Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

WSET3 > USA and Canada > Flashcards

USA and Canada Flashcards

1
Q

The US GI system is based on what ?

A

American Viticultural Area ( AVA )

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Can AVAs overlap ?. If so give and example

A

Yes. Santa Rita Hills is largely within the larger Santa Ynes Valley AVA

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What might appear on the label if a wine does not qualify for AVA status

A

State or County name - eg Napa County

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What makes CA able to produce a diverse array of wines

A

Warnth, bright sunlight, cooling influences of the Ocean and elevation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Given CA spans 1100 km from N to S what plays the most important role in defining it’s climate

A

The cool Pacific Ocean currents

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Where are the Pacific Ocean effects felt less in CA

A

In mountainous regions North of San Francisco where the Mts shield much of the state

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Describe the cooling effect of the Ocean on some of the vineyards of CA

A

Evening fogs and cool air are drawing in lowering night time temps. The time taken for the sun to burn off this fog in the morning means the cooling effect extends well into the day

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Give an example of where are there gaps in the mountains with valleys at right angles to the Ocean. What is the climatic effect of these

A

The valleys act as a cool air funnel. Monterrey and Santa Barbara counties

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Apart from sun and warmth what else do all CA wine regions have in common

A

Low rainfall during ripening season

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is widely practised in CA due to the low rainfall in autumn

A

Drip irrigation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

CA has generally been known for super ripe fruit but what is the current trend

A

Trend is away from ripeness and towards freshness hence growers are picking earlier

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is the most widely planted black grape in CA. Describe the wines made from it

A

Cabernet Sauvignon. Immensely concentrated full bodied wines with ripe cassis flavors and spice from new oak barrels. Some winemakers are trending towards a less rich style with fresher blackcurrant flavors

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Why are barrels stored on racks rather than stacked on the cellar floor

A

To make them easier to select and move

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Describe how the ripening characteristics of Zinfandel affect flavors in the wine

A

Zinfandel ripens unevenly meaning that within the same bunch there can be under ripe and raisined grapes. The raisined grapes give the wine ripe fruit flavors, full body and high alcohol. The under ripe grapes can lend herbaceous qualities as well as red fruit. It is not uncommon for Zins to display both black and red fruits

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is Rose Zinfandel know as - what is its profile

A

White Zinfandel. Med sweet, fruity, low alcohol, pale in color

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Where in CA are the largest plantings of Merlot - describe a typical one

A

In the San Joaquin Valley. Simple wines, high alcohol, soft tannins with concentrated black fruit

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Where are higher quality Merlots made - describe one

A

Cooler sites in Sonoma and Napa county as well as Monterrey. Soft velvety tannins, high alcohol, full body and concentrated varietal fruits like black berry and plum

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Where is premium Pinot produced in CA. Describe the range in style

A

Los Carneros, Russian River Valley and Santa Maria Valley. Style varies according to vineyard site and can range from light and fruity with gamey and vegetal notes. Most show rich layers of ripe red fruit such as strawberry and cherry with sweet spice notes from new oak

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Where is Syrah planted in CA. What style of wines are typically made

A

Across the state. Typically full bodied rich style thouhg some producers also making leaner more peppery style

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What is the single most planted grape in CA. What is the profile of traditional premium CA wine made from this grape

A

Chardonnay. Full bodied, high alcohol, low acid, deeply colored. Oak flavors, hazlenut, toast and butter with peach and banana flavors

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Where are more restrained Chardonnays with less oak being produced

A

Cooler sites in Russian River Valley and Los Carneros

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Where do the best CA SBs come from….what is their profile Where do cheaper every day drinkers come from

A

The best come from the coastal regions….high acidand ripe citrus flavors. Daily drinkers from Central Valley

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What is the term used to describe oaked CA SB ( but can also be used to describe unoaked )

A

Fume Blanc

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Where is the majority of CA wine production. Where is premium wine production

A

The fertile Central Valley. Along the coast

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

How many regions are there in CA for wine growing. What are the 3 major ones

A

5.

