California - 6 questions

Question 1

Name the top six wine companies in the USA.

Answer 1

1. E&J Gallo.
2. The Wine Group
3. Constellation Wines
4. Trinchero Family Estates
5. Treasury Wine Estates
6. Broncho Wine Company

Question 2

Explain why California is the “Heart” of the Californian wine industry.

Answer 2

1. About 90% of all US wine is made in California.
2. Wine grapes are grown in most of Californias 58 counties.
3. Wine is Californias most important finished agricultural product.
4. Home of the World’s most powerful wine brand. E&J Gallo.
5. Production is increasing.

Question 3

Name 5 main wine areas in California and tell which is deemed the premium wine area.

Answer 3

1. North Coast - premium
2. Central Coast
3. Central Valley - biggest production
4. Sierra Foothills
5. South Coast

Question 4

What is Californias most planted grape?

Answer 4

Chardonnay

Question 5

Give at least 6 pointers about making Chardonnay in California.

Answer 5

1. Best in cooler appelations close to cool maritime influences along the Californian coastal areas
2. from low yeilding vineyards.
3. Depth, richness and concentration with ability to age.
4. Examples: Anderson Valley in Mendocino. Russian River Valley in Sonoma.Carneros, Santa Barbara and Santa MariaValley.
5. Vinification with barel fermentation, malolactic fermentation, sur lie and barrel aging.

Question 6

What are some of the ways that Californian winemakers are using in order to go green.

Answer 6

1. Solar and bio power
2. Using straw bales as insulation
3. Going organic and biodynamic