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USA intro & California Flashcards

1
Q

California accounts for what % of USA wine production?

A

Over 80%

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2
Q

Top four wine-producing states in USA?

A

California (>80%)
Washington (5%)
New York (4%)
Oregon (1.4%)

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3
Q

Land under vine in the USA

A

430,000ha

over 30 states - though all 50 states make wine

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4
Q

How many wineries in the USA?

A

10,000

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5
Q

New Mexico, Texas and California ceded to the USA when?

A

1848

followed immediately by California gold rush

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6
Q

When and how did California become the leader of wine production in USA?

A

Joined USA in 1848 (was Mexico!)

  • > Cali gold rush
  • > explosion in population
  • > 50-100-fold increase in v. vinifera plantings
  • > California Wine Association 1894: trading stability
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7
Q

When was prohibition declared?

A

1920

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8
Q

When was prohibition repealed?

A

1933

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9
Q

1940s and 1950s: big companies like Roma Wines and Gallo emerged. So what?

A

Created strong brands
Using European place names eg California Sherry, California Burgundy, Pink Chablis
Appeal to post-war consumer
Celebrity spokesmen

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10
Q

When did wine start to boom in the USA?

A

Late 1960s
revival in public interest
new wineres proliferated: California double in number ever 11-12 years
Suit grape variety to location etc => quality production

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11
Q

What govt body is in charge of AVAs?

A

TTB

US Dept of Treasury’s Alcohol, Tobacco, Tax and Trade Bureau

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12
Q

Do AVA rules stipulate winemkaing and grape growing?

A

No - geographic designations based on common features

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13
Q

Examples of AVAs that straddle more than one state

A

Oregon and Washington State share:
Columbia Valley AVA
Columbia Gorge AVA
Walla Walla Valley AVA

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14
Q

As well as AVAs, the US has Appellations of Origin. What are hey?

A

Defined by political boundaries (county, state, country)
75% of grapes must come from there
Wine must be fully finished in the state in which that county is located

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15
Q

Federal minimum % for grape variety if stated on label

A

75%

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16
Q

Federal minimum % for appellation of origin if stated on label

A

75% of grapes from stated county, state or country

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17
Q

federal minimum % of AVA if stated on label

A

85%

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18
Q

Oregon rules about labelling

A

100% of grapes must grown in Oregon to list Oregon as origin

If an Oregon AVA on label: 95% from that AVA

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19
Q

Is the USA the world’s largest wine market?

A

yes

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20
Q

USA’s 50 largest wine companies account for what % wine sold domestically by volume?

A

90%

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21
Q

Largest US wine companies

A 
E&J Gallo (70m cases)
The Wine Group (53m cases)
Constellation Brands (35m cases)
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22
Q

Land under vine (for wine production) in California

A

250,000ha

it is the world’s 4th largest wine producer (after Italy, France and Spain)

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23
Q

Californian AVAs grouped into what 5 categories?

A 
North Coast
Central Coast
Inland Valleys (inc. Central Valley)
Sierra Foothills
Southern California
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24
Q

Who introduced grapes to California originally?

A

Spanish missionaires

Altar wine, sweet fortified wine

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25
There was overplanting in California in the 1890s. So what?
Significant drop in grape andw ine prices Difficult for producers to survive Shortly followed by prohibition => really hurt the industry
26
Mid 20th century: what kind of wines coming out of California? Why?
Medium sweet and sweet wines (consumer preferences) | stupid names like Chablis, Burgundy, Rhine
27
When did Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon become the key grapes in California?
Mid to late 20th century
28
What sort of stuff did André Tchelistcheff pioneer?
Temperature controlled fermentation Better winery hygiene Prevention of disease, frost damage
29
Which two California wines did well at Paris Judgement 1976?
1973 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon | 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay
30
What is AXR1
Popular rootstock used in California in 1970s Higher yields than traditional rootstocks Proved unsuitable when phylloxera came in 1980s
31
Two key climatic influences in California?
Cold Pacific ocean | mountain ranges
32
Comment on the impact of the cold Pacific ocean on California?
California current brings water from the north Upwelling (deep cold water rises to surface) along the west coast => coastal waters much colder than east coast Vineyards with no ocean exposure are warm/hot Vineyards exposed to ocean get real cooling influence
33
What are the Coast Ranges? So what?
Mountain range starts in far north of California and runs down to Santa Barbara County Shelter from ocean Gaps within range (River valleys) can extend ocean influence inland
34
Explain high diurnal range in coastal California?
Land warms during the day Air above it rises, pulls in cooler air from coast in afternoon nd evening Cools vyds, reduces risk of fungal, frost, can slow ripening
35
California: when does fog form. So what?
Forms in afternoon, lasts until morning Cooling effect and reduced exposure to sunshine California has low latitude for a wine region => when fog burns off, sunlight is intense
36
Most high-altitude areas in California are above the fog line. So what?
Altitude can lower temperatures | But areas gain long hours of intense sunlight => more colour and tannin in black grapes
37
Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys otherwise known as...?
Central Valley
38
California climate
Mediterranean | without marked contrasts of a continental
39
Lot of vyd replanting in California in 1990s. Why?
Phyllxoera Pierce's disease increased understanding of vyd management
40
Vineyards replanted at scale in 1990s in California (phylloxera, Pierce's disease, better vyd mgmt). What was the result?
Changed from uniform way of planting and training to different densities, training and trellising to best suit site and grape
41
Significance of Mexican labour in California?
Traditionally; plentiful, skilled source of labour | Trump etc on illegal immigration and work permits => reduction in this labour force
42
Increase of mechanisation in California. Why?
Harder to get Mexican labour (Trump!) | Sometimes topography and/or size of vineyard means it makes sense commercially
43
Is fungal disease high or low in California? Why?
Low | Low rainfall and coastal breezes => reduced risk
44
Comment on Pierce's disease in California?
It's a prevalent threat Spread by leafhopper insects (SHARPSHOOTERS) mostly Southern California and Central Valley, but also Napa/Sonoma
45
Weather hazards in California?
Spring frosts | Wildfires
46
Examples of sustainability initiatives in California?
Ceritified Sustainable Napa Green Winery Sonoma County Winegrowers Lodi Rules
47
Rules for organic in USA
"Organic Wine" can't have any SO2 addition => only small amount of certification as a result "Certified Organic grapes" is more common
48
Breakdown of California grapes used for wine versus for table grapes/raisins
2/3 for wine | 1/3 for table grape, raisins
49
California wine grapes: more white or black?
More black | 63%
50
Two most planted grape varieties in California?
Chardonnay Cabernet Sauvignon about 20% of plantings aech
51
Premium California Chardonnay style
Varies, but commonly: Medium (+) to full body Pronounced peach, pineapple Malo, new oak More recently: Fresher, leaner, less-ripe fruit (citrus) and less overt new oak Lees can give struck-match note
