USA Flashcards
Which grapes are used for cheap blends in the US?
Colombard Chenin Blanc Thompson Seedless Carignan Ruby Cabernet Barbera
Mostly in California Central Valley using irrigation
What is the style of old vine Californian Zinfandel?
Rich full bodied wines with concentrated red berry flavours, high alcohol levels and some residual sugar
What leads to some raisining of Zinfandel at full ripeness in California?
Tendency towards uneven ripeness of Zinfandel
What is Zinfandel also known as?
Primitivo
What is Zinfandel used for in California?
Blends, varietal wines and for blush rosé
Blended with other varieties for bulk wines
Where in the US can rival Bordeaux for quality Cabernet Sauvignon?
Napa Valley
What creates expressive wines in Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon?
Fruit is left until complete phenolic ripeness
Where else in the US aside from Napa Valley makes high quality Cabernet Sauvignon?
Washington State
What is the style of Cabernet Sauvignon in the Central Valley, USA?
Soft, juicy black cherry with light tannin
What is a watch out for California Cab Sav?
Sometimes unbalanced with high alcohol
What is a watch out for cheap Merlot in USA?
Fashionable, cheap soft tannins and little character
What is the flavour profile of quality Merlot from Monterey and Napa?
Blackberry and plum flavours, velvety tannins and high alcohol
Which grape is thought to have high quality potential in Washington State?
Merlot
What is a watch out for Pinot Noir from hot sites in the US?
Early planting in hotter sites lead to baked wines with little character
In which cooler sites is Pinot Noir planted in the US?
Russian River
Carneros
Santa Barbera
Willamette Valley
What is the style of quality Pinot Noir in the US?
Ranges from elegant, structured, gamey styles through to rich, full red fruit wines
What is the style of Chardonnay in the US?
Generally full bodied, high alcohol, obvious oak, hazelnut and butter character with exotic fruit flavours.
Many more restrained styles found in cooler regions
In which style is most Sauvignon Blanc produced in the US?
In the Bordeaux style with partial full fermentation and ageing in Oak.
Sometimes sold as Fumé Blanc which usually indicates ageing in oak
Cheap Sauvignon Blanc often shows very little varietal fruit
Why have there been plantings of Syrah, Viognier and Marsanne in the US?
To answer the fashion and trend for Rhône style wines
What is the third most important state for grape growing in the US?
New York State
But not all of it is for wine, grapes for table grapes, jams etc
What increased Vinifera plantings in New York State?
Farm wineries Act 1976
Saw a move away from American varieties that had dominated
What are the three main vineyard areas in New York State?
Finger Lakes
Hudson Valley
Long Island
What is perennial climatic risk in Finger Lakes, New York State?
Frost
What provides a warm, moderating effect on the climate of New York State?
Lakes and Ocean
What is the second biggest Vinifera based wine producing state in the US?
Washington State
What is grown in Washington State?
Mostly Bordeaux varieties, especially Merlot. Chardonnay and Syrah also planted.
What is the climate in Washington State?
Extreme continental climate.
Inland regions with dry, almost desert like conditions mean irrigation with river water is essential.
Severe winter frost a threat
What is the structure of the release in Washington State?
One major winery group with small independent producers
What is a key region in Washington State?
Columbia Valley (including Yakima Valley and Walla Walla)
What is the climate in Oregon?
Maritime climate influenced by Pacific Ocean and North Pacific Drift
What is the climate in Willamette Valley, south of Portland?
Maritime climate. Mild winters and warm summers
What is successfully grown in Willamette Valley?
Burgundian styles Pinot Noir
Also Pinot Gris and Chardonnay
What grapes dominate in Umpqua Valley and Rogue Valley (South of Willamette) and why?
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot dominate due to warmer climate
What type of wineries will you most likely find in Umpqua Valley and Rogue Valley in Oregon?
Mostly boutique wineries
Why does California have such a wide range of climates?
It is 1100km north to south with vineyards along the entire length leading to a large range of climates
What moderates temperature in parts of California?
Cooling mists and fog that roll in from the Pacific Ocean
Why are Vineyards played at altitude if there is no fog influence in California?
