USA & California Flashcards
What was an early attempt at East Coast viticulture in the US, and why did it fail?
Settlers (like Thomas Jefferson in Virginia) tried planting Vitis vinifera, but phylloxera and unsuitable soils caused repeated failures. Native species or hybrids fared better early on.
Which missionaries first planted vines in California?
Spanish missionaries in the 18th century (e.g., San Juan Capistrano Mission, 1779) cultivated the Mission grape (Listán Prieto).
How do US wine laws differ from Europe’s?
US laws do not regulate winemaking or grape varieties by region; AVAs simply define geographic boundaries with shared traits, offering broad freedom to producers.
Who oversees American AVAs, and what was the first official AVA?
The TTB (formerly BATF) approves AVAs. The first AVA was Augusta, Missouri (1980), followed by Napa Valley (1981).
What is the required percentage of grapes for a wine labeled by country/state/county?
At least 75% of the grapes must come from that stated origin.
What is the required percentage of grapes for a wine labeled by AVA?
At least 85% of the grapes must come from that AVA.
What about a single-vineyard-labeled wine?
At least 95% of the grapes must come from that named vineyard.
Which labeling rules apply to Vitis vinifera vs. Vitis labrusca varietal wines?
Vitis vinifera wines: 75% of the stated variety. Vitis labrusca wines: 51% of the stated variety.
What does “estate bottled” imply on a US wine label?
It means 100% of grapes were grown on land owned or controlled by the winery, which must also be in the same AVA as the winery.
What is the difference in vintage labeling for state/county vs. AVA?
State or county-labeled wines must have 85% from the stated vintage; AVA-labeled wines must have 95% from that vintage.
Name two major historical events that impacted US wine production.
Prohibition (1920-1933) forced most wineries to close; The 1976 Judgment of Paris put California wines on the world stage.
When and why did phylloxera appear in California?
It arrived in the 1860s, devastating vineyards and prompting replanting on American rootstocks for resistance.
Which 1976 event showcased California’s wines globally?
The Judgment of Paris tasting, where CA’s Chateau Montelena Chardonnay & Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon beat top French wines.
What is the “cult winery” phenomenon in California during the 1990s?
A handful of wineries (e.g., Screaming Eagle, Harlan Estate) commanded huge demand and prices, reflecting collector fervor and limited supply.
Which broad area dominates US wine production?
California accounts for ~80-90% of all US wine, overshadowing other states in volume and global reputation.
Name four important red grape varieties in California.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel. (Syrah also important.)
What are the major white grapes in California?
Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc lead; also Riesling, Viognier, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Grigio in smaller volumes.
Describe California’s general climate influences.
Maritime near coasts (fog, cool ocean breezes), Mediterranean inland valleys, Continental/higher-elevation in the Sierra Foothills. Warm, sunny conditions are typical.
Why is geology in California so diverse?
The state’s mountainous ridges, tectonic faulting, ancient seabeds, alluvial fans, and large basins create varied soils like loam, limestone, granite, and more.
How do California winemakers typically approach red winemaking?
They use temperature-controlled stainless or concrete, aim for extended maceration for color/intensity, higher ripeness/alcohol, and often age in new French or American oak.
List three widely recognized AVAs in Mendocino County.
Anderson Valley, Mendocino Ridge, Yorkville Highlands (with Anderson Valley known for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling).
Which AVA is notable in Lake County for Cabernet Sauvignon?
Clear Lake AVA, known for volcanic soils, also High Valley AVA. Warmer climate but moderated by lake effects.
What major grape varieties does Sonoma County specialize in?
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, and Sauvignon Blanc—diverse microclimates enable many styles.
Name three key AVAs in Sonoma.
Sonoma Coast, Russian River Valley, and Alexander Valley are major ones (others include Dry Creek, Knights Valley, Carneros).
Which is the most famous California AVA worldwide?
Napa Valley, recognized internationally for premium Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals.
List four sub-AVAs of Napa Valley.
Examples: Rutherford, Oakville, Stags Leap District, Howell Mountain, plus many others like Spring Mountain, Coombsville, Diamond Mountain, etc.
Which variety is historically prominent in the Sierra Foothills?
Zinfandel—particularly old vines. Sub-AVAs include Shenandoah Valley, Fair Play.
Where do many bulk/low-cost wines originate in CA?
The Central Valley, including areas around Lodi, produces mass-market wines. Lodi also has some higher-quality old-vine Zinfandel pockets.
Name two sub-AVAs of Monterey County.
Santa Lucia Highlands and Arroyo Seco, known for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, plus Merlot.
What grapes thrive in San Luis Obispo County (Paso Robles)?
Paso Robles fosters Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Grenache, plus Zinfandel. Warm days, cooler nights from oceanic breezes.
Which AVAs are notable in Santa Barbara County for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay?
Santa Maria Valley, Santa Ynez Valley, and Sta. Rita Hills, benefiting from ocean fog funneling through east-west valleys.
What is the hallmark climate phenomenon of Santa Barbara’s wine regions?
The only east-west coastal mountain range in California channels cool maritime fog, perfect for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Which region is the southernmost notable AVA in California?
Temecula (South Coast) is near San Diego, focusing on Syrah, other Rhône varieties, some Mediterranean grapes.
What labeling must appear if sulfites exceed 10 ppm in a US wine?
“Contains Sulfites” is required on the label for wines with ≥10 ppm SO₂.
How much variation is allowed for labeled ABV in table wine?
U.S. federal law permits ±1.5% deviation from the stated ABV for table wine (7–14% category).
Explain “estate bottled” under US AVA rules.
All grapes come from vineyards owned or controlled by the winery, located within a single AVA, and the winery itself must be in that AVA.
Which CA region is recognized for sparkling wine from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay?
Anderson Valley (Mendocino) has excelled in methode traditionnelle sparkling. Carneros (Napa/Sonoma) is also known for sparkling.
What is Fumé Blanc?
Robert Mondavi’s rebranding of oak-aged Sauvignon Blanc in 1960s–1970s. A marketing term, not a regulated name, signifying a certain style.
Why is Lodi recognized for old vine Zinfandel?
Its older vineyards (some 100+ years old) survived prohibition, producing intensely flavored, robust Zin with distinct brambly fruit.
Which region near Santa Cruz city fosters world-class Pinot Noir and Cabernet?
The Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, home to Ridge (Monte Bello) for Cabernet and high-elevation Pinot Noir.
Name a US pioneer who proved vinifera success in the East (Finger Lakes) in the 1960s.
Dr. Konstantin Frank demonstrated Riesling and other vinifera thrive in upstate New York’s cooler climate, launching Vinifera Wine Cellars.
Which is the largest AVA in the US by area?
The Upper Mississippi River Valley AVA, spanning parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois. Larger than many countries, though not as high profile for vinifera.
In which decade did CA’s “cult winery” phenomenon solidify?
The 1990s, with small-production, high-rated Cabernet-based wines like Screaming Eagle, fetching very high prices and waiting lists.
Name three key historical Napa wineries still in operation.
Charles Krug (1861), Schramsberg (1862), Beringer (1876) – all predating Prohibition and continuing today.
Which region in California is known for warm days but strong marine influence via the Petaluma Gap?
Sonoma Coast, especially the southwestern portion. Fog and cool winds moderate the vineyards for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, etc.
Who was André Tchelistcheff?
A Russian-born winemaker hired by Beaulieu Vineyards (1938), credited for elevating Napa’s wine quality and influencing generations of winemakers.
What effect did the 1976 Judgment of Paris have on US wines?
It propelled California wines onto the global stage, proving they could rival or surpass top French producers in blind tastings.
Name a common, less expensive region for table wines in the Central Valley.
The broader “California” or “Central Valley” label, often from places like Modesto/Fresno, includes Gallo’s mass-market wines.
Which climate type covers most of Napa?
Mediterranean, with moderate winters, warm/dry summers, moderated by cool breezes/fog from the San Pablo Bay, especially in the southern AVAs (Carneros).
