California Central Valley Flashcards
Study the California Central Valley wine growing region.
1
Q
About Central Valley geography
A
- The Largest wine region, the largest in California.
- Fertile valley, irrigated industrial agriculture
- Consists of two valleys:
- the Sacramento Valley in the north (which includes Yolo County and half of Lodi County); and
- the San Joaquin Valley in the south, where grapevines flourish in rich, deep, loam soils.
- Between the two valleys is the extensive Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta, which contributes to lowering temperatures and provides all-important irrigation.
2
Q
About wines in Central Valley
A
- The workhorse of the wine industry, producing 75% of Californian wine.
- Wineries – size of refineries (also referred to as “tank farms”) largest in the world
- E & J Gallo
- The hot, dry conditions and access to irrigation are conducive to high yields, with the majority of the harvest going into the bulk wine market.
- In selected sub-regions, increasing quantities of high-quality wines are also being produced.
- Grapes with higher natural acidity, such as Chenin Blanc, Colombard, Barbera and Chardonnay, are the best.