California Flashcards

1
Q

California produces approximately _____% of the United States’ fine wine.

A

90%

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2
Q

Name three grapevine species native to North America, and their common names.

A
Vitis labrusca (Concord)
Vitis rotundifolia (Scuppernog)
Vitis aestivalis (Norton)
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3
Q

Franciscan monks brought what grape upwards from Mexico to California? Give a synonym for the varietal.

A

Mission; Listán Prieto

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4
Q

In what year was California’s first wine from the Mission grape produced, and where?

A

1783

San Juan Capistrano Mission

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5
Q

What mission once occupied the site that is now the town square of Sonoma?

A

San Francisco de Solano Mission

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6
Q

Who was the American settler to arrive in Napa Valley?

A

George Yount

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7
Q

Agoston Harszthy founded what winery in Sonoma?

A

Buena Vista

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8
Q

The oldest winery in Napa Valley is __________, founded in _____.

A

Charles Krug, 1861

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9
Q

Charles Krug worked for what pioneer of Sonoma wines?

A

Agoston Haraszthy

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10
Q

The oldest continuing operating winery in Napa Valley is __________.

A

Beringer

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11
Q

In what year was Beringer established?

A

1876

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12
Q

Name the Finnish immigrant who founded Inglenook Winery.

A

Gustav Niebaum

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13
Q

When was phylloxera first discovered in Napa and Sonoma?

A

1870s

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14
Q

What native American grape and it’s hybrids became favored due to their resistance to phylloxera?

A

Vitis riparia (riverbank)

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15
Q

Prohibition was enacted with the passage of which Constitutional Amendment?

A

18th Amendment

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16
Q

In what year did Prohibition begin?

A

1920

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17
Q

Name a prominent way in which wineries were able to skirt the effects of Prohibition.

A

They produced sacramental wine.

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18
Q

In what year was Prohibition repealed?

A

1933

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19
Q

Which Constitutional Amendment ended Prohibition?

A

21st Amendment

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20
Q

Who was the self-declared “House of Altar Wine”?

A

Beaulieu Vineyards

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21
Q

Who was founded of Beaulieu Vineyards?

A

Georges de Latour

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22
Q

In 1938, who was hired to oversee production at Beaulieu Vineyards?

A

André Tschelistcheff

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23
Q

What iconic Napa wine was introduced by Tschelistcheff?

A

Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

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24
Q

Name improvements Tschelistcheff brought to Napa Valley

A

Improved winery hygiene
Temperature controlled fermentation
Controlled malolactic fermentation

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25
Q

Name 4 winemakers mentored by Tschelistcheff.

A

Robert Mondavi
Joe Heitz
Louis Martini
Miljenko “Mike” Grgich

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26
Q

Name 4 wineries to survive Prohibition.

A

Beringer
Beaulieu Vineyards
Inglenook
Charles Krug

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27
Q

Prior to starting his own eponymous winery, Robert Mondavi work at what historic property?

A

Charles Krug

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28
Q

In what year did Robert Mondavi Winery declare their first harvest?

A

1966

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29
Q

What was Robert Mondavi’s impact on Sauvignon Blanc in Napa Valley?

A

Renamed it “Fumé Blanc” and aged it in oak

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30
Q

Apart from Buena Vista/Haraszthy, name 3 other early pioneers in Sonoma.

A

Hanzell
Martin Ray
Simi

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31
Q

In what year did Mondavi release the first “Fumé Blanc”/

A

1968

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32
Q

What property did winemaker Paul Draper assume control of in the Santa Cruz Mountains?

A

Ridge Vineyards

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33
Q

Name the oldest commercial winery in Monterey.

A

Chalone Vineyard

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34
Q

Who established the Sanford and Benedict Vineyard?

A

Richard Sanford, Michael Benedict

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35
Q

Where is the Sanford and Benedict Vineyard located? (Region and subregion)

A

Santa Barbara

Santa Ynez Hills

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36
Q

Who organized the 1976 “Judgement of Paris”?

A

Steven Spurrier

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37
Q

Which two wines took 1st place against Bordeaux and Burgundy, respectively?

A

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon

Château Montelena Chardonnay

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38
Q

What was the first Napa Valley Cabernet to top the $100 mark at release? In what year?

A

Diamond Creek

1978

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39
Q

When did a recurrence of phylloxera strike California’s vineyards?

A

1980s

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40
Q

In what decade did Napa see a stylistic shift towards greater ripeness, body, and alcohol?