52
California Cabernet Sauvignon: impact of vineyards with some moderating influence
Frseher black fruit, some herbal flavours Less body Lower alcohol
53
How to achieve very ripe, extra ripe full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon in California?
Green harvest | Long hang time
54
Pinot Noir in California: styles
Spectrum from: a) medium (+) acid, medium body, medium alcohol, fresh red cherry, raspberry to: b) fuller body, mroe alcohol, medium to medium (+) acid, riper flavours black fruit or jam
55
Zinfandel can ripen unevenly. So what?
Combination of medium (+) acid, some fresh flavours AND jammy flavours
56
Premium California Zinfandel style
``` Medium (+) acidity Medium to full body Ripe, medium (+) tannins Raspberry blueberry blackberry Ameriacn oak, vanilla (works well with juicy fruit style) ```
57
Inexpensive California Zinfandel style
Soft, ripe, jammy | Oak alternatives for spice
58
What is White Zinfandel?
``` Rosé made from Zinfandel Usually grown in Central Valley Short maceration Medium pink colour Stop fermentation => medium dry, low alcohol (10.5-11%) ```
59
White Zinfandel style
``` Medium pink Medium dry Low alcohol Medium acid Medium body Strawberry, fruit candy ```
60
Napa AVAs with a moderate (vs. hot) climate where Merlot does very well
Stag's Leap District | Oak Knoll DIstrict
61
Colombard aka
French Colombard
62
What is Colombard used for in California?
Inexpensive wines, Central Valley grape rarely used on label, usually "dry white" or "fruity white" neutral white grape
63
Syrah grown in California regions with cooling influence: style
Medium to medium (+) body Medium (+) acid Medium (+) tannin Fresh plum, blackberry, spice
64
Petite Sirah aka
Durif
65
Petite Sirah in the vineyard
Late ripening | Best in warm areas of California
66
Petite Sirah style
``` Deep colour Full body Medium (+) to high tannin Medium (+) to high acid Black fruit, spice ```
67
What is petite Sirah used for in California?
``` Big full bodied reds Blending ingredient (add colour, body, tannin, acid) ```
68
How many AVAs in California?
approx 140
69
Example of a particularly big AVA and a particularly small AVA in California?
Big: North Coast AVA Small: Cole Ranch AVA in Mendocino
70
California labelling rules
Single grape on label: min 75% "California" on label: 100% California grapes Named county on label (eg Sonoma County): 75% AVA mentioned: 85% Vineyard name on label: 95%
71
Rules for stating vintage on California labels
Varies AVA: 95% from that vintage County or state: 85% from that vintage
72
Who can use "estate bottled" on label in California?
If vineyards and winery are in same AVA
73
Wine labelled "estate bottled" must come from producer with vineyards and winery in same AVA. So what?
Has led to creation of very large AVAs permitting some large producers with vyds and wineries far apart to legitimately "estate bottle"
74
How much of its production does California export?
Not a lot actually 26 million hl produced 3.3. million hl exported
75
How many grape growers in California? How many bonded wineries?
5,900 growers | 4,800 wineries
76
California grape prices vary with supply and demand. So what?
Large indy growers might head-graft vineyards to keep up with consumer demands (Sideways and Merlot/Pinot)
77
How much more expensive is Napa Valley fruit vs. Lodi fruit?
10x
78
Info about E&J Gallo
Founded in Modesto, California in 1933 Largest wine company in the world 70 million cases World's biggest selling brand: Barefoot Cellars
79
What is the largest AVA in California?
North Coast AVA | 160km down Pacific Ocean coastline, reach 80km inland
80
Land under vine in Mendocino County
7,000HA
81
Vineyards of Mendocino County grouped into two clusters based on location/climate. What are they? Example of each? What do they grow there?
1. cooler AVAs close to Pacific (eg Anderson Valley) Pinot Noir, Chard, aromatic whites 2. inland AVAs, warmer areas, some at altitude (eg Redwood Valley) Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon
82
Example of a particularly high altitude vineyard in Mendocino County?
Potter Valley | Aroamtic whites - Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling
83
How many AVAs in Mendocino County? Give a few examples
``` 13 AVAs eg Mendocino AVA Anderson Valley AVA McDowell Valley AVA Potter Valley AVA ```
84
Mendocino AVA encompasses which other AVAs?
``` Anderson Valley Yorkville Highlands McDowell Valley Potter Valley Redwood Valley Cole Ranch ```
85
Daytimes are warm in Anderson Valley AVA, but evenings and mornings are cold. Why?
Cold air and fog funelled inland along Navarro River | Valley becomes narrower more inland => warmer
86
Anderson Valley AVA is located in which county?
``` Mendocino County (North Coast) ```
87
Land under vine in Anderson Valley AVA
1,000ha
88
Most planted grapes in Anderson Valley AVA
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay Early ripening Sparkling and still
89
Rain in Anderson Valley?
Plentiful | 900-2,000mm, winter and spring
90
Anderson Valley Pinot Noir style
Varies (rootstocks, clones, climate etc), but generally Fresh raspberry, cherry, plum Medium body Medium (+) acid
91
Littorai and Williams Selyem are key producers in what AVA?
Anderson Valley AVA
92
Key producers in Anderson Valley?
Littorai | Williams Selyem
93
How many AVAs in Lake County?
7, eg Clear Lake AVA
94
Anderson Valley known for what styles of wine
Still and sparkling Chardonnay World-class Pinot Alsace-style Gewurtz, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc
95
Largest AVA in Lake County?
Clear Lake AVA
96
Lake County located in rain shadow of which mountains? So what?
``` Mayacamas Mountains (to the west) Vaca Range (to the east) Gives a warmer climate ```
97
Clear Lake is California's largest natural lake. So what?
Takes up about half the area of Clear Lake AVA (Lake County) Provides afternoon breezes Slopes and ridges around lake at 400-450m Cooling influence
98
Sonoma County's three largest AVAs? (Overarching and overlapping). So what?
Northern Sonoma AVA Sonoma Coast AVA Sonoma Valley AVA These big old AVAs allow producers with wineries and vineyards far apart to label as "estate bottled" while also using the word "Sonoma"
99
Where is Alexander Valley AVA located?
Northeast corner of Sonoma County (North Coast)
100
Climate in Alexander Valley AVA
Warm climate | Cooled in evenings by Pacific air from the Petaluma Gap and Russian River Valley
101
Aspect and altitude in Alexander Valley gives long hours of bright sunshine. So what?
Grapes that are high in colour adn tannins | Retain acid in grapes
102
Most planted grape variety in Alexander Valley AVA?
Cabernet Sauvignon | Full-bodied, ripe blackberry, blackcurrant, dried herbs, choc
103
Significant producers in Alexander Valley AVA?
Kendall-Jackson (including Stonestreet Estate) | Seghesio
104
How to tell Anderson Valley and Alexander Valley AVAs apart?
Anderson is in MENDOCINO Pinot, Chard, Alsace varieties still and sparkling relatively cool Alexander is in SONOMA warmer Cabernet Sauvignon
105
Knights Valley AVA is warm. Why?
Sonoma's furthest inland AVA | Surrounded by hills and sheltered from Pacific cooling
106
Knights Valley AVA is sheltered and warm. But where can you find cool sites?
``` At altitude (450m) Foothills of Mayacamas ```
107
Knights Valley AVA best known for what grape?
Cabernet Sauvignon
108
Dry Creek Valley AVA is where?
Sonoma County | Dry Creek River, a tributary of Russian River
109
Dry Creek Valley AVA best known for which 2 grapes
Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc
110
Zinfandel style in Dry Creek Valley AVA
Medium (+) to full body Medium (+) acid Ripe balckberry, black plum, cherry Riper, jammier and dried fruit in west-facing sites
111
Rockpile AVA: minimum elevation
Must be at least 244m to be within the AVA | Steep rocky slopes
112
What is the impact of Lake Sonoma on Rockpile AVA?
Snake-like lake surrounds bottom of AVA on three sides | Creates an inversion layer => keeps vyds warm at night
113
Rockpile AVA sits above the fog layer. So what?
Gets long hours of sunshine
114
Rockpile AVA known for low yields and concentrated, ripe fruit. Why?
Shallow hillside soils hold little water | Windy conditions => high evapotranspiration
115
Climate varies in Russian River Valley AVA. Why?
range of flat and hilly topography south and western parts coolest = fog and wind (Petaluma gap) inland and northeast; warmer (sheltered)
116
What impact does fog have on Russian River Valley AVA? (south and western parts)
Arrives in evening, retreats to ocean next morning | Reduces temperatures => slow accumulation fo sugar, great retention of acidity as aroma and flavour compounds ripen
117
Land under vine in Russian River Valley AVA
7,200ha
118
How has land under vine in Russian River Valley AVA changed? Why?
Gone from 1,600ha in 1990s to 7,200ha in 2013 | Popularity and quality of Pinot Noir => more plantings
119
Soils in Russian River Valley AVA generally free-draining and low in nutrients. So what?
Control vigour and yield
120
Pinot Noir style in Russian River Valley AVA
Medium to medium (+) body Medium tannin Medium (+) acid Ripe strawberry, red cherry, vanilla spice
121
Chardonnay style in Russian River Valley AVA
Medium to medium (+) body Medium (+) acid Ripe peach, pineapple Creamy, spicy
122
Significant producers in Russian River Valley AVA
``` La Crema (Jackson Family) Rochioli ```
123
Russian River Valley AVA is in which county?
Sonoma County
124
Warmer inland part of Russian River Valley AVA best for what kind of grapes/wines
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel | riper styles of Chard and Pinot
125
Two sub-AVAs within Russian River Valley AVA?
Green River Valley of Russian River Valley AVA (a mouthful!) | Chalk Hill AVA
126
Green River Valley of Russian River Valley AVA has some of the coolest conditions in northern California. Why?
Located next to Petaluma Gap | Gets first fog of afternoon, last to have fog burn off in morning
127
Style of wine in Green River Valley of Russian River Valley AVA vs. general Russian River Valley AVA?
Similar eg Pinot Noir, Chardonnay but cooler area, so: higher acid fresher fruit
128
Where are Chalk Hill AVA and Green River Valley of Russian River Valley AVA located?
Both within Russian River Valley AVA, itself within SONOMA COUNTY
129
Chalk Hill AVA has a warmer climate than areas around it. Why?
Hilly area blocks some Pacific breezes | Relatively far inland
130
What is the soil type in Chalk Hill AVA?
NOT CHALK! | White colbanic ash
131
Key grapes in Chalk Hill AVA
Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc
132
Significant producers in Sonoma Coast AVA
Aubert | Occidental
133
Cool growing conditions and limited sun hours (fog) in Sonoma Coast. So what?
EArly-ripening Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are dominant Light bodied, high acid wines Medium alcohol
134
Fort Ross Seaview AVA is in what county?
Sonoma County | located in northwest of Sonoma Coast AVA
135
Sonoma Coast AVA extends from where to where?
Mendocino in north, along the Pacific coast down to Marin County and San Pablo Bay
136
What is significant about Petaluma Gap AVA?
Windy conditions! Open to coast at both ends, high speed winds flow through it 12km/hr winds in growing season Lower temperatures, cause leaf tomato to close - slowing respiration and photosynthesis
137
Where is Sonoma Valley AVA located?
South eastern part of Sonoma County (North Coast) Mayacamas to the east Sonoma mountains to the west shelter from Pacific breezes
138
Southern part of Sonoma Valley AVA opens straight on to San Pablo Bay. So what?
This is the coolest part of the AVA Cold winds from San Pablo Bay moderate temperatures => slower ripening
139
Sonoma Mountain AVA is on the slopes of what mountain range?
Sonoma Mountain Range
140
Altitude in Sonoma Mountain AVA? So what?
Up to 730mm Above the fog line Expose grapes to intense sun and warm days => ripe flavours and tannins, deep colour
141
Sonoma Mountain AVA soils are volcanic origin, free draining and low in nutrients. So what?
Control vigour and yields | Concenrated, ripe Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel and Syrah
142
Most planted grape in Sonoma Mountain AVA?
Cabernet Sauvignon
143
Where is Bennett Valley AVA?
Sonoma County (North Coast)
144
Where is Carneros AVA located?
Between San Pablo Bay (to the south) and Sonoma/Napa Counties (north) Part of Sonoma County and Napa County Close to San Pablo Bay =>fog, cold winds
145
Carneros AVA best known for what grapes?
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir | Some used for sparkling
146
Significant producers in Carneros AVA
Tor | Kistler
147
Is Carneros and Los Carneros the same thing?
Yes, interchangeable
148
Carneros recognised in 1980s as high potential cool climate area. So what?
Thsi was before other cool sites recognised Large companies based elsewhere in Napa/Sonoma bought vineyards here or bought fruit to bottle as Carneros or blending component (acid, fresh fruit) with grapes from warmer climes
149
Napa Valley is what % of California production? And what % of retail value of all California sold?
4% volume | 27% value
150
How many smaller AVAs within Napa Valley AVA?
16
151
Comment on Napa and "conjunctive labelling laws"
Producer using a specific AVA within Napa Valley (eg Rutherford) must also include the words "Napa Valley" on label
152
Land under vine in Napa Valley
18,200 ha
153
Napa Valley is formed by what natural features?
``` Napa River Mayacamas mountains (to the west and north) Vaca mountains (to the east) ```
154
Size of Napa Valley in km?
50km long x 8km wide
155
What impact do the Mayacamas mountains have on the Napa Valley?
shelter it from the cold Pacific Ocean
156
What do the Vaca mountains do for Napa Valely?
Shelter it from the hot Central Valley
157
Napa Valley is open to the San Pablo Bay in the south. So what?
Vineyards heat up during the day | => air rises and pulls cool air and fog from the bay into the valley in the afternoon
158
What impact does cold air and fog have on Napa Valley floor AVAs (eg Carneros, Coombsville, oak Knoll)
They are under the fog line High diurnal range Fog doesn't burn off until well into the morning Limited hours of warmth and sunlight
159
Main grapes in Carneros AVA? Why?
Chardonnay Pinot Noir cooling influence of being on the valley floor and getting fog and cold air
160
Coombsville and Oak Knoll AVAs are on the Napa Valley floor. What impact does that have on Cabernet Sauvignon here?
These are cooler than elsewhere in Napa Cabernet (and Merlot) lighter bodied with fresher fruit Impact of fog and cold air
161
Where are Carneros, Coombsville and Oak Knoll AVAs located? So what?
Southern part of Napa Valley floor below fog line cooler climate => Chard, Pinot, lighter-bodied Cabernet and Merlot
162
Where are Yountville, Stags Leap District, oakville and Rutherford AVAs located? So what?
More northern part of Napa Valley floor Warm climates but nights still cooled by winds and fog (mostly in southerly Yountville, less so in northernmost Rutherford)
163
Cabernet Sauvignon style in more northern Napa floor AVAs (eg Yountville, Oakville, Rutherford)
``` Concentrated ripe fruit Medium (+) to full body High ripe tannins Juicy blackcurrant, blackberry, plum Spice, liquorice, cloves, herb Rounder and more fruity in youth than mountain AVAs ```
164
Main whtie grape in more northern Napa floor AVAs? (Yountville, Oakville, Rutherford etc)
Sauvignon Blanc
165
Sauvignon Blanc style in eg Yountville, Oakville, Rutherford AVA
Ripe, juicy Peach and tropical Medium (+) acid
166
What is the Rutherford Bench?
Most famous vineyard area in Oakville and Rutherford Narrow stretch of vineyards Gently sloping alluvial fan at bottom of Mayacamas
167
Climate in St Helena AVA and Calistoga AVA. So what?
Warm to hot located further north than Yountville, Oakville, Rutherford, Stags Leap District Barely any cooling influence
168
Napa AVAs on mountain sides tend to be above the fog line. So what?
``` Longer sunlight hours than on valley floor up to 800m Less temperature extremes Lower diurnal range High tannin and acid in grapes ```
169
Name a few mountain AVAs in Napa
``` Mount Veeder Atlas Peak Howell Mountain Spring Mountain District Diamond Mountain District ```
170
Coolest of Napa's mountain AVAs? Why?
Mount Veeder South west of the valley, some cooling influence Cabernet struggles to ripen some years
171
Howell Mountain AVA one of Napa's warmest sites. So what?
Produces intense, concentrated, ripe Cabernet Sauvignon with firm, high tannins
172
Account for Napa's diversity of soil types?
tectonic plate and volcanic activity 150m years ago
173
Napa mountain vineyards: soils generally what characteristics? So what?
Thin and poor in nutrients Restricting vigour Reducing yields Small, concentrated grapes
174
Middle and east of Napa Valley floor has highest fertility soils and water-retaining capacity. So what?
Less structued wines than mountains or alluvial fans
175
Why is Napa County not under threat from building development?
It's protected by the Napa Valley Agricullutral Preserve (1968) 90% of Napa County protected
176
Can Napa vineyard land get any bigger? Why/why not?
No Almost all viable, permitted land already planted Land with > 30% slope can't be converted to vyd
177
Is mechanisation common in Napa?
Only possible on valley floor | Mountain sides need to be tended by hand
178
Dry growing season in Napa. So what?
Drip irrigation widely installed
179
What % of Napa vineyard is certified "Napa Green"?
60%
180
Cabernet Sauvignon is what % of production in Napa?
40% | 55% of crop value!
181
Napa style (red and white) of 1980s and 1990s
Full bodied and intense Later harvest with long hang time: extra-ripe flavours, high alcohol, lower acid New oak: vanilla, coconut, toast
182
Napa wines often a blend of vineyards. Why?
Complexity and balance Within or across AVAs Example: vineyard on alluvial fans blended with fetile fluvial soils, cooler or hotter sites together, etc.
183
To Kalon vineyard is part of what wider vineyard area?
Rutherford Bench (part of Oakville/Rutherford in Napa)
184
Two key white grapes in Napa
``` Chardonnay (oaked) Sauvignon Blanc (usually unoaked) ```
185
Central Coast AVA runs from San Francisco to ___
Santa Barbara
186
Central Coast California: Mountain ranges within the Southern Coast Ranges. What do they do?
Santa Cruz Gabilan Santa Lucia Shelter vineyards to the east from the cool wet fog
187
What happens at the Transverse Range? (Central Coast, California)
Orientation of mountains shifts | Funnels in cool marine air and cools down the growing areas
188
Account for naturally low vigour in Livermore Valley AVA?
Stony soils that are free draining
189
Wente Vineyards established in 1880s where? Using cuttings of what from where?
Livermore Valley AVA | Chardonnay from Meursault
190
Concannon Vineyards and Wente Vineyards in what AVA?
Livermore Valley AVA
191
80% of California Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay genetically relate to cuttings from where?
Wente Vineyards Chardonnay from Meursault | Colcannon Vineyards Cabernet from Margaux
192
Santa Cruz Mountains part of what mountain range?
Coast Range
193
Significant producers in Santa Cruz Mountains AVA?
Ridge Vineyards | Mount Eden Vineyards
194
Santa Cruz Mountains AVA: altitude?
up to 800m, along a ridgeline
195
Most planted grapes in Santa Cruz Mountains AVA?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
196
Livermore Valley and Santa Cruz Mountains part of what wider area?
Central Coast
197
Largest AVA in Monterey County?
Monterey AVA
198
Main grape variety in Monterey AVA?
Chardonnay
199
Santa Lucia Highlands AVA in what county?
Monterey County (Central Coast)
200
Topography of Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Southeast facing alluvial terraces overlooking Salinas Valley Exposed to winds and fogs from Monterey Bay
201
Arroyo Seco AVA in what county?
Monterey County (Central Coast)
202
What does "arroyo seco" mean?
"dry creek" | Arroyo Seco AVA
203
List some AVAs in Monterey County (Central Coast)
``` Monterey AVA Santa Lucia Highlands AVA Arroyo Seco AVA Chalone AVA Carmel Valley AVA ```
204
Chalone AVA best known for Chardonnay and Pinot, but also grows what three perhaps unexpected grapes?
Chenin Blanc Pinot Blanc Syrah
205
Chalone AVA sits above the California fog line. So what?
Days are warm with long hours of sun | Nights much cooler -> retain acid
206
Carmel Valley AVA is one of Monterey's warmest sites. But what cooling influence does it have?
Altitude Surrounded by mountains Nightime temperatures are cool Cooler sites near the coast
207
Main 3 AVAs in San Luis Obispo County (Central Coast)
Paso Robles Edna Valley Arroyo Grande
208
Best known sub AVA in Paso Robles AVA?
Adelaida District AVA
209
Paso Robles part of what county?
San Luis Obispo County (Central Coast)
210
Paso Robles mostly black or white grapes?
Mostly black | Cabernet Sauvignon is 40% of plantings
211
Significant producers in Paso Robles AVA?
Saxum Vineyards | Tablas Creek
212
Soils in Paso Robles AVA
Calcareous soils (not common in CA) Clay (good water retention) producers can dry farm
213
Topography of Paso Robles AVA
Large area so it varies Valley floors rolling hills mountains (670m)
214
Paso Robles eastern part is warmer than western (Pacific) part. So what?
East: full bodied wines, concentrated ripe flavours West: cooler, higher acid, fresher flavours
215
Paso Robles known for what grapes
``` Cabernet Sauvignon (40%) Rhone varieties (white and black) Zinfandel, Merlot, Syrah ```
216
Edna Valley AVA known for what grapes/winse?
High quality Chardonnay and Pinot Noir Still and sparkling Also: Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Albarino, Viognier
217
Where is Edna Valley AVA?
San Luis Obispo County (Central Coast)
218
Dominant grapes in Arroyo Grande AVA?
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay | One of the coolest areas of CA
219
How many AVAs in Santa Barbara County? What are they?
``` 6 Santa Maria Valley AVA Santa Ynez Valley AVA Ballard Canyon AVA Los Olivos AVA Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara AVA Santa Rita Hills AVA ```
220
AVAs of Santa Barbara County (Central Coast) are on the Transverse Ranges. So what?
Western side of valleys face Pacific ocean Funnel in cooling breezes and fog eastward Lowering temperatures significantly West side much cooler and windier than east Low frost and fungal risk Grapes can stay on vine into autumn
221
Significant producers in Santa Barbara County (Central Coast)?
Sine Qua Non | Mail Road Wines
222
Where is Santa Maria Valley AVA located?
Northern part of Santa Barbara County (Central Coast)
223
Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir: style
``` medium (+) to high acid medium to medium (+) body medium tannin red cherry, plum high alcohol (!) ```
224
Santa Ynez Valley AVA (Santa Barbara County) has four sub-AVAs. What are they?
Sta Rita Hills AVA Ballard Canyon AVA Los Olivos AVA Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara AVA
225
Sta. Rita Hills AVA known for which grape?
Pinot Noir Black cherry, tea leaf, black plu, savoury Medium (+) to high acid, medium (+) tannin
226
Two most planted grapes in Ballard Canyon AVA (sub AVA of Santa Ynez Valley)
Syrah and Grenache (late ripening) | Warmer growing conditions here => less Chardonnay and Pinot than elsewhere in Santa Barbara County
227
What sort of grapes are planted in Los Olivos AVA?
Mix of Bordeaux, Rhone and Italian grapes
228
What do we need to know about Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara AVA?
Small and newly formed | Sub-AVA of Santa Ynez Valley, itself part of Santa Barbara County (Central Coast)
229
Is Central Valley an AVA?
No. Most wines from "California" appellation
230
Central Valley is made up of what two valleys?
``` Sacramento Valley (north) San Jaoquin Valley (south) ```
231
How many hectares in Central Valley?
Total nearly 68,000ha Sacramento Valley (N): 6,700ha San Joaquin Valley (S): 61,000ha
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Account for very ripe grapes in Central Valley?
Flat fertile areas of high-yielding vineayrds | Hot, with daytime temperature 35-40C
233
Common grapes in Central Valley?
``` French Colombard Chardonnay Muscat Zinfandel Merlot ```
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Largest producers in Central Valley?
E&J Gallo | Bronco Wine Company
235
Lodi AVA is located where?
northern end of Central Valley
236
Lodi AVA land under vine
45,000ha (twice the size of Sonoma County)
237
Cliamte in Lodi
Hot Mediterranean | Cool afternoon winds from San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta
238
Topography in Lodi AVA
Flatlands of free-draining sandy and clay loam soils
239
Is fungal risk high or low in Lodi AVA? Why?
Low Hot climate Windy conditions
240
Why are South of France and Rhone varieties grown commonly in Lodi?
Very suitable conditions (heat, sunlight, windy etc)
241
Lodi signature grape?
Zinfandel | Some vines over 100 years old (sandy soil, no phylloxera)
242
Lodi Zinfandel style
Medium to full body Medium to medium (+) acid Ripe tannins Cherry, blueberry, blackberry
243
Significant producers in Lodi?
Ravenswood | Michael DAvid
244
Lodi AVA was divided into 7 sub-AVAs in 2006. Most wineries are located in which one?
Mokelumne River AVA | Most wineries and most old Zinfandel vines
245
Where is Clarksburg AVA?
Central Valley, southwest of Sacramento | Simialr climate to Lodi (hot days, afternoon breezes)
246
Clarksburg AVA best known for what grapes?
Chenin Blanc | Petite Sirah
247
Sierra Foothills AVA located in the foothills of what mountain range?
Western foothills of Sierra Nevada
248
Sierra Foothills best known for what grape/wine?
Old vine Zinfandel 100 years + Also Rhone, Italian and Spanish vareities
249
Where is South Coast AVA?
Extends south of LA to Mexican border
250
South Coast AVA: grapes first planted by who, when?
Franciscan monks | 1760s

D3 KID (35 decks)

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