L3: North America Flashcards
Finger Lakes
Climate
Cool continental (not maritime - Alana made error in class)
Lakes moderate temperature
Cool Northern Climate
Grapes
Riesling
Gewurztraminer
Chardonnay
Cabernet Franc
California (Overall)
Mediterranean Climate
90% of wine produced in US
Every Noble Grape Variety
Napa Valley
Chardonnay (W),Sauvignon Blanc (W),
Cabernet Sauvignon (R), Zinfandel (R), Merlot (R), Pinot Noir (R), Syrah (R), Sangiovese (R), Petite Sirah (R)
Most celebrated region; 1976 Judgment of Paris
Cooler areas are in the southern end
San Pablo Bay
Napa Valley – Cool air and fog enter; southern end
Napa Mountain Ranges
Mayacamas Mountains
Vaca Mountains
Sonoma
Primary Grapes:
Chardonnay (W),
Cabernet Sauvignon (R), Zinfandel (R), Merlot (R), Pinot Noir (R)
Sonoma County is over twice as large as Napa and boasts more differentiated soils, higher elevations, and more microclimates. This allows for a wider range of grape varieties and wine styles.
Sonoma is blessed with an ideally long and warm growing season, accompanied by its famous cooling fog. Mountainous hillsides act as a funnel, drawing cool air through the Petaluma Gap, Russian River, and San Pablo Bay entry points. This shelters the vines from excessive heat, while also allowing for optimal diurnal temperature shifts. Cooler areas support elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines, while the warmer inland areas produce bright, intensely-flavored Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Zinfandel.
Northern Sonoma
Northern Sonoma is much larger and more complex than Sonoma Valley, both geologically and viticulturally-speaking. It includes the famous and substantial Russian River Valley where Chardonnay and Pinot Noir reign supreme. Further inland, Alexander Valley and Knight’s Valley are home to cult Cabernets and Merlot.
Sonoma Valley
Sonoma Valley is located in the county’s southeastern corner, and effectively mirrors the shape and orientation of Napa Valley just across the Mayacamas Mountains. Close to San Pablo Bay, the region is known for Chardonnay and sparkling wines. Further north, the intensity of the cooling ocean influences is much reduced and Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel are prized for making rich, ripe red wines.
Sonoma Coast
The Sonoma Coast is one of the largest AVAs in Sonoma, covering the mountains along the Pacific coast from the border with Mendocino County to the top of San Pablo Bay. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay dominate, making premium wines in a range of different styles.
Central Coast
Chardonnay (W), Sauvignon Blanc (W), Riesling (W), Marsanne (W), Roussane (W), Viognier (W), Cabernet Sauvignon (R), Pinot Noir (R), Zinfandel (R), Grenache (R), Syrah (R), Mouvedre (R)
The Central Coast AVA in California covers the long stretch of coastline from San Francisco Bay south to Santa Barbara, and reaches inland from the Pacific Ocean to the borders of the Central Valley. The rugged, mountainous topography of the area is the result of tectonic plates shifting over several thousand years. This has resulted in a geologist’s delight of clay, loam, granite, silt, and tuffeau marine sediments throughout the area. The most famous fault line, the San Andreas Fault, cuts off most of the AVA from the rest of the continental United States.
Pasa Robles
Hotter, more inland area of Central Coast. Up and coming area focused on Zinfindel and Rhone Blends “Rhone Rangers”
Oregon
Climate
Cool Continental
Cascade Mountains
Coastal Range
Grapes
Pinot Gris
Pinot Blanc
Gewurztraminer
Pinot Noir
Notable Wines / Sub-Regions
**Many areas choose to plant non-grafted grapes
Willamette Valley
Varietally correct Burgundy style Pinot
90% (vs. 75%) varietal rule
Washington State
Climate
Warm Continental
Cascade Mountains
Grapes
Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon
Chardonnay
Semillon
Riesling
Notable Wines / Sub-Regions
Reserve = term for higher quality wine in WA only
Columba Valley (spans 2 states)
Walla Walla (subset of Columbia Valley)
Bordeaux Blends on rise
American Regulatory System
American Viticultural Areas
TTB - Alcohol Tobacco and Trade Bureau
AVA
American Viticultural Area
~350 total
Most in CA
Napa = 16
Willamette = 12
***Do not span political boundaries (can cross states / counties)
Carneros AVA (Napa / Sonoma County)
Columbia Valley AVA (Oregon / Washington)