Central Valley, Central Coast, North Coast

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Where is North Coast. What climatic factors determine grape plantings

A

Vineyards to the N of San Francisco Bay. Cooling effect of the Pacific current, fogs and cooling breezes flow through the valleys and gaps in the coastal ranges

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

What mountain range separates Napa and Sonoma. What Mountain range separates Napa from the Northern part of the Central Valley

A

Mayacamus Mountains to the west

Vaca Mountains to the east

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

How big is Napa

A

5km across and 50km N to S

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

Where are the vineyards located in Napa

A

On the valley floor and the sides

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

What are the most significant cooling factors in Napa

A

Morning fogs and afternoon breezes from San Pablo Bay

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

What is the most Southerly AVA in Napa that extends into Sonoma County. What wines is it known for

A

Los Carneros AVA. Known for premium Pinot and Chardonnay which are also used to make sparlking traditional method wines

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

Which Napa regions are known for premium Cabernet. Which other black grapes is planted in all 4. Which is considered to produce the most powerful Cabernets . What white grapes are also present

A

Rutherford, Yountville, Stags Leap, Oakville
Merlot
Rutherford - it has the least influence from the ocean and is the warmest
Chardonnay and SB

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

Where are some of the most concntrated full bodied wines in the Napa Valley

A

St Helena and Calistoga

34
Q

What provides some cooling relief to the hotter regions around St Helena and Calistoga. What other black grapes are present around this area

A

The Chalk Hill Gap in the Mayacamus Mts

Zinfandel and Syrah

35
Q

Give examples of AVAs on the West and East facing sides of the Napa Valley. How do they compare

A

West Facing - Howell Mtn, Atlas Peak get full afternoon sun. Fuller bodied wines with high alcohol.
East Facing - Diamond Mtn, Mount Veeder, Spring Mtn

36
Q

What can be said of the wines from the Valley walls compared to the Valley floor

A

Reds have more tannin and with less luscious mouthfeel

Whites ( Chardonnay ) have more acidity

37
Q

Apart from Cabernet what other black grapes appear in the vineyards of the Napa valley sides

A

Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Franc

38
Q

Which is the larger of Napa and Sonoma

A

Sonoma

39
Q

What is the name for the break in the Coastal ranges in Sonoma. Which AVA is considerably cooler because of this. What wines is it known for

A

Petaluna Gap. Russian River Valley

High quality Pinot and Chardonnay

40
Q

What AVA is to the North of RRV. What wines is it known for

A

Dry Creek Valley AVA ( warmer )

Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, Rhone varieties, Cabernet

41
Q

How does the climate of Alexander Valley compare to RRV. What wines is it known for

A

Warmer. Known for soft textured full bodied Cabernet. Also known for other international varieties

42
Q

The vineyards of Sonoma Coast generally face which direction - why

A

Sonoma Coast is heavily influenced by the Pacific so it’s vineyards are planted facing south to aid ripening

43
Q

What region is in the South of Sonoma and parallel to Napa. What wine is it known for

A

Sonoma Valley. Known for high quality Chardonnay but also old vine Zin

44
Q

What region is to the North of Sonoma. What is the name of the AVA there known for producing prem white wines from Gewurz and Riesling. How is it able to do this

A

Mendocino County

Anderson Valley AVA is very cool

45
Q

How does the climate of Mendocino AVA compare to Anderson Valley, why ?. What wines is it known for

A

Much warmer. It is protected by 900 m coastal hills

Soft full bodied Syrah, Cabernet and Zin

46
Q

What AVA is in the North of the Central Coast region. What wines is it known for

A

Santa Cruz Mts AVA

Moderate climate produces some of CAs most elegant Cabernet as well as high quality Pinot and Chardonnay

47
Q

Which AVA in the Central Coast follows the path of the Salinas Valley. What wine is it known for

A

Monterrey AVA
Chardonnay and Pinot along the coast
Merlot, Cabernet and Syrah further inland

48
Q

Give an example of an AVA within Monterrey county on the slopes of the Salinas Valley. What wines is it known for

A

Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. Known for Chardonnay with balanced acidity and citrus / tropical fruit

49
Q

What 2 counties are found in the South of Central Coast

What assists in funneling cool ocean air across the region

A

San Louis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. The mountains run west - east not north south

50
Q

Name an AVA in San Louis Obispo county. What wines is it known for

A

Paso Robles AVA. Fruity full bodied wines from the hotter eastern part. High quality zin and Rhone varietals from the cooler western part

51
Q

Name 3 AVA in Santa Barbara County. What wines are they known for

A

Santa Maria Valley AVA. KNown for Pinot and Chardonnay as it is exposed to the coast and much cooler
Santa Ynes valley is warmer and known for Syrah and Bordeaux varieties
Santa Rita Hills is known for Pinot and Chardonnay

