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WSET Diploma D3 > California > Flashcards

California Flashcards

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1
Q

History of winemaking in California.

A
  1. Spanish missionaries planted vines for altar wine and fortified production. Plantings increased with the god rush (1849).
  2. Prohibition from 1920 till 1933.
  3. Wines were initially named after European regions (e.g. Chablis, Burgundy), then Robert Mondavi started having names and place of origin on the label.
  4. Winemaker Andre Tchelistcheff brings temperature control, hygiene and techniques to prevent diseases and frost damage.
  5. 1976 Judgment of Paris. 1973 Stag’s Lead and Montelena won.
  6. Parker wines during the 90s and recent revolution and diversity.
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2
Q

Two main climatic influences of California.

A
  1. Pacific Ocean.
  2. Mountain ranges.
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3
Q

What are the influences of the Pacific Ocean in California?

A
  1. Cold water and currents combination.
  2. Can also reach inland through mountain gaps, reducing fungal diseases/frosts but also can close vine’s stomata and slow ripening.
  3. Helps fog formation in the morning.
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4
Q

What are the influences of Mountain ranges in California?

A
  1. Shelter from Ocean influences (warmer climate).
  2. Altitude.
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5
Q

General climate of California.

A

Mediterranean.
Some sheltered inland are continental.

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6
Q

Original planting and training in California.

A

Low density, high yielding replacement cane or cordon.

Now more diversity and attention to topography and micro-climate.

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7
Q

Why is California heavily mechanised?

A

Strong laws on illegal immigration reduced Mexican labour force.

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8
Q

Main hazard and diseases in California.

A
  1. Drought - irrigation, also water sustainable agencies).
  2. Pierce’s disease - brought by sharpshooters.
  3. Spring frost - heaters, wind machines.
  4. Wildfires - dry weather, damages vines and wineries, smoke taint in grapes.
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9
Q

Are organic practices common in California?

A

The law requires to not use SO2 so not many are using it but certified organic grapes are common.

85% of producers are though using a sustainable program.

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10
Q

Most planted varietals in California.

A
  1. Chardonnay.
  2. Cabernet Sauvignon.
  3. Pinot Noir.
  4. Zinfandel.
  5. Merlot.
  6. Colombard.

Also Syrah, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and Petite Syrah.

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11
Q

Zinfandel main feature.

A

Ripens unevenly.

Fresh flavours are mixed with concentrated ones.

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12
Q

Zinfandel two main styles.

A
  1. Dry - soft, ripe and jammy.
  2. White Zinfandel (rose) - stopped fermentation, medium sweet, short maceration in cool temperature stainless steel.
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13
Q

What is Petite Syrah?

A

A late ripening varietal from France (called Durif). Used in blends for colour, body and structure.

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14
Q

Why some AVAs are big?

A

Because of estate bottling law as it needs to come within a single AVA.

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15
Q

Labelling percentages.

A
  1. Variety 75%.
  2. Place: 75% County, 85% AVA, Vineyard 95%.
  3. Vintage 95%.
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16
Q

What is a common practice regarding growers and buying in fruit?

A

Most wineries sells and buy grapes from other AVA to build a bigger portfolio.

Useful for cellar doors and wine clubs sales.

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17
Q

As producers are buying grapes what is commonly done in vineyards?

A

Head grafting.

Prices are changing according to demands so varieties might change a lot.

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18
Q

Largest wine company in the world.

A

E & J Gallo.
6.3 million hL a year.

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19
Q

North Coast AVA. What counties does it include?

A
  1. Mendocino.
  2. Lake County.

Also some bits of Napa County and Sonoma County,

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20
Q

Two main climatic areas of Mendocino County and varietals.

A
  1. Coastal close to Pacific Ocean. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay.
  2. Inland. Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon. At high altitude sites also Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling.
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21
Q

Most famous AVA of Mendocino County.

A

Anderson Valley AVA.

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22
Q

Anderson Valley AVA climatic influences.

A

Long valley (slopes) from Pacific Ocean till inland.

  1. Cold air and fog from Pacific and Navarro river.
  2. 900 to 2000mm rainfall. More towards Pacific, less inland.
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23
Q

Varietals in Anderson Valley AVA.

A
  1. Pinot Noir (reputed).
  2. Chardonnay.

Also Alsace style Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc.

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24
Q

Most famous producers of Anderson Valley AVA.

A
  1. Littorai.
  2. Williams Selyem.
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25
Q

Lake County climatic influences.

