Califronia - Napa

Question 1

Moderating influences on the Napa Valley floor? (2)

Answer 1

1. Fog and cold air from San Pablo bay so High diurnal range
2. As vineyards heat up during the day cold air is pulled in from the bay

Question 2

What is the only AVA in Napa that is cool enough for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay?

Answer 2

Carneros Napa Valley AVA

Question 3

Main grapes in Napa sub AVAs? (4)

Answer 3

Cabernet Sauvignon
Zinfandel
Merlot

Planting of Syrah in Calistoga

Question 4

Climatic influences on the Mountain side AVAs like Mount Veeder? (3)

Answer 4

Altitude moderates the heat (up to 800m)

Above the fog line so high sunshine hours

Lower Diurnal range than the valley floor

Question 5

Soils types in Napa? (2)

Answer 5

Alluvial poor soils on the mountains

Fertile, clay and silt on the valley floor with good water holding capacity

Question 6

Trellising in Napa Valley? (2)

Answer 6

1. VSP cordon or replacement spur
2. Mechanical harvesting on the valley floor

Question 7

Hazards on the Napa Valley floor?

Answer 7

Frost from cold mountain air

Question 8

Single Varietal wines in Napa?

Answer 8

Often have other grapes blended in up to 25%

Question 9

Coombesville and Oak Knoll styles of wine?

Answer 9

Cabernets generally lighter bodied than the rest of Napa - more effect of the San Pablo Bay

Question 10

Sauvignon Blanc in Napa? (2)

Answer 10

Tends to be from cooler areas and unoaked.

Some producers make an oaked version

Question 11

Significant producer in Napa?

Answer 11

Screaming Eagle

Question 12

Valley floor differences?

Answer 12

Cooler in the south close to San Pablo Bay

Warmer in the North

Question 13

Climate in Napa Valley?

Answer 13

Warm Mediterranean with cooling influences