California - WSET L3 in Wines Flashcards
Why is California significant in the U.S. wine industry?
California produces the majority of U.S. wine and is home to many of the country’s most
What is the main climate influence on California vineyards?
The cold California Ocean Current, which provides cooling fog and breezes, moderating temperatures.
What are the three main wine regions in California?
North Coast, Central Coast, Central Valley
What is the primary climate of most California wine regions?
Warm Mediterranean, with variations influenced by proximity to the Pacific Ocean.
What is the main cooling influence on California vineyards?
The cold California Ocean Current, which brings fog and cool breezes inland.
How does the California Ocean Current impact vineyards near the coast?
Creates cooler growing conditions, preserving acidity and enhancing aromatic complexity.
What role do gaps in coastal mountains play in California’s climate?
Allow cool marine air and fog to penetrate inland regions, moderating temperatures.
What is the impact of altitude on grape growing in California?
Higher altitude vineyards experience cooler temperatures and greater diurnal range, resulting in wines with high acidity and fresh fruit flavors.
Why are vineyards in Central Valley warmer than coastal areas?
Central Valley lacks the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean, leading to hotter growing conditions.
What is the main risk associated with the warm climate in California?
Excessive heat can lead to overripe fruit, high alcohol, and reduced acidity if not managed properly.
What is the most widely planted black grape variety in California?
Cabernet Sauvignon.
What are the characteristics of premium Cabernet Sauvignon from California?
Full-bodied, concentrated cassis flavors, prominent spice aromas from oak, and high tannins.
What is California’s signature grape variety?
Zinfandel, producing full-bodied reds and fruity, medium-sweet rosés (White Zinfandel).
What are the characteristics of Zinfandel wines?
High alcohol, ripe red and black fruit flavors, dried berries, and sometimes residual sugar.
What are the characteristics of Merlot in California?
Medium to full-bodied wines with soft tannins, ripe flavors of black cherry, plum, and chocolate, often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon.
Where is premium Merlot grown in California?
Napa Valley (notably in Oakville and Rutherford) and cooler areas like Sonoma County.
Where is premium Pinot Noir grown in California?
Coastal regions like Russian River Valley, Santa Maria Valley, and Los Carneros, benefiting from cool climates.
What are the characteristics of California Syrah?
Full-bodied wines with dark fruit flavors (blackberry, plum), pepper, and earthy notes, showing good aging potential.
What are the characteristics of California Chardonnay?
Wide-ranging styles, from inexpensive, unoaked wines with fresh citrus flavors to premium examples with oak aging, buttery texture, and tropical fruit notes.
Where is premium Chardonnay produced in California?
Russian River Valley, Napa Valley (Carneros), and Santa Barbara County.
What are the characteristics of California Sauvignon Blanc?
Crisp, high-acidity wines with citrus and green fruit flavors, sometimes labeled as “Fumé Blanc” if oak-aged.
Where is Sauvignon Blanc most commonly grown in California?
Napa Valley (for richer, oak-aged styles) and Sonoma County (for fresher, fruit-driven wines).
What is the Central Valley’s main focus?
High-volume, inexpensive wines for mass-market brands.
What are the key grape varieties in the Central Valley?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Colombard, Chenin Blanc, Barbera, Ruby Cabernet.
Where are Sacremento and San Joaquin Valley located?
Central Valley.
Name three counties in North Coast region?
Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino.
What is the primary cooling influence in Napa Valley?
Morning fog and afternoon breezes from San Pablo Bay.
What is the size of Napa Valley?
Napa Valley spans approximately 48 kilometers (30 miles) in length and 8 kilometers (5 miles) in width.
What mountain ranges influence Napa Valley’s climate?
The Mayacamas Mountains to the west provide protection from cool Pacific winds, and the Vaca Mountains to the east separates from warm central valley.
How does San Pablo Bay influence Napa Valley’s southern regions?
It brings cooling fog and breezes, moderating temperatures and extending the growing season in AVAs like Los Carneros.
How does altitude affect Napa Valley wines?
High-altitude vineyards like Howell Mountain and Mount Veeder produce wines with higher acidity, firmer tannins, and concentrated fruit flavors.
What are the key AVAs in Napa Valley?
Los Carneros, Rutherford, Oakville, Stags Leap District, Howell Mountain, Mount Veeder, and Calistoga.
What grapes thrive in cooler southern AVAs like Los Carneros?
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, often used for still and sparkling wines.
What are the characteristics of wines from Rutherford AVA?
Cabernet Sauvignon with full body, firm tannins. But also Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
How does Calistoga AVA’s climate affect its wines?
It has the warmest temperatures in Napa Valley, producing bold, full-bodied reds like Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon.
How does the aspect of Diamond Mountain differ from Howell Mountain?
Howell Mountain receives more of the afternoon sun than the west facing Diamon Mountain, and produces riper style of wine.
How does Sonoma County’s climate vary?
Coastal regions like Sonoma Coast are cool, while inland areas like Alexander Valley are warmer.
What is Russian River Valley AVA best known for?
High-quality Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling wines.
What are the characteristics of Dry Creek Valley AVA wines?
Old-vine Zinfandel on hillsides and Sauvignon Blanc on the valley floor.
Name the AVA’s in Sonoma County?
Russian River Valley AVA, Dry Creek Valley AVA, Alexander Valley AVA, Sonoma Coast AVA.
Name AVA in Mendocino County?
Anderson Valley AVA and Mendocino AVA.
What is Mendocino County known for?
Cool-climate aromatic whites like Riesling and Gewürztraminer, and full-bodied reds from inland areas.
Name AVA’s in Central Coast region?
Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, Monterey AVA, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA.
What is the climate of the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA?
Moderate, producing elegant Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.
What makes Monterey AVA unique?
Coastal winds create cooler conditions near the coast for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Name AVA of San Louis Obispo County?
Paso Robles AVA.
What are the main grape varieties in Paso Robles AVA?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Rhône varieties like Syrah.
What are the characteristics of Santa Maria Valley AVA wines?
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with high acidity and concentrated fruit flavors.
Name AVA’s in Santa Barbara County?
Santa Maria Valley AVA, Sta. Rita Hills AVA, Santa Ynez AVA.
What is unique about Lodi AVA within the Central Valley?
Cooling breezes from the Sacramento Delta allow the production of premium Zinfandel.
