Ch 22&23 US CA Flashcards
Where does the US rank in terms of wine producing countries?
Fourth
Well behind IT, FR, ESP
Well ahead of next 3: ARG, Chile, AUS
What % of US production comes from CA?
Where would CA rank if it were a country
What states follow (at what %)?
CA = >80%, it would be 4th (which is where the US is ranked)
WA ~5%
NY ~4%
OR ~1.4%
How many US states vinify wine? How many states grow vines for wine
All 50 states vinify wine
30 have vines
When did winemaking start in the US?
What challenges were faced?
Europeans have sought to make wine since 1500s
None of native species could produce drinkable wines
From around 1620, cuttings of European vinifera vines were brought
All succumbed to indigenous diseases, pests and unsuitable climatic conditions
What could be considered the 1st commercially viable grape in the US?
Named the Alexander
Natural hybrid of native Vitis labrusca and a Euro Vitis vinifera
Discovered in PA
Building block for the 1st successful commercial venture in the early 1800s
What is the name of the 1st commercially viable hybrid in the US? What others followed? What challenges?
Alexander 1st
Norton, Delaware, Catawba
Still showed some unusual (foxy) aromas not found in pure Vitis vinifera
Where did Vitis vinifera grapes (initially) thrive in the New World
Outside of what was THEN the US, in the Mexican territories of what is now New Mexico, TX, CA
When did winemaking initially take off in the US?
Following the ceding of NM, TX and CA from Mexico to the US in 1848
The Gold Rush of 1849 led to a 50- to 100-fold increase from 1860-1900 in CA
What organization was founded as a result of the boom in winemaking coming out of the Gold Rush? When?
What did it accomplish?
The California Wine Association
1894
Brought trading stability to what could be a chaotic market
Developed distribution networks across the states and beyond
When was prohibition?
- from 1920-1933
What setbacks did the US wine industry suffer following its boom during the Gold Rush?
Prohibition from 1920-1933, when commercial production was limited to sacramental wine and medicinal purposes, although grape juice for home winemaking could be sold
When prohibition was repealed, the US was already deep into an economic recession so wine was an unaffordable commodity and was overtaken by spirits & beer
When did the US wine industry begin to recover from the Great Depression?
in the 1940s and ‘50s
Large co’s such as Roma Wines of Fresno and Gallo of Modesto began producing large volumes to appeal to post-war consumers
However, it wasn’t until the 1960s that there was a true revival in interest from both producers and consumers
What was common in the 1940s and ‘50s in marketing to consumers?
Use of European place-named wines such as “California Sherry,” “CA Burgundy,” and “Pink Chablis” — used to appeal to the post-war consumer
Using celebrity spokesperson and showing wine as a key component of modern, elegant lifestyle
How did the # of wineries in CA change from 1970 to 2014?
What practices changed?
Roughly doubled every 11-12 yr
Went from 240 in 1970 to nearly 4000 in 2014
Efforts were made to better match grape varieties to suitable locations
Improved winemaking practices
What helped states other than CA to venture into/ back into grape growing for wine?
Success of CA wine
Development of new fungicides and pesticides that allowed new plantings of Vitis vinifera as well as new FR hybrids such as Seyval Blanc
More N states (Michigan, Minn, WI) discovered an affinity for cold climate varieties such as Riesling and the hybrid Brianna
What are some of the general challenges that remain for the US wine industry?
Irregular climatic conditions
Restrictive nature of laws in some states regarding the sale of alcohol across state borders
What are US wine regions designated as?
How do they come about?
AVAs or American Viticultural Areas
Designated growing regions that have unique geological and geographical features
Proposed via petition by local grape growers and winemakers
Reviewed by federal gov’t: (US Dept of Treasury’s Alcohol Tobacco, Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB))
What % of AVAs are in CA?
- almost 60% (~140)
Give examples of AVAs shared by more than 1 state
Most AVAs are contained w/in a single state
WA & OR share: Columbia Valley AVA, Walla Walla AVA, Columbia Gorge AVA
OR and Idaho share: Snake River Valley AVA
What larger designation is available in the US, other than AVAs?