52
Q

What 2 valleys does the Central Valley encompass. What wines is it known for

A

Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys. Bulk wine production

53
Q

What is the climate of Central Valley. What 2 grapes were specifically bred to make the most of this

A

Hot & dry. Rubired and Ruby Cabernet

54
Q

What grapes are grown in Central Valley

A

Cabernet, Merlot, Chardonnay, Columbard, Chennin Blanc, Barbera

55
Q

What AVA is known for the best and oldest Zin vines in CA. Where is it

A

Lodi AVA in the Central Valley

56
Q

Which mountain range separates 2 wine producing states in the NW of the US

A

Cascasde Mountains separates Oregon to the west and Washington to the east

57
Q

What AVA is in the North of Oregon. What is it’s climate and what wines is it known for

A

Willemette Valley AVA. Moderate climate with cooling sea breezes. Growing season mostly dry with long sunny days and cool nights. Known for Pinot with ripe red fruit, high acid and a hint of cinammon spice. Pinot Gris is also made in a fruity dry style

58
Q

Among others what 2 AVAs are encompassed by the larger Southern Oregon AVA. What is it’s climate compared to Northern Oregon. What grapes are grown there

A

Umpqua Valley AVA and Rogue Valley AVA
Warmer than N Oregon but does have cooler areas. Mixed climate varietals are grown such as Merlot, Cabernet, Pinot Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Syrah

59
Q

In which AVA are the majority of Washington state’s vineyards planted

A

Columbia Valley AVA

60
Q

What 2 smaller AVAs are located within Columbia Valley

A

Walla Walla AVA and Yakima Valley AVA

61
Q

Why is irrigation necessary in the Columbia Valley

A

It is in the rain shadow of the cascade mountains

62
Q

Describe the growing season weather conditions

A

Long sunny days, cool nights

63
Q

what is the biggest risk to vines in Columbia Valley

A

Winter freeze

64
Q

what wines is Columbia Valley known for

A

Plumy full bodied Merlot, ageworthy Cabernet, full bdied intense Syrah, chardonnay, riesling in a dry style with ripe stone fruit flavors

65
Q

What grapes are vinified in New York State

A

Local, hybrid varietals as well as Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot and Cabernet

66
Q

What is the most important AVA in New York for wine production

A

Finger Lakes AVA

67
Q

What extends the growing season in Finger Lakes

A

The deep glacial lakes that store heat well into Nov

68
Q

What wines is Finger Lakes known for

A

Perfumed Riesling, Pinot, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay

69
Q

Where are Canada’s most important wine regions.

A

Near Ontario and BC

70
Q

What is the climate of Canada’s wine regions…what is it mitigated by

A

Continental. Mitigated by large bodies of water

71
Q

How many DVAs does Ontario have. Which is the most important

A

3

Niagara Peninsula on the SW corner of Lake Ontario

72
Q

What is the name of Canad’s appellation system

A

Vintners Quality Alliance ( VQA )

73
Q

What are the provinces of Ontario and BC broken down into under the Canadian appellation system

A

DVAs Designated Viticultural Areas which are further broken down into regional appellations and sub appellations

74
Q

What must VQA wines comprise

A

100% vitis vinifera grapes from that province

75
Q

What effect does Lake Ontario have on grape vines

A

Lake heats up and cools down slower than the surrounding land hence this extends the growing season as well as delaying bud break avoiding spring frosts

76
Q

What wines is Niagara Peninsula known for

A

Fresh, fruity dry and off dry Riesling, Vidal ( icewine), Riesling ( icewine), dry low oak Chardonnay, Pinot, Cab Franc, Cabernet

77
Q

How many DVAs does BC have. Which is the most important

A

5

Okanagan Valley

78
Q

What is unusual about the climate of Okanagan Valley

A

Located between 2 mountain regions it experiences very low rainfall meaning almost desert conditions exist

79
Q

What assists grape ripening in Okanagan Valley

A

Very long summer days due to its northern latitude. Also large glacial lakes moderate temp

80
Q

What are the most widely planted grapes in BC

A

Merlot, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay

81
Q

What grapes are used to produce icewine in BC

A

Vidal and Riesling

WSET3 (25 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions