USA Flashcards
In California, what plays the most important vineyard influencing factor, environmentally?
Cold CA ocean current
Describe the coast line of CA, and the role it plays in vineyards?
Mountains; these mountains shield the vineyards from cooling effect of the ocean
Other than cooling forces from the ocean, what is another factor that links CA’s wine producing regions?
No rainfall during ripening
What kind of irrigation is common in CA?
Drip
Why do CA grapes tend to have concentrated flavors and tannins?
Little autumn rain means grapes get to hang on the vine for longer
What are the core black grape varieties of California?
Zinfandel Merlot Pinot Noir Syrah Cabernet Sauvignon
What is the most widely planted black grape in California?
Cabernet Sauvignon
Describe a characteristic California Cabernet
Full-bodied
Concentrated aromas of cassis and spice from new oak
Black currant
What happens as a result of “raisining” in Zinfandels?
Concentrated, full-bodied red wines with high ABV and some residual sugar
What are some characteristic flavors of Zinfandel
Red and black fruits
Dried berries
Licorice
What is rosé Zinfandel made from?
Early picked grapes
Describe a CA rosé zinfandel
Light in color
Red fruit notes
Low ABV
Medium-sweet
Where is the largest planting of Merlot in CA?
San Joaquin in Central Valley
What are two characteristic aromas of CA Merlot?
Blackberry
Plum
What is the traditional ABV level of CA Merlot?
High
Describe most CA Pinot Noirs
Ripe red fruit and sweet spice from oak maturation
How is CA Syrah typically made?
Full-bodied
What are the 2 core white varietals of CA?
Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
What is the most widely planted varietal of either color in CA?
Chardonnay
Where does the best Sauvignon Blanc in CA come from?
Coastal regions
Describe an inexpensive Chardonnay from Califoria
Low to medium acidity
Fruity
Oak staves or chips give toasty notes
What does Fumé Blanc indicate
Oaked Sauvignon Blanc
Where is the majority of California wine produced?
The Central Valley
Describe vineyards in California’s North Coast
Climate strongly impacted by oceans, which bring fogs and breezes in.
What are the most significant climactic influences on Napa Valley?
Morning fogs and cool autumn breezes
What kinds of wines come from Los Carneros AVA?
High quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
What grape are the following AVAs renowned for? - Stags Leap Yountville Oakville Rutherford
Cabernet Sauvignon
Which AVA in Napa Valley produces Cabernet Sauvignons with the most power and structure? Why?
Rutherford, because it has the least influence from the bay.
Describe Los Carneros AVA’s climate
Cool enough to grow Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, extends into Sonoma
What kinds of grapes are famously grown in Saint Helena AVA and Calistoga AVA? Why?
Most concentrated, full-bodied wines in the valley, as they have the warmest daytime temperatures.
Many of the valley side vineyards are cooled by:
altitude, not fog
West or east facing vineyards on the valley side in CA get more sunlight exposure?
West
Relative to red wines that come from the valley floor, wines that come from the valley side tend to be:
More tannin
Less richness on palate
Relative to Chardonnays that come from the valley floor, valley side Chardonnays tend to be:
Citrus and stone fruit
More acidic
Is Sonoma County larger or smaller than Napa County?
Larger
What is the Petaluma Gap?
Break in coastal ranges
What kinds of wines are produced in the Russian River Valley AVA?
High-quality elegant Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, as well as sparkling wines from these varietals
What kinds of wines is Alexander Valley AVA known for producing?
Soft-textured, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon
What is the biggest climactic influence on Sonoma Coast AVA?
Pacific Ocean
Where are vineyards in Sonoma Coast AVA usually planted and why?
South-facing slopes to maximize ripening
What is Anderson Valley AVA known for
Aromatic white wines like Riesling and Gewurztraminer, plus sparkling wines
Describe the climate of Anderson Valley AVA
Cool
What county is Anderson Valley AVA in?
Mendocino
Other than aromatic whites and sparkling wines, what other wines are produced in Mendocino county?
ZInfandel, Cebernet, Syrah
Describe the two zones in Paso Robles AVA
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.
Where is Paso Robles AVA
San Luis Obispo County
How does fog impact the ripening process
Slows it down
What grapes are produced in the Santa Maria Valley AVA
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
What is Lodi known for producing?
Best and oldest Zinfandels in CA
Where does most of California’s high-volume inexpensive wine come from?
Central Valley
Describe the climate in Sacremento and San Joaquin valleys?
Dry, hot
Describe the climate of the Willamette Valley AVA?
Moderate climate with cooling breezes from Pacific Ocean
Describe the growing season in the Willamette Valley?
Dry, long sunny days with cool nights
What is the most commonly grown grape in the Willamette Valley?
Pinot Noir
Describe a Willamette Valley Pinot Noir?
Red fruit
Hint of cinnamon
High acid
What white grape tends to be grown in the Wilamette Valley?
Pinot Gris in a fruity, dry style
Where are the warmest growing conditions in Oregon?
Southern Oregon AVA
What kinds of varietals are grown in Southern Oregon?
MErlot Cabernet Sauvignon Pinot Noir Chardonnay Pinot Gris Syrah
How is the Columbia Valley AVA irrigated?
With river water, because it lies in the rain shadow of the Cascade mountains
What is the main AVA in Washington state?
Columbia Valley
Describe the growing climate of Columbia Valley
Long daylight hours with consistent summer temperatures. Sunny days lets fruit attain optimal ripeness, while cool nights bring acidity.
What is a major problem of the Columbia Valley?
Winter freeze
What are the two most important red grapes grown in Washington state?
Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon
What is the most important white grape grown in Washington state?
Chardonnay
What grape grows best in the Fingers Lakes AVA
Riesling
