California Flashcards
The AXR1 rootstock was widely planted throughout California. But why was the AXR1 rootstock found unsuitable for California grape growing during the 1980s?
It has some vitis vinifera parentage, so was susceptible to the spread of phylloxera.
Using bullet points, briefly describe the influence of the Pacific Ocean on California vineyards.
- The Pacific Ocean has a cooling effect on vineyards that would otherwise be very hot. The California current brings cold water from the north, down the west coast of the USA. Upwelling also brings cool water to the surface, further cooling the adjacent vineyards.
- The vineyards facing the ocean experience the cooling effect, whereas those that face inland or are protected from the ocean can get very warm.
- Evaporation off the ocean creates a fog layer, that further cools the grapes (especially in the mornings).
- Gaps in mountain ranges surrounding the coast mean the cool air from the ocean can be pulled inland too.
What does Organic Wine mean in terms of SO2 in the USA
In the USA, to be labelled as Organic Wine, no addition of SO2 is permitted in the winemaking process. for this reason, very few wines are labelled as organic.
What are wines made from Sauvignon Blanc sometimes labelled as in California?
Fumé Blanc
Name the counties where these AVAs are located in California
* Alexander Valley AVA
* Arroyo Grande Valley AVA
* Arroyo Seco AVA
* Ballard Canyon AVA
* Calistoga AVA
* Carmel Valley AVA
* Carneros AVA
* Diamond Mountain District AVA
* Dry Creek Valley AVA
* Edna Valley AVA
* Knights Valley AVA
* Oakville AVA
* Paso Robles AVA
* Russian River Valley AVA
* Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
* Santa Maria Valley AVA
* Santa Ynez Valley AVA
* St Helena AVA
* Stags Leap District AVA
Alexander Valley AVA: Sonoma County
Arroyo Grande Valley AVA: San Luis Obispo County
Arroyo Seco AVA: Monterey County
Ballard Canyon AVA: Santa Barbara County
Calistoga AVA: Napa County
Carmel Valley AVA: Monterey County
Carneros AVA: Sonoma County
Diamond Mountain District AVA: Napa County
Dry Creek Valley AVA: Sonoma County
Edna Valley AVA: San Luis Obispo County
Knights Valley AVA: Sonoma County
Oakville AVA: Napa County
Paso Robles AVA: San Luis Obispo County
Russian River Valley AVA: Sonoma County
Santa Lucia Highlands AVA: Monterey County
Santa Maria Valley AVA: Santa Barbara County
Santa Ynez Valley AVA: Santa Barbara County
St Helena AVA: Napa County
Stags Leap District AVA: Napa County
Which Californian area is closely associated with large-scale production, with E & J Gallo Winery as well as Bronco Wine Company being two of the largest producers in the area
Central Valley
Paso Robles has become well-known for growing grape varieties associated with which French region?
Rhone Valley
List the grape varieties grown in the following Mendocino County AVAs:
* Anderson Valley
* Potter Valley
* Redwood Valley
The vineyards of Mendocino County become warmer as they move inland. Consequentially, the grape varieties grown in the different AVAs tend to vary.
* Anderson Valley: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
* Potter Valley: Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling
* Redwood Valley: Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Sirah
Describe the many geographical features that influence the climate in Alexander Valley AVA
Many of Alexander Valley’s vineyards are planted on the west/southwest slopes and valley floors below the Mayacamas mountains. The AVA is cooled in the evenings by Pacific air funnelled in from the Peteluma Gap. The aspect of the vineyards means the grapes get long hours of sunlight and the altitude means acidity in the grapes tend to be high.
In the 1990s, planting of Pinot Noir in the Russian River Valley AVA were 1,600 ha. Due to the popularity of Pinot Noir, plantings have increased dramatically. As of 2013, how many hectares of Pinot Noir were planted in the Russian River Valley AVA?
7,200 ha
What is the name of the mountains on the east side of the Napa Valley?
Vaca Mountain Range
Compare the weather and climate in Oak Knoll and Calistoga AVA and how this affects the wines produced in these regions.
**Oak Knoll **is in the southerly part of Napa Valley, as a result it is influenced by the San Pablo Bay and fog. The fog does not burn off quickly until well into the morning which limits the hours of sunlight and heat. The main grape varieties grown are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay. Due to the climatic conditions, the Cabernet Sauvignon is lighter in style compared with grapes grown further north in Napa Valley. Acidity is high and fruit flavours are fresher.
Calistoga is situated further north in Napa Valley and receives very little cooling influences form the San Pablo Bay. The conditions are warm to hot, but it can receive some cooling influences coming through the Chalk Hill gap. The main grape varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with lesser plantings of Syrah, Petite Sirah and Zinfandel. As the climate is warm to hot, the wines are full bodied with riper fruit flavours.
Name 3 sub-AVAs of Santa Ynez Valley AVA?
Sta. Rita Hills
Ballard Canyon
Los Olivos
