Central Coast AVA Flashcards
San Antonio Valley is the warmest sub-appellation of Monterey. It gets gets cool evening breezes from the Pacific Ocean and occasional fog from nearby lake.Name the main varietals grown in San Antonio Valley
Cabernet and Syrah. Also Rhône and Bordeaux varietals.
Monterey is called a thermal rainbow. Why?
Forty-degree temperature variance, north to south
Ocean air/winds act as an “air conditioning system”, mitigating temperatures and extending growing season
Cool climate-loving Pinot Noir and Chardonnay do well in the north; Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and many Rhone grape types flourish in the warmer south
Which of these sub-AVAs is not a part of Monterey?
Arroyo Seco Happy Canyon Chalone San Antonio Valley Santa Lucia Highlands
Chalone. It is not a subava
Which of these wineries is not a part of Monterey AVA?
*Mt. Eden Talbot Mer Soleil Hahn Morgan Schedi (Mina Mesa) *Wente
Describe the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA
First recognized as an American Viticultural Area in 1981, the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA was unique in being defined by its mountain topography. Some of the vineyards are at elevations of 3000+ feet. The appellation follows the fog line along the Pacific Coast, extending down to 800 feet in the east to the San Francisco Bay, and 400 feet to the west to Monterey Bay.
The very different terrains within the appellation create distinct microclimates depending on the elevation, type of soil, sun exposure or the presence of fog, proximity to the ocean, etc. The individual micro-climates combined with the cool, salt air breezes from the Pacific Ocean contribute to the production of highly concentrated fruit, which lends itself to the creation of superior wines. Warm days and cool nights create the perfect environment for the long, slow ripening of cool climate grapes such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Heartier reds like Cabernet Sauvignon do better inland with warmer temperatures, away from ocean breezes.
Which notable wineries are located in Santa Cruz Mountains AVA?
Ridge, Mount Eden, David Bruce
Winemakers David Bennion, David Bruce, Paul Masson, and Martin Ray are a part of which Central Coast AVA?
A. San Antonio Valley
B. Paso Robles
C. Santa Cruz Mountains
D. Livermore Valley
Characterize wines from Santa Cruz Mountains
The individual micro-climates and marine influence contribute to the production of intensely, concentrated fruit, which lends itself to the creation of superior wines.
Paso Robles sub appellations are called districts. True or False?
True: There are 11 districts within the Paso Robles AVA.
This AVA is home to Wente (Beyer Ranch), Concannon (The Wine Group) and Longevity (The black-owned winery)
A. Livermore Valley *
B. Santa Yeezy Valley
C. San Antonio Valley
Which winery is not home to Paso Robles?
Ancient Peaks (Truth and Valor) Justin Hope Family (Austin Hope) Saxum Castoro Cellars (Carson Ridge, Double Black) Tablas Creek Ancient Peaks (Truth and Valor) *Concannon*
Which varietals will one find in Paso Robles?
Rhône
Zinfandel
Cabernet
True or False? With cool nights and warm days and late rains, Paso Robles vineyards tend to have a longer growing season compared to other wine regions.
True
Wines of Paso Robles can be described as
A. Elegant and refined
B. Powerful and rich
C. Balanced and intense
Happy Canyon is located in
Santa Barbara County, east near the San Rafael Range