A
  1. Rain shadow effect from Mayacamas and Vaca Range.
  2. Clear Lake, state’s largest natural lake.
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26
Q

Clear Lake AVA. Where are the vineyards planted and what varietals are used?

A

In slopes and ridges around the lake taking advantage of afternoon breezes.

Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc.

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27
Q

Grapes for Lake County are getting into what wines?

A
  1. Small premium wineries.
  2. Mostly multi-regional blends.
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28
Q

Sonoma County three overarching AVAs for estate bottling laws.

A
  1. Northern Sonoma AVA.
  2. Sonoma Coast AVA.
  3. Sonoma Valley AVA.
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29
Q

Northern Sonoma AVA most famous smaller AVAs.

A
  1. Alexander Valley AVA.
  2. Knights Valley AVA.
  3. Dry Creek Valley AVA.
  4. Rockpile AVA.
  5. Russian River Valley AVA.
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30
Q

Alexander Valley AVA climatic influences.

A
  1. Cooling from Pacific air from Petaluma Gap and Russian River Valley.
  2. Mayacama Mountain (altitude up to 750mm)
  3. 800mm rainfall.
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31
Q

Alexander Valley AVA main varietal and styles.

A

Cabernet Sauvignon.

  1. Valley floor - fertile soils, higher yields, less tannins.
  2. Mayacama slopes - more concentrated.

Also Chardonnay, Merlot, Zinfandel, Petit Verdot, Malbec.

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32
Q

Knights Valley AVA location and varietals.

A

Warmest area of Sonoma County, further inland sheltered by hills and Mayacama on volcanic soils.

Full-body Cabernet Sauvignon.

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33
Q

Climatic influences of Dry Creek Valley.

A
  1. Dry Creek river (tributary of Russian River).
  2. Air and fogs from San Pablo Bay (tidal estuary).
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34
Q

Varietals in Dry Creek Valley. Main style.

A

Mostly Zinfandel.

Also Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdone and Rhone varietals.

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35
Q

Soils in Dry Creek Valley AVA divided by areas.

A
  1. Valley floor - gravel, sand, loam.
  2. Slopes - red clay, loam.
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36
Q

Zinfandel style and main winemaking technique.

A

Old vines (100+ years old).

North jammy, ripe. South fresher style.

High proportion of new American oak.

37
Q

Main producers of Dry Creek Valley.

A
  1. Ridge.
  2. Kinsella Estate.
38
Q

Rockpile AVA climatic features.

A
  1. Altitude (up to 800mt on steep rocky slopes).
  2. Lake Sonoma inversion layer keeps warm at night.
  3. Fog.
  4. High wind influence keeps low yields.
39
Q

Varieties in Rockpile AVA.

A
  1. Zinfandel.
  2. Petite Syrah.
  3. Syrah.
  4. Cabernet Sauvignon.
  5. Cabernet Franc.
  6. Malbec.
  7. Petit Verdot.
  8. Douro varietals.
40
Q

Two main areas of Russian River Valley AVA.

A
  1. South-west - cooler areas, for and winds from the Petaluma gap.
  2. Inland - sheltered by hills from fog and breezes.
41
Q

Russian River AVA success brought to what AVA law?

A

The AVA has been extended twice to other closer areas affected by the fog.

42
Q

Two main sub-AVA of Russian River AVA. Climate and soils.

A
  1. Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA - next to Petaluma Gap, first fogs and last area where fogs leave. Coolest area of Sonoma. Low-nutrient free draining sandstone.
  2. Chalk Hill AVA - hillside, inland, warmer climate. White volcanic ash.
43
Q

Most planted varieties in Russian River Valley AVA.

A
  1. Pinot Noir.
  2. Chardonnay.
44
Q

Sonoma Coast includes two famous sub-AVA. Which ones?

A
  1. Fort Ross Seaview.
  2. Petaluma Gap.
45
Q

Climatic influences of Sonoma Coast AVA.

A
  1. Cool winds.
  2. Fog.

Coming from the ocean. Reduce yields by disrupting fruit set.

46
Q

Fort Ross Seaview main climatic feature. What is mostly planted here?

A

Altitude (280mt) eliminates fog layer but cool winds moderate the area.

Mostly Pinot Noir with riper fruit (longer sunshine hours).

47
Q

Petaluma Gap main problem. Most planted varietal.

A

Coastal winds are so strong that might cause stomata to close slowing respiration and photosynthesis.

Pinot Noir, high acidity.

48
Q

Sonoma Valley climatic influences.

A
  1. Sheltered by Pacific breezes by Sonoma and Mayacama mountains.
  2. San Pablo Bay cool winds moderating influences.
49
Q

Sonoma Valley AVA famous sub-AVA.

A
  1. Sonoma Mountain.
  2. Bennett Valley.
  3. Carneros.
50
Q

Sonoma Mountains altitude, soils and varietals.

A
  1. 730mt altitude (above fog), with coastal breezes.
  2. Volcanic soils (free-draining, low nutrients).
  3. Cab Sauv, Merlot, Zinfandel, Syrah, Chardonnay, Sauv Blanc, Semillon.
51
Q

Bennet Valley climate and varietals.

A
  1. Hills sheltering, but fog and breezes are there.
  2. Syrah, Merlot, Sauv Blanc, Chardonnay. Also Rhone.
52
Q

Los Carneros/Carneros is shared between?

A

Sonoma and Napa.

A producer that has grape in those areas can name Sonoma and Napa on label.

53
Q

Los Carneros/Carneros influences.

A

San Pablo Bay (fog + breezes).

54
Q

Los Carneros varieties and styles.

A

Mostly Pinot Nor and Chardonnay.
Also sparkling production.

55
Q

Famous producers located in Carneros.

A
  1. Kistler.
  2. Ramey.
56
Q

Napa Valley main two ares and climate influences.

A
  1. Flat Valley (fog and cold winds).
  2. Mountains (above fog, long sunshine hours, altitude up to 800mt).
57
Q

Napa Valley climatic influences.

A
  1. Napa River.
  2. Mayacamas - shelters cold Pacific breezes.
  3. Vaca Mountains - shelter hot Central Valley winds.
58
Q

Napa Valley Floor AVAs and climate specs in groups.

A

A) AVA with fog and cold wind high influences.

  1. Carneros.
  2. Coombsville.
  3. Oak Knoll.

B) Warmer with moderating fog and winds. Cabernet and Sauvignon Blanc.

  1. Yountville.
  2. Stags Leap District.
  3. Oakville.
  4. Rutherford.

C) No San Pablo Bay influence.

  1. St Helena.
  2. Calistoga.
59
Q

Mountain sides Napa AVA.

A
  1. Mount Veeder.
  2. Atlas Peak.
  3. Howell Mountain.
  4. Spring Mountain District.
  5. Diamond Mountain District.
60
Q

Most important factor in the Napa Mountain Sides?

A

Aspect. Decides if the site is warmer or colder.

61
Q

Soils in Napa: 3 sectors.

A

Created by tectonic plates and volcanic activity.

  1. Mountains - thin, poor of nutrients, reduced yields, concentrated grapes.
  2. Middle and east Valley Floor - silt, clay from Napa river, highest fertility.
  3. East valley Mountain alluvial fans called benches - moderate fertility (stile in between Mountains and Valley Floor).
62
Q

Napa vineyard land. How much is planted?

A

Every space permitted is planted. It stops at 30 gradients.

Agricultural Preserve helped in making possible to plant rather than build on the area.

63
Q

Main hazard in Napa.

A

Frost in the valley floor.

64
Q

Training in Napa.

A

VSP cordon or replacement spur.

65
Q

Varietals in Napa Valley.

A
  1. Cabernet Sauvignon (40%).
  2. Merlot.
  3. Pinot Noir.
  4. Zinfandel.
  5. Petit Verdot.
  6. Malbec.
  7. Cabernet Franc.
  8. Syrah.
  9. Petite Syrah.

Also whites Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris.

66
Q

How Napa changed in winemaking style.

A
  1. 80/90s - picking late, concentrated with new oak, long time in oak.
  2. Now - picking earlier, still new oak but less time. High technology equipment like optical sorting is common.
67
Q

Is blending common in Napa Valley?

A

Yes.

  1. Even in single vineyards there might be a small quantity.
  2. Also different vineyards from different soils from the 3 main areas.
68
Q

Most famous Napa single vineyards.

A
  1. To Kalon.
  2. Martha’s Vineyard.
69
Q

Significant producers in Napa.

A
  1. Screaming Eagle.
  2. Harlan Estate,
  3. Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars.
70
Q

Central Coast Counties.

A
  1. Monterey.
  2. San Luis Obispo.
  3. Santa Barbara.
71
Q

History of Livermore Valley AVA.

