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OB WSET III > USA > Flashcards

USA Flashcards

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1
Q

In California, what plays the most important vineyard influencing factor, environmentally?

A

Cold CA ocean current

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2
Q

Describe the coast line of CA, and the role it plays in vineyards?

A

Mountains; these mountains shield the vineyards from cooling effect of the ocean

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3
Q

Other than cooling forces from the ocean, what is another factor that links CA’s wine producing regions?

A

No rainfall during ripening

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4
Q

What kind of irrigation is common in CA?

A

Drip

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5
Q

Why do CA grapes tend to have concentrated flavors and tannins?

A

Little autumn rain means grapes get to hang on the vine for longer

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6
Q

What are the core black grape varieties of California?

A 
Zinfandel
Merlot
Pinot Noir
Syrah
Cabernet Sauvignon
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7
Q

What is the most widely planted black grape in California?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon

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8
Q

Describe a characteristic California Cabernet

A

Full-bodied
Concentrated aromas of cassis and spice from new oak
Black currant

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9
Q

What happens as a result of “raisining” in Zinfandels?

A

Concentrated, full-bodied red wines with high ABV and some residual sugar

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10
Q

What are some characteristic flavors of Zinfandel

A

Red and black fruits
Dried berries
Licorice

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11
Q

What is rosé Zinfandel made from?

A

Early picked grapes

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12
Q

Describe a CA rosé zinfandel

A

Light in color
Red fruit notes
Low ABV
Medium-sweet

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13
Q

Where is the largest planting of Merlot in CA?

A

San Joaquin in Central Valley

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14
Q

What are two characteristic aromas of CA Merlot?

A

Blackberry

Plum

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15
Q

What is the traditional ABV level of CA Merlot?

A

High

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16
Q

Describe most CA Pinot Noirs

A

Ripe red fruit and sweet spice from oak maturation

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17
Q

How is CA Syrah typically made?

A

Full-bodied

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18
Q

What are the 2 core white varietals of CA?

A

Chardonnay

Sauvignon Blanc

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19
Q

What is the most widely planted varietal of either color in CA?

A

Chardonnay

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20
Q

Where does the best Sauvignon Blanc in CA come from?

A

Coastal regions

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21
Q

Describe an inexpensive Chardonnay from Califoria

A

Low to medium acidity
Fruity
Oak staves or chips give toasty notes

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22
Q

What does Fumé Blanc indicate

A

Oaked Sauvignon Blanc

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23
Q

Where is the majority of California wine produced?

A

The Central Valley

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24
Q

Describe vineyards in California’s North Coast

A

Climate strongly impacted by oceans, which bring fogs and breezes in.

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25
Q

What are the most significant climactic influences on Napa Valley?

A

Morning fogs and cool autumn breezes

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26
Q

What kinds of wines come from Los Carneros AVA?

A

High quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay

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27
Q 
What grape are the following AVAs renowned for?
- Stags Leap 
Yountville
Oakville
Rutherford
A

Cabernet Sauvignon

28
Q

Which AVA in Napa Valley produces Cabernet Sauvignons with the most power and structure? Why?

A

Rutherford, because it has the least influence from the bay.

29
Q

Describe Los Carneros AVA’s climate

A

Cool enough to grow Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, extends into Sonoma

30
Q

What kinds of grapes are famously grown in Saint Helena AVA and Calistoga AVA? Why?

A

Most concentrated, full-bodied wines in the valley, as they have the warmest daytime temperatures.

31
Q

Many of the valley side vineyards are cooled by:

A

altitude, not fog

32
Q

West or east facing vineyards on the valley side in CA get more sunlight exposure?

A

West

33
Q

Relative to red wines that come from the valley floor, wines that come from the valley side tend to be:

A

More tannin

Less richness on palate

34
Q

Relative to Chardonnays that come from the valley floor, valley side Chardonnays tend to be:

A

Citrus and stone fruit

More acidic

35
Q

Is Sonoma County larger or smaller than Napa County?

A

Larger

36
Q

What is the Petaluma Gap?

A

Break in coastal ranges

37
Q

What kinds of wines are produced in the Russian River Valley AVA?

A

High-quality elegant Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, as well as sparkling wines from these varietals

38
Q

What kinds of wines is Alexander Valley AVA known for producing?

A

Soft-textured, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon

39
Q

What is the biggest climactic influence on Sonoma Coast AVA?

A

Pacific Ocean

40
Q

Where are vineyards in Sonoma Coast AVA usually planted and why?

A

South-facing slopes to maximize ripening

41
Q

What is Anderson Valley AVA known for

A

Aromatic white wines like Riesling and Gewurztraminer, plus sparkling wines

42
Q

Describe the climate of Anderson Valley AVA

A

Cool

43
Q

What county is Anderson Valley AVA in?

A

Mendocino

44
Q

Other than aromatic whites and sparkling wines, what other wines are produced in Mendocino county?

A

ZInfandel, Cebernet, Syrah

45
Q

Describe the two zones in Paso Robles AVA

A

East: Hot sunny weather, deep fertile soils. This region produces fruity wines for high-volume brands.
West: Cooled by marine air, high-quality Zinfandel and Rhone wines produced here.

46
Q

Where is Paso Robles AVA

A

San Luis Obispo County

47
Q

How does fog impact the ripening process

A

Slows it down

48
Q

What grapes are produced in the Santa Maria Valley AVA

A

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay

49
Q

What is Lodi known for producing?

A

Best and oldest Zinfandels in CA

50
Q

Where does most of California’s high-volume inexpensive wine come from?

A

Central Valley

51
Q

Describe the climate in Sacremento and San Joaquin valleys?

A

Dry, hot

52
Q

Describe the climate of the Willamette Valley AVA?

A

Moderate climate with cooling breezes from Pacific Ocean

53
Q

Describe the growing season in the Willamette Valley?

A

Dry, long sunny days with cool nights

54
Q

What is the most commonly grown grape in the Willamette Valley?

A

Pinot Noir

55
Q

Describe a Willamette Valley Pinot Noir?

A

Red fruit
Hint of cinnamon
High acid

56
Q

What white grape tends to be grown in the Wilamette Valley?

A

Pinot Gris in a fruity, dry style

57
Q

Where are the warmest growing conditions in Oregon?

A

Southern Oregon AVA

58
Q

What kinds of varietals are grown in Southern Oregon?

A 
MErlot
Cabernet Sauvignon
Pinot Noir
Chardonnay
Pinot Gris
Syrah
59
Q

How is the Columbia Valley AVA irrigated?

A

With river water, because it lies in the rain shadow of the Cascade mountains

60
Q

What is the main AVA in Washington state?

A

Columbia Valley

61
Q

Describe the growing climate of Columbia Valley

A

Long daylight hours with consistent summer temperatures. Sunny days lets fruit attain optimal ripeness, while cool nights bring acidity.

62
Q

What is a major problem of the Columbia Valley?

A

Winter freeze

63
Q

What are the two most important red grapes grown in Washington state?

A

Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon

64
Q

What is the most important white grape grown in Washington state?

A

Chardonnay

65
Q

What grape grows best in the Fingers Lakes AVA

A

Riesling

OB WSET III (18 decks)

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