As lower down the temperature can reach up to 40•C
What is UC Davis best known for?
It’s zonal classification of California based on degree days
Where is the North Coast Region?
North of San Francisco Bay, California
What is the climate in North Coast Region?
Wide range of climates from warm Mediterranean to cool where spring frosts are a problem
What is Napa Valley AVA known for?
Expensive vineyard land and prestigious wineries
Morning mists rolls in from the bay cooling the climate
Cabernet Sauvignon
Where is Carneros AVA?
It runs along the bottom of Napa and Sonoma AVAs in California
What wines is Carneros AVA known for?
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
And sparking wine
What is Russian River Valley known for?
Quality Pinot Noir production
Where is Russian River Valley?
Sonoma County, North Coast Region, California
What wine is Dry Creek Valley known for?
Zinfandel
Where is Dry Creek Valley?
Sonoma County in California’s North Coast Region
What is the climate in Anderson Valley, Medocino County?
Cool climate
Where the hell is Anderson Valley?
Mendocino County, North Coast Region, California
What wines are revered from Anderson Valley?
Pinot Noir
And Riesling and Gewürztraminer
Due to cool climate
What regions are in California’s North Central Coast?
- Monterey County, cool dry climate - producing Chardonnay with crisp, citrus character and rich dark Merlot with firm tannins
- Santa Cruz Mountains, cool (Zone 1) locations of poor soil producing some of California’s greatest wines
Where in California’s South Central Coast is known for producing fine Zinfandel?
Santa Ynez Valley and Paso Robles
What facilitates the flow of cool ocean breezes in South Central Coast California?
The mountain range lies East-West rather than North-South
Which region represents 80% of California’s total production?
Central Valley California
What is the focus of production in Central Valley California?
Quantity
What some is Central Valley in?
Zones 4 + 5 it is hot hot hot
Who has experimented to create varieties that can handle the heat of California’s Central Valley’s?
UC Davis
Which varieties has UC Davis created to deal with the heat of Central Valley California?
Ruby Cabernet and Rubired
What soaks up excess production in California’s Central Valley?
Wine Coolers and brandies
What grows best in the Sierra Foothills, California?
Old Vine Zinfandel
Italian varieties like Sangiovese
Hot days and cool nights ensures good fruit concentration
Where is the Sierra foothills?
In California
At the foothills of the Rockies
What ensures good fruit concentration in the Sierra Foothills?
Hot days and cool nights makes for some great concentrated old vine Zinfandel
Why did half of Napa vineyards need to be replanted?
Poor research from UC David led to planting on rootstock ARC1 not tolerant to Phylloxera, meaning half of Napa Vineyards needed to be replanted
What disease is a problem in Southern California?
Pierce’s Disease carried by Sharp Shooers
It is incurable and fatal and a problem in Southern California
Which California wine region is said to be a hotbed or experimentation and why?
Lodi
While best known for its old vine Zinfandel there are 100 different vines in the ground at Lodi including Italian varieties like Aglianico, Sangiovese and Nero d’Avola
Napa gets a big return on Cab Sav but Lodi winemakers Cab experiment more as land is cheaper and lots of different soil types that suit a broad range of grapes
There is a lot of interest in planting Albariño
How much does Lodi produce of California’s wine output?
40%
Why were attempts to establish European vines in the US repeated failures?
Vines died of a mysterious ailment which only much later in the mid 19th Century came to be identified as Phylloxera
What vines were planted on the Eastern Seaboard of US?
Labrusca varieties and hybrids such as Concord, Catawba, Niagara and Delaware
What is the third most important state for grape growing in the US?
New York
Makes wine, table and jams
What was the most widely planted grape variety in the US in the 19th Century?
The American hybrid Catawba
Red grape
Hardy suitable to harsh cold winter
Late ripening, susceptible to fungal disease - powdery and downy mildew
Used to make wine, jams and table grapes
Thought to be a hybrid of Vitis Labrusca and Vitis Vinifera variety Sémillon
Why were Franciscan missionaries able to cultivate the Vinifera variety Mission (País, Criolla Chica) in Alta California in the late 1760s?
Due to the Phylloxera free soils of San Diego, Monterey and San Francisco
What drew people and prosperity to California in 1848?