A
  1. Platings in 1760 by Spansh missionaries.
  2. Wente Vineyards brings cutting from Meursault in 1880s and Concannon uses Cab Sauv cuttings from Margaux.
  3. Stays open during prohibition as center of production of sacramental wine.
  4. Now still going thanks to its moderating San Francisco bay influences and stony soils.
72
Q

Santa Cruz AVA main feature and famous estates.

A
  1. Altitude (up to 800mt).
  2. Ridge Vineyards, Mount Eden.
73
Q

Monterey County AVAs.

A
  1. Monterey.
  2. Santa Lucia Highlands.
  3. Arroyo Seco.
  4. Chalone.
  5. Carmel Valley.
74
Q

Monterey AVA climatic features.

A
  1. Monterey Bay funnels into Salinas River Valley cool marine air.
  2. Deep canyon in Monterey Bay has cold water, cool and windy nights (can grow Pinot and Riesling but also Merlot and Cab).
  3. Sandy, loam, gravel soils.
  4. Irrigation is necessary for low rainfall levels.
  5. Mostly inexpensive to mid quality blends.
75
Q

Santa Lucia Highland, Arroyo Seco, Chalone and Camel Valley climatic features.

A
  1. Santa Lucia - Monterey Bay fog and winds (strong enough to close stomata and slow ripening), altitude 350mt.
  2. Arroyo - Santa Lucia Mountains and valley floor Salinas Valley (shelter or not).
  3. Chalone - 550mt on Gabilian Mountain, no fog but high diurnal. Granite and limestone for Pinot and Chard.
  4. Carmel - 67mt above fog, surrounded by mountains.
76
Q

San Luis Obispo County AVAs.

A
  1. Paso Robles.
  2. Edna Valley.
  3. Arroyo Grande Valley.
77
Q

Paso Robles, how big it is and climatic influences.

A
  1. Largest undivided AVA in California.
  2. From valley floors to hills and mountains. Generally warmer unless is moderated by the Templeton Gap for Pacific breezes.
  3. Calcareous soils (mostly Cab).
78
Q

Famous estates in Paso Robles.

A
  1. Tablas Creek.
  2. Saxum Vineyards.
79
Q

Edna and Arroyo climatic features.

A

Coldest AVA in California.

Close to the Pacific cool fogs from Morro Bay and valleys.

80
Q

Santa Barbara County AVAs.

A
  1. Santa Maria Valley.
  2. Santa Ynez (Sta Rita Hills).
  3. Ballard Canyon.
  4. Los Olivos.
  5. Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara AVA.
81
Q

Santa Barbara County climatic influences.

A
  1. Transverse (mountain) Range - formed by tectonic shifts. Altitude (e.g. Santa Maria, Happy Canyon).
  2. Pacific breezes and fog, cool a lot the area and reduce frost and fungal.
82
Q

Santa Barbara County influential producers.

A
  1. Sine Qua Non.
  2. Mail Road Wines.
83
Q

Central Valley production, grapes and two main valleys.

A
  1. Large scale production, inexpensive.
  2. Colombard, Chardonnay, Muscat, Zinfandel, Merlot.
  3. Fertile. Sacramento Valley, San Joaquin.
84
Q

Main producers of Central Valley.

A
  1. E & J Gallo.
  2. Bronco Wine Company.
85
Q

Lodi climate and features.

A

Mediterranean.

  1. Afternoon colling breezes and winds from San Francisco Bay and both valleys.
  2. Sandy, clay, loam soils.
  3. Low rainfall (irrigation needed).
  4. All grapes for warm climate (Rhone, Bordeaux, Spain, Italy).
86
Q

Lodi is famous for a high quality type of wine. Where are the vineyards located?

A

Zinfandel old bush vines (100+ yo).
Sandy soils pre philloxera.

Most are located into the sub-AVA of Mokelumne River.

87
Q

The small AVA of Clarksburg next to Lodi shares the same climate but has different varietals. Which ones they are?

A
  1. Chenin Blanc.
  2. Petite Sirah.
88
Q

Sierra Foothills history and climate.

A
  1. Vines brought to the Sierra Nevada mountains by European immigrants that then moved to the Gold Rush.
  2. Hot with high diurnal because of cold air from mountains and altitude (El Dorado AVA). Old vines Zinf mostly.
89
Q

South Coast history.

A
  1. Franciscan Monks in 1760s.
  2. During Prohibition vineyards moved to food crops.
  3. When vines came back Pierce’s diseases destroyed much of it.
  4. Now small replanting of quality in altitude and Pacific breezes areas.

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