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WSET Unit 3 > United States > Flashcards

United States Flashcards

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1
Q

What did early Norse settlers call America? Why?

A

Vinland, due to the proliferation of vines.

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2
Q

Immigrants from which countries planted vineyards on the eastern seaboard of the US? How successful were they?

A

Britain, Holland and France. Mostly unsuccessful.

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3
Q

When was the first successful wine industry started in the US? Where was this done?

A

Early 19th Century. Ohio.

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4
Q

Who started the first successful wine industry in the US? How did they do this?

A

German immigrants. Using native vines.

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5
Q

How many of the states of the US have vines planted in them?

A

All 50.

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6
Q

What are most vineyards in the US planted with?

A

European vines grafted onto American rootstock. There are some local vines and hybrids planted, though.

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7
Q

What are the main viticultural areas of the US?

A

California, Pacific Northwest, New York State.

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8
Q

When and by whom were vines first planted in California?

A

1769, by Spanish missionaries in San Diego.

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9
Q

When was the first commercial wine produced in the US?

A

1824.

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10
Q

What led to an expansion of vineyard in the Sierra foothills?

A

The 1849 gold rush.

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11
Q

How many European grape varieties did Agostin Haraszthy introduce to the US between 1851 and 1861?

A

Over 300.

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12
Q

How did Agostin Haraszthy’s introduction of European vines influence the US wine industry?

A

It began the Californian industry.

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13
Q

In the 1920’s the US prohibition caused a decline in wine production. Where did the excess grapes go?

A

They were sold for home use.

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14
Q

In the US, where was winemaking concentrated between 1933-mid 1960’s? What was being made?

A

Central Valley and San Joaquin Valley. Liqueur and jug wines?

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15
Q

How much has vineyard area increased in the US since the 1960’s?

A

It has tripled.

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16
Q

What is the state of the US wine industry with regards to winery size and numbers?

A

There are many boutique wineries with high quality bordeaux blends, and a small number of very large wineries.

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17
Q

What is the state of the US wine industry with regards to wine prices?

A

There is a very large price range, from ‘2 buck chuck’ to above $150.

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18
Q

What has been the recent move regarding quality in US winemaking?

A

A recent increase in quality.

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19
Q

How do small wineries and large wineries differ in their approach in the US?

A

Small wineries focus on producing within their own AVA, larger wineries more likely to blend across larger areas.

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20
Q

How many levels of laws are their in the US that affect the wine industry? What are they?

A

2, Federal Law and State Law.

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21
Q

When were AVA’s (American Viticultural Areas) set up? Are they now set in stone?

A
  1. No, they’re still evolving.
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22
Q

What do AVA’s guarantee?

A

The source of the wine grapes, but not quality or production methods.

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23
Q

Who can petition to create a new AVA? What are the size requirements?

A

Anyone. There is no size requirements, some AVA’s only cover a single winery.

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24
Q

What percentage of the wine grapes used must come from the AVA stated?

A

85%.

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25
Q

State law varies…?

A

From state to state. Obviously.

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26
Q

How do Oregon state laws differ from the Federal Law?

A

In Oregon, wine must contain 95% of the variety written on the label, and 100% of the fruit must be sourced from the stated AVA.

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27
Q

How do Washington State laws differ from the Federal Law?

A

Washington requires that 85% of the fruit must be the stated variety, AVA and vintage.

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28
Q

How does Californian and all other state (except Washington and Oregon) law differ from Federal law?

A

They require that 75% of the fruit must be the stated variety, vintage and AVA.

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29
Q

What is the key legal difference between the requirements of New York State wine law and the requirements of the rest of the US?

A

In New York State, winemakers can add up to 35% sugar and water, for climatic reasons.

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30
Q

What is happening with generic names like Burgundy and Chablis on labels?

A

These are being phased out, but some historic brands have been permitted to continue using them.

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31
Q

How long is California? How much of this is planted with vineyards? How does this affect climate?

A

1100km from North to South. Vineyards run the entire length. Length leads to large range of climates.

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32
Q

Why is irrigation used in California?

A

To counter lack of rain during the growing season.

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33
Q

How has UC Davis classified the growing areas of California?

A

Using a zonal classification based on degree days.

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34
Q

How does the Humboldt Current affect the climate of Californian wine regions?

A

Provides cooling mists and fog, which cause temperature contrast and humidity.

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35
Q

How are vineyard plantings in California affected in areas where their is little influence from the Humboldt Current?

A

They are generally planted at altitude to mitigate temperatures.

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36
Q

What are the main regions of California?

A

North Coast, North Central Coast, South Central Coast, Central Valley, Sierra Foothills, Southern California.

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37
Q

Where is the North Coast region of California?

A

North of San Francisco Bay.

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38
Q

What is the climate of California’s North Coast like?

A

Wide range of climates, from warm Mediterranean through to cool, where spring frosts are a problem.

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39
Q

What are the major AVA’s of the North Coast region?

A

Napa Valley, Carneros
Sonoma County: Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley
Mendocino County: Anderson Valley.

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40
Q

Describe the Napa Valley AVA.

A

Expensive vineyard land and prestigious wineries.

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41
Q

What is the climate of the Napa Valley AVA?

A

Morning mists roll in from the bay, cooling the climate.

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42
Q

Where is Carneros AVA?

A

It runs along the bottom of the Napa and Sonoma AVA’s.

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43
Q

What would you expect to find from the Carneros AVA?

A

Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, especially sparkling.

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44
Q

What are the 2 major AVA’s of Sonoma County? What is each best known for?

A

Russian River Valley - Pinot Noir, Dry Creek Valley - Zinfandel.

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45
Q

What is the climate of Anderson Valley AVA in Mendocino County like?

A

Cool climate.

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46
Q

What would you expect to find from the Anderson Valley AVA?

A

Pinot Noir and aromatic whites, like Riesling and Gewürztraminer.

47
Q

What are the 2 major AVA’s for the Californian North Central Coast region?

A

Monterey County, Santa Cruz Mountains.

48
Q

What is the climate like in Monterey County AVA?

A

Cool, dry climate.

49
Q

What would you expect to find from the Monterey County AVA?

A

Crisp, citrus based Chardonnay and rich, dark Merlot with firm tannins.

50
Q

Which parts of the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA are particularly significant?

A

The areas falling into the UC Davis classification Zone 1, which are cooler with poorer soils. These areas produce some of California’s greatest wines.

51
Q

What are 2 well known areas of the South Central Coast region of California? What are they known for?

A

Santa Ynez Valley and Paso Robles. Zinfandel.

52
Q

What is unique about the mountain ranges of California’s South Central Coast?

A

They lie east/west, rather than north/south. This aids the flow of the cooling ocean breezes.

53
Q

How much of California’s total production comes from the Central Valley?

A

80%.

54
Q

Which of the UC Davis degree day classification zones does the Central Valley of California fit into?

A

Zones 4 and 5, which are hot.

55
Q

What is the focus of production in California’s Central Valley?

A

Quantity.

56
Q

Which AVA in Central Valley is notable for producing better wines? Why?

A

Lodi AVA, because of the cooler climate.

57
Q

How have UC Davis attempted to combat the hot climate of California’s Central Valley?

A

By experimenting with creating heat resistant varieties, such as Ruby Cabernet and Rubired.

58
Q

How is the excess production of California’s Central Valley used?

A

By creating wine coolers and brandies.

59
Q

What are the Sierra Foothills the foothills of?

A

The Rocky Mountains.

60
Q

What is the climate of the Sierra Foothills in California like?

A

More continental, hot days and cool nights.

61
Q

What would you expect to find from Sierra Foothills?

A

Old vine zinfandel, Italian varieties like Sangiovese.

62
Q

Where is the Southern California region?

A

It consists of vineyards around Los Angeles and San Diego.

63
Q

How is the increasing wine market in America affecting the Californian wine industry?

A

They are struggling with demand.

64
Q

What are disease issues facing the Californian wine industry in recent history?

A

Phylloxera, as poor research at UC Davis led to planting on ARX1 rootstock, which was not resistant, half of Napa’s vineyards needed to be replanted. Pierce’s Disease also a problem, spread by the Glassy Winged Sharpshooter, is incurable and fatal. Pierce’s Disease is primarily a problem in Southern California.

65
Q

What is the climate of Oregon like?

A

Maritime climate, influenced by the Pacific Ocean and warm North Pacific Drift.

66
Q

What are the major AVA’s of Oregon?

A

Willamette Valley, Umpqua Valley and Rogue Valley.

67
Q

Where is Willamette Valley AVA?

A

Oregon, south of Portland.

68
Q

What is the climate like in Willamette Valley?

A

Mild winters and warm summers.

69
Q

What styles of wine are produced in the Willamette Valley?

A

Burgundian style Pinot Noirs, as well as Pinot Gris and Chardonnay.

70
Q

What factor is leading to the constant improvement of wines from the Willamette Valley AVA?

A

Careful clonal selection.

71
Q

Where are the Umpqua Valley and Rogue Valley AVA’s?

A

South of Willamette Valley.

72
Q

What would you expect to find from the Umpqua Valley and Rogue Valley AVA’s? Why?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, due to the warmer climate vs Willamette Valley.

73
Q

What size wineries would you find in the Umpqua Valley and Rogue Valley AVA’s?

A

Mostly boutique wineries.

74
Q

Which State is the second largest by wine production (vinifera varieties) in the US?

A

Washington State.

75
Q

What varieties is Washington State mostly planted with?

A

Bordeaux varieties, especially Merlot. Also, Chardonnay and Syrah.

76
Q

What are the major AVA’s of Washington State?

A

Columbia Valley AVA, which includes Yakima Valley AVA and Walla Walla AVA.

77
Q

What is the climate like in the Columbia Valley AVA (and therefore Yakima and Walla Walla AVA’s)?

A

Extreme continental, with dry, almost desert like conditions.

78
Q

What do the desert-like conditions of the Columbia Valley AVA mean?

A

Irrigation with river water is essential.

79
Q

Aside from drought, what is another major threat to vineyards in the Columbia Valley AVA?

A

Severe winter frost.

80
Q

What types of wineries would you expect to find in the Columbia Valley AVA?

A

One major winery group, small independent growers.

81
Q

What is the third most important state for grape growing (including wine, table grapes, jam, etc.)?

A

New York State.

82
Q

Which Act increased the vinifera plantings of New York State?

A

The Farm Wineries act of 1976.

83
Q

What are the 3 main vineyard areas of New York State?

A

Finger Lakes, Hudson Valley and Long Island.

84
Q

How do the lakes and ocean affect growing conditions for New York State?

A

They provide a warm, moderating effect on the climate.

85
Q

Which area of New York State has an annual frost risk?

A

The Finger Lakes.

86
Q

Cheap US blended wines are made with large yields from what grapes?

A

Colombard, Chenin Blanc, Thompson Seedless, Carignan, Ruby Cabernet and Barbera.

87
Q

How are the varied grapes of the Central Valley of California grown in such hot conditions?

A

Heavily using irrigation.

88
Q

Which region of California produces cheap, blended wines?

A

Central Valley.

89
Q

What are the most significant quality grapes used in the US?

A

Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Rhône Varieties.

90
Q

What is Zinfandel also known as?

A

Primitivo (Southern Italy, esp. Puglia) and Tribidrag (Croatia).

91
Q

Which US state claims Zinfandel as it’s own?

A

California.

92
Q

What is Zinfandel used for in California?

A

Blends, varietal wines and rosé.

93
Q

For what purpose is Zinfandel blended with other varieties in California?

A

To produce bulk wines.

94
Q

What style of wine would you expect from old vine Californian Zinfandel?

A

Full bodied, rich wines.

95
Q

What are the results of the uneven ripening of Zinfandel in California?

A

Some raisining at full ripeness.

96
Q

Describe the typical Californian Zinfandel.

A

Red berry flavours, concentrated, high alcohol levels and some level of residual sugar. Some under-ripe and over-ripe characters owing to uneven ripening.

97
Q

Where in the US is soft, juicy black cherry, light tannin Cabernet Sauvignon made?

A

California’s Central Valley.

98
Q

The famous vineyards of which region of California rival Bordeaux with their Cabernets?

A

Napa.

99
Q

Aside from Napa, where else in the US would you find very high quality examples of Cabernet Sauvignon?

A

Washington State.

100
Q

How is Cabernet Sauvignon handled in Napa?

A

The fruit is left until complete phenolic ripeness, making an expressive wine with powerful toasty flavours from American oak.

101
Q

What can sometimes have a negative effect on Napa Cabernet Sauvignons?

A

Balance can be thrown off with high alcohols.

102
Q

Where is quality Merlot found in the US?

A

Monterey County (North Central Coast) and Napa. Washington State also very important with high quality potential.

103
Q

Describe a high quality Merlot from the US.

A

Blackberry and plum flavours, velvety tannins, high alcohol.

104
Q

Aside from in high quality regions, what styles is Merlot made in in the US?

A

Cheaper styles with soft tannins and little character.

105
Q

Early examples of US Pinot Noir had little character because…?

A

They were planted in hotter sites, and this led to ‘baked’ wines.

106
Q

High quality Pinot Noir is produced in which cooler AVA’s?

A

Russian River, Carneros, Santa Barbera, Willamette Valley.

107
Q

What styles of Pinot Noir are produced in the US?

A

A range from elegant, structured, gamey styles through to rich, full red fruit styles.

108
Q

Describe the typical US Chardonnay.

A

Full bodied, high alcohol, obvious oak, hazelnut and butter characters with exotic fruit flavours.

109
Q

Aside from the typical US Chardonnay, what other styles of this grape can be found from the US?

A

A more restrained style can be found in the cooler regions.

110
Q

In what style is Sauvignon Blanc produced in the US?

A

The Bordeaux style, with partial to full fermentation and ageing in oak.

111
Q

What other name is Sauvignon Blanc sometimes sold under in the US? What does this usually indicate?

A

Fumé Blanc. Ageing in oak.

112
Q

What would you expect from a cheap US Sauvignon Blanc?

A

Very little varietal fruit.

113
Q

Why has there been a recent increase in plantings of Rhône varieties (Syrah, Viognier and Marsanne esp.)?

A

To answer the current fashion and market led trend to drink Rhône style wines.

WSET Unit 3 (11 decks)

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