in the morning and in cooler years grapes can struggle to ripen fully.
- Valleys in Santa Barbara Counties and Monterey act as funnels for cold air.
- Central valley climate is hot.
What are some weather hazards in California?
Cold California Ocean Breeze
- lack of rain which creates water shortages and drip systems are often used
- extra hang time leads to extra ripe, concentrate fruit flavours anf high sugar levels
Common black varities in Califronia?
- Cabernet Sauv - most widely planted. Prime sites can do very expressive wines of full bodied with concentrated cassis with prominant spice from Oak.
Zinfandel - tends to ripen unevenly so can pick over ripe and under ripe grapes in the same bunch. Typically high alcohol with small amounts of residual sugar. Large volumes of rose (white zinfandel) are made from early picked grapes, fruity, pale in colour, medium sweet. - Merlot - approachable wines with soft tannins and ripe black fruit. San Joaquin has lots of plantings which make inexpensive wines. Better merlots now come from Sonoma and Napa - soft velvet tannins, black berry and plum
pinot noir - Russian river valley, Los Carneos and Santa Maria Valley - range of styles
Syrah - planted everywhere and produces full bodied rich styles.
Common white varieties in California.
Chardonnay and SB.
Desrcibe a chardonnay from Central Valley.
in expensive, high volume, fruity, low to medium acidity with some toasty notes from oak staves or chips.
Describe a high quality chardonnay from California.
Orignally - full bodied, high alcohol, low acid with obvious halzelnut and butter musking the peach and banana
now there is chardonnay being made with les oak and cooler regions.
Where do the best SB come from in California and what are they like?
Comes from Californias coastal. High acidity and ripe stone fruit.
Where is most of Californias wine producing made?
Central valley with highly fertile soil and therefore high volumes
What are three important regions in Calfornia?
- North Coast,
- Central coast
- Central valley
What important AVAs are in north Coast?
Napa Valley - only cover 50km north and south, most expensive vineyards and prestigous wineries. This is subject to a number of cooling influences, providing a wide range of climates and many different wines.
Los Carneros - most southerly vineyard on the valley floor and extends to Sonoma. Good source of high qualiy pinot and chardonnay. Significant influences of cool afternoon breezes from San Pablo Bay.
What are some important AVAs for high qualitu CAB Sauv?
- Rutherford
- Oakville
- Stags leap district
What is the climate and climatic influences of north coast california`
The climate in the vineyards is heavily influenced by the ocean bringing fogs and cool breezes into the coastal ranges and valley. Affects the averge temperature and diurnal temperatures.
where are Saint Helena AVA and Calistoga AVA and what od they produce?
These are wards in Napa Valley that are the most northerly and the armest. they produce concentrated full bodied wines.
