Class 8 M2 - Wines of the USA Flashcards
What percentage of US wine production comes from California?
Approximately 90%
California is the leading wine-producing state in the United States.
What are the top three wine-producing states in the US after California?
Washington, New York, Oregon
These states contribute significantly to the US wine industry.
What is the minimum percentage of grapes that must be grown in an AVA for it to appear on a wine label?
85%
This rule applies to wines labeled with a specific American Viticultural Area.
What is the minimum percentage of a varietal that must be present in a varietal-labeled wine?
75%
This ensures the wine’s primary grape variety is accurately represented.
What is the minimum percentage of grapes required for a wine labeled with a vintage?
95%
This indicates the year of harvest for the majority of grapes used.
What type of grape must French varietals be grafted onto in the US?
American rootstocks
This is necessary for their survival against pests like Phylloxera.
What is the fourth largest wine-producing country in the world?
United States
It ranks behind France, Italy, and Spain.
What grape species were introduced by European settlers that contributed to the US wine industry?
Vitis vinifera
This species is crucial for high-quality wine production.
What wine competition is the basis of the movie ‘Bottle Shock’?
Judgment of Paris
This event took place in 1976 and featured blind tastings of wines.
Which California region is known for its significant wine production?
Napa Valley
It is recognized as one of the most important areas for quality wine.
What are the primary white grape varieties produced in Napa?
- Chardonnay
- Sauvignon blanc
These grapes thrive in Napa’s climate.
What are the primary red grape varieties produced in Napa?
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Syrah
- Pinot Noir
- Zinfandel
Napa is known for a diverse range of high-quality red wines.
What is the climate type predominant in Napa Valley?
Mostly Mediterranean with some maritime influence
This diverse climate supports various grape varieties.
Name three AVAs within Napa Valley.
- Los Carneros
- Stags Leap
- Howell Mountain
Napa Valley has numerous sub-regions with distinct characteristics.
What is unique about the climate of Paso Robles?
Big temperature swings and high diurnal shifts
This allows for full ripeness and high acidity in wines.
What grape varieties is Paso Robles particularly known for?
- Zinfandel
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Rhône varieties
The region’s climate suits these late-ripening grapes.
What is the significance of the Santa Maria Valley in California?
It has the longest growing season in California
This region is known for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
What grape is primarily grown in the Sta Rita Hills AVA?
Pinot Noir
This area is recognized for its unique marine layer and calcareous soils.
What are the notable grape varieties grown in Sonoma?
- Chardonnay
- Zinfandel
- Pinot Noir
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Syrah
Sonoma’s diverse climate supports a wide range of grape varieties.
What is the main grape variety associated with the Ballard Canyon AVA?
Syrah
This AVA is known for its unique climate and soil conditions.
What is the growing condition of the Central Valley in California?
Primarily used for fruit and vegetable production
The valley floor mainly produces table grapes.
What defines the climate of the Santa Barbara region?
Cool, dry climate with east-west valleys
This climate is well-suited for specific grape varieties.
Fill in the blank: The North Coast region of California includes notable areas such as Napa Valley and _______.
Sonoma County
This region is known for high-quality wine production.
True or False: California wine laws restrict grape growing to specific regions.
False
Unlike countries like France and Italy, US laws allow any grape to be grown anywhere.
What are the main grape varieties grown in the Mendocino region?
- Zinfandel
- Petite Syrah
- Carignane
The region has a wide range of mesoclimates supporting diverse varieties.
What is the primary climate characteristic of the South Coast wine region in California?
Coastal regions south of Los Angeles down to the border with Mexico.
Name three notable wine regions in the South Coast area of California.
- Temecula Valley AVA
- Antelope Valley/Leona Valley AVA
- San Pasqual Valley AVA
- Ramona Valley AVA
What are the seven leading grape varieties grown in California?
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Chardonnay
- Merlot
- Pinot Noir
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Syrah
- Zinfandel
What is the significance of Zinfandel in California wine history?
Introduced during the Gold Rush, became widely planted due to its thriving in California’s climate.
What is required by U.S. regulations regarding the labeling of Zinfandel and Primitivo?
They must be identified separately.
What is the average vineyard age of Cline’s Ancient Vines?
80-130 years old.
What unique feature allows grapes to thrive in the Petaluma Gap?
Cool offshore winds.
What percentage of U.S. wine production does Washington account for?
3%.
What are the primary grapes used in wine production in Washington?
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Riesling
- Chardonnay
- Merlot
- Syrah
What is the largest AVA in Washington?
Columbia Valley AVA.
Fill in the blank: The _______ River provides irrigation water essential for Washington’s vineyards.
Columbia
What is the climate type of Washington’s wine regions?
Semi continental climate, warm days, cool nights.
What is the oldest AVA in the Pacific Northwest?
Yakima Valley.
What are the top two grapes grown in Oregon?
- Pinot Noir
- Pinot Gris
What is the largest AVA in Oregon?
Willamette Valley AVA.
Name one of the sub-AVAs within Willamette Valley.
- Dundee Hills
- Eola-Amity Hills
- Yamhill-Carlton
- Chehalem Mountains
- Ribbon Ridge
- McMinnville
What percentage of New York’s grape area is made up of Vitis labrusca varieties?
85%.
What are the four major wine-growing regions in New York?
- Lake Erie AVA
- Finger Lakes AVA
- Hudson River Region AVA
- Long Island AVA
What is the primary grape variety used for sparkling wines in New York?
Chardonnay.
True or False: Zinfandel is grown in multiple regions around the world.
False.
What geographical feature influences the climate in the Eola-Amity Hills?
Van Duzer Corridor.
What is the average annual rainfall in the Columbia River Basin of Washington?
Around 8 inches (200 mm).
What is the significance of old vines in viticulture?
They withstand heat, reduce yields, and focus quality.
What is the main grape variety used in Bordeaux-style blends in Walla Walla Valley?
Cabernet Sauvignon.
Fill in the blank: The _______ Valley is known as ‘Napa Valley in Blue Jeans’.
Walla Walla
