California Deep Dive Flashcards
What grape dominates Napa Valley’s red plantings?
Cabernet Sauvignon dominates, representing a large share of Napa’s vineyard acreage.
Which cooler AVA in Napa is known for Pinot Noir and sparkling wines?
Carneros, in southern Napa, influenced by fog from San Pablo Bay, suitable for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay-based sparklers.
Name two typical white grapes in Napa Valley.
Chardonnay (often oaked) and Sauvignon Blanc (ranging from crisp to oak-aged Fumé Blanc).
Describe the overall climate in Napa Valley.
Mediterranean, with warm to hot summers, mild winters, and significant diurnal temperature swings due to fog and coastal influence.
Which mountain ranges flank Napa Valley?
The Mayacamas (west boundary) and the Vaca Range (east boundary).
Why is Rutherford known for “Rutherford dust”?
A colloquial term referring to fine-grained tannins and a dusty cocoa-like note, linked to its volcanic and alluvial soils.
Name a famous historical event that put Napa on the world stage in 1976.
The Judgment of Paris, where Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars (red) and Chateau Montelena (white) beat top French wines in a blind tasting.
Which Napa AVA is known for especially graceful yet powerful Cabernets with supple tannins?
Stags Leap District, recognized for approachable yet age-worthy Cabernet.
Why is Carneros cooler compared to Calistoga?
Carneros is closer to San Pablo Bay’s fog and breezes, while Calistoga, farther north, is hotter and has less bay influence.
Name two “cult” wineries in Napa famous for highly scored, limited-production Cabs.
Screaming Eagle and Harlan Estate are iconic cult producers.
Which grape historically gained Sonoma’s fame in the 1800s?
Zinfandel, planted by Italian and other European immigrants, remains a signature variety in Sonoma.
How does the Pacific Ocean influence Sonoma County’s climate?
Cool, moist air and fog enter coastal areas, moderating temperatures, especially in sub-AVAs like Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley.
Which sub-AVA in Sonoma is known for brambly, old-vine Zinfandel?
Dry Creek Valley is a classic stronghold for robust Zinfandel from historic vines.
Name three leading red grapes in Sonoma County.
Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel are the key red players, each thriving in different sub-AVAs.
What soils are prized in the Russian River Valley for Pinot Noir?
The Goldridge sandy loam, providing good drainage and gentle vine stress to produce nuanced Pinot and Chardonnay.
Name the main white varietals in Sonoma.
Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc predominate, though smaller plantings of Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, etc., exist.
Which mountainous region in Sonoma fosters ripe Cabernet?
Alexander Valley – warmer inland climate fosters big, fruit-driven Cabs, along with Merlot and Chardonnay.
How do top Sonoma Pinot producers typically handle oak?
Moderate use of French oak, focusing on balance and retaining the fruit and site expression rather than heavy oak influence.
What is the significance of “Old Vine Zinfandel” in Sonoma?
Many vineyards survived Prohibition and still produce concentrated Zin from vines 50–100+ years old, especially in Dry Creek or Sonoma Valley.
Which sub-AVA covers the southwestern part of Russian River Valley known for sparkling wine?
Green Valley of Russian River Valley, featuring cooler, foggier mornings – ideal for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay sparkling base.
In Paso Robles, what is the major climatic phenomenon that moderates heat?
The Templeton Gap allows cool marine air in from the coast, creating large day-to-night temperature swings.
Which red varieties define Paso Robles?
Bordeaux grapes (Cabernet) and Rhône grapes (Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre) are primary; plus Zinfandel historically.
Name two common soil types in Paso.
Calcareous (limestone) and shale-based soils, promoting good drainage and acidity retention in grapes.
What unique movement popularized Rhône varieties in Paso Robles?
The “Rhone Rangers” (Tablas Creek, etc.) introduced French clones and championed Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Viognier, Roussanne.
How does high diurnal variation affect Paso wines?
The hot days yield ripe fruit flavors, while cool nights preserve acidity, balancing these bold, full-bodied wines.
Name a top Paso Robles producer specializing in Rhône blends.
Tablas Creek (a partnership with Château de Beaucastel) is a pioneering estate for GSM-style and white Rhône blends.
Which sub-AVA of Paso is known for high elevations and limestone soils on the west side?
Adelaida District features older calcareous soils, producing structured, age-worthy wines.
Name two other sub-AVAs in Paso Robles.
Templeton Gap District (marine influence) and Willow Creek District (cooler, west side). Others include El Pomar, Geneseo, Highlands, etc.
What is the overall style of Paso Robles Zinfandel?
Usually fruit-forward, high alcohol, jammy, with brambly notes of spice and sometimes American oak usage.
Which mountains in Santa Barbara run east–west rather than north–south?
The Transverse Ranges (Santa Ynez & San Rafael Mountains), funneling ocean air inland for cool-climate viticulture.
Which two grapes lead Santa Barbara’s production?
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the top performers in its cooler sub-AVAs.
Name four sub-AVAs of the Santa Ynez Valley.
Sta. Rita Hills, Ballard Canyon, Los Olivos District, Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara (and Alisos Canyon).
Which sub-AVA of Santa Barbara is famous for Syrah, officially recognized?
Ballard Canyon is designated for top Syrah.
What film popularized Santa Barbara’s Pinot Noir scene in 2004?
“Sideways” showcased Santa Ynez and Santa Maria wines, fueling US Pinot Noir mania.
How do Sta. Rita Hills conditions benefit Pinot Noir and Chardonnay?
Intense fog and wind keep daytime highs moderate, preserving acidity and extending hang time for complex aromatics.
In Santa Maria Valley, which grapes achieve elegance under windy conditions?
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with longer growing seasons, build nuanced flavors while maintaining acidity.
Where might one find Bordeaux varieties in Santa Barbara?
The warmer, eastern AVA of Happy Canyon fosters Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot.
Which two producers are famed for Pinot and Chardonnay in Sta. Rita Hills?
Au Bon Climat (Jim Clendenen) and Sanford are pioneers. Brewer-Clifton and Melville also produce top examples.
Which region in Santa Ynez is recognized for a range of Rhône varietals?
Zaca Mesa in the valley center, plus Qupe, Stolpman (Ballard Canyon), known for Syrah, Grenache, Roussanne.