Appellations of Origin
Defined by political boundaries, such as name of a county, state, or country
What rules apply to a wine using an Appellation of Origin on its label?
min 75% of the grapes used to make the wine must come from within the political boundary (state, country, county) cited on the label
The wine must also be fully finished within the state in which the county is located
If a US wine label states a variety, what % of the wine must be from that variety?
What other rules apply?
min 75%
The appellation of origin must be sated w/ the variety
Two or more varieties may be stated on the label if the % of each variety is listed
If a US wine label states an Appellation of Origin, what rules apply?
Min 75% of the grapes must come from the stated county, state or country of origin
Where appellations overlap w/ neighboring states, the label must reflect the % of wine derived from each variety from each state
A vintage may only be sated if a min 85% of wine was produced in the stated vintage
What rules apply if a US wine label states an AVA?
Min 85% of grapes must come from that AVA (if OR AVA is listed —> 95%)
Wine must be fermented and finished in the STATE where the AVA is located
A vintage may only be stated if a min 95% of the wine was produced in the stated vintage
Note: some states have stricter req’s
Ex: OR requires 100% to be grown in OR to list OR as the origin
Where does the US fall in terms of wine imports? Consumption?
US is the #1 import market
US is also the #1 consumption market by volume, although it as low per capita rate
Where does the US fall in terms of export volume? Why?
The US is 8th in export volume
A majority is consumed domestically
What % of wine volume in the US is attributable to the 50 largest companies? How many wineries are there?
over 10,000 wineries
50 largest account for >90% of wine sold domestically by volume
Who are the largest US producers?
E&J Gallo (70MM cases)
The Wine Group (53MM cases)
Constellation Brands (35MM cases)
How were grapes initially intro’d into CA? Why?
When did plantings increase?
initially intro’d by Spanish missionaries
Planted at the missions they est’d along the CA coast as far N as Sonoma
Most were used for alter wine and sweet fortified wine
Plantings increased during the Gold Rush of 1849 and the concurrent population increase
What 2 grape varieties became the 2 predominant ones in CA in the mid to late 20th century?
- Chardonnay and Cab Sauv
Who is often credited as a leading pioneer winemaker and consultant in CA wine?
Why?
André Tchelistcheff
Pioneered temp-controlled ferments, better winery hygiene, techniques to prevent various diseases & frost damage
What was a major turning point in putting CA on the global map for wine?
in 1976, the FR vs CA blind tasting known as “The Judgement of Paris”
2 CA wines received top scores: 1973 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars CS, 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay
What rootstock was common when plantings increased after the Judgement of Paris?
Describe its attributes
AXR1
Had some Vitis vinifera ancestry
Proved to be unsuitable when phylloxera started to attack CA vineyards in the 1980s
What happened when phylloxera attacked CA vines planted on AXR1 rootstock?
many vineyards required large-scale replanting
However, this provided an opportunity to re-evaluate site selection, choice of planting material and canopy management, with many deciding to focus more on quality than quantity
What was a CA wine trend in the 1990s?
the rise in deeply colored, highly concentrated and high alcohol red wines
These received critical acclaim and consumers demanded them
Whites tended to be very ripe w/ high levels of oak
This trend has largely passed
What recent trends in CA winemaking?
greater concentration on matching grape variety to the regional or site climate, and soil
A higher # of winemakers w/ experience elsewhere in the world
Highly regarded UC Davis (local wine research)
Ever greater interest in experimenting w/ a wide range of grape varieties, winemaking techniques, and wine styles
Describe the key climatic influences in CA
two key influences: cold Pacific Ocean and the mountain ranges that run the length of the state
The CA current brings water from the N, and “upwelling” (process whereby deep cold water rises to the surface) along the coast means water is much colder here than on US E Coast
Topography is much more influential than degrees latitude, as some of coolest areas are farther S
Coastal Ranges (start in far N of state and run to Sta. Barb) provides some shelter from ocean, but gaps in the ranges (usually b/c of rivers) allow ocean influence to reach farther inland
High diurnal range
Air movement cools vineyards and reduces fungal risk and frosts
Fog can form in afternoon and last into the a.m., cooling as well as reducing sun exposure
Altitude can be a cooling influence in some areas
Areas w/o these influences can be much warmer (Central Valley)
Overall climate is Mediterranean w/o marked contrasts in seasonal temps and w/ a relatively dry growing season
What are CA’s latitudes?
