North America - United States - California - Central Coast

Question 1

Where’s Central Coast, California?

Answer 1

Coastal counties south of the San Francisco Bay and north of the city of Santa Barbara.

Question 2

Identify Central Coast on a map as well as Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara.

Question 3

Name important appellations

Answer 3

Monterey County, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
San Luis Obispo: Paso Robles AVA
Santa Barbara County, Sta. Rita Hills AVA, Santa Maria Valley AVA, Santa Ynez Valley AVA, Happy Canyon AVA

Question 4

Point out geographical locations in relation to each other and the major AVA of San Luis Obispo.

Question 4

Physical features of North Coast California?

Answer 4

Monterey has a northwest-to-southeast mountain range creating a cool wind tunnel. Paso Robles is blocked by mountains to the west with only a small gap in the range. Santa Barbara has an east-to-west mountain range creating a cool wind tunnel and fog.

Question 5

Climate catergories of North Coast California?

Answer 5

Monterey and Santa Barbara are generally cool maritime; the closer to the coast, the cooler it is. Paso Robles is warm continental with large diurnal shifts.

Paso Robles AVA and Happy Canyon AVA are warm climate; the others listed above are cool Pinot Noir and Chardonnay growing regions.

Question 5

Match Central Coast Match AVAs to counties.

Question 6

Winemaking info?

Answer 6

Often extensive use of new French and sometimes American oak barrels for both red and white wines. Malolactic fermentation often employed when making white wines, especially Chardonnay.

Question 7

Name the white grape varieties of Central Coast California

Answer 7

Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc

Question 8

Match the white grape varieties to the major AVAs.

Question 9

Name the red grape varieties of Central Coast California

Answer 9

Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah

Question 10

Match the red grape varieties to the major AVAs.

Question 11

Name wine law percentages of Central Coast, California wines

Answer 11

75% minimum grape variety
85% minimum for AVA
95% minimum for vintage
95% minimum for single vineyard

100% for Estate bottling; must be in the same county.

Question 12

Knowledge of iconic producers and vineyards are expected at Certified Sommelier level. Name some.

Answer 12

Some examples include: Ridge, Justin, Au Bon Climat, and others. Know these and others.