Chapter 33 - California Flashcards
What is an important climatic influence on California wines?
The influence of the exceptionally cold California Ocean Current.
What kind of irrigation is widely used in California?
Drip irrigation
In addition to the cold California Ocean Current, what climactic factor can influence wines?
A lack of rain during the ripening season.
What are the predominant black grape varieties of California?
1) Cabernet Sauvignon
2) Zinfandel
3) Merlot
4) Pinot Noir
5) Syrah
What is the most widely planted black grape variety in California?
Cabernet Sauvignon
What variety is considered California’s “own”
Zinfandel
What is a feature of rose wines from California commonly referred to as White Zinfandel?
They are rose Zinfandels made from early-picked grapes
What areas has the largest Merlot plantings in California?
San Joaquin in Central Valley
What are the predominant white grape varieties of California?
1) Chardonnay
2) Sauvignon Blanc
What is the most planted grape variety of either color in California?
Chardonnay
What part of California produces the best Sauvignon Blancs?
The Coastal regions
What is the term sometimes used for an oaked style of Sauvignon Blanc?
Fume Blanc
What are the three California regions that contain the majority of the well-known County Appellations and AVA’s?
1) North Coast
2) Central Coast
3) Central Valley
What are significant Counties of the North Coast region of California?
1) Napa County
2) Sonoma County
3) Mendocino County
What are the key AVA’s within the Napa County area of California?
1) Napa Valley AVA2
2) Los Carneros AVA
3) Stags Leap District AVA
4) Oakville AVA
5) Rutherford AVA
6) Saint Helena AVA
7) Calistoga AVA
8) Howell Mountain AVA
9) Mount Veeder AVA
What is one of the most significant climactic influences on Napa County?
The morning fogs and cool afternoon breezes from San Pablo Bay
What are the key AVA’s within the Sonoma Country area of California?
1) Russian River Valley AVA
2) Dry Creek Valley AVA
3) Alexander Valley AVA
4) Sonoma Coast AVA
What is the Anderson Valley AVA of Mendocino County known for?
It is a very cool AVA, and a source of grapes for aromatic white wines such as Riesling and Gewurztraminer, as well as sparkling wines.
What are the key AVA’s within the Central Coast area of California?
1) Santa Cruz Mountains AVA
2) Monterey AVA
3) Paso Robles AVA
4) Santa Maria Valley AVA
What is the key AVA within the Central Valley area of California?
Lodi AVA
What AVA is home to the some of the oldest and best Zinfandel vineyards in California?
Lodi AVA