- range from approx 32-42 degrees N latitude
What valley(s) make up the Central Valley?
Sacramento Valley
San Joaquin Valley
What type of wine is produced in the Central Valley
- Inexpensive, high-volume wines
Describe the vineyard practices in CA
Large-scale replanting in 1990s due to phylloxera attack on AXR1 rootstock, Pierce’s disease, and better understanding of vineyard management
Went from fairly uniform pruning and training — low density, high yielding vines, either replacement cane or cordon pruned & trained — to being different densities, training & trellising, variety of planting materials
More emphasis on matching rootstock to the growing environment and grape variety/ grape grower’s aim
Attention to site increased, w/ focus on “precision viticulture”
Why have CA vineyards turned to using more mechanization?
historically, CA had a plentiful skilled-labor pool from Mexican labor
Ongoing federal polices on illegal immigration and work permits has reduced this labor force
Where topography allows, many are forced to use machinery
What challenges does CA face for grape growing?
While the climate is generally favorable (Mediterranean), lack of rainfall means irrigation is installed; however, drought has been a problem and groundwater supplies are decreased, leading to tensions w/ other ag biz’s as well as residents
Local water sustainability agencies enforce water management schemes, monitoring use
Bacterial Pierce’s disease is spread by leafhopper insects called “sharpshooters”
Weather hazards include spring frost (sprinklers, wind machines used to combat)
Wildfires due to warm dry weather —> can damage vines & wineries, but can also cause smoke taint depending on timing
Describe some of CA’s sustainability efforts
a key focus of the state
The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance — provides a # of resources to aid grape growers and wineries in incorporating sustainable methods and runs certification program “Certified Sustainable”
A # of other certification programs have been founded w/in particular AVAs, ex:
Napa Green Winery
Sonoma County Winegrowers
Lodi Rules
Approx 85% of CA wine production comes from wineries that are certified by 1 of the sustainable certification programs in the state
Describe the state of Organic certifications in CA winemaking. Biodynamic?
Organic certifications are less common but growing
In the US, to be labeled as Organic, there must be NO addition of SO2
By comparison, more wines are labeled w/ “certified organic grapes” meaning that the grape growing process has been certified
A smaller proportion of grape growers are certified Biodynamic
What % of grapes grown in CA is used for winemaking? What is the rest used for?
about 2/3 is wine
1/3 is table grapes and raisins
What % of wine grapes is black grapes?
- about 63% are black grapes
What are the most planted varieties in CA
Chardonnay and Cab Sauv by far most planted, each at just under 20% of plantings
Chardonnay is currently #1, but greater plantings of CS in last few years suggests it will take over
Followed by PN, Zin, Merlot, French Colombard, Syrah, PG, SB
Describe the style(s) of CA Cab Sauv
Styles vary markedly
Site can be influential — if moderating influences —> fresher, black fruit w/ some herbal, less body, lower alcohol
Vineyard management and harvest dates also important, w/ green-harvesting and long hang times giving very concentrated, very ripe styles, often w/ full body and high alcohol
All but some inexpensive wines will be matured in oak; high %s of NFRO are common but maturations times shorter than they used to be for better balance of oak vs fruit
Often blended w/ small %s of other BDX grapes
Describe the style(s) of CA Chardonnay
full spectrum of styles, depending on climate, winemaking practices and price
Sites increasingly chosen closer to the coast or w/ coastal influence or w/ higher altitudes
A # of premium wines are made M+ to full body, often w/ pronounced peach and pineapple w/ 2ndary flavors from MLF/C and new oak
More recently, some producers have been choosing to make fresher, leaner styles w/ less ripe fruit (citrus) and less overt new oak
Sometimes lees contact managed to give struck match aromas from volatile sulfur compounds
Inexpensive are generally made in a soft, easy drinking style w/ M acid, sometimes slight RS and often un-oaked or made w/ oak alternatives (think: chips, staves)
Describe the style(s) of CA Pinot Noir
plantings growing rapidly over last 20-30 yr