The gold rush
James W Marshall discovered gold in the American River in California
Who introduced Zinfandel to California?
Italian immigrants they called it Primitivo
What two Ps caused disaster to US wineries?
Phylloxera late 1880s
Prohibition 1920-1933
What is the legacy of prohibition that lives on to this day?
State legislation
Each US state imposed its own alcohol tax with some remaining puritanical dry and exporting wine across state boundaries can present such a legislative hurdle as to dissuade many producers from even trying.
Viticulture continues during prohibition in production of table grapes, juice concentrate, raisins and communion wine
Which pioneers in the 1960s helped shift the focus from port style fortified wines that had dominated post-Prohibition to Bordeaux style Cabs and Burgundy-influenced Chardonnays?
Robert Mondavi
André Tchelistcheff
Gallo brothers
Who set up the Judgement of Paris?
British wine merchant Steven Spurrier
What is the Judgement of Paris?
It refers to the blind tasting panel convened in 1976 by British merchant, Steven Spurrier, pitting best of California against the best of Bordeaux and Burgundy.
California wines top the top prize in every category
What is 1976 an important date in US wine history?
Year of the Judgement of Paris (Cali v Bordeaux and Burgundy, 1976)
Farm Wineries Act 1976 increased Vinifera plantings in NYC
How much of US wine does California represent?
In volume terms ~85% of production
If California State was a country, where would it rank in world wine production?
Fourth, after Italy, France and Spain
Where in the US is justifiably proud of its Riesling?
Finger Lakes Region, NY
How many AVAs are there in the US?
Over 200
What was the first AVA in the US?
Augusta AVA, Missouri
What is a niche market some producers in NY cater for using Concord and Niagara?
Kosher Wine
What are the most notable wine regions in NY?
Finger Lakes AVA - exceptional Riesling
Long Island AVA - Bordeaux style blends
Lake Erie AVA
Niagara Escarpment AVA
Hudson River AVA
Which AVA in the US is compared to the Rhineland in Germany and why?
Finger Lakes AVA
Cool continental climate
Vineyards on lakeside slopes
Cold winters and hot summers mitigated by moderating influence of the lakes
Riesling is dominant
What is the dominant grape in Finger Lakes AVA?
Riesling dominates
Other varieties include:
Chardonnay Pinot Gris Gewürztraminer Pinot Noir Cabernet Franc
What grapes are planted in Long Island AVA?
Principle varieties are Merlot and Cabernet Franc
Many producers try to ripen Cabernet Sauvignon
Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay cultivated
Currently a discussion about whether the terroir is better suited to white and sparking wine production
What is the Farm Winery Act 1976?
It made it economically feasible for financially depressed grape growers in NY to own and operate a small winery by allowing direct sales to consumers.
First french Hybrids, then Vinifera vines planted.
The eastern end of Long Island was developed with a flurry of small wineries opening, large established wineries in Finger Lakes suffered under the competition
By 2005, NY had 210 wineries more than 190 of them established since the Farm Winery Act
How much impact did the Farm Winery Act 1976 have on NY wine?
Introduced in 1976.
By 2005, NY had 210 wineries more than 190 of them established since the Farm Winery Act
1.5 million ha of wine produced
How much of NY’s grape production is destined for wine?
33% is destined for wine production
The rest for grape juice, jellies, jams and table grapes
Why is the topography of Finger Lakes conducive to wine making?
Narrow deep lakes carved by Ice Age glaciers which deposited shallow topsoil in sloping shale beds above the lakes
This combination of steep slopes and deep lakes provide good air drainage and drainage of water and fewer extremes of temperature in winter and summer
Since lakes retain their summer warmth in winter, any cold air sliding down the steep slopes is warmed by the lake and rises, permitting more cold air to drain from the hillside
Conversely in Spring the now cold water if the lake delays budding until the danger of frost has passed
Where is most Finger Lakes Estate Wine sold?
Locally
How many lakes are there are Finger Lake?
11
Which of the 11 lakes at Finger Lakes are significant to the wine industry?
