Sonoma County Flashcards
Who is recognized for bringing European vines to Sonoma in 1861?
Agoston Harasztly, a Hungarian immigrant, brought many European vines to Sonoma in 1861.
What are the inland Sonoma AVAs?
Dry Creek Valley AVA
Rockpile AVA
Alexander Valley AVA
Knights Valley AVA
Pine Mountain/Cloverdale Peak AVA
Fountaingrove District AVA
The Northern Sonoma AVA
What is the Alexander Valley AVA?
A warmer climate wine region in Sonoma County, located along the Russian River. Produces more full-bodied wines based on Cabernet Sauvignon.
Where is Rockpile and what wines are produced there?
Rockpile AVA is in Sonoma County, California. It is a sunny, mountainous region with elevations up to 1900 ft. It is best known for Zinfandel.
Where is the Pine Mountain/Cloverdale Peak region located?
Pine Mountain/Cloverdale Peak AVA is shared between Sonoma and Mendocino counties. It is located on the slopes of Pine Mountain at high elevations of between 1600 and 3000 feet.
Where is Knights Valley and what are the main grapes of the region?
Knights Valley is in northeastern Sonoma, bordering both Napa and Lake Counties. It is a warmer region, with Cabernet Sauvignon as the main grape.
Describe Fountaingrove.
The Fountaingrove District AVA is located in Sonoma just north of the Sonoma Valley AVA next to Napa. It is in the foothills of the Mayacamas, with some elevations as high as 2000 ft.
What are the sub-appellations of the Sonoma Valley AVA?
Sonoma Mountain AVA
Bennett Valley AVA
Moon Mountain District AVA
Carneros/Los Carneros AVA
What is the Sonoma Valley AVA?
A wine region in Sonoma County located between the Sonoma Mountains and the Mayacamas. The cooling effects from the Pacific are blocked by the Sonoma Mountains, however the region is cooled by cool breezes and fog coming off the San Pablo Bay.
Describe Bennett Valley.
Bennett Valley AVA is located in Sonoma County, and is a sub-region of the Sonoma Valley AVA. It is tiny and surrounded by hills, just southeast of Santa Rosa.
Describe Moon Mountain.
Moon Mountain District Sonoma County AVA is located on the western slopes of the Mayacamas mountains and is a sub-region of the Sonoma Valley AVA. It is unique due to its red, rocky, iron rich volcanic soils.
What is the Sonoma Mountain AVA?
A sub-region of the Sonoma Valley AVA. It is located above the fog line, with east facing slopes, and with a wide range of grape varieties.
What are the sub-appellations of the Sonoma Coast AVA?
Fort Ross-Seaview AVA
Petaluma Gap AVA
West Sonoma Coast AVA
Where is the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA?
The Fort Ross-Seaview AVA is a sub-region of the West Sonoma Coast AVA and the Sonoma Coast AVA. It is a steep, mountainous region with elevations ranging from 800-1800 ft.
What is the West Sonoma Coast AVA?
A sub-region of the Sonoma Coast AVA, with a cool maritime climate. Defined by steep mountains and ridges along the rugged coastline.
Describe the Russian River Valley AVA.
A cool climate region located in Sonoma County. Influenced by fog and maritime air . Produces Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in still and sparkling versions.
What are the sub-appellations of the Russian River Valley AVA?
Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA
Chalk Hill AVA
What is the Green Valley of the Russian River Valley AVA?
A small sub-appellation located in Sonoma County. It has a cool, foggy climate and sandy soils.
Where is Chalk Hill, and what wines are made there?
Chalk Hill AVA is located in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County. It is a slightly warmer are, and produces robust Chardonnays and Sauvignon Blanc
What is the Dry Creek Valley?
An AVA located in Sonoma County. Warmer than the Russian River Valley. Signature wine is Zinfandel, also grows Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
What AVA in Sonoma is considered one of the best areas for Zinfandel?
Dry Creek Valley.
Where is the Dry Creek Valley AVA is Sauvignon Blanc grown?
The cooler valley floor.
Where is Zinfandel grown in the Dry Creek Valley AVA?
Typically on the hillsides, above the flog line.
What is the Northern Sonoma AVA?
A large AVA containing all Sonoma AVAS other than Sonoma Valley AVA (and sub-regions) and the Carneros AVA. Allows wine grown within these boundaries to use Sonoma County as an AVA and use “estate bottled” if otherwise qualified.
