Chapter 32 -37. California, Oregon, Washington, NY, Chile and Argentina Flashcards
In the USA, what does AVA stand for?
American Viticultural Area
In order for a winery to display AVA on its label what criteria must be met?
Minimum percentage of grapes from a single variety, vintage or AVA
What is the name of the current which impacts vineyards in California?
Is it a warm or cold current?
California Ocean Current
Extremely cold
What is the most widely planted black grape variety in California?
Cabernet Sauvignon
What 5 black grape varieties are planted in California?
Cabernet Sauvignon Zinfandel Merlot Pinot Noir Syrah
What are the typical characteristics of a Californian Cabernet Sauvignon?
Full bodied
Concentrated ripe cassis flavours
Prominent spice from new oak barrels
Which black grape variety is considered California’s ‘own’?
Zinfandel
What style of wine is white Zinfandel?
Rosé
What are the characteristics of a Californian White Zinfandel?
Pale colour
Fruity
Medium sweet
Low in alcohol
Where are the largest plantings of Californian Merlot?
San Joaquin in Central Valley
What are the characteristics of a high end Californian Merlot?
Velvety tannins
Luscious body
Blackberry and plum flavours
High alcohol
What is the most widely planted white grape variety in California?
Chardonnay
What are the 2 white varieties planted in California?
Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
What is Fumé Blanc?
Sauvignon Blanc (either oaked or un-oaked)
What 3 regions in California contain the majority of well known county appellations and AVAs?
North Coast
Central Coast
Central Valley
What 2 weather conditions affect the climate in the Napa Valley?
Morning fogs &
Afternoon cool breezes from San Pablo Bay
In the Napa Valley, name 7 AVA’s situated on the Valley floor
Los Carneros Stags Leap District Yountville Oakville Rutherford Saint Helena Calistoga
What 2 grape varieties are predominantly planted in Los Carneros in the Napa Valley?
Pinot Noir
Chardonnay
In the Napa Valley, what geographical conditions affect the vineyards on the valley sides?
Not affected by fog as they lie above the fog layer
Cooled by their altitude
Impacted on by their aspect (West facing = hot afternoon sun)
In Napa Valley name 2 AVAs located on the valley sides
Howell Mountain AVA - west facing
Mount Veeder AVA - east facing
In the Sonoma Valley, name 4 AVAs
Russian River Valley AVA
Dry Creek Valley AVA
Alexander Valley AVA
Sonoma Coast AVA
In the Sonoma Valley, Russian River AVA is known for what style of wines?
High quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and Sparkling made from these varieties
In the Sonoma Valley, what impacts the climate of Russian River?
Petaluma Gap - a break in the coastal ranges produces cool, foggy conditions
What county, North of Sonoma Valley, produces a diverse range of wines?
Mendocino County
In the Northern Central Coast County of California, name 2 AVAs
Santa Cruz Mountains AVA
Monterey AVA
In the Southern Central Coast County of California, name 2 AVAs
Paso Robles AVA
Santa Maria Valley AVA
Where is the majority of wine made in California?
Central Valley
In California, where is Lodi AVA located?
What is it known for?
In the middle of Central Valley
Oldest and best Zinfadel
In California, Paso Robles AVA has notable plantings of what 3 black grape varieties?
Cabernet Sauvignon
merlot
Syrah
In Oregon, what AVA has the largest concentration of wineries and vineyards?
Willamette Valley - Northern Oregon
In Oregon, what grape variety is most widely planted in Willamette Valley?
Pinot Noir