Premium to super-premium wines come from relatively cool sites (coastal influence or altitude)
Styles range from M+ acid, M body, M alc, fresh flavors of red cherry & raspberry, to…
Styles w/ greater body, more alc, M to M+ acid, riper flavors, either black fruits or slightly jammy
Trend is to earlier picking and proportion of whole bunch fermentation or stem inclusion to enhance aroma complexity and give greater tannic structure
Maturation in some new oak, generally FRO, is common
Describe the Zinfandel grape in CA
Deemed signature grape of CA, not widely grown elsewhere except Puglia (Primitivo)
Considerable plantings of Old Vines — some over 100 yr old
Prone to uneven ripening
Describe the style(s) of Zinfandel in CA
prone to uneven ripening —> can have combo of M+ acid, some fresh fruit flavors alongside jammy character
Premium: M+ acid, M to full body, ripe M+ tannins, flavors range from raspberry to blueberry & blackberry; AMO often used for maturation as overt vanilla pairs well w/ juicy profile
Inexpensive: soft, ripe, often jammy style, possibly w/ some oak alternatives to give spice flavors
White Zin: typically from Central Valley, Rosé wine, short skin maceration, M pink color, SS ferment at cool temp, stopped early to be Med-dry w/ low alc (often 10.5-11%, M acid, M body, flavors of strawberry, fruit candy; A to G,
Describe the style(s) of Merlot in CA
was popular in 1990s-2000s but plantings declined
Much is made as inexpensive and mid-priced: M acid, M tannins, fruity plummy
A # of producers making premium: more moderate climate such as Stags Leap District or Oak Knoll District in Napa; Higher acid and tannin, greater freshness and complexity
May often be blended w/ other BDX varieties
Describe French Colombard in CA
Same as Colombard
Neutral white grape, also used for IGP wines in S FR
Generally grown in Central Valley in CA for inexpensive wines
Name is rarely seen on labels
Generally blended w/ other white varieties
Often labeled w/ description such as “fruity white” or “dry white”
Describe Syrah style(s) in CA
rising popularity
Does best in areas w/ some cooling influence —> M to M+ body, M+ acid, M+ tannin, fresh plum, blackberry, spice
Small # of producers specialize in Rhône varieties and produce wines from varieties such as Grenache, Cinsaut, and whites such as Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne
Describe the style(s) of Pinot Gris in CA
- tend to be made in dry but fruity style, w/ peach, pear, melon
Describe the style(s) of Sauv Blanc in CA
generally made in a fruity style
Typically fermented in SS and released early
Some producers choose to ferment and mature SB in oak, giving greater body, texture and toasty flavors
Occasionally labeled as “Fumé Blanc” but doesn’t not necessarily mean fermented or matured in oak
Describe Petite Sirah in CA
originated in FR under name Durif
Now more planted in CA than anywhere else in world
Late ripening variety so does best in warm areas
Produces deeply colored, full body wines
M+ to H levels of tannin & acid
Black fruit and spice
Can also be used to blend and add color, body, tannins and acidity to other reds
How do CA AVAs vary in size
some, such as Central Coast AVA, extend down the coast 450km/ 280mi
Others such as Cole Ranch in Mendocinoare just a couple of hundred ha
What % of a grape must be used in CA to use that varietal name on the label?
- must be at least 75%
What % of grapes must come from CA to use California on the label
- must be made entirely of grapes from CA
What % of grapes must come from a named county (such as Sonoma County) to use that on the label
- min75%
What % of grapes must come from a named AVA to use that on a CA label
- min 85% must come from that AVA
What % of grapes must come from a named vineyard to use that on a CA label
- min 95% must come from that vineyard
What % of grapes must come from a named vintage to use that on a CA label
this varies by geographical indication
Min 95% if AVA
Min 85% if purely county or state
What is req’d to use the term “Estate Bottled” on the label in CA
What “unintended consequences”?
wine has been made and bottled at the producer’s winery
Grapes must be from vineyards owned or controlled by the producer that are w/in the same AVA
Creation of a # of very large AVAs permitting some of the state’s largest producers that may have vineyards and wineries far apart to legitimately label some of their premium wines as “estate bottled”
What is a noteworthy common practice in CA relative to wine-producing companies?
What implications?
while many own vineyards, buying in fruit to supplement is common
They may also sell some of the fruit from their own vineyards to other wineries
The bought-in grapes may come from different AVAs or even different county, and can be blended w/ other fruit or kept separate
This model, where many wine producers are acting as either merchants or grower-merchants means that producers make a wide variety of wines, often beneficial to attracting consumers to taste and buy at the cellar door or join the winery’s wine club
How do independent professional grape growers fit into the CA wine biz?
Key to the structure of the biz
Farm 1000s of ha
Grape prices can vary w/ supply & demand
This has lead to head-grafting of vineyards to keep up w/ latest consumer trends
Grapes from well-known, quality-conscious growers are usually in high demand, especially from prestigious vineyards
How does the price of Lodi fruit compare to that of Napa?
- Napa Valley fruit can be around 10x price of Lodi
What is the largest wine company in the world? Largest selling wine brand?
E&J Gallo, founded in Modesto, CA in 1933
Sells round 70MM cases
Barefoot Cellars = biggest brand
What is a “cult wine”? Give examples in CA
wineries producing very small volumes of outstanding quality wines which are in incredibly high demand amongst collectors and some investors
Among the most expensive and hard to obtain in the world
Screaming Eagle Winery
Harlan Estate
Describe the North Coast AVA?
Location
Encompasses?
Northern CA, along Pacific Coast for 160km/100mi and extending 80km/50mi inland
Encompasses substantial proportions of Napa County, Sonoma County, Mendocino County and Lake county
Mayacamas Mountains run through it, dividing Mendocino & Lake County, and extending sound for over 80km/50mi into Napa & Sonoma, down to San Pablo Bay
Where is Mendocino County?
N CA
Runs along the Pacific Ocean to the W
Lake Co is to the E
Sonoma Co is to the S
What grape(s) grown in Mendocino County?
More coastal (cooler) AVAs such as Anderson Valley grow PN, Chard and aromatic whites
Warmer inland AVAs such as Redwood Valley grow Zin, Syrah, PS, CS, and though those with vineyards at particularly high altitudes (such as Potter Valley) can produce aromatic whites such as SB and Riesling
How do prices of grapes from Mendocino County compare to those of Napa & Sonoma?
Mendocino is generally less expensive
Often used for multi-regional blends
How many AVAs in Mendocino County?
- the county encompasses 13 AVAs
Describe the Mendocino AVA (not to be confused w/ Mendocino County)
How many nested AVAs w/in?
Starts at Russian River headwaters
Covers 6 of the county’s AVAs — Anderson Valley, Yorkville Highlands, McDowell Valley, Potter Valley, Redwood Valley and Cole Ranch
Can be used for multi-regional blends among these AVAs
Describe Anderson Valley AVA
Location
Climate
Rainfall & timing
the most well-known of Mendocino’s AVAs
Runs from NW (only a few km from Pacific) to SE which is further inland
Day temps can be warm, but cold air and fog are funneled inland along the Navarro River giving cold evenings and mornings
Further inane, valley becomes narrower and reduces flow of ocean breezes & fog so conditions are warmer
Plentiful precipitation: 900-2000mm/yr, mostly in WI and SP, and NW is wettest
Majority of vineyards planted on sloped sides of valley
Cold nights = frost risk in SP, esp low lying areas
Grape(s) in Anderson Valley
Early-ripening PN and Chard are the 2 most planted varieties
Both are used for both sparkling and still wines
Alsace-style whites also produced from Gewürztraminer, Riesling, PG and PB
Describe Anderson Valley PN
style varies depending on site climate, clones used, and harvest times, but…
Generally have fresh raspberry, cherry, plum
M body
M+ acid
G to O, $$$ to $$$$
Significant producers of Anderson Valley PN
Littorai
Williams Selyem
Describe the wine biz in Anderson Valley AVA
approx 85 wineries
Many have cellar doors to take advantage of tourist trade
Good reputation of PN —> a # of wineries from other areas of the state buy Anderson Valley fruit to make appellation-specific or even vineyard-specific wines
Describe Lake County
Location and location of vineyards
Geo feature(s)
N CA
E of Mendocino County, N of Napa County
In the rain shadow of the Mayacamas Mountains to the W and the Vaca Range to the E —> warm climate
Most vineyards are in the southern part of the county, around Clear Lake (CA’s largest natural lake)
Describe Clear Lake AVA
Geo feature(s)
Where vineyards planted and implication
Largest of the 7 AVAs in Lake County
Has 4 sub-AVAs
Clear Lake takes up ~1/2 of the area of the AVA and provides afternoon breezes
Many vineyards planted on slopes and ridges around the lake at ~400-500m —> benefit from cooling altitude
Grape(s) in Clear Lake AVA
Black grapes are the majority
Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc are 2 most-planted
What is typical of wine made in Lake County?
