California: Mendocino and Lake Counties

Question 1

What is the largest AVA in California?

Answer 1

North Coast AVA

Question 2

Which areas does the North Coast AVA encompass?

Answer 2

Significant portions of Sonoma County, Napa County, Mendocino County and Lake County

Question 3

In Mendocino County, how do AVAs on the coast and AVAs more inland differ?

Answer 3

Coastal AVAs:

• Cooler
• Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and aromatic white varieties

Inland AVAs:

• Warmer
• Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon

Question 4

How many AVAs in Mendocino County?

Answer 4

13

Question 5

Which 6 AVAs are encompassed by the Mendocino AVA?

Answer 5

Anderson Valley
Yorkville Highlands
McDowell Valley
Potter Valley
Redwood Valley
Cole Ranch

Question 6

When might producers favour using the Mendocino AVA on labels?

Answer 6

In multi regional blends between AVAs contained by the Mendocino AVAs

Question 7

Name two significant producers in Anderson Valley

Answer 7

Williams Selyem

Littorai

Question 8

Describe the 4 main climatic and geographic features of Anderson Valley

Answer 8

• Day time temps are warm
• Fog and cold air funnelled along Navarro River (cooling influence, cold evenings and mornings)
• Inland temperatures are warmer
• Plentiful rain (900mm to 2000mm)

Question 9

Why are most vineyards in Anderson Valley planted on slopes?

Answer 9

Cold nights mean spring frost is an issue - slopes mitigate the risk

Question 10

Which two grapes dominate plantings in Anderson Valley?

Answer 10

Pinot Noir

Chardonnay

Question 11

Give a typical tasting note for an Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

Answer 11

Fresh raspberry, cherry and plum
Medium (+) acidity
Medium body
Good to outstanding
Premium to super premium

Question 12

How many wineries are located in Anderson Valley?

How many hectares under vine?

Answer 12

85

1,000ha

Question 13

What styles of wine is Anderson Valley AVA reputed for?

Answer 13

Mainly premium Pinot Noir

Also some v.good - outstanding Chardonnay
Some aromatic Alsace style wines
Sparkling wines

Question 14

Where is Lake County located?

Describe the climate here

Answer 14

• Mayacamas mountains to the west (creating a rain shadow)
• Vaca Mountains to the east

Warm climate

Question 15

Where are most vineyards in Lake County located?

Answer 15

South of the county, around Clear Lake

Question 16

Describe the main 3 climatic and geographic features of Clear Lake AVA

Answer 16

• The lake provides afternoon breezes (cooling influence)
• Vineyards are planted on slopes and ridges around the lake
• 400-450m elevations provide cooling from altitude

Question 17

What are the most planted varietals in Lake County?

Answer 17

Cabernet Sauvignon

Sauvignon Blanc