USA Flashcards
1
Q
What styles are made in the USA
A
- Traditional (premium)
- Tank, pet nat (inexpensive)
2
Q
What varietals are grown
A
- Chardonnay/Pinot Noir for traditional method wines
- Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Syrah, Tempranillo for tank wines mainly.
3
Q
What are the three most important areas in California for sparkling wines?
A
- Anderson Valley (Mendocino)
- Russian River Valley (Sonoma)
- Carneros (Sonoma/Napa)
4
Q
What makes growing grapes for sparkling wines possible in California?
A
The coastal regions are cooled by cool air/fog drawn to areas close to the coast from the Pacific Ocean
5
Q
Describe Traditional Method US sparkling wine made with PN and Chardonnay
A
- Medium Intensity
- Ripe Apple and Lemon with toasty Autolytic Notes
- Sweetness: Brut style mostly
- Acid: Med +
- Alcohol: Med
- Quality: Good-Outstanding
- Price: Mid-priced to Super Premium
6
Q
Describe the Anderson Valley (Mendocino County) CA
A
- Close to Pacific Coast
- Cool ocean breezes and fog are conveyed up the valley along Navarro River Valley to moderate temperatures and reduce sunshine hours
- Wide diurnal temperature ranges are common which maintains acidity in fruit
- Home to Roederer Estate
- Many wineries from outside Anderson Valley buy grapes from Anderson for their sparkling wine
7
Q
Describe Russian River Valley (Sonoma County) CA
A
- Cool breezes and fog are conveyed into the valley via the river and Petaluma Gap in the coastal mountain range
- Home to Korbel
8
Q
Describe Carneros (Napa/Sonoma Counties) CA
A
- Not on the coast BUT gets significant cooling influence from San Pablo Bay
- Home to Gloria Ferrar (owned by Cava house Freixenet)
- Home to Domaine Carneros (owned my Taittinger)
9
Q
Describe Washington state
A
- Second largest sparkling wine producer in USA after CA
- Home to Chateau St. Michelle–largest SW producer in WA
- Northerly latitude and high diurnal range give fruit high acidity suitable for Sparkling wine
- Blends: Chardonnay, PN and Meunier
- Styles: BdB & BdN
- Single Vareital: Müller Thurgau, Riesling, Gewurstraminer
