California

Question 1

Which individuals had significant impact on the growth of California’s wine industry?

Answer 1

• Father Juniper Serra: Established missions along California coastline
• Robert Mondavi- Godfather of modern California wine

Question 2

How does one decode a California wine label?

Answer 2

• Varietal/generic/proprietary names. Geographic statements of origin. Vintage dates. Statements of production.

Question 3

What are the labeling requirements and regulations for California? E.g. % of grape variety, meaningful controlled terms etc.

Answer 3

Varietal—Minimum of 75% of the grape named on the label

• Generic—Place name from a famous region (Champagne, Chablis, Burgundy, or wine style like Sherry or Port)
• Proprietary—Made-up name
• Statements of production:
• Grown, produced, and bottled by—100% of the grapes grown or wine made by the company named on the bottle
• Produced and bottled by—75%
• Made and bottled by—10%
• Bottled by or Cellared and vented by—None
• Vintage dated—95% of the grapes from that year
• Geographic statements of origin:
• California—100% of the grapes come from the state
• County—75% of the grapes come from within the specific county
• AVA—85% of the grapes come from the specific AVA (American Viticultural Area)
• Vineyard—95% of the grapes come from the specific vineyard

Question 4

What are the major grape varieties grown in California? What are the signature grapes varieties which have made California reputation?

Answer 4

• Signature: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon
• Major Grape Varietals
  o White: Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc
  o Red: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir

Question 5

What are the geographic factors that influence grape growing and wine production in California?

Answer 5

• There’s no lack of warm climate for growing grapes. For fine wine production, the challenge is to find areas cool enough, with poor enough soil, so that grapes don’t ripen too quickly, without full flavor development. Nearness to the Pacific Coast and relatively high altitudes are more important determinants of cooler climates than latitude is. Fine wines, therefore, come from vineyards up and down almost the whole length of the state

Question 6

How does climate influence wine styles produced in various regions? What historic events influenced the growth of the wine industry in California?

Answer 6

• Much less variance in weather. Ocean breezes and mists from bays help keep it cool
• 1779: Father Junipero Serra established missions along the coastline of California.
• 1933: Prohibition repealed. 1960s: The revolution begins. 1970s: Millionaires move in. 1976: Paris tasting - Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars and Chateau Montelena. 1980s: Rise of the winemakers. 1990s: Return of Phylloxera, Pierce’s Disease, growth of AVAs.

Question 7

What winemaking practices are unique and legal in California e.g. Acidification, Chaptalization, etc.?

Answer 7

Acidification is legal; Chaptalization isn’t

Question 8

What are the most important AVAs in California?

Answer 8

• Spring Mountain, Diamond Mountain, Mt. Veeder, Howell Mountain, Stags Leap District, Atlas Peak, Chiles Valley, Oak Knoll District, Wild Horse Valley, Coombsvile, Los Carneros