Rest of North America Flashcards
Which grape variety reigns supreme in Oregon’s wine scene?
Oregon is famously known for Pinot Noir, though there is also significant Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and other experimental plantings.
What is the general climate influence for most Oregon wine regions?
They have a predominantly maritime climate with slight continental influence, west of the Cascade Mountains. Eastern areas (Columbia Gorge/Valley) are drier, more continental.
Name two major white grapes in Oregon.
Chardonnay and Pinot Gris are the major white varieties.
Why is Oregon considered “edgy” for wine production?
Winemakers embrace terroir-driven philosophies, often employing innovative or traditional methods. They experiment with many varieties, soils, and microclimates, forging a unique identity.
What famous soil types are found in the Willamette Valley?
Jory (volcanic basalt-based) and Willakenzie (sandstone, siltstone, loess). These define significant stylistic differences in local Pinot Noir.
Which parallel lines up with Bordeaux and Piedmont and passes through the Willamette Valley?
The 45th parallel, commonly cited for ideal winegrowing latitudes.
Name five sub-AVAs nested in the Willamette Valley.
Chehalem Mountains, Dundee Hills, Ribbon Ridge, Yamhill-Carlton, Eola-Amity Hills (also others like McMinnville, Van Duzer Corridor).
List the primary style difference between Oregon Pinot Noir and California Pinot Noir.
Oregon’s Pinot is typically higher acid, more restrained fruit, with cooler, maritime influences, while California’s is often riper, higher alcohol, more fruit-driven.
Which region in Oregon shares an AVA with Idaho?
The Snake River Valley AVA is partially in Oregon, partially in Idaho.
Name two southwestern or southern Oregon AVAs.
Umpqua Valley and Rogue Valley (including Applegate Valley). Also Elkton Oregon and Red Hills Douglas County.
What is the general climate split in Washington State?
Western Washington is rainy maritime, while eastern Washington is drier, continental, in the rain shadow of the Cascades.
Why is eastern Washington largely phylloxera-free?
The dry, sandy soils and harsh continental winters deter the pest. Phylloxera struggles in those conditions.
Which grapes dominate Washington’s reds and whites?
Major red: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah. Major white: Riesling, Chardonnay.
Name a key river that shapes eastern Washington AVAs.
The Columbia River (along with Yakima and Snake Rivers) provides irrigation and influences most vineyard areas.
Explain “The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater.”
An AVA straddling Oregon’s side of Walla Walla Valley, known for cobblestone soils (river rock), producing highly distinctive Syrah and other reds.
Which major producer elevated Washington Riesling globally?
Chateau Ste. Michelle, partnering with Dr. Loosen to create Eroica, spotlighting Columbia Valley Riesling internationally.
How do Washington red wines compare to California’s?
They often show more Old World–like aromatics (cedar, currants, savory notes) but still have ripe fruit. Tannins and acid are well structured, with moderate use of new oak.
Name three important Washington AVAs.
Columbia Valley (the broad umbrella AVA), Yakima Valley, Walla Walla Valley. Also others like Horse Heaven Hills, Red Mountain, Wahluke Slope, etc.
Which two AVAs are shared between Washington and Oregon?
Columbia Gorge and Walla Walla Valley cross the state line.
What is the main reason Western Washington is not widely planted with vines?
It’s too wet and cool. Only small pockets can handle the high precipitation. Most vineyards are in the desert-like east side.
Which grapes are widely grown in New York State?
Cool-climate varieties: Riesling, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Merlot. Also hybrids in many areas.
Name two major New York wine regions.
Finger Lakes (notably Seneca and Cayuga), and Long Island (North Fork, The Hamptons). Hudson River Region and Lake Erie also produce wines.
How do the Finger Lakes mitigate freezing winter temps?
The deep lakes (Seneca, Cayuga) retain heat, moderating surrounding vineyards and preventing extreme vine damage in winter.
What are the main AVAs in New York’s Finger Lakes area?
The general Finger Lakes AVA, plus sub-AVAs like Seneca Lake AVA and Cayuga Lake AVA.
Which region of New York is maritime-influenced?
Long Island (including North Fork and The Hamptons) has a maritime climate, more moderate winters, favorable for Bordeaux varieties.
List three recognized AVAs of New York.
Finger Lakes, North Fork of Long Island, Hudson River Region, Lake Erie (NY portion).
How is Canada’s modern wine industry historically connected to hybrids?
Before the 1970s, Canada relied largely on labrusca/hybrids due to cold winters. Moves to Vitis vinifera gained momentum in the 1950s–70s.
What is the VQA in Canada, and where does it apply?
The Vintners Quality Alliance is a regulatory/appellation system in Ontario (est. 1988) and British Columbia. It covers quality standards, appellation rules, and labeling.
Which famous Canadian winery popularized icewine?
Inniskillin in Ontario, using Vidal, Riesling, and Cabernet Franc for intensely sweet icewine.
What is the difference in labeling rules for BC vs. Ontario VQA?
Both require 100% provincial grapes for “VQA [Province].” For sub-appellations, BC requires 95% from that GI, Ontario sub-apps are 100%. Vintage labeling typically 85% from that year.
Which provinces are Canada’s main wine producers?
Ontario (Niagara Peninsula, Prince Edward County, Lake Erie North Shore) and British Columbia (Okanagan, Similkameen, Fraser Valley).
Name the largest GI in British Columbia.
Okanagan Valley GI, famous for diverse climates, from cool up north near Lake Okanagan to a semi-desert in the south near Osoyoos.
Why do Niagara Peninsula vineyards succeed despite cold Canadian winters?
They benefit from the Great Lakes’ heat-retaining effect, moderating extremes. Lake Ontario’s influence especially helps Niagara’s fruit-laden vines.
Name at least one sub-appellation in Ontario’s Niagara region.
Niagara Escarpment and Niagara-on-the-Lake are broad areas, subdivided further. E.g., Short Hills Bench, Beamsville Bench, St. David’s Bench, etc.
Explain how Canadian icewine is regulated under the VQA.
Grapes must be left to freeze naturally on the vine, pressed frozen, achieving high must weights. Only certain grapes allowed, strict temperature criteria (at or below –8°C).
What is a hallmark grape for British Columbia’s Similkameen Valley?
It produces many aromatic whites (Riesling, Pinot Gris) plus structured reds (Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah). It’s a warm pocket with steep rock faces and river influence.
State the main difference between BC’s GI classification vs. an EU-style appellation.
BC GIs define geographic origin but don’t heavily control viticulture/vinification beyond basic requirements. Similar to US AVAs but combined with VQA standards for quality checks.
Which variety thrives best in Nova Scotia or other maritime areas of Canada?
Mostly hybrids and sparkling wine grapes, though some success with aromatic vinifera (e.g., L’Acadie Blanc for sparkling, plus Riesling/Chardonnay in suitable sites).
How do thick lakes moderate Ontario’s vine growth?
They store heat in late summer/fall, preventing early frosts, and in winter, they keep surrounding air slightly warmer, reducing vine damage risk.