Canandaigua
Keuka
Seneca
Cayuga
As they are big enough to moderate the climate
Cayuga Lakes was granted its own AVA in 1988 since local wineries could demonstrate that its lower altitudes and greater lake depth created a mesoclimate suitable for Vinifera varieties
Why was Cayuga in Finger Lakes granted its own AVA?
Cayuga Lakes was granted its own AVA in 1988 since local wineries could demonstrate that its lower altitudes and greater lake depth created a mesoclimate suitable for Vinifera varieties
What are two interesting wineries in Hudson River?
Hudson River is home to the US’s oldest winery
Brotherhood America’s Oldest Winery Ltd established in 1839
+
Royal Kedem Wine, one of the world’s largest Kosher wineries
Which grape is dominant in Hudson River?
Seyval Blanc the French hybrid
Which US AVA feels its maritime influence is similar to Bordeaux?
Long Island local growers feel that the Atlantic’s maritime influence is similar to its influence on Bordeaux
Although Long Island’s greatest hazard aside from birds is threat of ocean hurricanes and sea salt spray
Which NY AVA has a growing season three weeks longer than the rest of the state and what does this allow?
Long Island AVA
This allows the growing of dark skinned varietals
Merlot and Cabernet Franc dominate as they may be fully ripened every year.
Cab Sav struggles to ripen
What do Spring fogs do in Long Island?
Keep the area cool and prevent premature budbreak
What is the second largest wine producer in the USA after California?
Washington State
What is the climate in Washington State?
Continental (hot summers and very cold winters) and very dry
Summer temperatures can exceed 40•C and winter temperatures can plunge to -26•C
How often is frost or snow an issue with winemaking in Washington?
Regularly. Around 1/6 vintages is severely damaged by frost or snow
Why is irrigation essential in Washington State?
It receives only ~200mm annual rainfall
Very dry
What mitigates the risk of frost in spring in Washington State?
The Columbia River and its tributaries
Why has Washington managed to keep Phylloxera at bay?
Harsh winters and sandy loam soils don’t appeal to the Phylloxera bug and many vines remain ungrafted
Why do ungrafted vines offer more protection against extreme weather in Washington State?
With no exposed graft unions, are better preserved in cold winters
What is the general focus of Washington State wines?
Fresh, clean, expressive varietal wines with a deep colour and bright, intense fruit flavours
How many AVAs are there in Washington State?
13 with all but one, Puget Sound, to the East of the Cascades
What is the largest AVA in Washington State?
Columbia Valley which dips into North Oregon and encompasses most of the other Washington AVAs
What is the most widely planted white grape in Washington State?
Riesling and Chardonnay
Riesling made dry and austere to sweet and botrytized and even ice wine
Other important white varieties include Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier
What wine company makes almost half of the wine producers in Washington State?
Ste. Michelle Wine Estates with its various labels
Which Washington based winery is one of the greatest producers of Sémillon in the world?
L’Ecole
How big is California?
About the same size of Germany and Benelux combined
Stretches over 1,100km from 42•N to 32.6• N
What latitude is California?
Stretches over 1,100km from 42•N to 32.6•N
What exerts a cooling influence in the California Coast Ranges?
The Pacific Ocean
What are the key umbrella AVAs in California?
North Coast AVA Central Coast AVA Central Valley AVA Sierra Foothills AVA Southern California (South Coast AVA)
Where is Napa Valley AVA?
In California
North of San Francisco
50km inland
How many hectares of vines are there in Napa Valley AVA?
~18,000 ha of vines
What is the climate in Napa Valley AVA?
Overall the climate is Mediterranean
Long sunlight hours during the growing season
The Mayacamas Mountains block off Pacific airstreams but the valley remains open to cooling breezes and mists from San Pablo Bay to the South
This creates a rising average temperature gradient from Carneros in the South to Calistoga in the north
Until they dissipate the mists shield more southerly vineyards from the morning sun, especially those closer to the valley floor
Average rainfall ranges from ~500mm in Carneros to ~1,000mm in Calistoga
Irrigation is permitted and use of drip irrigation is common.
Drought of recent years has led to increased interest in traditional dry farming
How much rain does Napa Valley have?
