Grapes and wines of California Flashcards
Describe the climate and associated factors and terrain of California, and how it affects grape growing
Strong influence from very cold California Ocean Current: cool air often accompanied by fogs = cold night time temperatures which then extends well into the day as it take a long time for the sun to burn off the fog in the morning. Can be so extreme in some cases that in some years grapes near the coast struggle to ripen fully.
Gaps in mountains means cooling effect reaches well inland via funneling effect e.g. Valleys that lie at right angles to ocean (Monterey, Santa Barbara)
North of LA: mountainous, shields from cooling ocean effect
In Central Valley, there is no ocean exposure so climate is hot
Lack of rain during ripening season: problem with drip irrigation and severe water shortages. Also means growers can leave grapes on vine well into the season, and longer ‘hang time’ leads to grapes with very concentrated flavours and very high sugar levels (now some growers pick earlier to preserve freshness)
Describe the range of Cabernet Sauvignon styles from California
Many wines are full-bodied, very concentrated ripe cassis flavours and prominent spice aromas from new oak barrels
Some producers make wine in less rich style, with fresher blackcurrant flavours
Describe the range of Zinfandel styles from California
Tends to ripen unevenly, and harvest may include raising and underripe grapes. Raisining leads to concentrated, full-bodied red wines with high alcohol, sometimes small amounts of residual sugar.
Red and black fruit flavours, dried berries, liquorice, sometimes subtle herbaceous quality from underripe grapes.
Early-picked grapes make large volumes of rosé Zinfandel (also known as ‘White Zinfandel’) = fruity, pale, medium-sweet, low alcohol
Describe the range of Merlot styles from California. Give examples of regions with best quality Merlot, and one region with the largest plantings for simple inexpensive styles.
Approachable wines, soft tannins and ripe black fruit flavours.
San Joaquin has largest plantings, makes simple inexpensive wines
Cooler sites such as Monterey and North Coast e.g. Napa and Sonoma produce better quality Merlot: deeply coloured, soft velvety tannins, luscious body, high alcohol, classic varietal flavours of blackberry and plum
Describe the range of Pinot Noir styles from California. Give examples of premium regions.
Premium examples come from moderate regions e.g. Russian River Valley, Los Carneros, Santa Maria Valley
Wide range of styles.
Light in colour, classic gamey and vegetal notes
Most show rich layers of ripe red fruit flavours (red cherry, strawberry), notes of sweet spice from oak maturation
Describe typical Syrah styles in California
Typically full-bodied, rich.
Some make leaner, more peppery styles
Describe the range of Chardonnay styles from California
Most widely planted grape
Wide range of styles
Inexpensive, high volume from Central Valley: fruity with low to medium acidity, sometimes toasty note from oak staves or chips
In the past: high-quality Chardonnay had a reputation for being very full-bodied, high alcohol, low acidity, obvious flavours of oak, hazelnut and butter underpinning peach and banana fruit flavours.
Restrained examples with less oak from cooler regions e.g. Los Carneros and Russian River Valley
Describe the range of Sauvignon Blanc styles from California
Best examples come from coastal regions: high acidity, ripe citrus flavours. Also highly planted in Rutherford, Oakville, Yountville, Stags Leap District AVAs
Central Valley (and other warmer regions) produces inexpensive fruity examples
Fumé Blanc: oaked style, but can be used to describe unoaked wines
Describe the GI system of the US
American Viticultural Area (AVA): varies in size, and can include land in more than one state/can overlap e.g. Sta. Rita Hills AVA is predominantly located within boundaries of larger Santa Ynez Valley AVA
AVA federal laws specify min percentages of grapes coming from a single variety, vintage or AVA to allow these terms to appear on a label. Many states have their own laws, however.
Not all wines qualify for AVA, and usually the state name or county appears on label with more lenient rules.
List the three regions with the most number of AVAs in California
North Coast
Central Coast
Central Valley
Describe the general climate of North Coast
Strong influence from ocean: fog, cool breezes through gaps in coastal ranges and river valleys
Effect on average temperatures and diurnal ranges, determines grape plantings
Describe the vineyard layout of Napa Valley AVA, and how this impacts wine styles
In between Mayacamas Mountains on boundary with Sonoma County, and Vaca Mountains on boundary with northern Central Valley.
Vineyards on valley floor and each valley side, divided into smaller AVAs
Cooling influences provide diverse range of climate and therefore wine styles
San Pablo Bay provides morning fogs and cool afternoon breezes, moderating temperatures of vineyards to the south of the valley
Describe typical wines of Los Carneros AVA and their relation to vineyard layout/climate
Most southerly, vineyard area is on valley floor, area is cool enough for high quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
Can make sparkling wines via traditional method, or still wines
Describe typical wines of the AVAs Stags Leap District, Yountville, Oakville, and Rutherford and their relation to vineyard layout/climate
Along valley floor, warmer climate to ripen Cabernet Sauvignon
Yountville AVA, Oakville AVA, Rutherford AVA: premium Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc (ripe tropical fruit flavours)
Rutherford AVA has the least influence from San Pablo Bay i.e. is warmest during the day, Cab Sav considered to have most power and structure.
Describe typical wines of the AVAs Saint Helena and Calistoga and their relation to vineyard layout/climate
Warmest daytime temps, can produce some of the most concentrated, full-bodied wines in the valley while cooling air through the Chalk Hill gap in the Mayacamas Mountains provides some relief from hottest afternoon temperatures. Much cooler night temperatures also help retain acidity.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah
