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Introductory Turned Certified Sommelier - Matt & Ryan > North America > Flashcards

North America Flashcards

(107 cards)

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1
Q

In general, where are sparkling wines produced in Napa?

A

Cooler, southern areas

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2
Q

Where is Washington located?

A

Pacific Northwest

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3
Q

Who is associated with the wine industry’s flourish in the United States in the 1850’s and why?

A
  • Agoston Haraszthy, a Hungarian fur trader
  • Saw the potential in Sonoma
  • Founded Buena Vista winery 1857
  • Considered “Father of California Wine Industry”
  • Imported first European vinifera vines to California
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4
Q

What are the labeling laws for estate bottling in the United States?

A
  • 100% of wine must come from grapes grown on land owned or controlled by winery WHICH must be located in an AVA
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5
Q

What is the climate in Napa?

A

Maritime

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6
Q

Name 4 important AVA’s in New York State.

A
  1. Finger Lakes
  2. Hudson Valley
  3. Long Island
  4. Lake Erie
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7
Q

New York State - viticulture?

A

Important to protect vines from deep freezes in winter and mold in warm, humid summers

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8
Q

In Washington, there are dramatic diurnal differences of up to __________ degrees between day and night.

A

40

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9
Q

Where is Sonoma located?

A
  • Western edge of the North Coast

- From Pacific coast to Mayacamas

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10
Q

What event established the “world class” caliber of wines in California and when did it take place?

A
  • The Judgment of Paris

- 1976

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11
Q

Washington - grape varieties?

A 
WHITE
1. Chardonnay
2. Riesling
RED
1. Cabernet Sauvignon
2. Merlot
3. Syrah
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12
Q

Sonoma - viticulture?

A
  • Hillsides
  • Differences in elevation
  • Diurnal Shifts
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13
Q

What is the most notable AVA in Mendocino County?

A

Anderson Valley

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14
Q

What is the climate in California and what is a common theme throughout the region?

A
  • Cool on coast; warm to hot inland

- All based on distance from Pacific Ocean

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15
Q

Where is Santa Barbara County located?

A

North of LA and the city of Santa Barbara

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16
Q

Name the three primary geographical features in Napa Valley.

A
  1. Mayacamas (west - separating from Sonoma)
  2. Vacas (east)
  3. Napa River (runs throughout)
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17
Q

What is the most notable region for sparkling wines in Napa?

A

Carneros

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18
Q

Napa - Zinfandel - warm or cool climate?

A

Warm

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19
Q

When was the modern era of the United States’ wine industry ushered in?

A

1960’s and 1970s

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20
Q

In Napa, what characterizes the winemaking process for white wines, particularly Chardonnay?

A

Malolactic Fermentation

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21
Q

Name 5 important AVA’s of the Central Coast.

A
  1. Monterey
  2. Paso Robles
  3. Santa Maria Valley
  4. Santa Ynez Valley
  5. Santa Rita Hills
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22
Q

In 1933, upon the repeal of Prohibition, how many wineries remained?

A

Fewer than 100

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23
Q

Where are the main wine regions situated in Oregon?

A
  • South from Portland

- Between the Coastal Range and Cascade Mountains

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24
Q

What is the primary climate moderator in Washington?

A

Rain shadow from Cascade Mountains

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25
Monterey - climate moderators?
- Fog | - Intense winds
26
Name two climate moderators in Sonoma.
1. Pacific Ocean | 2. Petaluma Gap
27
What's another name for Prohibition in the United States?
The "noble experiment"
28
Which AVA's are impacted by cool air and fog the most - northern or southern?
Southern
29
What is unique about Oregon wine law? (3)
1. Requires min. 90% of the grape variety stated on label 2. Exception is made for Cabernet Sauvignon which is standard 75% 3. If AVA is referenced, min. 95% must come from stated AVA rather than standard 85%
30
Sonoma - grape varieties?
``` WHITE 1. Chardonnay 2. Sauvignon Blanc RED 1. Pinot Noir 2. Cabernet Sauvignon 3. Merlot 4. Zinfandel 5. SYRAH ```
31
Where is California located?
West coast of United States
32
Washington - how do low temperatures at night impact the vines as they grow?
Low temps allow the vines to rest and help preserve acidity and freshness
33
Where are vineyards sites located in Napa Valley and how does it impact the wine?
- Slopes or Valley Foor | - Brings differences in intensity of color, flavor, structure
34
Summarize the 1800's in the wine industry in the United States.
1. Series of setbacks 2. Phylloxera (1880s and 1890s) 3. Prohibition (1920-1933) 4. The Great Depression 5. World War II
35
What are the labeling laws for AVA in the United States?
- 75% min. for country, state, county - 85% min. for stated AVA - 95% min. from stated single vineyard
36
Where is the Napa Valley located?
- North Coast | - 30mi stretch from San Pablo Bay (in south) to Mt. St. Helena (in north)
37
Oregon - grape varieties?
``` WHITE 1. Pinot Gris 2. Chardonnay 3. Riesling RED 1. Pinot Noir (70% of plantings) ```
38
Where is Mendocino county located?
- North Coast - North of Sonoma County - On Pacific Ocean
39
Monterey - what characterizes its soil/geography?
Very fertile area
40
Name the 4 primary wine regions in California.
1. North Coast 2. Sierra Foothills 3. Central Valley 4. Central Coast
41
What is the primary grape in Oregon and what percentage of plantings is it?
- Pinot Noir | - 70%
42
How are AVA's defined?
- "delimited grape growing areas" | - refers to geographic location only
43
Sonoma - topography?
Hill and mountainous throughout
44
Santa Barbara - grape varieties?
``` WHITE 1. Chardonnay 2. Sauvignon Blanc RED 1. Pinot Noir 2. Rhone Varieties (Grenache, Syrah) 3. Bordeaux Varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot) ```
45
New York State - climate?
Continental
46
Name three important AVA's in Santa Barbara.
1. Santa Maria Valley 2. Santa Ynez Valley 3. Santa Rita Hills
47
Which cultures impacted the wine business during the Gold Rush in the United States?
- The Gold Rush attracted Italian and French immigrants to California
48
Where is Oregon located?
Pacific Northwest
49
What is an important viticultural consideration in Monterey?
Site selection to protect from harsh winds
50
What grape varieties are grown in Monterey?
``` WHITE 1. Chardonnay RED 1. Pinot Noir 2. Cabernet Sauvignon 3. Merlot 4. Zinfandel ```
51
Anderson Valley - climate?
Cool coastal
52
Napa Valley - soil?
Very diverse across the region
53
Oregon - climate?
Cool and maritime
54
Where is Paso Robles located?
- San Luis Obispo County | - Between Monterey and Santa Barbara
55
Name the 4 sub-regions of California's North Coast.
1. Napa 2. Sonoma 3. Mendocino 4. Lake
56
What causes the diurnal shifts in Napa Valley and how do they impact the wine?
- Fog (rolls in morning and night) | - Retains acidity and imparts freshness
57
Name 5 important AVA's in Napa.
1. Howell Mountain 2. Stag's Leap District 3. Oakville 4. Rutherford 5. Carneros
58
Who were the key players that ushered in the modern era of the wine industry in the United States?
- Robert Mondavi | - Andre Tchelistcheff
59
What is the most important AVA in Oregon?
Willamette
60
Where is New York State located?
Northeastern United States
61
What does AVA stand for?
American Viticultural Area
62
What are the labeling laws for vintage in the United States?
- 85% min. from stated vintage if from state or county | - 95% min. from stated vintage if from AVA
63
Napa - Pinot Noir - warm or cool climate?
Cool
64
In the United States, what is the name of the governing body that regulates all federal beverage alcohol laws?
Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
65
Name three factors that influence the climate in Napa Valley.
1. Altitude 2. Cool air/fog off San Pablo Bay 3. Diurnal Shifts
66
What are the labeling laws for variety in the United States?
- 75% min. varietal composition if from state or county - 85% min. varietal composition if from AVA - 90% min. in Oregon for most varieties
67
When were the first AVA's named in the United States and when?
1. 1980 - Augusta, Missouri | 2. 1981 - Napa Valley, California
68
Describe the topography of California and its polarizing impact on the region.
- Mountain ranges and rolling hills | - Either BLOCK regions from cool Pacific air, or FUNNEL it in inland
69
Oregon - soil?
Volcanic, alluvial, clay
70
Monterey - climate?
- Cool maritime near coast (fog and wind) | - Warm to hot further south and inland
71
Wines in Napa are marked by __________ barrels and lend notes of __________ to both red and white wines/
- New American and French Oak | - Vanilla and toast
72
Are new French and American Oak barrels commonly used on white wine, red wines, or both in Napa Valley?
Both
73
What is the climate in Santa Barbara?
- Maritime | - AND LIKE EVERY OTHER PLACE IN CALIFORNIA COOL< WET, WINDY ON COAST AND WARM/DRY INLAND - SHEESH!
74
The United States is the __________ largest producer of wine in the world.
4th
75
Roughly where and when did winemaking in the United States begin?
- East and West Coasts | - 1500's
76
Paso Robles - grape varieties?
``` WHITE 1. Chardonnay RED 1. Cabernet Sauvignon 2. Rhone Varieties (Grenache, Syrah) 3. Zinfandel ```
77
Napa Valley - grape varieties?
``` WHITE 1. Chardonnay 2. Sauvignon Blanc RED 1. Cabernet Sauvignon 2. Merlot 3. Zinfandel 4. Pinot Noir ```
78
Where are the majority of vineyards located in Washington?
East of the Cascade Mountains
79
Monterey - primary characteristic of topography?
Gap in the mountains funnels cool air and strong winds directly inland
80
What is the climate like in Paso Robles and what is a primary moderator?
- Very Warm (hot days, cool nights) | - Blocked from maritime by mountains BUT there is a gap that funnels in cool air
81
Name 6 AVA's in Sonoma.
1. Alexander Valley 2. Sonoma Valley 3. Carneros 4. Russian River Valley 5. Sonoma Coast 6. Dry Creek Valley
82
According to the TTB, what does the establishment of viticultural areas do for winemakers and consumers?
1. Allows vintners to more accurately describe origin of their wine to consumers 2. Helps consumers identify wines they may purchase
83
New York State - grape varieties?
``` WHITE 1. Riesling 2. Gewurztraminer 3. Chardonnay RED 1. Pinot Noir 2. Merlot 3. Cabernet Franc HYBRID 1. Concord 2. Vidal ```
84
Monterey - where is it located?
- South of San Francisco (near the town or Monterey)
85
Washington - what characterizes the viticulture?
- Desert-like conditions offer dramatic diurnal shifts | - Irrigation is essential
86
Santa Babara - topography?
Coastal range turns east/west rather than predominant north/south which funnels cool air in from the Pacific
87
Sonoma - climate?
- Cooler coast, warmer inland | - Diurnal shifts from fog and cool air
88
Napa - Cabernet Sauvignon - warm or cool climate?
Warm
89
What are the sources of water for irrigation in Washington?
- Columbia River - Yakima River - Snake River
90
Anderson Valley - grape varieties?
1. Chardonnay | 2. Pinot Noir
91
The mountainous portions in Napa Valley rise up to __________ feet in elevation.
2,000
92
What style of wine is Anderson Valley well known for?
Traditional Method Sparkling
93
Oregon - topography?
Mountains and rolling hills
94
Mendocino - climate?
- Very dependent on proximity to Pacific | - Cool coast, warm inland
95
When did the wine industry first begin to flourish and gain international recognition in the United States?
1850's
96
Where does the United States rank in the world for total wine consumption?
1st
97
How long did a full-scale revival of the wine industry take after the onset of Prohibition?
Nearly 5 decades
98
Name three climate moderators in New York State.
1. Lakes 2. Rivers 3. Atlantic Ocean
99
Name two aspects of wine regulated by the TTB.
1. TTB defines and approves boundaries for wine regions | 2. TTB demarcates appellations based on distinct geographical, physical, and climatic features
100
Washington - climate?
- Continental, high-desert | - Hot summers, very cold winters, little precipitation
101
Name three important AVA's in Washington.
1. Columbia Valley - Yakima Valley - Walla Walla Valley
102
Sonoma - most common wine style?
Intense red wines, often aged in new oak barrels
103
List the coast and people associated with early winemaking in the United States in the 1600's.
EAST - Colonists in Jamestown WEST - Franciscan Mission plantings along California coast
104
Where are vineyards planted in the Willamette Valley and how does it impact a wine?
- Higher elevation slopes, hillsides, and valley floor | - Creates differences in intensity of color, flavor, structure
105
List the coast and people associated with early winemaking in the United States in the 1500's.
EAST - French Huguenots in Florida WEST - Franciscan Mission plantings in present day Texas and New Mexico
106
What are the primary grape varieties grown in California?
WHITE 1. Chardonnay 2. Sauvignon Blanc RED 1. Cabernet Sauvignon 2. Merlot 3. Pinot Noir 4. Zinfandel
107
Oregon - primary climate moderator?
Rain shadow from Coastal Range

Introductory Turned Certified Sommelier - Matt & Ryan (28 decks)

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