Annual rainfall ranges from ~500mm in Carneros to ~1,000mm in Calistoga
Irrigation is permitted and drip irrigation is common
At the same time the drought of recent years has led to renewed interest in traditional dry farming
Is irrigation permitted in California?
Irrigation is permitted and drip irrigation is common
At the same time the drought of recent years has led to renewed interest in traditional dry farming
What makes up the majority of Napa plantings?
Black varieties
The most important are Bordeaux Varieties
Also Pinot Noir, Zinfandel & Syrah
The most important white varieties are Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc
Why does Napa Valley have darker, fuller bodied, higher alcohol and lower acidity than their French counterparts?
Comparatively hot and sunny
What is the fashion for Napa Valley wines?
Highly concentrated, full bodied wines with significant French or American oak
This also extends to Sauvignon Blanc, which is often makes in the Fumé Blanc style pioneered by Robert Mondavi in the 1970s
What did Robert Mondavi pioneer in the 1970s?
An oaked style of Sauvignon Blanc called Fumé Blanc
What is a typical style of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon?
Typically deep in colour with a flavour profile of concentrated ripe or jammy dark berry fruit overlain by a fresh greenness which often manifests itself as menthol
What does Merlot contribute to Napa Valley blends?
Plum and milk chocolate notes
Soft, velvety tannins
What does Cabernet Franc contribute to Napa Valley blends?
Flint and herbal notes
What does Petit Verdot contribute to Napa Valley blends?
Floral and spicy notes
What is the alcohol level of Napa Valley wines?
Very high but in finer examples can remain in balance
What is distinctive about Napa Valley Chardonnay?
Baked apple and tropical fruits with vanilla, butter or coconut from oak aging
How many sub AVAs are there in Napa?
16
What are the most notable sub-AVAs in Napa Valley?
N-S
Calistoga Howell Mountain Spring Mountain Saint Helena Rutherford Oakville Yountville Stags Leap District Atlas Park Mount Veeder Los Carneros
What is the most northern sub-AVA in Napa Valley?
Calistoga
Too far north to benefit from the cooling southern mists
Despite breezes from Russian River the climate is very warm
Home to Château Montelena
A 1973 Château Montelena Chardonnay came first among the white wines in the Judgement of Paris
6 Key facts re Calistoga AVA
- The most northerly sub-AVA in Napa Valley, California
- Too far north to benefit from the cooling southern mists
- Despite breezes from Russian River the climate is very warm
- Home to Château Montelena
- A 1973 Château Montelena Chardonnay came first among the white wines in the Judgement of Paris
- ~1000mm of rain compared to just 500mm in Carneros
What is a notable producer in Calistoga AVA, Napa Valley California?
Château Montelena
A 1973 Château Montelena Chardonnay came first among the white wines in the Judgement of Paris
Which Napa Valley Sub-AVA is too far north to benefit from the cooling Southern mists from San Pablo Bay?
- Calistoga. The most northerly sub-AVA in Napa Valley, California
- Too far north to benefit from the cooling southern mists
- Despite breezes from Russian River the climate is very warm
What is the oldest Napa Valley sub-AVA?
Howell Mountain
This sub AVA dates back to 1984
Vineyards are planted on volcanic soils on south west facing slopes of the Vaca Mountains
High altitudes of up to 670m lift the vineyards above the mists but high diurnal temperatures enable the grapes to conserve acidity and concentrate flavour
Howell Mountain is reputed for muscular yet complex and refined red wines
Why do the vineyards of Howell Mountain AVA in Napa Valley not benefit from the cooling mists from San Pablo Bay?
They lie at high altitude up to 670m which lifts the vineyards above the mists
But high diurnal temperature variance due to altitude enables the grapes to conserve acidity and concentrate flavour
What enables the grapes in Howell Mountain AVA in Napa Valley to conserve acidity and concentrate flavour, despite not benefiting from the cooling mists from San Pablo Bay?
High altitude
Vines are planted on south west facing slopes of the Vaca Mountains at an altitude of up to 670m
High diurnal temperature variation enables the grapes to conserve acidity and concentrate flavour
What is the soil in Howell Mountain AVA, Napa Valley?
Volcanic
5 key facts re Howell Mountain AVA?
