North America Flashcards
“Super-AVA” located south of Los Angeles
South Coast AVA
“Super-AVA” that extends from Oakland/SF to Santa Barbara
Central Coast AVA
“Super-AVA” located north of San Francisco
North Coast AVA
Counties (6) that are included within the North Coast AVA
Napa Sonoma Mendocino Lake Marin Solano
Area that grows the majority of California’s grapes, but is NOT an AVA
The Central Valley
“Super-AVA” located east of the Central Valley
Sierra Foothills AVA
Leading grape variety of Napa Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon
Mountain Range on the border between Napa and Sonoma
Mayacamas Mountains
Mountain Range located in the eastern portion of Napa County
Vaca Mountains
Napa’s “valley floor” appellations
Calistoga St. Helena Rutherford Oakville Yountville Stags Leap District (with Chiles Vally somewhat to the east)
Napa’s “high elevation” appellations
Mount Veeder Diamond Mountain District Spring Mountain District Howell Mountain Atlas Peak
Body of water that cools the southern area of Napa County
San Pablo Bay
AVA shared between Napa and Sonoma Counties
Carneros (Los Carneros)
AVA shared between Napa and Solano Counties
Wild Horse Valley
16 sub-appellations of the Napa Valley
Atlas Peak Calistoga Carneros Chiles Valley Coombsville Diamond Mtn. District Howell Mountain Mt. Veeder Oak Knoll District Oakville Rutherford St. Helena Spring Mtn. District Stags Leap District Wild Horse Valley Yountville
Leading grape of Sonoma County
Chardonnay
Two leading red grapes of Sonoma County
Cabernet Sauvignon
Pinot Noir
4 sub-appellations of the Sonoma Valley AVA
Bennet Valley
Sonoma Mountain
Moon Mountain District of Sonoma County
Carneros
Large AVA of western Sonoma County
Sonoma Coast
Sub-appellation (of the northern portion) of the Sonoma Coast AVA
Fort Ross-Seaview AVA
AVA shared between Sonoma and Marin Counties
Petaluma Gap AVA
Two sub-appellations of the Russian River Valley AVA
Green Valley of Russian River Vally AVA
Chalk Hill AVA
7 inland AVAs of Sonoma County (excluding those within the Sonoma Valley AVA)
Dry Creek Valley AVA Rockpile AVA Alexander Valley AVA Knights Vally AVA Pine Mountain/Cloverdale Peak AVA Fountaingrove District AVA Chalk Hill AVA (also a sub-appellation of the Russian River Valley)
Sonoma County AVA specializing in Zinfandel
Dry Creek Valley
Mendocino County AVA known for sparkling wines
Anderson Valley
AVA known as the “Islands in the Sky”
Mendocino Ridge
Two leading grape varieties of the Mendocino Ridge AVA
Pinot Noir (old vine) Zinfandel
AVA shared between Sonoma and Mendocino Counties
Pine Mountain-Cloverdale Peak
The smallest AVA in the United States
Cole Ranch (located in Mendocino County)
Seven AVAs of Lake County
Benmore Valley Clear Lake High Valley Red Hills Lake County Big Valley District Lake County Kelsey Bench Lake County Guenoc Valley
Home county of the Paso Robles, Edna Valley, and Arroyo Grande Valley AVAs
San Luis Obispo County
Six AVAs of Santa Barbara County
Santa Maria Valley Santa Ynez Valley Ballard Canyon Los Olivos District Sta. Rita Hills Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara
Sub-appellation of the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA
Ben Lomond Mountain AVA
7 sub-appellations of the Lodi AVA
Alta Mesa Borden Ranch Clements Hills Cosumnes River Jahant Mokelumne River Sloughhouse
Large AVA located on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Range
Sierra Foothills AVA
large in size, but low in vine acreage as only about 1% of total area is planted to vines
El Aliso
Original (1833) name of the estate of Jean-Luis Vignes; one of the first commercial wineries in Southern California
2 leading red grapes of Washington State
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
2 top white grapes of Washington State
Chardonnay
Riesling
14 AVAs of Washington State
Columbia Valley Lake Chelan Wahluke Slope Naches Heights Horse Heaven Hills Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley Walla Walla Valley Yakima Valley Rattlesnake Hills Snipes Mountain Red Mountain Columbia Gorge Lewis-Clark Valley Puget Sound
AVA shared between Washington State and Idaho
Lewis-Clark Valley
Mountain Range that forms a rain shadow for most Washinton State vineyards
Cascades
Washington State AVA surrounding Seattle
Puget Sound
Largest AVA in Washington State
Columbia Valley
3 sub-appellations of the Yakima Valley AVA
Red Mountain
Rattlesnake HIlles
Snipes Mountain
3 AVAs shared by Washington State and Oregon
Columbia Valley
Columbia Gorge
Walla Walla Valley
Tiny AVA located on the Oregon side of the Walla Walla Valley
The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater
Meaning behind “the rocks” in the name of the AVA The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater
The cobblestone-rich soils that define the borders of the AVA
Leading red grape of Oregon
Pinot Noir
Leading white grape of Oregon
Pinot Gris
7 sub-appellations of the Willamette Valley AVA
Dundee Hills Ribbon Ridge Eola-Amity Hills McMinnville Yamhill-Carlton Chehalem Mountains Van Duzer Corridor
2 sub-appellations of the Umpqua Valley AVA
Elkton Oregon
Red Hill Douglas County
Sub-appellation of the Rogue Valley AVA
Applegate Valley
AVA shared between Oregon and Idaho
Snake River Valley
Unique law pertaining to varietal Pinor Noir and Pinot Gris produced in Oregon
Must contain a minimum of 90% of the stated variety (applies to some other varieties as well)
AVA that produces 85% of New York State’s wine
Finger Lakes AVA
2 sub-appellations of the Finger Lakes AVA
Seneca Lake
Cayuga Lake
2 noteworthy wines (grapes) of the Finger Lakes AVA
Riesling
Cabernet Franc
(Also: labrusca grapes and cold-hardy hybrids)
Viticulturalist/winemaker who introduced vinifera grapes to New York State
Dr. Konstantin Frank
3 AVAs of Long Island
Long Island AVA
North Fork of Long Island AVA
Hamptons AVA
Oldest continuously operating winery in the United States
Brotherhood Winery (Hudson River Region AVA)
New York’s Benmarl Vineyards
Considered to be the oldest vineyard in the US
Canadian wine production is concentrated in these four areas:
Ontario
British Columbia
Nova Scotia
Quebec
Wine quality-control system used in Ontario, Canada
VQA (Vintner’s Quality Alliance)
Leading wine region of Ontario
Niagara Peninsula
3 Viticultural Areas of Ontario
Lake Erie North Shore
Niagara Peninsula
Prince Edward County
3 sub-appellations of the Niagara Escarpment Region
Beamsville Bench
Short Hills Bench
Twenty Mile Bench
3 sub-appellations of Niagara-on-the-Lake
Four Mile Creek
Niagara Lakeshore
St. David’s Bench
3 sub-appellations of the Niagara Peninsula (with no other regional affiliation)
Creek Shores
Lincoln Lakeshore
Vinemount Ridge
Leading wine region of British Columbia
Okanagan Valley
9 Geographical Indications of British Columbia
Fraser Valley Gulf Islands Kootenays, Lillooet Okanagan Valley Shuswap Similkameen Valley Thompson Valley Vancouver Island
4 sub-appellations of the Okanagan Valley
Golden Mile Bench
Naramata Bench
Okanagan Falls
Skaha Bench
Leading wine region of Baja California
Valle de Guadalupe
Where does the USA rank in global wine production
4th, behind France, Italy, and Spain in volume output (over 350 million cases)
Why is the USA considered the driver of the global wine industry?
It is the largest consumer per capita of wine in the world, as well as its drinkers drinking better quality and more expensive wines than their counterparts in most other countries. It is amongst the world leaders in both imports and exports every year.
What state produces the most wine?
California is the leader at 88%
What are the top three states after California in wine production?
Washington
New York
Oregon
What other states produce a large amount of wine?
Virginia Texas Pennsylvania Michigan Missouri Ohio Florida
Other states have thriving local wine scenes, but only fractionally contribute to the overall total
How many commercial wineries are in the US?
More than 10,000, with at least one in all 50 states
Where are the respective wine industries of Canada and Mexico located?
In Canada, the inland areas of British Columbia and the Great Lakes are of Ontario
For Mexico, in Baja California
What halted the development of a strong wine tradition in the USA?
Prohibition. It took a long time after the repeal to reemerge, and even longer to gain an international standing
When did European vinifera varieties reach the US?
Texas/New Mexico – in the 1620s
California – 1770s
Why did winemaking struggle to take off in the eastern USA?
Native grapevines had a flavor component that was unpalatable, and European varieties lacked resistance to native pests, especially phylloxera.
When did winemaking begin making progress in the eastern USA?
Beginning in the 1800s, a sustainable industry developed around Concord grapes and new hybrids that were disease and pest resistant, with a better flavor profile
Why was winemaking progress slow in the western USA?
Lack of demand, primarily
Who brough the first vineyards to the western USA?
Catholic missionaries – for small scale sacramental wine production
What grape variety was brought by Catholic missionaries to the western USA?
The unexciting Mission grape (Criolla family)
What changed that expanded the industry in the western USA?
The expansion west, victory in the Mexican wars of the 1800s, and above all the California gold rush in 1849. Population exploded, as did alcohol demand, and commerical wineries already present in southern California now began springing up in northern California as well
Who planted the new vineyards in California after the gold rush?
Primarily by Italian, Swiss, and German immigrants with vines brought or imported from Europe – leading to a thriving industry by the turn of the 20th century
Why was phylloxera a problem in California in the early 20th century?
Vines did not naturally occur in the western United States, so infected cuttings brought back from Europe finally reached California in the late 1800s
Were individuals allowed to consume wine during Prohibition?
There were exceptions for religious and medicinal purposes, as well as what was allowed to be made by families for their own consumption
How much wine could families make at home for their own consumption during the Prohibition?
Up to 200 gallons
What happened to most commercial wineries during the 13 year Prohibition?
They went out of business
What happened to grape production in California during Prohibition?
It actually increased, but winegrowers switched to higher yielding varieties, which made blends less destinctive in flavor and intensity after Repeal, that had to be marketed with misleadingly familiar names like Chablis and Burgundy
When was Prohibition repealed?
With the passage of the 21st Amendment in 1933
When did the wine industry in the US begin to rebuild itself?
In the 1960s, largely attributable to a return to fashion and increased demand
What are the big 3 names on the 1960s wine industry?
Robert Mondavi
Mike Grgich
Warren Winiarski
Several others also focused on producing wines to compete with French counterparts
When was the Judgement of Paris?
May 24th, 1976
Also called the Paris Tasting
What happened during the Judgement of Paris?
California Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon defeated the finest Burgundy and Bordeaux wines of France
What red wine won the Judgement of Paris?
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars SLV 1973, made by Warren Winiarski from three year old vines
What white wine wone the Judgement of Paris?
Chateau Montelena Chardonnay 1973 (Calistoga) made under Jim Barrett
How did the Judgement of Paris change California wine production?
The focus became varietally labeled wines, and place of origin became very important to buyers
Who were the Gallo brothers?
Ernest and Julio Gallo
What were the Gallo brothers responsible for?
Almost singlehandedly responsible for consistent and reasonably priced wine being on the table after Prohibition
Who was Agoston Haraszthy?
Hungarian immigrant responsible for bringing many European vines to Sonoma in 1861
When did Agoston Haraszthy bring European vines to Sonoma?
1861
Who was Charles Krug?
Founder of the first Napa Valley winery in 1861
When was the first Napa Valley winery founded?
1861
Who was Nicholas Longworth?
Fouder of the first successful US commercial winery in the 1830s, made first US sparkling wine from grapes grown in Ohio River Valley
Who was Robert Mondavi?
California winemaker instrumental in establishing reputation of Californian (and US by extension) wine quality amongst consumers
Who was Frank Schoonmaker?
Wine jounalist credited with introducing and promoting varietal labeling to help California better define its wines
Who was Andre Tchelistcheff?
California winemaker who introduced many modern winemaking techniques to the USA and mentored many other winemakers
Who was Bob Trinchero?
Son of Sutter Home co-founder Mario Trinchero, he developed the idea of making a white wine out of the ZInfandel grape
Why was the commercial success of White Zinfandel a good thing?
It saved many Zinfandel plantings from being torn up or abandoned
What is the purpose of the USA’s three tier system?
Government oversight, and of course, tax collection
What are the three tiers?
Producers or suppliers (Essentially synonymous with wineries, but also including importers as US-based representatives of foreign wineries)
Distributors or Whole Salers
Retailers
What are the two subcategories of Retailers?
On Premise
Off Premise
Under a strict interpretation of the US three tier system, what four things are true?
1 - Wineries can sell only to distributors, not directly to retailers or consumers.
2 - Foreign wineries must sell their wine through a US based import company
3 - Distributors cannot have direct ownership of wineries or retail establishments and cannot sell directly to the public
4 - Retailers must remain independent of the other tiers
What’s one example that’s an example to the strict rules of the three tier system?
Winery tasting rooms
What is the enforcement and collection arm of the US Treasury, and what is it responsible for?
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
What is the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Bureau (TTB) responsible for?
Enforcing laws relevant to alcohol production, importation, wholesaling, and the collection of alcohol excise tax
What is responsible for enforcement of laws against smuggling and illegal production of alcohol?
The Bureau of Alchol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF)
Additionally, every state and most cities, counties, and towns have beverage control departments to enforce state laws
Who are known as producers in the US 3-tier system
Primarily wineries but also importers.
The term producer is interchangeable with supplier
How may producers’ wine be sold?
To a distributor
To an importer, if crossing internation boundaries
In bulk to another winery
Direct to consumer at the winery, state and local law permitting
Direct to consumer shopping, if state and local law allows
What is the middle tier in the US 3-tier system?
The distribution tier, though many other brokers and intermediaries may be involved besides the actual distributor
How are distributors licensed?
State by state. Some operate in many states, but none yet in every state
How do some distributors skirt the theoretical separation of producers and retailers?
