California wines Flashcards
What is california’s natural cooling system?
The cool ocean breezes and the fog that is created that works as a protection against the sun.
What does the marine breezes and fog do to the day and night temperatures?
It creates the ideal combination of warm days and cool nights in California vineyards which is ideal conditions for winegrape growing
What grapes did spanish missionaries introduce to california and when did they do it?
In the 1770s they introduced the “Mission Grape”
When was the California Gold Rush
1848-1855
Who brought back cuttings from European vines?
Agoston Haraszthy
When did he bring back the cuttings and what winery did he start?
In the 1860s and started Buena Vista Winery
What wineries that we still know today where created between the 1860s and 1880s?
Korbel, Charles Krug, Beringer. Inglenook winery is started in Rutherford Napa.
What killed most wine production in the 1920s?
The prohibition.
What univiersity was one of the pioners in helping the californian wine industry get back on its feet after the prohibition?
UC Davis Department of Enology and Viticulture
Who is known as one of the fathers for californian wine?
André Tchelistcheff
What was the breakthrough for californian wines?
Judgement of Paris in 1976 where californian wines beat french wines in blindtastings
How many % of the grapes must come from the designated AVA?
85%
How many %of the grapes must come from the designated county?
75%
How many % of the grapes must be from the vintage of which is on the label?
95%
How many % of the wine must be the grape varietal(s) listed on the label
75%
If a wine has a state on the label what is required then?
A wine must be fully finished within the State where the appellation lies ex: A wine labeled as North Coast AVA must be made somewhere within
What red grapes are grown in California and what are the biggest grapes?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel
Barbera
Cabernet Franc
Grenache
Malbec
Mourvédre
Petite Sirah
Red Blends
Sangiovese
Syrah
Tempranillo
What white grapes are grown in California and what are the biggest grapes?
Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc
Chenin Blanc
Gewurztraminer
Grenache Blanc
Marsanne
Moscato/Muscat
Pinot Blanc
Riesling
Rousanne
Semillon
Viognier
White Blends
What does AVA stand for
American Viticultural Areas
How many AVAS are there in 2023
269
How many AVAs does Central coast have?
43
What is the weather in Central Coast?
Weather transitions from cool coastal areas to warmer inland areas.
What is the soil like in Central coast?
Huge diversity of soil. Along the coastal hills one can find some of the only calcare soils.
Name 3 wine regions in central coast
Santa barbara
Paso Robles
Sierra foothills
What wine region sits between a transverse mountain range?
Santa Barbara
What current flows to point conception and then back out around the Chanel Islands?
Humbolt current
What does the Mountain range and cool current do in Santa barbara?
It funnels cool air from the ocean and creates lots of wind as well as fog
What is the soil in santa barbara?
Marine sediment, clay and sandy soil
What is the coolest AVA in Santa Barbara?
Sta rita hills
How many AVAs does Sierra foothills have?
6
Who started growing vines in Sierra Foothills and left them and what has this led to?
the immigrants from the California Gold Rush planted the vines and left them which has led to Sierra Foothills being Home to some very old vineyards
What is the soil in Sierra Foothills?
Granitic Soils
How are the summers and winters in Sierra Foothills?
Cold winters and warm summers
Name 2 wine regions in Central Valley
Lodi and livermore
How many AVAs does Central Valley have?
18
How is the soil in Central Valley?
Its one of the most fertile farmlands in the world, and not only good for grapes but hundreds of other agricultural crops
What is the Chardonnay clone that is used in California and comes from livermore?
Wente clone
What is lodi known for?
Home to some of California’s oldest vines
How many AVAs does North Coast have?
54 AVAs
What is North coast home to?
More than half of california’s wineries
Why is the scenery in the north coast memorable?
Its dominated by extreme slopes valleys and rivers.
Name 5 regions in North coast
Sonoma county
Napa Valley
Los Carneros
Mendocino
Lake county
Name 5 regions in Napa Valley
Rutherford
Spring mountain
Oakville
Chilies valley
St helen
Name 3 regions in Sonoma county
Sonoma Coast
Russian river valley
Alexander Valley
Name 3 regions in Mendocino
Redwood valley
Potter Valley
Anderson Valley
