Oregon, Washington, New York Flashcards Preview

Introductory Sommelier Exam (CMS) > Oregon, Washington, New York > Flashcards

Flashcards in Oregon, Washington, New York Deck (29)
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1
Q

What is Oregon’s most important AVA?

A

Willamette Valley AVA

2
Q

Willamette Valley AVA is located between what two geographical features?

A
  • Coastal Range (west side)
  • Cascade Mountains (east side)
3
Q

Which mountain range provides a rain shadow for Willamette Valley AVA?

A

Coastal Range

4
Q

What is the climate of Willamette Valley AVA?

A

Cool, maritime influenced

5
Q

What are the 3 main soils of Willamette Valley AVA?

A
  • Volcanic
  • Alluvial
  • Clay
6
Q

What are the 3 main white grapes of Willamette Valley AVA?

A
  1. Pinot Gris
  2. Chardonnay
  3. Riesling
7
Q

What is the main red grape of Willamette Valley AVA?

A

Pinot Noir

8
Q

Pinot Noir accounts for ___% of plantings in Willamette Valley AVA.

A

70%

9
Q

Wine color, intensity, and structure differ in Willamette Valley AVA even across the same grape varietal.

Why is this?

A

Vineyards are planted on the valley floor, hillsides, and at higher elevation – and each contributes to ripeness and concentration.

10
Q

Oregon wine law states that ___% of a grape must be in a bottle if that grape is stated on the label…

…EXCEPT for these two grape varietals.

A

90%

Except for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, which can be a minimum of 75%.

11
Q

If an Oregon wine label has a specific AVA on it, a minimum of ___% of the grapes must come from that AVA.

A

95%

(it’s 85% everywhere else in the U.S.)

12
Q

Who was David Lett?

A

David Lett was one of the pioneers of Oregon viticulture.

He was one of the first to plant Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris in the Willamette Valley in 1965.

13
Q

The majority of Washington’s vineyards are planted east or west of the Cascades?

A

East of the Cascade Mountains

14
Q

What is Washington State’s largest AVA?

A

Columbia Valley AVA

15
Q

The Cascade Mountains create a ____ ______ for Columbia Valley.

A

Rain shadow

16
Q

Thanks to the rain shadow created by the Cascades, what is the climate of Columbia Valley?

A

Continental / high desert

Hot summers, freezing cold winters, low precipitation.

17
Q

What are the 2 main white grapes in Washington State?

A
  1. Chardonnay
  2. Riesling
18
Q

What are the 3 main red grapes in Washington State?

A
  1. Cabernet Sauvignon
  2. Merlot
  3. Syrah
19
Q

Yakima Valley and Walla Walla AVAs are nested within what larger AVA?

A

Columbia Valley AVA

20
Q

Is irrigation permitted in Washington State?

A

Yes! In fact, it’s essential due to the high-desert conditions.

21
Q

What are the main sources of water for irrigation in Washington State?

A
  1. Columbia River
  2. Snake River
  3. Yakima River
22
Q

What 2 other features of Washington State’s location and climate make it a good place to grow grapes?

A
  1. Northerly latitude – allows for long sunny days in summer
  2. Diurnal shifts – nighttime temps can drop 40 degrees from daytime highs, lending freshness and acidity preservation
23
Q

What are 4 important AVAs of New York State?

A
  1. Lake Erie AVA
  2. Finger Lakes AVA
  3. Hudson River Region AVA
  4. Long Island AVA
24
Q

Who trailblazed the planting of Vitis vinifera in the Finger Lakes?

A

Dr. Konstantin Frank

25
Q

What is the general climate of New York State?

A

Contintenal

  • inland areas have moderating influences from lakes and rivers
  • coastal areas are moderated by the Atlantic Ocean
26
Q

Name 2 threats that can affect viticulture in New York State.

A
  1. Deep winter freezes, especially in upstate NY
  2. Mold during the growing season, casued by humid summers
27
Q

Name 2 hybrid grapes grown in New York State.

A
  1. Seyval Blanc
  2. Aurora
28
Q

What are the 3 main white grapes grown in New York State?

A
  1. Riesling
  2. Chardonnay
  3. Gewürztraminer
29
Q

What are the 4 main red grapes grown in New York State?

A
  1. Pinot Noir
  2. Merlot
  3. Cabernet Franc
  4. Concord