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WSET Level 4 - D3 > USA - California - North Coast > Flashcards

USA - California - North Coast Flashcards

1
Q

What is included in the North Coast AVA?

A
  • Substantial proportions of
  • Napa County
  • Sonoma County
  • Mendocino County
  • Lake County
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2
Q

Mendocino County
How many AVAs are there and what is the most important one?

A
  • 13 AVAs
  • Anderson Valley AVA
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3
Q

Mendocino County
What are the different climates of the AVAs and what are the grapes grown?

A
  • More coastal, cooler: e.g., Anderson valley (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay)
  • Further inland, warmer: e.g., Redwood Valley (Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon)
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4
Q

Mendocino County
How are the grapes typically priced compared to Napa and Sonoma and what are they used for?

A
  • Lower priced
  • Often used for multi-regional blends
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5
Q

Mendocino County - Anderson Valley AVA
Describe the different influences in the AVA

A
  • Usually warm day-time temps and cold air and fog funnelled inland -> cold evenings and mornings
  • Further inland: valley becomes narrower, so less ocean breezes and fog -> warmer
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6
Q

Mendocino County - Anderson Valley AVA
What is the rainfall and when is it mostly raining?

A
  • 900-2,000mm
  • Mostly in winter and spring
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7
Q

Mendocino County - Anderson Valley AVA
Where are most vineyards planted and what is an environmental risk?

A
  • Vineyards mostly planted on slopes
  • Cold nights mean frost can be an issue, esp. in low-lying areas
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8
Q

Mendocino County - Anderson Valley AVA
How much ha are planted, what are the most important varieties and what types of wines are produced?

A
  • 1,000 ha
  • Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
  • Still and sparkling wines
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9
Q

Mendocino County - Anderson Valley AVA
Describe the typical style of high quality Pinot Noir (aromas, acidity, body, quality, price)

A
  • Fresh raspberry, cherry and plum
  • Medium(+) acidity
  • Medium body
  • Good to outstanding quality
  • Premium priced (some super-premium)
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10
Q

Mendocino County - Anderson Valley AVA
Name two significant producers

A
  • Littorai
  • Williams Selyem
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11
Q

Mendocino County - Anderson Valley AVA
What other styles of wines are produced?

A

Aromatic Alsace-style white wines from Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc

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12
Q

Lake County
What is the climate and how is it influenced?

A
  • Rain shadow between mountain ranges
  • Warm climate
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13
Q

Lake County
Where are most vineyards located and how is grape growing influenced?

A
  • Most vineyards are around “Clear Lake” in the southern part
  • Afternoon breezes
  • Planted on slopes around the lake
  • 400-450m -> cooling effects of altitude
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14
Q

Lake County
What are the two most planted varieties?

A
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Sauvignon Blanc
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15
Q

Lake County
How much area is planted?

A

200 ha

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16
Q

Lake County
What are the wines mainly used for?

A

Mostly for multi-regional blends

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17
Q

Sonoma County
How many AVAs does it encompass and what are the three overarching AVAs?

A
  • 18 AVAs
  • Northern Sonoma AVA
  • Sonoma Coast AVA
  • Sonoma Valley AVA
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18
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA
Where in Sonoma is it located and what is it influenced by?

A
  • Separated from the Pacific by the Sonoma Coast AVA
  • Russian River flow through it and provides water
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19
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA
What are the major AVAs?

A
  • Alexander Valley
  • Knights Valley
  • Rockpile
  • Chalk Hill
  • Russian River Valley
  • Dry Creek Valley
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20
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Alexander Valley AVA
Where is it located and what is the climate and what is it influenced by?

A
  • Northeast corner of Sonoma County
  • Warm climate
  • Cooled in the evenings by Pacific air through the Petaluma Gap and Russian River Valley to the south
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21
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Alexander Valley AVA
Where are the vineyards located and what is the influence on grape growing?

A
  • Both, on valley floor and west / southwest facing slopes at 100-750m
  • Aspect and altitude -> long sunshine hours
  • Altitude helps to retain acidity
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22
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Alexander Valley AVA
Describe the different soil types of the vineyard locations

A
  • Mixture of soils
  • Valley floor: more fertile
  • Higher altitudes: more low-nutrient, free-draining
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23
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Alexander Valley AVA
What is the most planted variety and what wines does it produce? (variety, aromas, body, tannin, quality, price)

A
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Ripe flavours of blackberry, blackcurrant, dried herbs and chocolate
  • Full body
  • Valley floor: less tannin
  • Slopes: more structured and concentrated
  • Good to outstanding quality
  • Mid- to premium priced (some super-premium)
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24
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Alexander Valley AVA
What other varieties have notable plantings?

