Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

WSET Level 3 in Wines - Thirsty and Wise > California - WSET L3 in Wines > Flashcards

California - WSET L3 in Wines Flashcards

1
Q

Why is California significant in the U.S. wine industry?

A

California produces the majority of U.S. wine and is home to many of the country’s most

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is the main climate influence on California vineyards?

A

The cold California Ocean Current, which provides cooling fog and breezes, moderating temperatures.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What are the three main wine regions in California?

A

North Coast, Central Coast, Central Valley

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is the primary climate of most California wine regions?

A

Warm Mediterranean, with variations influenced by proximity to the Pacific Ocean.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the main cooling influence on California vineyards?

A

The cold California Ocean Current, which brings fog and cool breezes inland.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

How does the California Ocean Current impact vineyards near the coast?

A

Creates cooler growing conditions, preserving acidity and enhancing aromatic complexity.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What role do gaps in coastal mountains play in California’s climate?

A

Allow cool marine air and fog to penetrate inland regions, moderating temperatures.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is the impact of altitude on grape growing in California?

A

Higher altitude vineyards experience cooler temperatures and greater diurnal range, resulting in wines with high acidity and fresh fruit flavors.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Why are vineyards in Central Valley warmer than coastal areas?

A

Central Valley lacks the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean, leading to hotter growing conditions.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is the main risk associated with the warm climate in California?

A

Excessive heat can lead to overripe fruit, high alcohol, and reduced acidity if not managed properly.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is the most widely planted black grape variety in California?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What are the characteristics of premium Cabernet Sauvignon from California?

A

Full-bodied, concentrated cassis flavors, prominent spice aromas from oak, and high tannins.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is California’s signature grape variety?

A

Zinfandel, producing full-bodied reds and fruity, medium-sweet rosés (White Zinfandel).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What are the characteristics of Zinfandel wines?

A

High alcohol, ripe red and black fruit flavors, dried berries, and sometimes residual sugar.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What are the characteristics of Merlot in California?

A

Medium to full-bodied wines with soft tannins, ripe flavors of black cherry, plum, and chocolate, often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Where is premium Merlot grown in California?

A

Napa Valley (notably in Oakville and Rutherford) and cooler areas like Sonoma County.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Where is premium Pinot Noir grown in California?

A

Coastal regions like Russian River Valley, Santa Maria Valley, and Los Carneros, benefiting from cool climates.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What are the characteristics of California Syrah?

A

Full-bodied wines with dark fruit flavors (blackberry, plum), pepper, and earthy notes, showing good aging potential.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What are the characteristics of California Chardonnay?

A

Wide-ranging styles, from inexpensive, unoaked wines with fresh citrus flavors to premium examples with oak aging, buttery texture, and tropical fruit notes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Where is premium Chardonnay produced in California?

A

Russian River Valley, Napa Valley (Carneros), and Santa Barbara County.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What are the characteristics of California Sauvignon Blanc?

A

Crisp, high-acidity wines with citrus and green fruit flavors, sometimes labeled as “Fumé Blanc” if oak-aged.

22
Q

Where is Sauvignon Blanc most commonly grown in California?

A

Napa Valley (for richer, oak-aged styles) and Sonoma County (for fresher, fruit-driven wines).

23
Q

What is the Central Valley’s main focus?

A

High-volume, inexpensive wines for mass-market brands.

24
Q

What are the key grape varieties in the Central Valley?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Colombard, Chenin Blanc, Barbera, Ruby Cabernet.

25
Q

Where are Sacremento and San Joaquin Valley located?

A

Central Valley.

26
Q

Name three counties in North Coast region?

A

Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino.

27
Q

What is the primary cooling influence in Napa Valley?

A

Morning fog and afternoon breezes from San Pablo Bay.

28
Q

What is the size of Napa Valley?

A

Napa Valley spans approximately 48 kilometers (30 miles) in length and 8 kilometers (5 miles) in width.

29
Q

What mountain ranges influence Napa Valley’s climate?

A

The Mayacamas Mountains to the west provide protection from cool Pacific winds, and the Vaca Mountains to the east separates from warm central valley.

30
Q

How does San Pablo Bay influence Napa Valley’s southern regions?

A

It brings cooling fog and breezes, moderating temperatures and extending the growing season in AVAs like Los Carneros.

31
Q

How does altitude affect Napa Valley wines?

A

High-altitude vineyards like Howell Mountain and Mount Veeder produce wines with higher acidity, firmer tannins, and concentrated fruit flavors.

32
Q

What are the key AVAs in Napa Valley?

A

Los Carneros, Rutherford, Oakville, Stags Leap District, Howell Mountain, Mount Veeder, and Calistoga.

33
Q

What grapes thrive in cooler southern AVAs like Los Carneros?

A

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, often used for still and sparkling wines.

34
Q

What are the characteristics of wines from Rutherford AVA?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon with full body, firm tannins. But also Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

35
Q

How does Calistoga AVA’s climate affect its wines?

A

It has the warmest temperatures in Napa Valley, producing bold, full-bodied reds like Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon.

36
Q

How does the aspect of Diamond Mountain differ from Howell Mountain?

A

Howell Mountain receives more of the afternoon sun than the west facing Diamon Mountain, and produces riper style of wine.

37
Q

How does Sonoma County’s climate vary?

A

Coastal regions like Sonoma Coast are cool, while inland areas like Alexander Valley are warmer.

38
Q

What is Russian River Valley AVA best known for?

A

High-quality Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling wines.

39
Q

What are the characteristics of Dry Creek Valley AVA wines?

A

Old-vine Zinfandel on hillsides and Sauvignon Blanc on the valley floor.

40
Q

Name the AVA’s in Sonoma County?

A

Russian River Valley AVA, Dry Creek Valley AVA, Alexander Valley AVA, Sonoma Coast AVA.

41
Q

Name AVA in Mendocino County?

A

Anderson Valley AVA and Mendocino AVA.

42
Q

What is Mendocino County known for?

A

Cool-climate aromatic whites like Riesling and Gewürztraminer, and full-bodied reds from inland areas.

43
Q

Name AVA’s in Central Coast region?

A

Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, Monterey AVA, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA.

44
Q

What is the climate of the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA?

A

Moderate, producing elegant Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.

45
Q

What makes Monterey AVA unique?

A

Coastal winds create cooler conditions near the coast for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

46
Q

Name AVA of San Louis Obispo County?

A

Paso Robles AVA.

47
Q

What are the main grape varieties in Paso Robles AVA?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Rhône varieties like Syrah.

48
Q

What are the characteristics of Santa Maria Valley AVA wines?

A

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with high acidity and concentrated fruit flavors.

49
Q

Name AVA’s in Santa Barbara County?

A

Santa Maria Valley AVA, Sta. Rita Hills AVA, Santa Ynez AVA.

50
Q

What is unique about Lodi AVA within the Central Valley?

A

Cooling breezes from the Sacramento Delta allow the production of premium Zinfandel.

WSET Level 3 in Wines - Thirsty and Wise (45 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions