California: Central Valley

Question 1

Where is the Central Valley, USA?

Answer 1

Inland California, covering a large area

Question 2

What are the names of the two valleys within Central Valley (California)?

How much land is under vine in both of these?

Answer 2

Sacramento Valley (in the north): 6,700ha under vine

San Joaquin Valley (in the south): 61,000ha under vine

Question 3

Describe the typical growing conditions in Central Valley, California.

Answer 3

Flat, fertile areas
High daytime temperatures (35-40 degrees)
High yields

Question 4

What type of production is the Central Valley, California commonly known for?

Answer 4

High volume, large scale production

Question 5

Who are the two largest producers in Central Valley California?

Answer 5

Gallo Winery

Bronco Wine Company

Question 6

Why are wines from San Joaquin Valley often labelled simply as “California”?

Answer 6

San Joaquin Valley is not an AVA (neither is Central Valley)

Question 7

How much land is under vine in Lodi AVA?

Answer 7

45,000ha

Question 8

What is the climate in Lodi AVA?

What moderates this?

Answer 8

Hot mediterranean, with low rainfall

Moderated by afternoon winds from San Francisco bay and the Sacramento San Joaquin Delta

Question 9

Lodi is 100 miles from San Francisco Bay, yet it still receives some cooling influence from the ocean. Explain how

Answer 9

There are breaks in the North and South Coast Ranges, and, because land is flat, breezes off the bay are able to travel far inland

Question 10

Describe the topography and soil in the vineyards in Lodi.

Answer 10

Flat land

Free-draining, sandy and clay loam

Question 11

Irrigation is common in Lodi - where do many producers source irrigation water from?

Answer 11

The Mokelumne River

Question 12

How are most Lodi vines trained?

Answer 12

Cordon training with VSP

Some of the oldest vineyards are planted to bush vines

Question 13

In 2006, Lodi was split into ____ sub AVAs. ____ ____ AVA contains the most old vine ____. When it comes to labelling, the sub-AVA and ____ must appear on the label.

Answer 13

In 2006, Lodi was split into <b>seven</b> sub AVAs. <b>Mokelumne River</b> AVA contains the most old vine <b>Zinfandel<b>. When it comes to labelling, the sub-AVA and <b>Lodi</b> must appear on the label. </b></b>

Question 14

What is the name of the first Californian sustainability program?

Answer 14

Lodi Rules

Question 15

What variety is Lodi famous for?

What style and quality is available here?

Answer 15

Zinfandel

Can be medium to full bodied
Good to v.good, some outstanding
Inexpensive to premium

Question 16

Give the key characteristics of the Zinfandel vine

Answer 16

Prone to uneven ripening (can be jammy and fruity at the same time)

Question 17

Give a typical tasting note for a premium Zinfandel wine from Lodi

Answer 17

Ripe rasberry, blueberry, blackberry and vanilla aromas from oak
Medium (+) acidity
Medium to full body
Ripe medium (+) tannin
High alcohol

Question 18

Give a typical tasting note for an inexpensive Zinfandel wine from Central Valley

Answer 18

Soft, ripe and jammy style

Oak alternatives are often used to add vanilla flavours

Question 19

How might producers in Central Valley make White Zinfandel?

Answer 19

Short maceration on skins leads to a medium pink colour
Fermentation then takes place in stainless steel at low temperatures
Fermentation is typically stopped early to leave some residual sugar

Question 20

Give a tasting note for a typical White Zinfandel from central valley

Answer 20

Medium pink
Confected strawberry flavours
Medium acidity
Medium dry

Question 21

Where is Clarksberg AVA?

What grape varieties is it best known for?

Answer 21

South west of Sacramento, in the Central Valley

Chenin Blanc and Petite Sirah

Question 22

Describe the climate in Clarksberg AVA

Answer 22

Hot days moderated by afternoon breezes