A

1990s

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41
Q

Name 3 cult wines from Napa Valley

A

Harlan Estate
Colgin
Screaming Eagle

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42
Q

What federal bureau oversees the AVA system today?

A

Trade and Tax Bureau (TTB)

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43
Q

In what year did Napa Valley gain AVA status?

A

1981

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44
Q

In what year was Calistoga AVA approved?

A

2009

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45
Q

What controversy surrounded the creation of Calistoga AVA?

A

Rights of a brand vs. truth in appellation labelling
Calistoga Cellars and Calistoga Estates both didn’t use enough Calistoga fruit to have the name on their labels. When the AVA was approved, neither winery was grandfathered.

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46
Q

True/False: AVAs are only indication of geographic origin.

A

True

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47
Q

Percentage of Grapes - Appellation
County, State, Country = _____%
What are the exceptions?

A

75%
California, Oregon require 100% (for state)
Washing requires 95% (state)

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48
Q

Percentage of Grapes - Appellation

AVA = _____%

A

85%

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49
Q

Percentage of Grapes - Appellation

Single Vineyard = _____%

A

95%

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50
Q

True/False: American or imported wines with a declared vintage may be labelled only by country.

A

False.

A smaller appellation is required if a vintage date is declared.

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51
Q

If a wine is labelled with an AVA, what percentage of grapes must come from the stated vintage?

A

Minimum 95%

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52
Q

If vintage-dated wines are solely labelled by county or state, what percentage of grapes must come from the appellation?

A

Minimum 85%

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53
Q

Varietally labelled wines must contain _____% of the stated varietal. The exception is __________, which may account for _____% of the wine

A

75%
Vitis labrusca (i.e. Concord)
51%

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54
Q

What margin is permitted for alcohol declarations on wine?

A

+/- 1.5%

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55
Q

What is the approved alcohol range for “table wine” or “light wine”?

A

7-14%

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56
Q

When is the phrase “Contains Sulfites” required on wine labels?

A

When sulfite concentrations meet or exceed 10ppm

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57
Q

True/False: All wines in the US must declare the name and address of the bottler.

A

True

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58
Q

What are the requirements for “Estate-Bottled” wines?

A

Grapes grown on land owned or controlled by estate

Winery, vineyards must be in same AVA

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59
Q

Who was a major proponent of the massive Northern Sonoma AVA? What was the purpose?

A

Gallo Wines

They’re now free to blend across pre-existing AVAs for “estate bottled” wines

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60
Q

Name the 4 large AVAs the encompass the major wine regions of California.

A

North Coast
Central Coast
South Coast
Sierra Foothills

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61
Q

What area is encompassed by the South Coast AVA?

A

The land between Los Angeles and San Diego

62
Q

True/False: The Central Valley of California is a standalone AVA.

A

False

63
Q

75% of California’s wine is produced in the __________.

A

Central Valley

64
Q

Who holds the trademark to the term “Meritage”?

A

The Meritage Alliance

65
Q

What are the requirements for “Meritage” wines?

A

Blends where no varietal accounts for more than 90%
May be red or white
Must be Bordeaux varietals

66
Q

Name the counties of the North Coast AVA

A
Napa
Sonoma
Mendocino
Lake 
Solano
Marin
67
Q

How many sub-AVAs are contained within the Napa Valley AVA?

A

16

68
Q

The Napa Valley stretches from the __________ in the south to __________ in the North

A

San Pablo Bay

Calistoga

69
Q

How do temperatures differ between the northern and southern ends of the Napa Valley

A

Temperatures rise as one moves northward

70
Q

Ocean air travels through the __________ to the San Pablo Bay, keeping the south end of Napa Valley cool

A

Petaluma Gap

71
Q

What is the southernmost AVA of Napa Valley?

A

Carneros

72
Q

What is the northernmost AVA of Napa Valley?

A

Calistoga

73
Q

Name the mountain range that forms the western side of Napa Valley.

A

Mayacamas Mountains

74
Q

Name the mountain range that form the eastern side of Napa Valley.

A

Vaca Mountains

75
Q

Altitude in Napa ranges from _____ ft. to over _____ ft..

A

0, 2000

76
Q

Where are soils likely to be thinnest in Napa?

A

On hillsides

77
Q

What was the first sub-AVA in Napa Valley?