By setting up technically separate companies that cooperate closely
Is it possible to have multiple distributors for the same producers product?
Yes. In some states it is even necessary
What is a control state?
A state wherein the state governement itself has become the only legal distribution agent
What is a franchise state?
A state wherein state laws grant distributors exclusive rights over suppliers brands, giving the distributor significant leverage and making it nearly impossible for the supplier to change distributors. The relationship is more equal in non-franchise states
What is the usual function of retailers?
The interface between the wine industry and the consuming public. They buy wine from distributors, mark it up to cover costs and make profit, and make it available to consumers
How is the US appellation system different from the EU?
There are no rules regarding approved varieties, minimum or maximum crop yields, planting densities, or vinification techniques that must be followed to use the place-name.
Place names do not dictate a style of winemaking in the US
The TTB has a list of defined areas that may be used to define place of origin. What is on it?
The entire country, a single state, multistate (3 max), a single US county, and multicounty (3 max).
What is an AVA?
American Viticultural Area
A delineated area that has unifying viticultural characteristics regardless of where they fall relative to the TTB’s political boundaries
Is there a size limit on AVAs?
No. Some are as small as 1/4 sq. mile, while others are as large as several thousand square miles (of dubious usefulness).
It is not uncommon for AVAs to nest within one another, with the small ones producing wines of greater distinction
How many AVAs are in the US?
As of December 2019, 246 in over 30 states, with 139 in California
Who is responsible for labelling law enforcement in the US?
The TTB
What do all wine labels, either imported or domestically produced require in the US?
Brand Name Class or type of wine Alcohol content Name and address of bottler or importer Place of origin (country or more specific) for all imports or if a vintage date is included on the label Volume of the bottle Sulfite Statement (in almost all cases) Health Warning
What else may appear on US wine labels, but is not required?
Vintage date Grape variety or varieties Appellation of origin The term "estate bottled" Optional information on the wine, winery, or related subject matter Label art
What must appear on the brand label?
Brand name
Class/type of wine
Alcohol content
All other items mentioned may appear there, or on one or more printed labels. For example, a small vintage label can be attached to the neck in the case of wines where only the vintage date changes from year to year and nothing else
True or False: The brand label is the front label on US wines.
False. Many wineries make a minimalist brand label with only the required information, and a more visually appealing back label with everything else that inevitably faces forward on shelves
What is the brand name?
Usually the most prominent words on a label. May be the name of the producing winery, a certain product line from a large producer or a proprietary name identifying the wine
What is wine class or type?
An indication of the kind of wine in the bottle. For most this is the grape variety/varieties or an appellation on the label. In other instances, it must satisfy the TTB designated classes such as “table wine,” “sparkling red wine,” or “fruit wine,” etc.
What are “semi-generic names” in the US?
Terms that are sometimes used to designate a class or type of wine that has been “borrowed” from the Old World wine names to describe American wines made in a similar style for a century or more
What semi-generic names are allowed?
Chablis, Burgundy, Chianti, Port (but not Porto), and Madeira, as they have been used for so long they have lost their explicit reference to the original wine zone.
What is required for the use of semi-generic names?
A US geographic term must also be used (i.e. American Chablis or California Port Wine, etc.) and ONLY if the labels were approved prior to March 2006
Labels approved prior to what date may use semi-generic names?
March 2006
Will the EU import wines with semi-generic names?
No, but the market for them in the US continues. After the signing of the US European Community Trade in Wine Agreement was singed, no new applications will be accepted nor approved by the TTB
What semi-generic names are not allowed?
Rioja, Bordeaux, and others not specifically mentioned
Is Champagne a semi-generic name?
Only if used on a label as California Champagne prior to 2006. No labels submitted after that have been or will be approved by the TTB
How can wines of 14% or lower be labeled in lieu of a specific percentage?
As “table wine”
What variance is allowed on US wine labels if an alcohol percentage is stated?
Up to 1.5% between the declared alcohol level and the actual alcohol content.
On wines with more than 14% the variance can only be up to 1%.
How does the allowed variance of alcohol percentage help wineries?
Large wineries producing millions of gallons do not have to print new labels from batch to batch when alcohol levels can vary slightly
When do wineries often choose to disclose the exact alcohol level of their wines (i.e. 13.4%, 12.2%, etc.)
Often on vintage-dated wines
Who is defined as the bottler addressed on US wine labels?
Often it is the winery that made the wine. In the case of foreign wines it is often the importer, or the wine merchant/negociant who bought bulk wine for blending/bottling
What words often precede “bottled by” on US wine labels?
Maximum participation is indicated by the “Grown, produced, and bottled by…”
While for wines from a negociant the label may read “Blended, cellared, and bottled by…”
While imported wines or wines that denote “American Wine” on the label must always identify the country of origin, does all of the wine in that wine have to be sourced from that country?
No. US wine law specifies only 75% of the wine from a country be sourced from the stated country.
So, for example, an “American Wine” may contain up to 25% foreign bulk wine.
What is required if a wine is sourced with less than 75% from any one country?
Exact percentages must be given
How much sulfur dioxide can a wine have before it must be labeled as “Contains Sulfites?”
10 parts per million, which actually encompasses nearly all wine.
How do some wineries label their sulfur dioxide?
With the names of actual chemicals added, if any, for example “Contains Potassium Metabisulfite”
What are wineries not allowed to do regarding the health warnings required on their bottles?
Wineries may not rebut or undermine the statements by putting anything on the label suggesting health benefits between consumption of alcohol, wine, or any substance in the bottle.
They also cannot refer consumers to a third party source that does the same.
If a vintage date appears on a US label, how much of the wine must be from that vintage?
From an AVA or foreign equivalent: 95%
85% if from a US state or couny, or foreign equivalent (IGP, IGT, other second-tier, etc.)
What does the less than 100% minimum requirement for vintage dating allow for?
It allows winemakers to top up barrels from year to year, averaging out quality without significantly changing the overall character of the primary vintage
What are the US rules for varietal labeling?
If a single varietal appears, then a minimum of 75% must be that grape, grown in the cited appellation.
What are the exceptions to the US rules for varietal labeling?
Native North American grapes of the species Vitis labrusca, which can be as low as 51%
Oregon – which requires its iconic varieties (Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay) to be at least 90% of the named variety
If no one grape makes up 75%, then what must the wine feature?
All varieties and their percentages must be named
Can US varietal wines be exported to the EU at 75% labeling levels?
Yes, but many who export to the EU follow the 85% minimum content standard of the EU to avoid any difficulties
What is Meritage?
Term permitted for use with wines that are made in the style and with the grapes of Bordeaux
When was the Meritage Association formed?
1988
What was the purpose of the Meritage Association?
To allow New World wines the opportunity to compete with the blends of Bordeaux without having to label them as generic table wine
What are the restrictions to be called a Meritage wine?
The winery must be a member of the Meritage Alliance (as it is now known)
Wine must be the winery’s most expensive wine of its style
Production cannot exceed 25k cases
What grape varieties must be used in Meritage wines?
Red: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, St. Macaire, Gros Verdot, and Carmenere
White: Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Muscadelle
What are the blending requirements for Meritage?
