North America Flashcards
Who is associated with the wine industry’s flourish in the United States in the 1850’s and why?
Agoston Haraszthy, a Hungarian fur trader, saw the potential of Sonoma in particular and is considered the father of the California wine industry. He founded the Buena Vista winery in 1857 and is credited with importing European vinifera vines to California.
List some of the USA’s wine industry setbacks starting in the late-1800’s.
- Phylloxera made its way to California vineyards in the 1880s and 1890s.
- Enactment of Prohibition (1920 – 1933). At the time Prohibition was repealed in 1933, fewer than 100 wineries remained.
- Repeal occurred during the Great Depression, which badly hampered industry recovery.
- Because the Depression was followed immediately by World War II, a full-scale revival took nearly five decades from the onset of Prohibition.
What’s another name for Prohibition in the United States?
The “noble experiment”
List some of the reasons the USA’s wine industry flourish starting in the 1960’s and 1970’s.
- The modern era of the industry was ushered in thanks to luminaries like Robert Mondavi and André Tchelistcheff, who—along with many others—brought quality winemaking back to life in California.
- The “world class” caliberof their accomplishments was established by a famous blind tasting in 1976 that became known as the Judgment of Paris, in which two California contenders prevailed over classic French wines from Burgundy and Bordeaux in a blind tasting conducted by world-renowned experts.
Which federal agency regulates all beverage alcohol laws?
All federal beverage alcohol laws are regulated by the Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB).
- The TTB defines and approves the boundaries of American wine regions.
- The TTB demarcates appellations based on distinctive geographical, physical, and climatic features.
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
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
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
What are the labeling laws for estate bottling in the United States?
- 100% of wine must come from grapes grown on land owned or controlled by winery which must be located in an AVA.
What is the climate in California?
- Cool on the coast, due to the influence of the Pacific Ocean.
- Warm to hot inland, based on distance from ocean’s influence.
- This is a common theme for almost all wine regions we will discuss in California.
Describe the topography of California and its polarizing impact on the region.
- Mountain ranges and rolling hills, either blocking cool Pacific air or, depending upon orientation, funneling it inland
What are the sub regions of California?
What are the primary grape varieties grown in California?
- White
- Chardonnay
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Red
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Pinot Noir
- Zinfandel
Name the 4 sub-regions of California’s North Coast.
Where is the Napa Valley located?
- In the North Coast
- 30 mi stretch from San Pablo Bay (in south) to Mt. St. Helena (in north).
What is the climate in Napa?
- The dry Mediterranean climate and varies depending on altitude and the influence of cool air and fog rolling off the San Pablo Bay.
- This morning and evening cool air and fog creates large diurnal shifts in temperatures throughout the day.
- The AVAs in the southern portion of the Napa Valley are highly affected by cool air and fog. This lessens as you move north up the valley.
What is the soil type in Napa Valley?
- Napa Valley is home to several alluvial fans, which consists of layers of gravel, sand and silt that have descended from the western Mayacamas Mountains over millennia.
What are the primary grape varieties grown in Napa Valley?
- White
- Chardonnay
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Red
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Zinfandel
- Pinot Noir
What is the Napa Valley Vinification Considerations?
- Wines of the Napa Valley are often marked by extensive use of new French and American oak barrels, lending notes of vanilla and toast to both red and white wines.
- Malolactic fermentation is often employed when making white wines, especially Chardonnay, imparting rich, buttery aromas and flavors.
- Sparkling wines are produced in the cooler southern areas of Napa, most notably in Carneros.
The mountainous portions in Napa Valley rise up to __________ feet in elevation.
2,000
Name 5 important AVA’s in Napa.
- Howell Mountain
- Stag’s Leap District
- Oakville
- Rutherford
- Carneros
What is unique about Oregon wine law? (3)
- 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%
Name 4 important AVA’s in New York State.
- Finger Lakes 2. Hudson Valley 3. Long Island 3. Lake Erie
New York State - viticulture?
Important to protect vines from deep freezes in winter and mold in warm, humid summers
In Washington, there are dramatic diurnal differences of up to __________ degrees between day and night.
40
Where is Sonoma located?
- Western edge of the North Coast - From Pacific coast to Mayacamas
What event established the “world class” caliber of wines in California and when did it take place?
- The Judgment of Paris - 1976
Washington - grape varieties?
WHITE 1. Chardonnay 2. Riesling RED 1. Cabernet Sauvignon 2. Merlot 3. Syrah
Sonoma - viticulture?
- Hillsides - Differences in elevation - Diurnal Shifts
What is the most notable AVA in Mendocino County?
Anderson Valley
Where is Santa Barbara County located?
North of LA and the city of Santa Barbara
ƒName the three primary geographical features in Napa Valley.
- Mayacamas (west - separating from Sonoma) 2. Vacas (east) 3. Napa River (runs throughout)
What is the most notable region for sparkling wines in Napa?
Carneros
When was the modern era of the United States’ wine industry ushered in?
1960’s and 1970s
Name 5 important AVA’s of the Central Coast.
- Monterey 2. Paso Robles 3. Santa Maria Valley 4. Santa Ynez Valley 5. Santa Rita Hills
Where are the main wine regions situated in Oregon?
- South from Portland - Between the Coastal Range and Cascade Mountains
What is the primary climate moderator in Washington?
Rain shadow from Cascade Mountains
Monterey - climate moderators?
- Fog - Intense winds
Name two climate moderators in Sonoma.
- Pacific Ocean 2. Petaluma Gap
Which AVA’s are impacted by cool air and fog the most - northern or southern?
Southern
Sonoma - grape varieties?
WHITE 1. Chardonnay 2. Sauvignon Blanc RED 1. Pinot Noir 2. Cabernet Sauvignon 3. Merlot 4. Zinfandel 5. SYRAH