- In Napa Valley, California
- This sub AVA dates back to 1984
- Vineyards are planted on volcanic soils on south west facing slopes of the Vaca Mountains
- High altitudes of up to 670m lift the vineyards above the mists but high diurnal temperatures enable the grapes to conserve acidity and concentrate flavour
- Howell Mountain is reputed for muscular yet complex and refined red wines
Where is Spring Mountain AVA?
Napa Valley, California
Where is Spring Mountain AVA?
In Napa Valley, California
Across the Howell Mountain in the Myacamas overlooking Saint Helena on the Valley Floor
What is the predominant variety in Spring Mountain AVA?
Cabernet Sauvignon has replaced Riesling as the predominant varietal
What is the altitude of vineyards in Spring Mountain?
Similar to Howell Mountain ~ 670m
Who is considered the father of Napa wine?
Charles Krug
What exerts a cooling effect in the mornings in Saint Helena?
Morning mists
What is the soil in Saint Helena?
Alluvial gravel ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon
What is the style of Cabernet Sauvignon in Saint Helena?
Luscious, meaty style often with minty notes
What are increasingly popular in Saint Helena?
Rhône varieties
Who founded a winery in Saint Helena in 1861?
Charles Krug the father of Napa wine
Where is Rutherford AVA?
Napa Valley California
South of Saint Helena and also on the Valley floor
What is the soil in Rutherford AVA?
Alluvial gravel at the foot of the Myacamas
More fertile soils closer to the river
What is Rutherford Bench?
A deposit of alluvial gravels at the foot of the Myacamas in Rutherford AVA making rich, structured, elegant Cabernet Sauvignon
Where did Robert Mondavi build his winery in the 1960s?
What is now Oakville AVA in Napa Valley
Why is Oakville AVA slightly cooler than Rutherford?
Morning mists
What are the historic wineries in Rutherford AVA?
Inglenook
Beaulieu
What is made in an opulent style and often oaked in Oakville AVA, Napa Valley?
Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc
Where is French Laundry restaurant?
Yountville AVA, Napa Valley
Who was the first person to make wine in Napa?
George C Yount
Yountville AVA was named after him
Where is Yountville AVA?
On the valley floor of Napa
Where is Stags Leap AVA?
Napa Valley
In the foothills of the Vacas east of Yountville
What is Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars claim to fame?
It came first among the red wines in the Judgement of Paris
Not to be confused with Stags’ Leap Winery
The placement of the apostrophe is important
The AVA is sans apostrophe Stags Leap AVA
What does Stags Leap AVA specialise in?
Almost exclusively Cabernet Sauvignon
What is the soil in Stags Leap?
A unique blend of loam and clay sediments and volcanic deposits
Why does Atlas Peak AVA in Napa Valley produce Cabernet Sauvignon with lighter body and higher acidity?
Owing to its altitude it is subject to cooler temperatures and higher diurnal temperature variation translating into a more European style of Cabernet
Why is Cabernet Sauvignon from Atlas Peak AVA Napa Valley said to have a more European style?
Owing to its altitude it is subject to cooler temperatures and higher diurnal temperature variation translating into a more European style of Cabernet
The wines are lighter in body and have greater acidity
What are the key grape varieties in Atlas Peak AVA?
Cabernet Sauvignon mostly
Also Zinfandel, Sangiovese and Chardonnay
What are the principle grape varieties in Mount Veeder AVA, Napa Valley?
Bordeaux varieties, Zinfandel and Chardonnay
Where are vines planted in Mount Veeder AVA?
At altitude on steep slopes overlain by thin, infertile volcanic soils translating into more robust tannins and in white wines exceptional elegance
Where is Mount Veeder?
Napa Valley
In the Mayacamas Mountains across from Atlas Peak and overlooking Yountville on the valley floor
What does Los Carneros translate as?
The Rams
What is the coolest sub region in Napa Valley AVA?
Los Carneros, south of Napa
Where is Los Carneros AVA?
Napa Valley
South of Napa
The most southern sub AVA
The coolest sub AVA in Napa Valley
What dominates plantings in Los Carneros AVA, Napa Valley?
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
What is unusual about the placement of Carneros AVA?
