California Flashcards
California Climate
Cool on the coast. Warm to hot inland, based on the distance to the ocean.
California Topography
Mountain ranges and rolling hills, either blocking the cool Pacific air or funneling it inland.
California Grape Varieties
Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Zinfandel Pinot Noir
Important Areas of California
North Coast
Central Coast
Central Valley
Sierra Foothills
What are the sub-regions of the North Coast?
Mendocino
Lake
Sonoma
Napa
Napa Valley Location
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.
Napa Valley Climate
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.
Napa Valley Topography
The mountainous portions of Napa Valley vineyard land rise up to 2,000 feet in altitude.
Napa Valley Grape Varieties
Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Zinfandel Pinot Noir
Napa Valley Viticulture
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.
Napa Valley Vinification
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.
Napa Valley AVAs
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
Sonoma County Location
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
Sonoma County Climate
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.
Sonoma County Grape Varieties
Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Zinfandel Pinot Noir Syrah