USA Flashcards
What is the primary climactic factor affecting all of California and what does it do?
- The exceptionally cold California Ocean Current
- Cold air, often accompanied by fogs, is drawn in from the ocean in the evening, lowering nighttime temperatures; takes time for sun to burn this off in the morning, so the cooling effect is extended into the day; gaps in mountains mean the cooling effect can reach well inland
Besides the California Ocean Current, what is the other key climactic factor that makes grape growing in California so successful?
Lack of rain during the growing season, which allows vintners to leave their grapes on the vine late into the season.
Describe California Cabernet Sauvignon
Full bodied / very concentrated / ripe cassis flavors / prominent spice aromas from new oak barrels
Describe California Zinfandel and the primary viticultural factor that affects its flavor
- Ripens unevenly, causing raisination, which results in:
- Concentrated / full bodied / high alcohol / small amounts of residual sugar / red and black fruits / dried berries / licorice
Describe high-quality California Merlot
Deep color / soft, velvety tannins / luscious body / high alcohol / flavors of blackberry and plum
Describe California Pinot Noir
Rich layers of ripe red fruit (red cherry, strawberry) / hints of sweet spice from oak
Describe California Syrah
Typically a full-bodied, rich style; leaner, peppery styles exist as well
Describe California Chardonnay
- Most widely planted grape of either color
- Very full bodied / high alcohol / low acid / obvious flavors of oak, hazelnut, butter / peach / banana
Describe California Sauvignon Blanc
Best come from coastal regions and have high acid with citrus flavors
What are the two mountain ranges that border the Napa Valley AVA?
Mayacamas (to the west) and Vaca (to the east)
What are the cooling influences of Napa Valley?
- Morning fogs and cool afternoon breezes off the San Pablo Bay
- Cool ocean air through the Chalk Hill gap
From north to south, what are the appellations running along the floor of Napa Valley?
- Calistoga
- St. Helena
- Rutherford
- Oakville
- Yountville
- Stag’s Leap District
- Los Carneros
What distinguishes the appellations Howell Mountain and Atlas Peak from their counterparts to the west and the wines made on the valley floor?
They get full exposure to the afternoon sun, and tend to be warmer than valley-side appellations to the east, and tend to give fuller-bodied, higher alcohol wines. Overall, the red wines of the valley sides have greater tannins and less richness than those of the valley floor, however.
What are is the primary geographic factor that affects the climate of the Russian River Valley?
The Petaluma Gap, a break in the coastal mountain ranges, which allows for very cool, foggy conditions.
What is the Russian River Valley best known for?
High-quality, elegant Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, as well as sparkling wines from the same grape varieties.
What are the appellations of Sonoma County (excluding Sonoma Coast) from warmest to coolest?
- Alexander Valley
- Dry Creek Valley
- Russian River Valley
What are the two primary grapes grown in Dry Creek Valley, and where is each one planted?
- Zinfandel, old-vine, grown on hillsides above the fog layer
- Sauvignon Blanc, grown on the valley floor
What has Alexander Valley built a reputation for?
Cabernet Sauvignon with soft texture and full body
What distinguishes Sonoma Coast AVA from the other Sonoma County appellations?
The climate here is greatly influenced by the cold Pacific Ocean.
What are the two important AVAs of Mendocino County and what are they known for?
- Anderson Valley AVA: very cool, source of aromatic whites made from Riesling and Gewürztraminer, as well as sparkling wines
- Medocino AVA: warmer and drier, source of full bodied Cabernet, Zinfandel, and Syrah with soft tannins
Describe the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA
Diverse region that includes hillside locations with infertile soil, moderate climate; produced elegant Cabernets as well as high quality Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
Describe the geographical features of Monterey AVA and how this affects the location of grape plantings
- Strong influence of the cold Pacific Ocean
- Follows the path of the Salinas Valley
- Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are planted closer to the coast (cooler) while Cabernet, Merlot, and Syrah are planted farther inland (warmer)
What are the geographical features of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties?
The mountains lie east-west rather than north-south, encouraging the flow of cool ocean breezes onto the mainland.
What are the two distinct zones of Paso Robles AVA?
- East: hot, sunny weather with fertile soils, producing high-volume, fruity wines
- West: cooled by marine air, gained a reputation for high quality Zinfandel and Rhone varieties