It sits astride Napa and Sonoma AVAs
What are the climatic conditions in Los Carneros?
Sparse rainfall ~500mm
Heady winds
Mediterranean climate
How big is Sonoma County in comparison to Napa Valley?
Twice the size at over 400,000 ha
Where is Sonoma Country AVA?
North Coast California
Extending from San Pablo Bay and Carneros in the South to Cloverdale in the north
Adjacent to the Pacific Ocean
What are the three broad regions in Sonoma AVA?
Sonoma Valley
Northern Sonoma
Sonoma Coast
Which region in Sonoma benefits from the cooling mists and breezes from San Pablo Bay?
Sonoma Valley
Where is Russian River Valley and Alexander Valley?
Northern Sonoma, California
Where is E and J Gallo and Kendall-Jackson based?
Sonoma AVA
What is the most planted variety in Sonoma AVA?
Chardonnay, which usually occupies cooler sites and is less super charged as that from Napa
What is the style of Sonoma Sauvignon Blanc?
Similar to Napa Valley it is made in a fruity, punchy style that is often oaked
What is the most planted black variety in Sonoma AVA?
Pinot Noir
Sonoma Pinot Noir is the benchmark for California
In particular Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is classically vibrant in colour with notes of cherry, berry fruits, earth and mushroom
What is the classic style of Russian River Valley /Sonoma Pinot Noir?
Classically vibrant in colour with notes of cherry, berry fruits, earth and mushroom
How does Sonoma Pinot about compare with Burgundy?
Compared to Burgundy Sonoma Pinot is fuller in body and richer in fruit
Compared to Oregon Pinot Noir it lacks the crisp green notes
Compared to New Zealand Pinot about it is often lower in acidity
Sonoma Pinot Noir is classically vibrant in colour with notes of cherry, berry fruits, earth and mushroom
How does Sonoma Pinot Noir compared to Oregon Pinot Noir?
Compared to Oregon Pinot Noir it lacks the crisp green notes
Compared to Burgundy Sonoma Pinot is fuller in body and richer in fruit
Compared to New Zealand Pinot Noir it is often lower in acidity
Sonoma Pinot Noir is classically vibrant in colour with notes of cherry, berry fruits, earth and mushroom
How does Sonoma Pinot Noir compared New Zealand Pinot Noir?
Compared to New Zealand Pinot Noir it is often lower in acidity
Compared to Oregon Pinot Noir it lacks the crisp green notes
Compared to Burgundy Sonoma Pinot is fuller in body and richer in fruit
Sonoma Pinot Noir is classically vibrant in colour with notes of cherry, berry fruits, earth and mushroom
On which sites does Chardonnay tend to be planted in Sonoma?
On cooler sites
On which sites does Cabernet Sauvignon tend to be planted in Sonoma?
Warmer sites on the valley floor
Where does Zinfandel achieve one of its finest expressions in California?
Sonoma & Lodi
What is the style of Sonoma Zinfandel?
👁 Deep ruby or purple in colour
👃🏼 Notes of strawberry or bramble fruit, fresh cream, black tea, thyme or other herbs and often coconut from American oak
👄 Full bodied, high alcohol, moderate acidity, high tannins. At its best it is lengthy with a mineral core and savoury finish.
Where is Alexander Valley AVA?
A large AVA in the North East of Sonoma County it straddles the Russian River as it flows down from Cloverdale to Healdsburg
What is the climate in Alexander Valley AVA?
Warm although temperatures are somewhat moderated by sea breezes from the Russian River Estuary
What is Alexander Valley AVA noted for?
It’s Cabernet Sauvignon which is more fruit driven and less earthy than that from Napa
What is one of the coolest AVAs in California?
Russian River Valley in Sonoma Valley California
Ocean mists exert an important influence
What is the rainfall in Russian River Valley?
Relatively high at 750mm, this and humidity from ocean mists and the areas many rivers increase the risk of rot especially to the thin skinned Pinot Noir
What is Russian River Valley best known for?
It’s Pinot Noir which is classically vibrant in colour with notes of cherry, berry fruits, earth and mushroom
Chardonnay is generally made in a lean style
How many tourists visit California wine regions each year?
24m