A
  • Chardonnay
  • Merlot
  • Zinfandel
  • Petit Verdot
  • Malbec
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25
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Alexander Valley AVA
Name two significant producers

A
  • Kendall-Jackson (including the Stonestreet Estate)
  • Seghesio
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26
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Knights Valley AVA
Where is it located and what is the climate?

A
  • Furthest-inland AVA
  • One of the warmest areas of Sonoma County
  • Surrounded by hills and sheltered from any cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean
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27
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Knights Valley AVA
What are the soils and what type of wines are produced from the most planted variety?

A
  • Warm, free-draining volcanic soils
  • Ripe, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon
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28
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Knights Valley AVA
What further varieties are grown?

A
  • Merlot
  • Syrah
  • Zinfandel
  • Some Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc
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29
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Dry Creek Valley AVA
What is it known for?

A
  • Zinfandel, some from >100 year old vines
  • Sauvignon Blanc
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30
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Dry Creek Valley AVA
Where are vineyards planted and what is the soil?

A
  • Valley floor and on slopes of the Dry Creek river
  • Mixed, free draining -> reduce vigor
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31
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Dry Creek Valley AVA
What influences the climate?

A
  • Sheltered by coastal mountains -> warm
  • Valley funnels cool ocean air and fogs from San Pablo Bay in the afternoon and evenings -> retain acidity
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32
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Dry Creek Valley AVA
How does the climate change based on locations in the valley?

A
  • South of the valley: cooler due to coastal influence
  • West-facing vineyards are exposed to afternoon sun -> warmer than those on the western slopes
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33
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Dry Creek Valley AVA
Describe the typical style of Zinfandel (aromas, acidity, body, oak, quality, price)

A
  • Ripe flavours of blackberry, black plum and cherry
  • Medium(+) acidity
  • Medium(+) to full body
  • Maturation in (American) oak typical (usually some new oak)
  • Good to outstanding quality
  • Mid-priced to premium priced
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34
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Dry Creek Valley AVA
Describe Zinfandel’s aromas based on the location in the valley

A
  • West-facing slopes in the north: riper, with more jammy and dried fruit flavours
  • East-facing vineyards and those in the south: fresher styles
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35
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Dry Creek Valley AVA
Besides Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc, what other varieties are grown?

A
  • Bordeaux varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
  • Rhône varieties: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Carignan
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36
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Dry Creek Valley AVA
Name two significant producers

A
  • Ridge
  • Kinsella Estates
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37
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Rockpile AVA
Where are vineyards located and what does it mean?

A
  • Steep rocky slopes
  • Min 244m altitude
  • Variety of aspects and altitudes (up to around 650 m)
  • Diverse range of growing conditions
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38
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Rockpile AVA
What is the climate influenced by and what does altitude help with?

A
  • Heavily influenced by snake-like “Lake Sonoma”
  • Creates an inversion layer, which keeps the vineyards relatively warm at night
  • Vineyards are above the fog layer -> long hours of sunshine
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39
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Rockpile AVA
Describe the soil and weather conditions and their effect on grape growing

A
  • Shallow hillside soils hold little water
  • Windy conditions -> high evapotranspiration rates
  • Low yields and concentrated, ripe fruit
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40
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Rockpile AVA
What varieties are grown?

A
  • Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Syrah
  • Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot
  • Douro varieties
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41
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Rockpile AVA
Name two significant producers

A
  • Seghesio Family
  • Devil Proof
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42
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Russian River Valley AVA
Where are the coolest parts of the valley and what is the effect?

A
  • The south and western parts are cooled by fog and wind from Petaluma Gap
  • Fog arrives in the evening and reduces temperatures significantly
  • Slower sugar accumulation and greater acidity retention
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43
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Russian River Valley AVA
What are the most planted varieties?

A

Early-ripening Pinot Noir and Chardonnay

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44
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Russian River Valley AVA
What is the soil and what effect does it have on grape growing?

A
  • Soils vary: yellow sandstone to rocky sandy clay loam
  • Free-draining and low in nutrients
  • -> Lower vigor and yield
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45
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Russian River Valley AVA
What is the typical style of Pinot Noir? (aromas, acidity, body, tannin, oak, quality, price)

A
  • Ripe strawberry and red cherry
  • Medium(+) acidity
  • Medium to medium(+) body
  • Medium tannin
  • Vanilla spice from oak maturation
  • Good to outstanding quality
  • Mid- to super-premium priced
46
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Russian River Valley AVA
What is the typical style of Chardonnay? (aromas, acidity, body, malo, oak, quality, price)

A
  • Ripe peach and pineapple
  • Medium(+) acidity
  • Medium to medium (+) body
  • Often creamy from malo
  • Often spicy from oak maturation
  • Good to outstanding quality
  • Mid- to super-premium priced
47
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Russian River Valley AVA
Name two significant producers

A
  • Rochioli
  • La Crema
48
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Russian River Valley AVA
Where in the AVA are warmer conditions and what varieties are grown here?

A
  • Inland and up to the northeast (sheltered by hills from the fog and breezes)
  • Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel
  • Riper styles of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
49
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Russian River Valley AVA
What are the two sub-AVAs?

A
  • Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA
  • Chalk Hill AVA
50
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Russian River Valley AVA - Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA
Where is it located and what does it mean for the climate?

A
  • Located next to Petaluma Gap
  • Gets first fogs in the afternoon and is the last area to have the fog burnt off
  • Some of the coolest conditions in northern California
51
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Russian River Valley AVA - Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA
What is the soil and what does it mean for grape growing?

A
  • Free-draining, low-nutrient sandstone soils
  • Limiting vigor
  • Creating small concentrated grapes
52
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Russian River Valley AVA - Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA
What grapes are grown and what types of wines are produced? How does the style differ from usual style in Russian River Valley?

A
  • Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
  • Still and sparkling wines
  • Can have higher acidity and fresher fruit flavours
53
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Russian River Valley AVA - Chalk Hill AVA
What is the climate, soil, and altitude?

A
  • Warm climate as Pacific breezes are blocked (relatively far inland)
  • Soil: white volcanic ash (NOT chalk)
  • Vineyards from valley floor up to 500m
54
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Russian River Valley AVA - Chalk Hill AVA
What varieties are planted here?

A
  • Chardonnay
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Sauvignon Blanc
55
Q

Sonoma County - Sonoma Coast AVA
What AVAs does it include?

A
  • Sonoma side of Carneros
  • Part of Sonoma Valley
  • Western part of Chalk Hill
  • Most of the Russian River Valley AVA
  • Petaluma Gap AVA
  • Fort Ross Seaview AVA
56
Q

Sonoma County - Sonoma Coast AVA
Describe the growing conditions

A
  • Close to the coast -> extremely exposed to cold ocean winds and fog
  • Limited sunshine due to fog -> Cool growing conditions
57
Q

Sonoma County - Sonoma Coast AVA
What grapes are mostly grown and what is the typical style? (acidity, body, alcohol)

A
  • Early-ripening Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
  • High acidity
  • Light body
  • Medium alcohol
58
Q

Sonoma County - Sonoma Coast AVA - Fort Ross Seaview AVA
Where are the vineyards located and what is the influence?

A
  • Min 280m altitude
  • Vineyards are above the fog layer
  • Gain longer hours of sunshine and warmth
  • Moderating influence from coastal winds
59
Q

Sonoma County - Sonoma Coast AVA - Fort Ross Seaview AVA
What are the most planted varieties?

A
  • Chardonnay
  • Pinot Noir
  • Syrah
60
Q

Sonoma County - Sonoma Coast AVA - Petaluma Gap AVA
What significantly influences the climate and how?

A
  • Open to the coast at both ends
  • High-speed coastal winds of at least 12 km/h through the growing season
  • -> lower temps and cause leaf stomata to close, slowing respiration and photosynthesis
61
Q

Sonoma County - Sonoma Coast AVA - Petaluma Gap AVA
What are the most planted varieties and what is the typical style of wine? (aromas, acidity, alcohol)

A
  • Pinot Noir (75%)
  • Chardonnay, Syrah
  • Fresh fruit flavours
  • High acidities
  • Lower alcohol compared to more sheltered, inland appellations
62
Q

Sonoma County - Sonoma Valley AVA
What two climatic influences exist?

A
  • Sheltered by mountains to the east and west from Pacific breezes
  • Southern part coolest as it open towards the San Pablo Bay
63
Q

Sonoma County - Sonoma Valley AVA
What AVA are included?

A
  • North
  • Sonoma Mountain AVA
  • Bennett Valley AVA
  • South
  • Carneros AVA
64
Q

Sonoma County - Sonoma Valley AVA - Sonoma Mountain AVA
Where are vineyards located and what are influences on grape growing?

A
  • East-facing, steep slopes
  • Up to 730m altitude, above the fog line
  • -> Intense sun and warm daytime temps
  • -> Ripe flavors, tannins, and deep color
  • Cold air from mountains can give cool nights -> retain acidity
65
Q

Sonoma County - Sonoma Valley AVA - Sonoma Mountain AVA
What is the soil and what influence does it have on grape growing?

A
  • Volcanic
  • Free-draining
  • Low in nutrients
  • -> Control vigor and yields
66
Q

Sonoma County - Sonoma Valley AVA - Sonoma Mountain AVA
What are the varieties grown?

A
  • Black
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Merlot
  • Zinfandel
  • Syrah
  • White
  • Chardonnay
  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Semillon
67
Q

Sonoma County - Sonoma Valley AVA - Bennett Valley AVA
What are the climatic influences?

A
  • Surrounded by hills -> warm, sheltered conditions during the day
  • Cool air and fog from the hills -> cold at night
68
Q

Sonoma County - Sonoma Valley AVA - Bennett Valley AVA
What are the main varieties grown?

A
  • Syrah
  • Merlot
  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Chardonnay
  • Other Rhône varieties such as Grenache and Viognier
69
Q

Sonoma County - Sonoma Valley AVA - Carneros AVA
Where is the AVA located?

A

Between San Pablo Bay to the south and the Sonoma and Napa counties to the north

70
Q

Sonoma County - Sonoma Valley AVA - Carneros AVA
What are climatic influences and where are vineyards located?

A
  • Fog and cold winds in mornings and evenings through San Pablo Bay
  • Warm and sunny daytimes
  • Low elevation (up to 200m)
71
Q

Sonoma County - Sonoma Valley AVA - Carneros AVA
What two varieties is it most known for and what is the typical range of styles of both? (varieties, aromas, acidity, body, alcohol, quality, price)

A
  • Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (a portion used for sparkling wine)
  • From fresher fruit, medium(+) acidity, medium body, medium alcohol
  • To riper, fuller-bodied, higher-alcohol styles
  • Good to outstanding quality
  • Mid- to super-premium priced
72
Q

Sonoma County - Sonoma Valley AVA - Carneros AVA
What other varieties besides Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are grown?

A
  • Merlot
  • Syrah
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
73
Q

Sonoma County - Sonoma Valley AVA - Carneros AVA
Name two significant producers

A
  • Kistler
  • Tor
74
Q

Sonoma County - Sonoma Valley AVA - Carneros AVA
What is special about the AVA and how is this reflected in labeling regulations?

A
  • Overlaps the border between two counties: Sonoma and Napa
  • Wine from the Sonoma side may use ‘Sonoma County’
  • Wine from the Napa Valley side may use ‘Napa Valley’
  • If grapes come from both counties, it can only be labeled ‘Carneros’
75
Q

Napa County - Napa Valley AVA
What is the Napa Valley known for?

A

High-quality wines from Cabernet Sauvignon

76
Q

Napa County - Napa Valley AVA
How much of California’s production in terms of volume and value does it represent?

A
  • Volume: 4%
  • Value: 27%
77
Q

Napa County - Napa Valley AVA
What does conjunctive labeling law mean?

A

Wines from smaller AVA, e.g., ‘Rutherford’ must have additionally ‘Napa Valley’ on the label

78
Q

Napa County - Napa Valley AVA
How many smaller AVAs does it comprise?

79
Q

Napa County - Napa Valley AVA
How much area under vine does it have?

80
Q

Napa County - Napa Valley AVA
Where are vineyards located?

A
  • On the valley floor
  • On the mountain slopes either side
81
Q

Napa County - Napa Valley AVA
What are the general climatic influences?