At least 2 varieties used and a max of 90% of any single variety
What is the idealized hierarchy for US places of origin?
Country State County AVA Vineyard
Theoretically as the places of origin get smaller, the quality increases
What percentage of the grape must be grown in the named place on the label?
As with vintage and variety, a small proportion can come from outside – 75%
What places require more than 75% to come from the specific place?
California/Oregon – for state appellation must be 100%
Washington – 95%
Can multiple states be listed on a label?
Yes, it is possible to name two or three contiguous states or counties provided percentages from each are named
What is the minimum content for the named AVA to be on the label?
85% must be from that AVA
What is the minimum content for a vineyard on the label?
95% of the grapes must be from that vineyard
What are the rules for the use of the term “Estate Bottled” in the US?
The grapes must be from one or more vineyards owned or leased by the winery
Vineyards must be within a single AVA
Winery must also be located in that AVA
Some very large AVAs may allow many miles between vineyard and winery
What non-regulated terms may be used on American wine labels?
Terms such as Reserve, Special Selection, and Old Vines may be added, and are often used ot differentiate between a company’s many product lines, but have no legal meaning at the federal level.
Descriptions of wine’s attributes, suggested serving temps, and other technical details may also be included.
Why would the TTB reject a label?
If it contains misleading information, health claims, or anything considered indecent
Where does the majority of the western US range latitudinally?
Between 32 and 49N, with northern Mexico and southwestern Canada takin up the remaining bits of the temperate winegrowing latitudes.
Why is US winegrowing often restricted commercially to the coasts?
The interior has a continental climate with weather extremes that make commercial grape growing difficult
What keeps the west coast cooler than the interior?
A combination of factors. Global air circulation brings significant rain to the exposed Pacific northwest, and the same air patterns force arctic currents south down the coast all the way to Mexico.
A series of mountain ranges (the Coast Range in California and Oregon, and the Cascades in Washington) block much of the wetter coastal air from reaching the drier interior
What makes grape growing difficult on the East coast of the US?
The opposite air flow patterns from the west coast bring up humid, subtropical air from the Caribbean, and the lack of mountains leave the Eastern Seaboard deeply penetrated by conditions that are perfect for fungi and plant diseases, raising the price of grape growing and limiting the choices of viable grapes.
Why was North America called Vinland by the Norse?
For the wild grapes they found growing there. They were not Vinifera varieties, however, but Labrusca
What did English colonists nickname the labrusca grapes after trying to make wine from them?
Fox grapes, for the foxy flavor component. The grapes were also intensely acidic
Why did the vinifera grapes initially not survive planting in the US?
Phylloxera and disease, these causes were not readily identified early on. As a result, native North American grapes continued to be used for wine.
What were the primary grapes used for early North American wine by European viticulturists?
Catawba, Delaware, Niagara, and Concord
There is speculation that these all have one or more vinifera ancestors, and as such are often called North American hybrids. They still have overwhelmingly labrusca characteristics.
What two ways were the native North American varieties used to combat phylloxera and save the vinifera world?
Hybridization
Grafting
What is Hybridization?
Creating a hybrid with NA resistance and vinifera flavor profile. This was a temporary solution in France, but are a step up in quality and still very popular on the US east coast.
What hybrids were considered moderately successful?
Seyval Blanc
Vidal Blanc
Chambourcin (red)
What is Grafting?
When the upper part, or scion, of a vinifera is grafted onto a North American rootstock, the graft would become the lower trunk, while everything above, including the fruit, was 100% vinifera. Most vinifera vines around the world are now grafted onto North American rootstocks.
What does the choice of rootstock allow the grower to control?
Rate of growth and pairing the wine with a specific kind of soil and climate to which it is best adapted
What are the primary vinifera grapes of North America?
Primarily the 10 or 12 main international varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, etc.)
What is the original name of Zinfandel?
It is identical to the native Croatian grape Crljenak (Tribidrag)
When did Zinfandel make it to the US?
In the 1820s thanks to George Gibbs.
What was Zinfandel originally called in the US?
By 1829 – Zinfardel was being used, which eventually morphed into Zinfandel. No one knows the etymology or meaning of the word
What is Petite Sirah?
Identical to a grape called Durif, which is a Syrah and Peloursin cross that happened by chance in the nursery of French botanist Francois Durif
How many grapes are on the TTB type-approved list for American wine labels?
More than 300, with 47 that are pending. Within the list there are some grapes that are identical.
Approved name for Sauvignon Blanc in the US
Fume Blanc
Approved name for Mourvedre in the US
Mataro and Monastrell
Approved name for Muscat Blanc in the US
Muscat Canelli
Approved name for Pinot Gris in the US
Pinot Grigio
Approved name for Syrah in the US
Shiraz
Approved name for Tempranillo in the US
Valdepenas
Approved name for Riesling in the US
White Riesling
Approved name for Petite Sirah in the US
Durif
Approved name for Grenache in the US
Garnacha
Approved name for Trebbiano in the US
Ugni Blanc
What 3 grape name synonyms are no longer approved for American wine labels?
Gamay Beaujolais for Pinot Noir or Valdiguie
Johannisberg Riesling for Riesling
Napa Gamay for Valdiguie or Gamay
How much of the vineyard acreage is in California?
80%
How much of the wine of the US is produced in California?
81%
How much does California’s wine industry contribute to its economy?
More than 61 billion of the state’s 121 billion
What is the climate of California as a whole?
Ample sunshine, mild winters, generally low humidity, and a Mediterranean climate that rarely brings any rainfall or even clouds in the summer or during harvest season
Areas in the north and along the coast can be too what for grape growing?
Cool
Why do sheltered interior valleys struggle to produce viticulture?
Too Hot
What aids the inland parts of California’s climate?
Cooling sea breezes that moderate the heat and provide perfect growing conditions
Where are high-quality wine regions in California?
Between Santa Barbara and Mendocino Counties inland from break in the coastal mountain regions
How many AVAs were in California as of December 2019?
139
What are the 5 broad regional AVAs of California?
North Coast
Sierra Foothills
San Francisco Bay
Central Coast
What does the North Coast AVA encompass?
All or part of Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Lake, Marin, and Solano counties – all of which are located north of San Francsico Bay
Where is the Sierra Foothills AVA?
In the Sierra Nevada Mountains east of Sacramento
Where the San Francisco Bay AVA?
Covering the area from San Francisco and Oakland south to Santa Cruz (overlaps a portion of the Central Coast AVA)
Where is the Central Coast AVA?
Takes in teh Pacific coast counties between Oakland and Santa Barbara
Where is the South Coast AVA?
Below Los Angeles
What is another name for the broad regional AVAs in California?
Super-AVA
What are the Super-AVAs based on?
Loosely by climate and geology
What is the primary function of the Super-AVAs?
To allow grapes from several distant quality wine regions to be blended and still qualify for AVA and estate bottled status
Where are the majority of California’s grapes grown?
Central Valley, particularly the San Joaquin Valley south of Sacramento
What are most of California’s grapes used for?
table grapes, juice, and raisins, but also for a considerable amount of wine
Does Central Valley fall under any of the Super-AVAs?