A

Howell Mountain

78
Q

How does fruit from the valley floor compare to fruit from hillsides?

A

Valley floor = more elegant, supple

Hillsides = dense, dark fruit

79
Q

How many AVAs lie within Sonoma?

A

17

80
Q

Which is larger, Napa or Sonoma?

A

Sonoma

81
Q

Carneros AVA falls into what category on the heat summation index?

A

Region I

82
Q

Alexander Valley and Dry Creek Valley both qualify as __________ on the heat summation index.

A

Region III

83
Q

Where are the coolest temperatures in Sonoma experienced?

A

Northern part of Sonoma Coast AVA

84
Q

What keeps the temperatures of the northern Sonoma Coast so cool?

A

Combination of altitude, ocean air, coastal fog

85
Q

The Russian River Valley is primarily known for which two varietals?

A

Chardonnay, Pinot Noir

86
Q

What soil type characterizes the Russian River Valley?

A

Fertile, alluvial soils

87
Q

Sandy loam soils found in the Russian River Valley are known as what series?

A

Goldridge

88
Q

Name two AVAs that lie within the bounds of Russian River Valley AVA.

A

Green Valley of Russian River Valley

Chalk Hill

89
Q

Name 3 notable producers of wines from the Sonoma Coast.

A

Peay
Marcassin
Hirsch

90
Q

Name 4 notable producers from the Russian River Valley

A

Dehlinger
Joseph Swan
Rochioli
Williams-Selyem

91
Q

What two counties of the North Coast AVA lie north of Sonoma County?

A

Medocino

Lake

92
Q

Name the AVAs of Sonoma that have “Valley” in their name.

A
Alexander Valley
Bennet Valley
Dry Creek Valley 
Knights Valley
Russian River Valley
Green Valley of Russian River Valley
Sonoma Valley
93
Q

The majority of Carneros AVA lies within [Napa/Sonoma}.

A

Sonoma

94
Q

Which AVA of Sonoma is the warmest?

A

Knights Valley

95
Q

What kind of soils are found in both Alexander Valley and Knights Valley? To what family of grapes are they most suited?

A

Gravelly soils

Bordeaux varietals

96
Q

How does Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley compare with that of Napa Valley?

A

Trends towards a more herbaceous character and a lighter body

97
Q

Zinfandel is most associated with what two AVAs of Sonoma?

A

Rockpile

Dry Creek Valley

98
Q

True/False: Zinfandel from Sonoma may be either American or French oak treatment.

A

True. Both are frequently used.

99
Q

What mountain ranges frame the Sonoma Valley AVA?

A
Sonoma Mountains (west)
Mayacamas (east)
100
Q

True/False: In contrast with Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley tends to be cooler towards the north end.

A

False

Temperatures also rise as one moves northward

101
Q

Name 3 AVAs nested within Sonoma Valley AVA.

A

Bennett Valley
Moon Mountain District Sonoma County
Sonoma Mountain

102
Q

What grape is Bennett Valley most known for, and why?

A

Merlot

It’s too cool to routinely ripen Cabernet Sauvignon

103
Q

What labelling law change was passed in 2011 that effects those from Sonoma?

A

Wines produced in the county must say “Sonoma County” on the label, regardless of another AVA also being used/unused.

104
Q

The best wine regions of Mendocino County are found at the juncture of what two rivers?

A

Navarro and Russian Rivers

105
Q

True/False: The Mendocino AVA covers the same area/boundaries as Mendocino County.

A

False

The AVA has tighter boundaries than the county

106
Q

Name the AVAs encompassed by Mendocino AVA.

A
Anderson Valley
Potter Valley
Redwood Valley
McDowell Valley
Yorkville Highlands 
Cole Ranch
Mendocino Ridge (in part)
107
Q

What AVA straddles the Sonoma/Mendocino county line?

A

Pine Mountain-Cloverdale Peak

108
Q

Apart from Pine Mountain-Cloverdale Peak, name two other AVAs in Mendocino County that are not included within the Mendocino AVA.

A

Dos Rios

Covelo

109
Q

In what year was the Mendocino AVA reduced in size? What was the reason?

A

2014

So it wouldn’t overlap with the new Eagle Peak Mendocino County AVA

110
Q

What is the smallest AVA in the United States? Who is the dominant producer?

A

Cole Ranch

Esterlina

111
Q

What Champagne house established American operations in Anderson Valley?

A

Louis Roederer

112
Q

What producer essentially has a monopole of McDowell Valley AVA?