A
  • Sheltered by mountains from cold Pacific Ocean
  • Protected by mountains from the hot Central Valley
  • To the south: open to San Pablo Bay
  • -> Vineyards heat up during the day, air rises and pulls cool air and fog from the bay up the valley in the afternoon
82
Q

Napa County - Napa Valley AVA - AVAs on Valley Floor
Name the AVAs from south to north, incl. a rough description of the climatic influences

A
  • South
  • Carneros AVA
  • Coombsville AVA
  • Oak Knoll AVA
  • Fog does not burn off, limiting warmth and sunlight
  • Further north
  • Yountville AVA
  • Stags Leap District AVA
  • Oakville AVA
  • Rutherford AVA
  • Warm climates but nights are cooled by winds and fog from the bay
  • North
  • St Helena AVA
  • Calistoga AVA
  • Warm to hot -> barely cooling influences from San Pablo Bay
  • Some cooling during the afternoon and night from Pacific breezes
83
Q

Napa County - Napa Valley AVA - AVAs on Valley Floor - Carneros
What is it best known for?

A

Early-ripening Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

84
Q

Napa County - Napa Valley AVA - AVAs on Valley Floor - Coombsville AVA & Oak Knoll AVA
What is it best known for?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon (main grape)
Merlot
Chardonnay

85
Q

Napa County - Napa Valley AVA - AVAs on Valley Floor - Coombsville AVA & Oak Knoll AVA
What is the style of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot compared to other AVAs in Napa Valley?

A
  • Relatively cool conditions
  • Fresher fruit
  • Lighter-bodied
86
Q

Napa County - Napa Valley AVA - AVAs on Valley Floor - Yountville AVA, Stags Leap District AVA, Oakville AVA, Rutherford AVA
What is the climatic difference between the four AVAs?

A
  • Cooling by winds and fog from the bay
  • Most in Yountville (most southerly)
  • Least in Rutherford (most northerly)
87
Q

Napa County - Napa Valley AVA - AVAs on Valley Floor - Yountville AVA, Stags Leap District AVA, Oakville AVA, Rutherford AVA
What varieties are grown?

A
  • Cabernet Sauvignon (main grape)
  • Merlot
  • Cabernet Franc
  • Some Zinfandel in Rutherford
88
Q

Napa County - Napa Valley AVA - AVAs on Valley Floor - Yountville AVA, Stags Leap District AVA, Oakville AVA, Rutherford AVA
Describe the typical style of Cabernet Sauvignon (concentration, aromas, body, tannin, comparison to wines from the mountains)

A
  • Concentrated ripe fruit: juicy blackcurrant, blackberry and plum fruit and often notes of spice (liquorice, cloves) or herbs
  • Medium(+) to full body
  • High, ripe tannins
  • Rounder and more fruity in youth than the more structured wines from the mountains
89
Q

Napa County - Napa Valley AVA - AVAs on Valley Floor - Yountville AVA, Stags Leap District AVA, Oakville AVA, Rutherford AVA
What is the main white grape variety and what type of wines does it produce? (aromas, acidity)

A
  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Peach and tropical flavors
  • Medium(+) acidity
90
Q

Napa County - Napa Valley AVA - AVAs on Valley Floor - Yountville AVA, Stags Leap District AVA, Oakville AVA, Rutherford AVA
What is the most famous vineyard area and in what two AVAs is it located?

A
  • The Rutherford Bench
  • Oakville AVA
  • Rutherford AVA
91
Q

Napa County - Napa Valley AVA - AVAs on Valley Floor - St Helena AVA, Calistoga AVA
What are the most planted varieties?

A
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Merlot
  • Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Zinfandel
92
Q

Napa County - Napa Valley AVA - AVAs on Mountain Sides
Where are vineyards located and how does it influence grape growing?

A
  • Above the fog layer (up to 800m)
  • -> Cooling influence
  • -> Longer hours of sunlight than on the valley floor
  • Less temperature extremes and lower diurnal range
93
Q

Napa County - Napa Valley AVA - AVAs on Mountain Sides
How do the wines compare to those from the valley floor?

A
  • Higher levels of tannins
  • Higher acidity
94
Q

Napa County - Napa Valley AVA - AVAs on Mountain Sides
What are the two major influences on the climate?

A
  • West-facing vineyards (on the east side of the valley) are exposed to intense afternoon sun
  • North to south -> the more south, the more cooling influence
95
Q

Napa County - Napa Valley AVA - AVAs on Mountain Sides
What is the coolest AVA and what does it mean for grape growing?

A
  • Mount Veeder AVA on the south west of the valley
  • Cabernet Sauvignon struggles to ripen in some years
96
Q

Napa County - Napa Valley AVA - AVAs on Mountain Sides - Atlas Peak AVA
What are the climatic conditions?

A

Relatively cool, but gains afternoon sun

97
Q

Napa County - Napa Valley AVA - AVAs on Mountain Sides
What is the warmest Napa Valley AVA and what type of wine does it produce?

A
  • Howell Mountain AVA in the north east of the valley
  • Intensely concentrated, ripe Cabernet Sauvignon with high firm tannins
98
Q

Napa County - Napa Valley AVA - AVAs on Mountain Sides
What two AVAs are slightly cooler than Howell Mountain AVA and where are they located?

A
  • Spring Mountain District AVA
  • Diamond Mountain District AVA
  • Located on the north west side
99
Q

Napa County - Napa Valley AVA
Describe the soil generally

A
  • Wide variety of soil types
  • Possible to find multiple soil types in a single vineyard
100
Q

Napa County - Napa Valley AVA
How does the soil change in different locations and what does it mean for grape growing?

A
  • Mountains: thin and poor in nutrients, restricting vigor and yields -> small, concentrated grapes
  • Middle and east of the valley: silt and clay -> highest fertility and water retaining capacity -> less structured wines
  • West side of valley (bottom of mountains): alluvial fans (‘benches’) caused by the deposition of sediments by mountain streams as they reach the flat valley floor -> deep, rocky with moderate fertility (in between other two types)
101
Q

Napa County - Napa Valley AVA
Why is Napa Valley not under threat from housing and business constructions?

A

About 90% of Napa County is under high levels of protection from development

102
Q

Napa County - Napa Valley AVA
How much of plantable area is planted with vine? What does it mean?

A
  • Almost all viable and permitted vineyard land is planted with vines
  • Popularity and inability to expand production leads to incredibly high grape and land prices
103
Q

Napa County - Napa Valley AVA
How are vines typically trained? Is mechanization and irrigation allowed?

A
  • Typically cordon or replacement spur, with VSP trellising
  • Mechanisation can be used on valley floor vineyards, mountain sides can often only be tended by hand
  • Drip irrigation is widely installed
104
Q

Napa County - Napa Valley AVA
What is a risk in the valley floors?

A
  • Frost
  • Not so much in the mountains
105
Q

Napa County - Napa Valley AVA
What are the most planted varieties?

A
  • Black
  • Cabernet Sauvignon (40%)
  • Smaller plantings of Merlot, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Petite Sirah
  • White
  • Chardonnay (most planted)
  • Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris
106
Q

Napa County - Napa Valley AVA
Describe the typical style of wines in 1980s and 90s (harvesting, aromas, intensity, acidity, body, alcohol, oak)

A
  • Relatively late harvest
  • Extra-ripe flavours
  • Lower acidity
  • Full body
  • High alcohol
  • High proportion of new oak -> vanilla, coconut and toast flavors
107
Q

Napa County - Napa Valley AVA
What are the recent trends regarding winemaking? (picking, oak, selection, single varietal wines, blending)

A
  • Earlier picking
  • High proportions of new oak are still common for red wines, but less time in oak
  • Selection of healthiest fruit
  • Even if single varietly would be possible, there is often a small proportion of other varieties in the blend (typically CS with others)
  • Blending across different vineyards is common (within or across different AVAs)
108
Q

Napa County - Napa Valley AVA
What is the typical quality and price of Cabernet Sauvignon?

A
  • Good to outstanding quality
  • Premium or super-premium price
109
Q

Napa County - Napa Valley AVA
What are the two most important white varieties and how are the styles influenced by the different sites?

A
  • Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc
  • Cooler valley floor AVAs: higher acidity
  • Warmer valley floor AVAs: riper fruit (more stone fruit and tropical rather than citrus)
  • Mountain AVAs: less pronounced fruit
110
Q

Napa County - Napa Valley AVA
How are Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc typically made? (oak)

A
  • Chardonnay: often fermented and matured in oak (less than in past)
  • Sauvignon Blanc: mostly unoaked style, but some producers make an oaked style

WSET Level 4 - D3 (56 decks)

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