No, despite being the largest vineyard acreage in teh state and encompassing nearly 300,000 acres (121,400 ha)
What is the best known US wine region?
Napa County, in particular Napa Valley AVA and its sub-appellations
What wines build the reputation of Napa Valley?
Its powerful Cabernet Sauvignons and Cabernet-led Bordeaux-style blends
When were grapes growing begin in Napa Valley?
1830s
When was the first vineyard established in Napa Valley?
1860s
How many wineries are in Napa?
More than 400
What are the three largest acreage’s in California?
San Joaquin
Sonoma
Napa (45,000 acres/18,200 ha)
What proportion of the states vineyards are in Napa?
Almost a tenth, but because vineyard yields are kept low, the county’s wine production is just 4% of the state total by volume
What is the Geography of Napa?
Napa County lies north of San Pablo Bay, an upper extension of San Francisco Bay, with the Napa River generally running north to south the length of the county. The Napa Valley itself is a very narrow valley, flanked by mountain ranges on either side that separate the valley from Solano County to the east and Sonoma County to the west.
What do the mountain ranges do for Napa?
Protect the valley proper from the cold air coming off the Pacific Ocean, keeping the valley warm and sunny throughout most of the growing season.
What type of climate is Napa?
Mediterranean, although there is some variation within the valley because of the geography
What is the most important climatic feature of Napa?
The air that works its way north off the chilly waters of San Pablo Bay. The high pressure and heat of California’s interior pulls cool air off the bay, bringing frequent morning fogs and keeping the southern part of the county significantly cooler than the valley further north.
Which part of Napa is cooler – southern part or the northern valley?
Southern
What creates a climate difference between the valley and hillsides?
Fog, which cools the valley floor it blankets before it burns off while the hillsides are warmer since they sit above the fog. The hillsides are generally cooler though due to elevation.
In general the cooler areas in Napa are?
The higher elevations with the valley floor being warmer despite the cooling fog
How does Napa’s climate vary west to east?
The eastern side of the valley is drier and warmer because it is a farther distance from the ocean, while the western appellations are subject to cooler temperatures and greater oceanic influence.
Is the east or west of Napa cooler?
West
How much of Napa’s acreage is dedicated to red varieties?
About 3/4ths
What is the leading grape variety of Napa?
Cabernet Sauvignon followed by Merlot and Pinot Noir.
What are the leading white grape varieties of Napa?
Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc
Red Grapes of Napa
Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Pinot Noir Zinfandel Cabernet Franc Petite Sirah Syrah Petit Verdot Malbec
White Grapes of Napa
Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc Semillon Pinot Gris/Grigio Muscat
How much of Napa’s acreage is devoted to Cabernet Sauvignon?
22,000 acres (8,900 ha)
What influences which grape varieties are grown where in Napa?
Diverse Terroir
In what Super-AVA is Napa County?
North Coast
How many AVAs are in Napa County?
17
Which AVA in Napa County covers the majority of the land?
Napa Valley AVA
What are the appellations referred to as in the heart of Napa Valley?
Valley floor appellations
What are the AVAs in the central part of Napa?
Calistoga AVA St. Helena AVA Rutherford AVA Oakville AVA Yountville AVA Stags Leap District AVA Chiles Valley AVA
What is the northernmost AVAs of Napa that is one of the warmest?
Calistoga AVA
Summertime temperatures in Calistoga can reach what temperature?
100F (38C), although the proximity to the Chalk Hill Gap can bring cooling breezes in the evenings
What are the principal grape varieties of Calistoga?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah, and Petite Sirah
What effect does the narrowing of the valley floor have on the climate of St. Helena?
Less fog
Less wind
More heat retention
Grape varieties of St. Helena?
Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Cabernet Franc Zinfandel Several white varieties
What is Rutherford known for?
Its “Rutherford dust” – a unique soil type and climate resulting in wines with firm tannins
Grape varieties of Rutherford
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Cabernet Franc
Sauvignon Blanc
Oakville Climate
Fairly warm area with a good deal of moderating influence from the night and early morning fog
Grape varieties of Oakville
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Franc
Merlot
Sauvignon Blanc
Yountville Climate
Moderate climate area influenced by morning fog and the strong breezes off of San Pablo Bay. Afternoons here are typically cooler than those located farther north in the valley
Stags Leap District Climate
Moderately warm area, somewhat cooled by afternoon winds. The bare rocks of Stags Leap itself and the surrounding hills radiate warmth meaning the mid-summer temperatures can reach as high as 100F (37.7 C), but are typically in the mid-90s
Where is Chiles Valley?
Somewhat to the east of the valley floor appellations and extends into the hillsides of the Vaca Mountains
Chiles Valley Climate
Summer days are fairly warm, but the vineyards at the higher elevations (which go as high as 1,200 ft or 366m) get quite chilly at night
What makes the southern section of the Napa County AVA a somewhat cooler climate?
Proximity to the San Pablo Bay
What are the AVAs in the southern section of Napa County?
Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley AVA
Coombsville AVA
Carneros/Los Carneros AVA
Wild Horse Valley AVA
Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley Climate
Cool, well-balanced with a good deal of marine influence and fog that often remains until late-morning
Grape varieties of Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley
Chardonnay (leading) Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Pinot Noir Riesling
Coombsville Climate
One of the cooler areas of Napa, located very close to San Pablo Bay. Daytime temperatures in the summer can be as many as 10 degrees lower than most other Napa AVAs.
What does the morning fog and humidity allow a portion of Coombsville to do?
Develop Botrytis
What counties share the Carneros AVA?
Sonoma County
Napa County
Carneros Climate
Located ot the south (and extending to the east) of Oak Knoll, it is one of the coolest regions of Napa
Grape varieties of Carneros
Mainly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, some of which go into the county’s sparkling wines
What counties share the Wild Horse Valley AVA?
Napa County
Solano County
Wild Horse Valley Climate
One of the coolest areas of Napa due to its proximity to San Pablo Bay
Grape varieties of Wild Horse Valley
Pinot Noir
Chardonnay
Where do you find Napa’s higher-elevation appellations?
In the Mayacamas Mountains to the west of the valley (along the border with Sonoma County) as well as a few located in the Vaca Mountains to the east
Two mountain ranges in Napa
Mayacamas
Vaca
Higher-elevation appellations of Napa
Mount Veeder AVA Diamond Mountain District AVA Spring Mountain District AVA Howell Mountain AVA Atlas Peak AVA
Mount Veeder Climate/Elevation
Cool-to-moderate climate area located along the border with Sonoma. Summertime highs average 85F (29C). Elevations range from 500 to 2,600 ft (152-192 m) with most vineyards above the fog line
Diamond Mountain District Climate/Elevation
Moderately warm climate, located along the border with Sonoma. Temperatures in the summer can reach as high as 90F (32C) and see less temperature fluctuation than those on the valley floor below. Elevation ranges form 400 to 2,200 ft (122 to 671 m)
Spring Mountain District Climate/Elevation
Located along the border with Sonoma, this region is cool-to-moderate, depending on elevation and aspect. Typical summertime highs reach 85F (29C) and elevation ranges from 600 to 2,600 ft (183-792 m)
Howell Mountain Location
Above the fog line on the eastern side of the valley
What is unique about the Howell Mountain AVA?
It is the only appellation in Napa that is elevation specific – with the boundaries drawn at the 1,400 ft (425 m) contour, while central portions of the AVA reach up to 2,400 ft (730 m) in elevation
Grape varieties of Howell Mountain
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Zinfandel
Viognier
Atlas Peak Location/Elevation
Located on teh eastern side of the county in the Vaca Range and with vineyards planted at 760-2,600 ft (232-792 m) above sea level.
Grape varieties of Atlas Peak
Cabernet Sauvignon
Chardonnay
How do Sonoma and Napa differ generally?
Sonoma is less widely known, not as centralized as Napa, and is more diverse in terms of terroir – which contributes to its less prominent identity and many believe to its charm
When did Sonoma’s commercial wine industry begin?
1850s, with quality vinifera grape varieties introduced to the area in the 1860s. It has remained at the forefront of wine production ever since, even during Prohibition.
How much of California’s acreage is in Sonoma?
1/8th
Sonoma Climate
Contains 60 miles (96 km) of coastline, so it is more storngly influenced by the ocean than the more inland areas like Napa, and the immediate coastal zone is a marginal winegrowing region.
What do the coastal ridges that parallel the shoreline in Sonoma do?
Either block or channel the fog and keep a barrier between the cold ocean water and the majority of the vineyard areas of Sonoma
Where are the coolest parts of Sonoma?
Areas where the sea breezes penetrate – most notably the gape where the Russian River breaks through the coastal range.
Where are the warmest parts of Sonoma?
In the northeast corner, furthest from the moderating influences
How much of Sonoma’s grapes are red?
About 2/3rds
What are the leading red grapes of Sonoma?
Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon, although Merlot and Zinfandel are also important
What is the most planted variety in Sonoma?
Chardonnay – which accounts for 80% of the county’s white wines
Red Grapes of Sonoma
Pinot Noir Cabernet Sauvignon Zinfandel Merlot Syrah Petite Sirah Cabernet Franc Malbec Sangiovese Petit Verdot
White Grapes of Sonoma
Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc Pinot Gris/Grigio Viognier Semillon
How do Sonoma’s AVAs differ from Napa’s?
The AVAs of Sonoma cover a larger area than the AVAs of Napa, and there is no one single AVA covering the majority of the county. Sonoma’s AVAs are more like overlapping pieces of a puzzle
Sonoma Coast Climate
Exceptionally cool climate and a high degree of rainfall – even relative to other parts of Sonoma.
What does the Sonoma Coast AVA run parallel to?
Pacific Ocean from San Pablo Bay to the border with Mendocino
What are the leading grapes of Sonoma Coast?
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and cool-climate Syrah
What defines the many microclimates of the Sonoma Coast AVA?
Numerous mountian ridges, hills, and valleys
What are the two smaller AVAs in the Sonoma Coast AVA?
Fort Ross-Seaview AVA
Petaluma Gap AVA
Where is the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA?
Sub-appellation of the Sonoma Coast AVA located in the northern, coastal area
Where is the Petaluma Gap AVA?
Sub-appellation of the Sonoma Coast Ava shared between Sonoma and Marin Counties
Elevation of Fort Ross Seaview AVA
Steep, mountainous region with plantings generally at 800 to 1,800 ft (244 to 550 m) above sea level
When was the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA created?
2011
When was the Petaluma Gap AVA created?
2017
Where does the Petaluma Gap AVA get its name?
From the Petaluma Gap – a geological feature known as a wind gap – that is actually a 15-mile-wide area of low-lying hills that create something of an opening in the otherwise much taller coastal mountains
What does the Petaluma Gap allow for?
Almost daily west-to-east afternoon breezes that range from 8 to 20 miles an hour and cool the area
Grape varieties of Petaluma Gap AVA
Pinot Noir
Chardonnay
Syrah
Where is the Russian River Valley AVA?
Located in the county’s center (inland of the Russian River’s cut through the coastal range)
Russian River Valley Climate
Cool climate, although warmer than the coast. These lower-temperature areas are influenced by the maritime air and morning fogs
What is the Russian River ideal for?
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay – produced in both still and sparkling wines
What are highly prized in the Russian River Valley AVA?
Single vineyard wines
2 Sub-appellations of the Russian River Valley AVA
Green Valley of Russian River Valley
Chalk Hill
Green Valley of Russian River Valley Terroir
One of the smaller AVAs of Sonoma County and considered to be the most consistent in terms of its cool, foggy climate and sandy soils
Where does the Chalk Hill AVA get its name?
From the chalky appearance of the area’s volcanic white soils
Grape varieties of Chalk Hill AVA
Slightly warmer than the surrounding areas, it is well-known for robust Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc
Where is the Sonoma Valley AVA?
Covers a thin stretch of land located between the Sonoma Mountains to the west and the Mayacamas Mountains to the east
What cools the Sonoma Valley AVA?
The mountains to the west block much of the cooling influence coming from the Pacific Ocean, however, the AVA lies in the watershed of Sonoma Creek – which drains into San Pablo Bay and allows for the cooling effects and fog of the bay to penetrate inland
Sub-appellations of Sonoma Valley AVA
Sonoma Mountains AVA
Bennett Valley AVA
Moon Mountain District Sonoma County AVA
Carneros/Los Carneros AVA
Where is the Sonoma Mountains AVA?
Small but diverse area located in the hills to the east of the Sonoma Valley
Where are many of the Sonoma Mountains AVA vineyards planted?
Above the fog line and on east-facing slopes, making for long days of full sun. Other vineyards are planted in the valleys with varying levels of sun – as such this small area is planted to a wide range of grape varieties
Bennett Valley AVA location
Located in a valley just to the north of the Sonoma Mountains AVA. Surrounded by hills, this is one of the cooler areas of Sonoma Valley
Where is the Moon Mountain District Sonoma County AVA?
Along the western slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains, on the border between Napa and Sonoma
What is unique about the Moon Mountain District Sonoma County AVA?
Its red, rocky, and iron-rich volcanic soils
Inland areas of Sonoma County Climate
In the inland areas to the north of the Sonoma Valley, the average temperatures steadily rise, and these regions typically experience much warmer climates than those closer to the waters
Inland areas of Sonoma appellations
Dry Creek Valley AVA Rockpile AVA Alexander Valley AVA Knights Valley AVA Pine Mountain/Cloverdale Peak AVA Fountaingrove District AVA
What is considered to be one of the best areas in California for Zinfandel?
Dry Creek Valley, the variety has been cultivated continuously in the region for over 100 years
Location of Dry Creek Valley
Just two miles wide, Dry Creek Valley is located on the southern edge of Lake SOnoma and follows Dry Creek (a tributary of the Russian River)
Grape varieties of Dry Creek Valley
The area’s signature wine – its rich flavorful Zinfandel – is typically grown on the hillsides alongside Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The slightly cooler valley floor is known for Sauvignon Blanc as well.
Rockpile Location/Climate
Located on a high ridge above Lake Sonoma, it is a sunny mountainous area
Elevation of Rockpile
Up to 1900 ft (580 m)
What is Rockpile AVA known for?
