L3- USA & California Chaps 32 & 33 Flashcards
What are the 4 most important US wine regions?
What is the basis for American wine law?
California, Oregon, Washington and New York are the most important USA wine regions/states.
The American Viticultural Area (AVA) is the basis for the USA’s GI (geographic indicator) regions.
Federal laws specify the minimum percenages of grapes that must come from a single grape variety, vintage or AVA to allow those terms to appear on the label.
Describe the climate, geographic region and grape growing in California.
CA spans 1100 Kilometers north to south (vineyards throughout)
CLIMATE- Influence of very cold California Ocean Current is most important
Coast is mountaineous - mountains shield much of the state from California Ocean Current, BUT different in each area
Cold air causes fogs and lowers night time temps. Cooling influence extends into the day because of fog. In some years grapes can struggle to ripen. (Santa Barbara & Monterrey)
In contrast, where no exposure to the ocean (ie. Central Valley) the climate is hot
LACK OF RAIN- drip irrigation widely practiced due to water shortages.
Shortage of rain in autumn means some grape growers may leave grapes on vine long into the season, causing very concentrated flavors w/ high sugar levels. Those who value freshness in wine, pick slightly earlier
What are the most widely grown black grape varietals in California?
- Cabernet Sauvignon
-Zinfandel (ie. primitivo)
-Merlot
-Pinot Noir
-Syrah
Describe the typical characteristics of a California Cabernet Sauvignon.
Cabernet Sauvignon = most widely planted grape in CA
Typical characteristics of prime sites:
-Full-bodied
-Concentrated cassis flavors
-Spice aromas from new oak aromas
-Other producers choose to make in a less rich style w/ fresher blackcurrant flavors
Describe the typical characteristics of a California Zinfandel.
Zinfandel -CA’s “own” grape variety
-Tendency to ripen unevenly
- Harvested fruit can include both raisined and underripe grapes. Raisining can result in:
– concentrated,
–full bodied red wines
–high alcohol levels
–small amounts residual sugar levels
–red and black fruit flavors
–dried berries
–liquorice
-can display subtle herbaceous quality from underripe grapes
Large volumes of Zinfandel rose made rom early picked grapes (known as white Zinfandel)- wines are typically fruity, pale in color, medium sweet, & low in alcohol
Describe the typical characteristics of a California Merlot and primary regions.
Difference between mass production and better quality wines of this grape in CA regions?
Merlot is widely planted
Produces wines w/:
-Soft tannins
-Ripe black fruit
Mass production - San Joaquin Valley (simple/inexpensive wines)
Better quality Merlot comes from cooler sites such as Monterey/North Coast (including Napa and Sonoma). Produces wines:
-soft velvety taninns
-luscious body
-high alcohol
-classic varietal flavors of blackberry and plum
Describe the typical characteristics of a California Pinot Noir and primary regions.
Premium Pinot Noir comes from moderate Russian River Valley, Los Carneros, and Santa Maria regions.
Styles range widely according to the vineyard site and winemaking practices.
Styles:
-Some are light in color, with classic gamey and vegetal notes
-However, majority show rich layers of ripe red fruit flavors (red cherry, strawberry), notes of vanilla from oak maturation
Describe the typical characteristics of a California Syrah.
Planted across the state
Typically in a full-bodied, rich style
Some producers make leaner and more peppery styles.
What are the most widely grown white grape varietals in California?
- Chardonnay
-Sauvignon Blanc
Describe the typical characteristics of a California Chardonnay and different styles.
Chardonnay is the most widely planted white grape variety
Wide variation of production styles:
-inexpensive, high volume, fruity, low to medium acid, toasty notes from oak staves or chips (from Central Valley)
-high quality Chardonnay - full body, high alc, low acidity, oak, hazelnut, butter w/ peach & banana fruit flavors
Today more restrained styles WITH LESS OAK are coming from Russian River Valley and Los Carneros
Describe the typical characteristics of a California Sauvignon Blanc.
Sauvignon Blanc
The best comes from coastal regions =
-high acidity
-ripe citrus flavors
Affordable, fruity “everyday” wines comes from the Central Valley
Fume Blanc in CA can mean an oaked Sauvignon Blanc
What are the three California regions that produce the majority of well-known County Appellations and AVAs?
Which region produces the most wine?
The 3 regions are
-North Coast
-Central Coast
-Central Valley (produces the most wines -very fertile soil & irrigation used)
What is the general climate and location of the North Coast region of California?
This is the region north of San Franscisco Bay
Climate of the vineyards is strongly influenced by the ocean
Brings fog and cool breezes that flow through gaps in the coastal ranges and river valleys
How large is the Napa Valley AVA?
What is this AVA known for?
What is the geographic lay-out of Napa Valley?
What are the cooling influences here?
Napa Valley AVA is 50 kilometers wide
It is the most prestigious and expensive AVA
Geographically i it is surrounded by mountains -> Mayacamas Mountains to the west are the boundary with Sonoma County. To the east are the Vaca Mountains that separate the Napa Valley from the Northern part of the Central Valley.
-Morning fogs and cool afternoon breezes from the San Pablo Bay (northern extension of San Francisco) moderate the temperatures to the south
Where is Los Carneros AVA located?
What varietals and styles of wine are produced Los Carneros AVA?
Los Carneros is the most southerly vineyard located on the valley floor of Napa, extending in Sonoma County.
It is cool enough to produce:
-High quality Pinot Noir & Chardonnay (used both for still wines and for sparkling wines)