there are a # of prestigious vineyard sites and wineries, however…
Much of the inexpensive Lake Country grapes are used for multi-regional blends
Describe Sonoma County
Location
How many AVAs
N CA
Borders Pacific Ocean and Mendocino, Lake (in NE corner), Napa, and Marin counties
Encompasses 18 AVAs
What are the 3 overarching AVAs in Sonoma County?
Why are these important?
Northern Sonoma AVA
Sonoma Coast AVA
Sonoma Valley AVA
These are so large that they overlap w/ each other and encompass various smaller AVAs
These overarching AVAs allow producers to use the term “estate bottled” when their vineyards and winery are spread far apart whilst still permitting the word “Sonoma” to appear on the label (rather than North Coast)
What would need to be on the label of a wine made from grapes that come from an AVA that sits entirely w/in Sonoma County need to have on the label?
- must have the words “Sonoma County,” along w/ the name of the AVA
Describe the Northern Sonoma AVA
Where is it?
Boundaries?
One of 3 (large) overarching Sonoma AVAs
Covers large area from Mendocino border (in the N), the Mayacamas mountains to the E, down to Santa Rosa (situated in the middle of Sonoma County)
Vineyards are separated from the Pacific Ocean by the Sonoma Coast AVA
Further defined by the Russian River, which starts in Mendocino County and flows through the N Sonoma AVA
What AVAs are w/in Northern Sonoma AVA?
Alexander Valley
Knights Valley
Rockpile
Chalk Hill
Russian River Valley (plus Green Valley of RRV)
And Dry Creek Valley
What benefit does the Russian River provide to Northern Sonoma AVA?
As it flows through from Mendocino to the Pacific, it fills underground aquifers and provides water for the vineyards
Describe Alexander Valley AVA
Location
Location of vineyards
Rainfall
N CA, NE corner of Sonoma County
Warm climate, cooled in evenings by Pacific air funneled in form the Petaluma Gap and Russian River Valley to the S
Vineyards are both on valley floor and on W/ SW facing slopes and bench-lands of the Mayacamas at elevations of 100-750m
Avg rainfall is 800mm/yr but mainly in WI
What can be said about grapes planted at higher altitudes in Alexander Valley? Why?
the aspect (W & SW) and elevation (100-750m)give long hours of bright sunshine
This leads to grapes that are high in color and tannins
Altitude also helps retain acidity
Describe the soils of Alexander Valley
mixture of soils w/ greater fertility on valley floor and more low-nutrient, free-draining sand and gravel at higher altitudes
Higher altitude —> less vigor & lower yield
Grape(s) in Alexander Valley
CS is the most planted variety
Chardonnay, Merlot, Zin, Petit Verdot, Malbec
Describe Alexander Valley Cab Sauv
full body
Ripe flavors of blackberry, blackcurrant, dried herbs, chocolate
Those from Valley Floor tend to have less tannin whereas those from slopes & bench lands tend to be more structured & concentrated
Typically G to O, $$ to $$$ w/ some $$$$
Significant producers of Alexander Valley AVA
Seghesio
Kendall-Jackson (including Stonestreet Estate)
Describe the Knights Valley AVA
furthest inland AVA of Sonoma County
Separated at N end of Napa County by the Mayacamas
One of the warmest areas of Sonoma County
Surrounded by hills so sheltered from cooling of the Pacific
However, there are cooler sites by planting at higher altitude (~450m) in foothills of Mayacmas