A

McDowell Valley Winery

113
Q

What is the elevation restriction for the Mendocino Ridge AVA?

A

1,200 ft + altitude

114
Q

Name the most prominent inland AVA of Mendocino County.

A

Clear Lake

115
Q

The Central Coast AVA spans from __________ in the north to __________ in the south.

A

San Francisco Bay

Santa Barbara County

116
Q

Though Santa Cruz County lies within the Central Coast AVA, what smaller appellation is excluded?

A

Santa Cruz Mountains AVA

117
Q

Describe the climate of the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA.

A

Cool, coastal

High-altitude vineyards

118
Q

To what viticultural hazard did the original Bonny Doon Estate Vineyard fall prey?

A

Pierce’s Disease

119
Q

Who owns/farms the Monte Bello vineyard?

A

Ridge

120
Q

What is the most successful varietal in Livermore Valley?

A

Sauvignon Blanc

121
Q

Name the two valleys encompassed by Monterey AVA.

A

Carmel Valley

Salinas Valley

122
Q

Gary’s Vineyard is located within what AVA?

A

Santa Lucia Highlands

123
Q

Name the mountain range in San Benito County that is home to the Mount Harlan AVA.

A

Gabilan Mountains

124
Q

Paso Robles AVA lies within what county?

A

San Luis Obispo

125
Q

In what year were 11 nested AVAs approved for Paso Robles?

A

2014

126
Q

Name the geographic feature that keeps the western side of the Paso Robles AVA cool.

A

Templeton Gap

127
Q

Who planted the first commercial Syrah vines in California, and where?

A

Gary Eberle

Paso Robles

128
Q

Which estate of the Southern Rhône is a co-owner of Tablas Creek?

A

Château Beaucastel

129
Q

What river runs through Paso Robles?

A

Salinas River

130
Q

The world’s largest celebration of Rhône wines is called __________.

A

Hospices du Rhône

131
Q

At what point does the California coastline turn and trend east-west rather than north-south?

A

Point Conception

132
Q

Point Conception is located in what county?

A

Santa Barbara County

133
Q

What 2 prominent mountain ranges frame the valleys in Santa Barbara?

A

San Rafael

Santa Ynez

134
Q

List the AVAs within the Santa Ynez Valley AVA.

A

Sta. Rita Hills
Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara
Ballard Canyon
Los Olivos District

135
Q

Why is Sta. Rita Hills AVA name abbreviated?

A

A legal dispute in 2006 with a Chilean winery

136
Q

The Bien Nacido vineyard is found within what AVA?

A

Santa Maria Valley AVA

137
Q

Santa Barbara experiences a __________ climate on the heat summation index.

A

Region I

138
Q

True/False: Santa Barbara County experiences the longest growing season in California.

A

True

139
Q

What viticultural technique is widely practiced in the Central Valley, commonly associated with bulk wine and hot climates?

A

Irrigation!

140
Q

The Central Valley area is split between two smaller valleys. Name them.

A

Sacramento Valley

San Joaquin Valley

141
Q

On the Winkler Scale, the Central Valley is characterized by what climate regions?

A

Region IV

Region V

142
Q

True/False: Gallo is the second-largest producer of wines worldwide.

A

True.

143
Q

What is the largest and most important AVA found within the Central Valley?

A

Lodi AVA

144
Q

The Lodi AVA lies on the easter edge of what geographical feature?

A

The Sacramento River Delta

145
Q

How many sub-appellations exist within Lodi AVA? Name them.

A
7
Alta Mesa
Borden Ranch
Mokelumne River 
Cosummes River
Jahant 
Sloughhouse
Clement Hills
146
Q

Apart from Lodi, name 4 other AVAs of note in the Central Valley.

A

Dunnigan Hills
Clarksburg
Capay Valley
Merritt Island

147
Q

The Sierra Foothills AVA is located on the western edge of what mountain range?

A

Sierra Nevada Mountains

148
Q

Name the 5 sub-AVAs of the Sierra Foothills AVA.

A
Fair Play
El Dorado
Fiddletown
North Yuba
California Shenandoah
149
Q

When phylloxera resurged in California during the 1980s, it attacked what supposedly resistant rootstock? From where did this rootstock originate?

A

AXR-1

UC Davis

150
Q

The lowest elevation vineyards of the Sierra Foothills are located in what sub-AVA?

A

California Shenandoah