Like its neighbor-to-the-south Dry Creek Valley, Rockpile is best known for rich, intensely colored Zinfandel
Location of Alexander Valley
Stretches along the Russian River for 20 miles (33 km) with vineyards planted from the banks of the river and westward into the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains
What is Alexander Valley known for?
This is one of the warmer parts of Sonoma and is well-known for vibrant, fruit-driven Cabernet Sauvignon
What counties does Knights Valley border?
Napa
Lake
Main grape variety of Knights Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon
Knights Valley
Warm region consisting of several miles of mountainous terrain with well-drained soils and abundant sunshine
What counties share the Pine Mountain/Cloverdale Peak AVA?
Sonoma
Mendocino
Elevation of Pine Mountain/Cloverdale Peak AVA
Located in part on the slopes of Pine Mountain itself, it is one of the highest elevation grape-growing regions in California with vineyards ranging form 1,600 to 3,000 ft (488 to 914 m) above sea level
When was the Fountaingrove District AVA created?
2015
Location of the Fountaingrove District AVA
Just to the north of the Sonoma Valley AVA in the area between the Sonoma Coast AVA and the Napa Valley AVA. Most of the vineyards in the area are located in the foothills of the Maacamas Mountains – some as high as 2000 ft (700 m) above sea level
What areas are not encompassed in the large Northern Sonoma AVA that covers many of the Sonoma AVAs?
Sonoma Valley
Carneros
What does the large Northern Sonoma AVA allow for?
Much of the wine grown and produced within the boundaries of Sonoma County to use an AVA as its place of origin, and in many cases also qualifies the wine to use the term “estate bottled” on the label
Why is much of the Mendocino County not suitable for viticulture?
It is mountainous and forested, most of the vinearyds within the county are generally confined to river valleys
How much of Mendocino County is organic?
25%
What AVA within the Mendocino County is one of the coolest areas in California?
Anderson Valley
What is produced in Anderson Valley AVA?
The long, narrow valley in the south-central part of the county has a marginal climate that has proven excellent for Pinot Noir and sparkling wine production. Although planted in smaller quanitites, aromatic white grapes such as Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Pinot Gris also produce wines that are highly regarded
What is unique about the Mendocino Ridge AVA?
It is noncontiguous, as only the areas at elevations of 1,200 ft (366 m) above sea level or higher are included
Nickname of the Mendocino Ridge AVA
Islands in the SKy
Topography of Mendocino Ridge
Because of its location above the fog line, the vines receive plenty of cool-climate sunshine. Much of the area in this AVA is steep-sloped and covered with forests
How much of the 250,000 acres of Mendocino Ridge is planted to vines?
Currently just over 250 acres (101 ha)
Grape varieties of Mendocino Ridge
New plantings are largely Pinot Noir, but the region maintains some old vine Zinfandel, which creates some of the most distinctive Zinfandels in the state
Where are most of the other vineyards of Mendocino (besides Mendocino Ridge)?
Along the eastern side of teh county connecting with adjacent Lake County
What is the climate of the rest of Mendocino besides Mendocino Ridge?
This relatively flat land in the watershed of the Russian River is well protected from maritime influence by the coastal mountains and therefore can get quite hot in midsummer, but it has cool nights.
What does the wide diurnal shift of Mendocino allow for?
Grapes to reach full maturity while retaining vibrant acidity
What are the grape varieties of the rest of Mendocino besides Mendocino Ridge?
Cabernet Sauvignon
Zinfandel
Petite Sirah
Rhone Varieties
What is the smallest AVA in the US?
Cole Ranch (60 acres/24 ha)
Where is Cole Ranch AVA?
Mendocino County
What grapes are planted in Cole Ranch?
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Pinot Noir
Riesling
What winery owns the entirety of Cole Ranch?
Esterlina Winery
Where is Lake County?
At the intersection of the Vaca and Mayacamas Mountains – 10 miles from Calistoga.
What unique features are in Lake County?
One of the oldest geological lakes within the United States (Clear Lake) and it is the largest geothermal field in North America
What does the presence of Clear Lake in Lake County allow for?
It buffers the temperature, permitting grape growing despite the county’s inland locale
What kind of soils are in Lake County that provide extremely good drainage?
Young volcanic soils
Lake County Elevation
Average is 1500 ft (460 m) with some areas reaching up to 3000 ft (915 m) above sea level
What maximizes solar potential, resulting in higher levels of ultraviolet light in Lake County?
High elevation coupled with good air quality (the purest in California according to the EPA)
How does the higher levels of ultraviolet light affect the grapes in Lake County?
The grapes develop thicker skins and higher levels of anthocyanins, polyphenols, and tannins, as well as lower levels of pyrazines.
What is the most widely planted grape in Lake County?
Cabernet Sauvignon
Other grapes of Lake County
Sauvignon Blanc
Merlot
Zinfandel
Chardonnay
How many AVAs are in Lake County?
7
What are the 7 AVAs of Lake County?
Benmore Valley AVA Clear Lake AVA High Valley AVA Red Hills Lake County AVA Big Valley District Lake County AVA Kelsey Bench Lake County AVA Guenoc Valley AVA
Central Coast Location/Climate
Conceptually, the Central Coast is the cool-climate area along the Pacific coast between San Francisco and Santa Barbara, defined by the maritime influence of the Pacific Ocean. Prevailing winds blowing across the cold ocean currents create blankets of fog, cooling the coastal areas as far inland as they can penetrate until stopped by mountains.
Grape varieties of Central Coast
These areas are well-known for their Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, and other well-structured, light- to medium-bodied wines
What is atypical about the Central Coast?
The areas generally have higher temperatures than those of the “coast”
How much of California’s production is in Monterey County?
One of the top 5 producing counties: nearly 20% of the state’s Chardonnay is produced in Monterey
Monterey County Climate/Geography
While it would seem the region would be warmer since it is in the south, there is a gap in the mountains where they begin to run east-west, or perpendicular rather than parallel to the ocean. This orientation plays a big role in the Monterey wine region, with the warmer air at the southwestern end of the valley creating a vacuum that pulls the cooler ocean air downstream.
Primary AVA of Monterey County
Monterey AVA
Cool Climate AVAs of Monterey County
Santa Lucia Highlands
Arroyo Seco
Chalone
Grape varieties of the cool climate AVAs of Monterey County
Cool-climate grapes – Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Grigio
Warmer AVAs of Monterey County
San Lucas
Hames Valley
Grape varieties of the warmer AVAs of Monterey County
Cabernet Sauvignon
Rhone varieties
AVAs of San Luis Obispo County
Paso Robles AVA
York Mountain AVA
Edna Valley AVA
Arroyo Grande Valley AVA
Where is the Paso Robles AVA?
It covers roughtly the entire northern half of San Luis Obispo County and extends across more than 666,500 acres (270,000 ha).
How many AVAs are in the Paso Robles AVA?
11 as of November 2014
What are the 11 AVAs of Paso Robles
Adelaida District AVA Creston District AVA El Pomar District AVA Paso Robles Estrella District AVA Paso Robles Geneseo District AVA Paso Robles Highlands District AVA Paso Robles Willow Creek District AVA San Juan Creek AVA San Miguel District AVA Santa Margarita Ranch AVA Templeton Gap AVA
What do the different AVAs within Paso Robles reflect?
The sub-appellations showcase the diversity of the larger area in terms of its range of soils, varying levels of marine influence, and elevations – which range from 700 ft (213 m) to 2,400 ft (730 m) above sea level
Grape Varieties of Paso Robles
Leading: Cabernet Sauvignon Zinfandel Merlot Grenache Syrah Mourvedre
Cooler Areas
Chardonnay
Pinot Noir
(others)
Location/Topography of York Mountain AVA
Small AVA that sits on the western edge of Paso Robles. Mountainous region, very close to the ocean, that sits at the edge of the Templeton Gap.
What is the Templeton Gap?
Channel in the Santa Lucia Mountains that draws the cool air inland towards Paso Robles
Location of Edna Valley AVA
Cool region located ot the south of Paso Robles and close to the coast
Grape Varieties of Edna Valley
Chardonnay
Pinot Noir
Location of Arroyo Grande Valley
Another cool region, located south of Edna Valley and close to the coast
Grapes of Arroyo Grande Valley
Chardonnay
Pinot Noir
Where is Santa Barbara County?
90 minutes north of Los Angeles
What is geologically unique about Santa Barbara County?
It is one of the few place on the California coast where both the coastline and the mountain ranges run east-west as opposed to north-south.
How many AVAS are in Santa Barbara County?
6
What are the 6 AVAs of Santa Barbara County?
Santa Maria Valley AVA Santa Ynez Valley AVA Ballard Canyon AVA Los Olivos District AVA Sta. Rita Hillas AVA The Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara AVA
Climate of Santa Maria Valley
The northernmost AVA in Santa Barbara County it is often foggy and windswept
Grape Varieties of Santa Maria Valley
Cool climate grapes like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
Santa Ynez Valley AVA
Long east-west corridor with a diversity of climates
Largest of Santa Barbara County’s sub-appellations
Santa Ynez Valley
Location of Ballard Canyon AVA
Somewhat centered within the larger Santa Ynez Valley AVA
Grape Varieties of Ballard Canyon
Long been appreciated for spicy red wines produced from Syrah and Grenache
When was the Los Olivos District AVA created?
2016
Location of the Los Olivos District AVA
Subregion of the Santa Ynez Valley AVA, located just north of the Santa Ynez River, and just east of the Ballard Canyon AVA
Location/Climate of Sta. Rita Hills
Sits mostly within the larger Santa Ynez Valley AVA, it is located on its western border and therefore enjoys a much cooler climate than the inland areas
Location of The Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara AVA
Subregion of the Santa Ynez Valley that is located on its eastern side
Where does the name for The Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara AVA come from?
Local lore suggests that the name of the region comes from the time of Prohibition, when bootleg alcohol was produced in the area, prompting folks to “take a trip to Happy Canyon”
Location of the Central Valley
Huge expanse of fertile land between the Coast Range and the Sierra Nevada Mountains
How much of California’s acreage is in Central Valley
55% (amid major plantings of other agricultural crops)
What are the grapes of Central Valley mostly used for?
Much of the grape crop goes into juice and raisin production, but a significant percentage is made into bulk wine
Grape varieties of Central Valley
Chenin Blanc French Colombard Muscat Chardonnay Zinfandel Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot
What gives Lodi its cooler climate, making it able to produce fine wine in the warmer Central Valley?
It is located east of the San Francisco Bay and has an overall climate due to the presence of the largest gap in California’s Coast Range, the Golden Gate entrance to San Francisco Bay. This gap provides access for the cool winds off the Pacific Ocean to penetrate inland, following the natural inlet of San Joaquin/Sacramento River Delta to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains
How many acres are in the Lodi AVA?
100,000 (40,500 ha)
Climate of Lodi
Mediterranean – during the growing season, the Lodi area is typically sunny, with warm daytime temperatures, cooling “delta breezes” in the afternoon, and a significant drop in temperatures at night. Diurnal temperature shifts can be as much as 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
What do the large diurnal shifts of Lodi allow?
It allows for the development of rich fruit flavors and bright, crisp acids in the grapes and the wines made from them
When was the Lodi AVA created?
1986
How many sub-appellations in Lodi?
7
What are the 7 sub-appellations of the Lodi AVA?
Alta Mesa Borden Ranch Clements Hills Cosumnes River Jahant Mokelumne River Sloughhouse
Grape varieties of Lodi and its sub-appellations
Grows over 70 different grape varieties, and have gained a reputation for old-vine Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Viognier, as well as other Rhone, Italian, and Spanish varieties
Vineyard in Lodi that is home to some of the world’s oldes (and still productive) plantings of Cinsault
Bechtold
When was the Bechtold Vineyard planted?
1886
Location/Topography of Sierra Foothills
Covers a scarttering of mostly high-elevation vineyards on the western slopes of the rugged Sierra Nevada range east of Sacramento and the Central Valley
How much of California’s production is in the Sierra Foothills?
Just over 1%
Grape Varieties of the Sierra Foothills
Overwhelmingly red varieties, particularly Zinfandel
How many counties in the Sierra Foothills?
8
How many sub-AVAs in the Sierra Foothills?
5
What are the 5 sub-AVAs of the Sierra Foothills?
North Yuba AVA Fiddletown AVA El Dorado AVA California Shenandoah Valley AVA Fair Play AVA
Where is the birthplace of the California wine industry?
Southern California
Who is responsible for the wine industry in California?
Father Junipero Serra, who was a Spanish Franciscan missionary, that founded the first Catholic mission in California (1769) in what is now San Diego. This outpost – San Diego de Alcala became the start of 9 missions up and down California. Winegrowing began this way with Mission grapes planted for sacrament.
When/where were the first commercial wineries in California established?
1820s in what is now Loas Angeles
Who brought the Bordeaux varieties to California? When?
Jean-Louis Vignes – 1833
What was the name of Jean-Louis Vignes estate? Why?
El Alisto – in honor of an ancient Sycamore tree growing near the entrance to his property.
What two things decimated the wine industry in southern California?
Prohibition
Pierce’s Disease
This led to the land becoming more valuable for development than for wine
Where is encompassed in the South Coast AVA?
It includes parts of the counties of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego, Orange, and Riverside
What are some of the South Coast AVAs?
Temecula Valley – located in Riverside County
Ramona Valley – San Diego County
San Pasqual Valley – San Diego County
Grape Varieties of South Coast AVA?
Zinfandel (including some very old vines), Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. The area is also becoming increasingly known for Petite Sirah and Viognier
Where is the Malibu Coast AVA?
Not part of the South Coast AVA, it is just north of Los Angeles
When was the Malibu Coast AVA created?
2104
What happened upon the creation of the Malibu Coast AVA?
The area’s two existing AVAs – Saddle Rock-Malibu and Malibu-Newton Canyon became sub-appellations of it
What are the warmer and drier inland AVAs in southern California?
Cucamonga Valley AVA (shared by Riverside and San Bernardino Counties)
Antelope Valley of the High California Desert AVA
Sierra Pelona Valley AVA
Leona Valley AVA
