Oregon, Washington and New York - WSET L3 in Wines

Question 1

Where is the Willamette Valley AVA located?

Answer 1

In northern Oregon, west of the Cascade Mountains, stretching south from Portland.

Question 2

What is the climate of the Willamette Valley AVA?

Answer 2

Moderate, with cooling Pacific breezes, long sunny days, and cool nights during the growing season.

Question 3

What is the primary grape variety grown in the Willamette Valley?

Answer 3

Pinot Noir, known for its ripe red fruit flavors, cinnamon spice, and high acidity.

Question 4

What style of Pinot Gris is produced in the Willamette Valley?

Answer 4

Fruity, dry styles with fresh acidity.

Question 5

Where is the Southern Oregon AVA located?

Answer 5

Directly south of the Willamette Valley, encompassing Umpqua Valley, Rogue Valley, and other AVAs.

Question 6

How does the climate vary in Southern Oregon?

Answer 6

Warm overall, but with cooler areas in hillsides and valleys, allowing both cool and warm-climate varieties to thrive.

Question 7

What grape varieties are grown in Southern Oregon?

Answer 7

Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Gris, and Syrah.

Question 8

Where is the Columbia Valley AVA located?

Answer 8

East of the Cascade Mountains, in the valleys of the Columbia River and its tributaries.

Question 9

Why is irrigation necessary in the Columbia Valley?

Answer 9

The region lies in the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains and receives little rainfall.

Question 10

What are the major AVAs within the Columbia Valley?

Answer 10

Yakima Valley and Walla Walla AVAs.

Question 11

How do long daylight hours benefit grape growing in Washington?

Answer 11

Provide optimal ripening conditions during the growing season.

Question 12

What is a major climatic risk for Washington vineyards?

Answer 12

Winter freeze, which can significantly reduce crop volumes

Question 13

What are the primary red grape varieties grown in Washington?

Answer 13

Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah.

Question 14

What are the characteristics of Washington Merlot?

Answer 14

Plummy, full-bodied wines with soft tannins.

Question 15

What white grape varieties are grown in Washington?

Answer 15

Chardonnay and Riesling, often made in a dry style.

Question 16

How does the Columbia Valley AVA’s climate influence its wines?

Answer 16

Warm days ripen fruit fully, while cool nights preserve acidity.

Question 17

Where is New York’s Finger Lakes AVA located?

Answer 17

In central New York, around deep glacial lakes.

Question 18

How do the lakes benefit vineyards in the Finger Lakes AVA?

Answer 18

The lakes store heat, raising surrounding air temperatures and extending the growing season.

Question 19

What is the primary grape variety grown in the Finger Lakes?

Answer 19

Riesling, known for its perfumed, high-acidity wines.

Question 20

What other grape varieties are grown in the Finger Lakes?

Answer 20

Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and Chardonnay, as well as American varieties and hybrids.

Question 21

What is the climate of the Finger Lakes AVA?

Answer 21

Cool continental, with lake influences moderating extreme temperatures.

Question 22

How does the climate of Oregon compare to Washington?

Answer 22

Oregon has a cooler, more moderate climate due to Pacific Ocean breezes, while Washington has a drier, warmer climate east of the Cascade Mountains.

Question 23

How do Rieslings from Washington differ from those in New York?

Answer 23

Washington Rieslings are often dry with ripe stone fruit flavors, while New York Rieslings are perfumed and high in acidity.

Question 24

What viticultural challenge does New York face?

Answer 24

High humidity and fungal disease pressure due to its maritime influence.

Question 25

What is the primary climatic challenge for Washington vineyards?

Answer 25

Winter freeze, which can damage vines and reduce yields.