Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Introductory Sommelier > California > Flashcards

California Flashcards

1
Q

California Climate

A

Cool on the coast. Warm to hot inland, based on the distance to the ocean.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

California Topography

A

Mountain ranges and rolling hills, either blocking the cool Pacific air or funneling it inland.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

California Grape Varieties

A 
Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Zinfandel
Pinot Noir
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Important Areas of California

A

North Coast
Central Coast
Central Valley
Sierra Foothills

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What are the sub-regions of the North Coast?

A

Mendocino
Lake
Sonoma
Napa

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Napa Valley Location

A

The Napa Valley stretches from the San Pablo Bay 30 miles north to Mount Saint Helena. The Vaca Mountains flank the valley to the east and the Mayacamas separate Napa from Sonoma to the west. The Napa River flows through the heart of the region.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Napa Valley Climate

A

The dry Mediterranean climate and varies depending on altitude and the influence of cool air and fog rolling off the San Pablo Bay. This morning and evening cool air and fog creates large diurnal shifts in temperatures throughout the day. The AVAs in the southern portion of the Napa Valley are highly affected by cool air and fog. This lessens as you move north up the valley.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Napa Valley Topography

A

The mountainous portions of Napa Valley vineyard land rise up to 2,000 feet in altitude.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Napa Valley Grape Varieties

A 
Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Zinfandel
Pinot Noir
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Napa Valley Viticulture

A

Morning and evening fogs rolling in off the bay create the large shifts in temperatures from day to night helping retain needed acidity and imparting fresshness to the wines. The range of climates allows for a range of wines and styles.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Napa Valley Vinification

A

Extensive use of new French and American oak. Malolactic fermentation is often used when making white wines, especially Chardonnay. Sparkling wines are produced in the south.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Napa Valley AVAs

A 
Howell Mountain AVA
Rutherford AVA
Oakville AVA
Stags Leap District AVA
Carneros AVA
Wild Horse Valley
Mt. Veeder AVA
Atlas Peak AVA
Spring Mountain District AVA
St. Helena AVA
Chiles Valley AVA
Yountville AVA
Diamond Mountain District AVA
Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley AVA
Calistoga AVA
Coombsville AVA
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Sonoma County Location

A

Western edge of the north coast, extending eastward from the Pacific Ocean to the ridge line of the Mayacamas Mountains bordering in the Napa Valley

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Sonoma County Climate

A

Cooler coastal areas with warmer zones moving inland. Climate is extremely varied and depends on the proximity to the Pacific Ocean, altitude and inland influence of fog and cool air from the ocean flowing through the Petaluma Gap. Large diurnal shifts from night to day.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Sonoma County Grape Varieties

A 
Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Zinfandel
Pinot Noir
Syrah
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Sonoma County Viticulture

A

Hillsides, differences in elevation, diurnal shifts

17
Q

Sonoma County Vinification

A

Intense red wines, often aged in new oak barrels. Sonoma is incredibly diverse in the types of wine made. Styles are highly dependent on climate and cooling factors.

18
Q

Important Sonoma County AVAs

A 
Alexander Valley AVA
Bennett Valley AVA
Chalk Hill AVA
Dry Creek Valley AVA
Fort Ross-Seaview AVA
Fountaingrove District AVA
Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA
Knights Valley AVA
Los Carneros AVA
Moon Mountain District Sonoma County AVA
Northern Sonoma AVA
Petaluma Gap AVA
Pine Mountain-Cloverdale Peak AVA
Rockpile AVA
Russian River Valley AVA
Sonoma Coast AVA
Sonoma Valley AVA
Sonoma Mountain AVA
19
Q

Mendocino County Location

A

North of Sonoma County along the Pacific Ocean

20
Q

Mendocino County is known for this AVA that makes traditional sparking wine

A

Anderson Valley AVA

21
Q

What are the important AVAs in the Central Coast

A 
Monterey AVA
Paso Robles AVA
Santa Maria Valley AVA
Santa Ynez Valley AVA
Sta. Rita Hills
22
Q

Monterey AVA Climate

A

Cool maritime with fog and intense wind near the coast, very warm south and inland

23
Q

Paso Robles AVA Location

A

San Luis Obispo County between Monterey and Santa Barbara

24
Q

Paso Robles AVA Climate

A

Very warm AVA with hot days and cool nights, blocked from the Pacific by mountains

25
Q

Paso Robles AVA Grape Varieties

A

Chardonnay
Cabernet Sauvignon
Rhone varieties such as Grenache and Syrah
Zinfandel

26
Q

Santa Barbara County Climate

A

Maritime with dramatic change in climate fro the cool, wet, and windy coast to the warm and dry areas inland.

27
Q

Santa Barbara County Grape Varieties

A

Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
Pinot Noir
Rhone varieties such as Grenache and Syrah
Bordeaux varieties Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot

28
Q

Santa Barbara County Important AVAs

A

Santa Maria Valley AVA
Santa Ynez Valley AVA
Sta. Rita Hills AVA

Introductory Sommelier (24 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions