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D3 KID > USA intro & California > Flashcards

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When was prohibition repealed?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
Q

There was overplanting in California in the 1890s. So what?

A

Significant drop in grape andw ine prices
Difficult for producers to survive
Shortly followed by prohibition => really hurt the industry

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26
Q

Mid 20th century: what kind of wines coming out of California? Why?

A

Medium sweet and sweet wines (consumer preferences)

stupid names like Chablis, Burgundy, Rhine

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27
Q

When did Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon become the key grapes in California?

A

Mid to late 20th century

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28
Q

What sort of stuff did André Tchelistcheff pioneer?

A

Temperature controlled fermentation
Better winery hygiene
Prevention of disease, frost damage

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29
Q

Which two California wines did well at Paris Judgement 1976?

A

1973 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon

1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay

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30
Q

What is AXR1

A

Popular rootstock used in California in 1970s
Higher yields than traditional rootstocks
Proved unsuitable when phylloxera came in 1980s

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31
Q

Two key climatic influences in California?

A

Cold Pacific ocean

mountain ranges

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32
Q

Comment on the impact of the cold Pacific ocean on California?

A

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

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33
Q

What are the Coast Ranges? So what?

A

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

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34
Q

Explain high diurnal range in coastal California?

A

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

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35
Q

California: when does fog form. So what?

A

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

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36
Q

Most high-altitude areas in California are above the fog line. So what?

A

Altitude can lower temperatures

But areas gain long hours of intense sunlight => more colour and tannin in black grapes

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37
Q

Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys otherwise known as…?

A

Central Valley

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38
Q

California climate

A

Mediterranean

without marked contrasts of a continental

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39
Q

Lot of vyd replanting in California in 1990s. Why?

A

Phyllxoera
Pierce’s disease
increased understanding of vyd management

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40
Q

Vineyards replanted at scale in 1990s in California (phylloxera, Pierce’s disease, better vyd mgmt). What was the result?

A

Changed from uniform way of planting and training to different densities, training and trellising to best suit site and grape

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41
Q

Significance of Mexican labour in California?

A

Traditionally; plentiful, skilled source of labour

Trump etc on illegal immigration and work permits => reduction in this labour force

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42
Q

Increase of mechanisation in California. Why?

A

Harder to get Mexican labour (Trump!)

Sometimes topography and/or size of vineyard means it makes sense commercially

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43
Q

Is fungal disease high or low in California? Why?

A

Low

Low rainfall and coastal breezes => reduced risk

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44
Q

Comment on Pierce’s disease in California?

A

It’s a prevalent threat
Spread by leafhopper insects (SHARPSHOOTERS)
mostly Southern California and Central Valley, but also Napa/Sonoma

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45
Q

Weather hazards in California?

A

Spring frosts

Wildfires

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46
Q

Examples of sustainability initiatives in California?

A

Ceritified Sustainable
Napa Green Winery
Sonoma County Winegrowers
Lodi Rules

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47
Q

Rules for organic in USA

A

“Organic Wine” can’t have any SO2 addition
=> only small amount of certification as a result
“Certified Organic grapes” is more common

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48
Q

Breakdown of California grapes used for wine versus for table grapes/raisins

A

2/3 for wine

1/3 for table grape, raisins

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49
Q

California wine grapes: more white or black?

A

More black

63%

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50
Q

Two most planted grape varieties in California?

A

Chardonnay
Cabernet Sauvignon
about 20% of plantings aech

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51
Q

Premium California Chardonnay style

A

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

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52
Q

California Cabernet Sauvignon: impact of vineyards with some moderating influence

A

Frseher black fruit, some herbal flavours
Less body
Lower alcohol

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53
Q

How to achieve very ripe, extra ripe full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon in California?

A

Green harvest

Long hang time

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54
Q

Pinot Noir in California: styles

A

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

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55
Q

Zinfandel can ripen unevenly. So what?

A

Combination of medium (+) acid, some fresh flavours AND jammy flavours

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56
Q

Premium California Zinfandel style

A 
Medium (+) acidity
Medium to full body
Ripe, medium (+) tannins
Raspberry blueberry blackberry
Ameriacn oak, vanilla (works well with juicy fruit style)
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57
Q

Inexpensive California Zinfandel style

A

Soft, ripe, jammy

Oak alternatives for spice

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58
Q

What is White Zinfandel?

A 
Rosé made from Zinfandel
Usually grown in Central Valley
Short maceration
Medium pink colour
Stop fermentation => medium dry, low alcohol (10.5-11%)
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59
Q

White Zinfandel style

A 
Medium pink
Medium dry
Low alcohol
Medium acid
Medium body
Strawberry, fruit candy
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60
Q

Napa AVAs with a moderate (vs. hot) climate where Merlot does very well

A

Stag’s Leap District

Oak Knoll DIstrict

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61
Q

Colombard aka

A

French Colombard

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62
Q

What is Colombard used for in California?

A

Inexpensive wines, Central Valley
grape rarely used on label, usually “dry white” or “fruity white”
neutral white grape

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63
Q

Syrah grown in California regions with cooling influence: style

A

Medium to medium (+) body
Medium (+) acid
Medium (+) tannin
Fresh plum, blackberry, spice

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64
Q

Petite Sirah aka

A

Durif

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65
Q

Petite Sirah in the vineyard

A

Late ripening

Best in warm areas of California

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66
Q

Petite Sirah style

A 
Deep colour
Full body
Medium (+) to high tannin
Medium (+) to high acid
Black fruit, spice
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67
Q

What is petite Sirah used for in California?

A 
Big full bodied reds
Blending ingredient (add colour, body, tannin, acid)
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68
Q

How many AVAs in California?

A

approx 140

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69
Q

Example of a particularly big AVA and a particularly small AVA in California?

A

Big: North Coast AVA
Small: Cole Ranch AVA in Mendocino

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70
Q

California labelling rules

A

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%

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71
Q

Rules for stating vintage on California labels

A

Varies

AVA: 95% from that vintage
County or state: 85% from that vintage

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72
Q

Who can use “estate bottled” on label in California?

A

If vineyards and winery are in same AVA

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73
Q

Wine labelled “estate bottled” must come from producer with vineyards and winery in same AVA. So what?

A

Has led to creation of very large AVAs permitting some large producers with vyds and wineries far apart to legitimately “estate bottle”

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74
Q

How much of its production does California export?

A

Not a lot actually
26 million hl produced
3.3. million hl exported

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75
Q

How many grape growers in California? How many bonded wineries?

A

5,900 growers

4,800 wineries

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76
Q

California grape prices vary with supply and demand. So what?

A

Large indy growers might head-graft vineyards to keep up with consumer demands
(Sideways and Merlot/Pinot)

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77
Q

How much more expensive is Napa Valley fruit vs. Lodi fruit?

A

10x

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78
Q

Info about E&J Gallo

A

Founded in Modesto, California in 1933
Largest wine company in the world
70 million cases
World’s biggest selling brand: Barefoot Cellars

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79
Q

What is the largest AVA in California?

A

North Coast AVA

160km down Pacific Ocean coastline, reach 80km inland

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80
Q

Land under vine in Mendocino County

A

7,000HA

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81
Q

Vineyards of Mendocino County grouped into two clusters based on location/climate. What are they? Example of each? What do they grow there?

A
  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
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82
Q

Example of a particularly high altitude vineyard in Mendocino County?

A

Potter Valley

Aroamtic whites - Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling

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83
Q

How many AVAs in Mendocino County? Give a few examples

A 
13 AVAs
eg
Mendocino AVA
Anderson Valley AVA
McDowell Valley AVA
Potter Valley AVA
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84
Q

Mendocino AVA encompasses which other AVAs?

A 
Anderson Valley
Yorkville Highlands
McDowell Valley
Potter Valley
Redwood Valley
Cole Ranch
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85
Q

Daytimes are warm in Anderson Valley AVA, but evenings and mornings are cold. Why?

A

Cold air and fog funelled inland along Navarro River

Valley becomes narrower more inland => warmer

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86
Q

Anderson Valley AVA is located in which county?

A 
Mendocino County
(North Coast)
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87
Q

Land under vine in Anderson Valley AVA

A

1,000ha

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88
Q

Most planted grapes in Anderson Valley AVA

A

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
Early ripening
Sparkling and still

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89
Q

Rain in Anderson Valley?

A

Plentiful

900-2,000mm, winter and spring

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90
Q

Anderson Valley Pinot Noir style

A

Varies (rootstocks, clones, climate etc), but generally

Fresh raspberry, cherry, plum
Medium body
Medium (+) acid

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91
Q

Littorai and Williams Selyem are key producers in what AVA?

A

Anderson Valley AVA

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92
Q

Key producers in Anderson Valley?

A

Littorai

Williams Selyem

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93
Q

How many AVAs in Lake County?

A

7, eg Clear Lake AVA

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94
Q

Anderson Valley known for what styles of wine

A

Still and sparkling
Chardonnay
World-class Pinot
Alsace-style Gewurtz, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc

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95
Q

Largest AVA in Lake County?

A

Clear Lake AVA

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96
Q

Lake County located in rain shadow of which mountains? So what?

A 
Mayacamas Mountains (to the west)
Vaca Range (to the east)
Gives a warmer climate
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97
Q

Clear Lake is California’s largest natural lake. So what?

A

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

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98
Q

Sonoma County’s three largest AVAs? (Overarching and overlapping). So what?

A

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”

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99
Q

Where is Alexander Valley AVA located?

A

Northeast corner of Sonoma County (North Coast)

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100
Q

Climate in Alexander Valley AVA

A

Warm climate

Cooled in evenings by Pacific air from the Petaluma Gap and Russian River Valley

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101
Q

Aspect and altitude in Alexander Valley gives long hours of bright sunshine. So what?

A

Grapes that are high in colour adn tannins

Retain acid in grapes

102
Q

Most planted grape variety in Alexander Valley AVA?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon

Full-bodied, ripe blackberry, blackcurrant, dried herbs, choc

103
Q

Significant producers in Alexander Valley AVA?

A

Kendall-Jackson (including Stonestreet Estate)

Seghesio

104
Q

How to tell Anderson Valley and Alexander Valley AVAs apart?

A

Anderson is in MENDOCINO
Pinot, Chard, Alsace varieties
still and sparkling
relatively cool

Alexander is in SONOMA
warmer
Cabernet Sauvignon

105
Q

Knights Valley AVA is warm. Why?

A

Sonoma’s furthest inland AVA

Surrounded by hills and sheltered from Pacific cooling

106
Q

Knights Valley AVA is sheltered and warm. But where can you find cool sites?

A 
At altitude (450m)
Foothills of Mayacamas
107
Q

Knights Valley AVA best known for what grape?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon

108
Q

Dry Creek Valley AVA is where?

A

Sonoma County

Dry Creek River, a tributary of Russian River

109
Q

Dry Creek Valley AVA best known for which 2 grapes

A

Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc

110
Q

Zinfandel style in Dry Creek Valley AVA

A

Medium (+) to full body
Medium (+) acid
Ripe balckberry, black plum, cherry

Riper, jammier and dried fruit in west-facing sites

111
Q

Rockpile AVA: minimum elevation

A

Must be at least 244m to be within the AVA

Steep rocky slopes

112
Q

What is the impact of Lake Sonoma on Rockpile AVA?

A

Snake-like lake surrounds bottom of AVA on three sides

Creates an inversion layer => keeps vyds warm at night

113
Q

Rockpile AVA sits above the fog layer. So what?

A

Gets long hours of sunshine

114
Q

Rockpile AVA known for low yields and concentrated, ripe fruit. Why?

A

Shallow hillside soils hold little water

Windy conditions => high evapotranspiration

115
Q

Climate varies in Russian River Valley AVA. Why?

A

range of flat and hilly topography
south and western parts coolest = fog and wind (Petaluma gap)
inland and northeast; warmer (sheltered)

116
Q

What impact does fog have on Russian River Valley AVA? (south and western parts)

A

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
Q

Land under vine in Russian River Valley AVA

A

7,200ha

118
Q

How has land under vine in Russian River Valley AVA changed? Why?

A

Gone from 1,600ha in 1990s to 7,200ha in 2013

Popularity and quality of Pinot Noir => more plantings

119
Q

Soils in Russian River Valley AVA generally free-draining and low in nutrients. So what?

A

Control vigour and yield

120
Q

Pinot Noir style in Russian River Valley AVA

A

Medium to medium (+) body
Medium tannin
Medium (+) acid
Ripe strawberry, red cherry, vanilla spice

121
Q

Chardonnay style in Russian River Valley AVA

A

Medium to medium (+) body
Medium (+) acid
Ripe peach, pineapple
Creamy, spicy

122
Q

Significant producers in Russian River Valley AVA

A 
La Crema (Jackson Family)
Rochioli
123
Q

Russian River Valley AVA is in which county?

A

Sonoma County

124
Q

Warmer inland part of Russian River Valley AVA best for what kind of grapes/wines

A

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel

riper styles of Chard and Pinot

125
Q

Two sub-AVAs within Russian River Valley AVA?

A

Green River Valley of Russian River Valley AVA (a mouthful!)

Chalk Hill AVA

126
Q

Green River Valley of Russian River Valley AVA has some of the coolest conditions in northern California. Why?

A

Located next to Petaluma Gap

Gets first fog of afternoon, last to have fog burn off in morning

127
Q

Style of wine in Green River Valley of Russian River Valley AVA vs. general Russian River Valley AVA?

A

Similar eg Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
but cooler area, so:
higher acid
fresher fruit

128
Q

Where are Chalk Hill AVA and Green River Valley of Russian River Valley AVA located?

A

Both within Russian River Valley AVA, itself within SONOMA COUNTY

129
Q

Chalk Hill AVA has a warmer climate than areas around it. Why?

A

Hilly area blocks some Pacific breezes

Relatively far inland

130
Q

What is the soil type in Chalk Hill AVA?

A

NOT CHALK!

White colbanic ash

131
Q

Key grapes in Chalk Hill AVA

A

Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc

132
Q

Significant producers in Sonoma Coast AVA

A

Aubert

Occidental

133
Q

Cool growing conditions and limited sun hours (fog) in Sonoma Coast. So what?

A

EArly-ripening Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are dominant
Light bodied, high acid wines
Medium alcohol

134
Q

Fort Ross Seaview AVA is in what county?

A

Sonoma County

located in northwest of Sonoma Coast AVA

135
Q

Sonoma Coast AVA extends from where to where?

A

Mendocino in north, along the Pacific coast down to Marin County and San Pablo Bay

136
Q

What is significant about Petaluma Gap AVA?

A

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
Q

Where is Sonoma Valley AVA located?

A

South eastern part of Sonoma County (North Coast)
Mayacamas to the east
Sonoma mountains to the west
shelter from Pacific breezes

138
Q

Southern part of Sonoma Valley AVA opens straight on to San Pablo Bay. So what?

A

This is the coolest part of the AVA
Cold winds from San Pablo Bay moderate temperatures
=> slower ripening

139
Q

Sonoma Mountain AVA is on the slopes of what mountain range?

A

Sonoma Mountain Range

140
Q

Altitude in Sonoma Mountain AVA? So what?

A

Up to 730mm
Above the fog line
Expose grapes to intense sun and warm days
=> ripe flavours and tannins, deep colour

141
Q

Sonoma Mountain AVA soils are volcanic origin, free draining and low in nutrients. So what?

A

Control vigour and yields

Concenrated, ripe Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel and Syrah

142
Q

Most planted grape in Sonoma Mountain AVA?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon

143
Q

Where is Bennett Valley AVA?

A

Sonoma County (North Coast)

144
Q

Where is Carneros AVA located?

A

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
Q

Carneros AVA best known for what grapes?

A

Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

Some used for sparkling

146
Q

Significant producers in Carneros AVA

A

Tor

Kistler

147
Q

Is Carneros and Los Carneros the same thing?

A

Yes, interchangeable

148
Q

Carneros recognised in 1980s as high potential cool climate area. So what?

A

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
Q

Napa Valley is what % of California production? And what % of retail value of all California sold?

A

4% volume

27% value

150
Q

How many smaller AVAs within Napa Valley AVA?

A

16

151
Q

Comment on Napa and “conjunctive labelling laws”

A

Producer using a specific AVA within Napa Valley (eg Rutherford) must also include the words “Napa Valley” on label

152
Q

Land under vine in Napa Valley

A

18,200 ha

153
Q

Napa Valley is formed by what natural features?

A 
Napa River
Mayacamas mountains (to the west and north)
Vaca mountains (to the east)
154
Q

Size of Napa Valley in km?

A

50km long x 8km wide

155
Q

What impact do the Mayacamas mountains have on the Napa Valley?

A

shelter it from the cold Pacific Ocean

156
Q

What do the Vaca mountains do for Napa Valely?

A

Shelter it from the hot Central Valley

157
Q

Napa Valley is open to the San Pablo Bay in the south. So what?

A

Vineyards heat up during the day

=> air rises and pulls cool air and fog from the bay into the valley in the afternoon

158
Q

What impact does cold air and fog have on Napa Valley floor AVAs (eg Carneros, Coombsville, oak Knoll)

A

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
Q

Main grapes in Carneros AVA? Why?

A

Chardonnay
Pinot Noir
cooling influence of being on the valley floor and getting fog and cold air

160
Q

Coombsville and Oak Knoll AVAs are on the Napa Valley floor. What impact does that have on Cabernet Sauvignon here?

A

These are cooler than elsewhere in Napa
Cabernet (and Merlot) lighter bodied with fresher fruit
Impact of fog and cold air

161
Q

Where are Carneros, Coombsville and Oak Knoll AVAs located? So what?

A

Southern part of Napa Valley floor
below fog line
cooler climate => Chard, Pinot, lighter-bodied Cabernet and Merlot

162
Q

Where are Yountville, Stags Leap District, oakville and Rutherford AVAs located? So what?

A

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
Q

Cabernet Sauvignon style in more northern Napa floor AVAs (eg Yountville, Oakville, Rutherford)

A 
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
Q

Main whtie grape in more northern Napa floor AVAs? (Yountville, Oakville, Rutherford etc)

A

Sauvignon Blanc

165
Q

Sauvignon Blanc style in eg Yountville, Oakville, Rutherford AVA

A

Ripe, juicy
Peach and tropical
Medium (+) acid

166
Q

What is the Rutherford Bench?

A

Most famous vineyard area in Oakville and Rutherford
Narrow stretch of vineyards
Gently sloping alluvial fan at bottom of Mayacamas

167
Q

Climate in St Helena AVA and Calistoga AVA. So what?

A

Warm to hot
located further north than Yountville, Oakville, Rutherford, Stags Leap District
Barely any cooling influence

168
Q

Napa AVAs on mountain sides tend to be above the fog line. So what?

A 
Longer sunlight hours than on valley floor
up to 800m
Less temperature extremes
Lower diurnal range
High tannin and acid in grapes
169
Q

Name a few mountain AVAs in Napa

A 
Mount Veeder
Atlas Peak
Howell Mountain
Spring Mountain District
Diamond Mountain District
170
Q

Coolest of Napa’s mountain AVAs? Why?

A

Mount Veeder
South west of the valley, some cooling influence
Cabernet struggles to ripen some years

171
Q

Howell Mountain AVA one of Napa’s warmest sites. So what?

A

Produces intense, concentrated, ripe Cabernet Sauvignon with firm, high tannins

172
Q

Account for Napa’s diversity of soil types?

A

tectonic plate and volcanic activity 150m years ago

173
Q

Napa mountain vineyards: soils generally what characteristics? So what?

A

Thin and poor in nutrients
Restricting vigour
Reducing yields
Small, concentrated grapes

174
Q

Middle and east of Napa Valley floor has highest fertility soils and water-retaining capacity. So what?

A

Less structued wines than mountains or alluvial fans

175
Q

Why is Napa County not under threat from building development?

A

It’s protected by the Napa Valley Agricullutral Preserve (1968)
90% of Napa County protected

176
Q

Can Napa vineyard land get any bigger? Why/why not?

A

No
Almost all viable, permitted land already planted
Land with > 30% slope can’t be converted to vyd

177
Q

Is mechanisation common in Napa?

A

Only possible on valley floor

Mountain sides need to be tended by hand

178
Q

Dry growing season in Napa. So what?

A

Drip irrigation widely installed

179
Q

What % of Napa vineyard is certified “Napa Green”?

A

60%

180
Q

Cabernet Sauvignon is what % of production in Napa?

A

40%

55% of crop value!

181
Q

Napa style (red and white) of 1980s and 1990s

A

Full bodied and intense
Later harvest with long hang time: extra-ripe flavours, high alcohol, lower acid
New oak: vanilla, coconut, toast

182
Q

Napa wines often a blend of vineyards. Why?

A

Complexity and balance
Within or across AVAs
Example: vineyard on alluvial fans blended with fetile fluvial soils, cooler or hotter sites together, etc.

183
Q

To Kalon vineyard is part of what wider vineyard area?

A

Rutherford Bench (part of Oakville/Rutherford in Napa)

184
Q

Two key white grapes in Napa

A 
Chardonnay (oaked)
Sauvignon Blanc (usually unoaked)
185
Q

Central Coast AVA runs from San Francisco to ___

A

Santa Barbara

186
Q

Central Coast California: Mountain ranges within the Southern Coast Ranges. What do they do?

A

Santa Cruz
Gabilan
Santa Lucia

Shelter vineyards to the east from the cool wet fog

187
Q

What happens at the Transverse Range? (Central Coast, California)

A

Orientation of mountains shifts

Funnels in cool marine air and cools down the growing areas

188
Q

Account for naturally low vigour in Livermore Valley AVA?

A

Stony soils that are free draining

189
Q

Wente Vineyards established in 1880s where? Using cuttings of what from where?

A

Livermore Valley AVA

Chardonnay from Meursault

190
Q

Concannon Vineyards and Wente Vineyards in what AVA?

A

Livermore Valley AVA

191
Q

80% of California Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay genetically relate to cuttings from where?

A

Wente Vineyards Chardonnay from Meursault

Colcannon Vineyards Cabernet from Margaux

192
Q

Santa Cruz Mountains part of what mountain range?

A

Coast Range

193
Q

Significant producers in Santa Cruz Mountains AVA?

A

Ridge Vineyards

Mount Eden Vineyards

194
Q

Santa Cruz Mountains AVA: altitude?

A

up to 800m, along a ridgeline

195
Q

Most planted grapes in Santa Cruz Mountains AVA?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir

196
Q

Livermore Valley and Santa Cruz Mountains part of what wider area?

A

Central Coast

197
Q

Largest AVA in Monterey County?

A

Monterey AVA

198
Q

Main grape variety in Monterey AVA?

A

Chardonnay

199
Q

Santa Lucia Highlands AVA in what county?

A

Monterey County (Central Coast)

200
Q

Topography of Santa Lucia Highlands AVA

A

Southeast facing alluvial terraces overlooking Salinas Valley
Exposed to winds and fogs from Monterey Bay

201
Q

Arroyo Seco AVA in what county?

A

Monterey County (Central Coast)

202
Q

What does “arroyo seco” mean?

A

“dry creek”

Arroyo Seco AVA

203
Q

List some AVAs in Monterey County (Central Coast)

A 
Monterey AVA
Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Arroyo Seco AVA
Chalone AVA
Carmel Valley AVA
204
Q

Chalone AVA best known for Chardonnay and Pinot, but also grows what three perhaps unexpected grapes?

A

Chenin Blanc
Pinot Blanc
Syrah

205
Q

Chalone AVA sits above the California fog line. So what?

A

Days are warm with long hours of sun

Nights much cooler -> retain acid

206
Q

Carmel Valley AVA is one of Monterey’s warmest sites. But what cooling influence does it have?

A

Altitude
Surrounded by mountains
Nightime temperatures are cool
Cooler sites near the coast

207
Q

Main 3 AVAs in San Luis Obispo County (Central Coast)

A

Paso Robles
Edna Valley
Arroyo Grande

208
Q

Best known sub AVA in Paso Robles AVA?

A

Adelaida District AVA

209
Q

Paso Robles part of what county?

A

San Luis Obispo County (Central Coast)

210
Q

Paso Robles mostly black or white grapes?

A

Mostly black

Cabernet Sauvignon is 40% of plantings

211
Q

Significant producers in Paso Robles AVA?

A

Saxum Vineyards

Tablas Creek

212
Q

Soils in Paso Robles AVA

A

Calcareous soils (not common in CA)
Clay (good water retention)
producers can dry farm

213
Q

Topography of Paso Robles AVA

A

Large area so it varies
Valley floors
rolling hills
mountains (670m)

214
Q

Paso Robles eastern part is warmer than western (Pacific) part. So what?

A

East: full bodied wines, concentrated ripe flavours

West: cooler, higher acid, fresher flavours

215
Q

Paso Robles known for what grapes

A 
Cabernet Sauvignon (40%)
Rhone varieties (white and black)
Zinfandel, Merlot, Syrah
216
Q

Edna Valley AVA known for what grapes/winse?

A

High quality Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
Still and sparkling
Also: Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Albarino, Viognier

217
Q

Where is Edna Valley AVA?

A

San Luis Obispo County (Central Coast)

218
Q

Dominant grapes in Arroyo Grande AVA?

A

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay

One of the coolest areas of CA

219
Q

How many AVAs in Santa Barbara County? What are they?

A 
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
Q

AVAs of Santa Barbara County (Central Coast) are on the Transverse Ranges. So what?

A

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
Q

Significant producers in Santa Barbara County (Central Coast)?

A

Sine Qua Non

Mail Road Wines

222
Q

Where is Santa Maria Valley AVA located?

A

Northern part of Santa Barbara County (Central Coast)

223
Q

Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir: style

A 
medium (+) to high acid
medium to medium (+) body
medium tannin
red cherry, plum
high alcohol (!)
224
Q

Santa Ynez Valley AVA (Santa Barbara County) has four sub-AVAs. What are they?

A

Sta Rita Hills AVA
Ballard Canyon AVA
Los Olivos AVA
Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara AVA

225
Q

Sta. Rita Hills AVA known for which grape?

A

Pinot Noir
Black cherry, tea leaf, black plu, savoury
Medium (+) to high acid, medium (+) tannin

226
Q

Two most planted grapes in Ballard Canyon AVA (sub AVA of Santa Ynez Valley)

A

Syrah and Grenache (late ripening)

Warmer growing conditions here => less Chardonnay and Pinot than elsewhere in Santa Barbara County

227
Q

What sort of grapes are planted in Los Olivos AVA?

A

Mix of Bordeaux, Rhone and Italian grapes

228
Q

What do we need to know about Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara AVA?

A

Small and newly formed

Sub-AVA of Santa Ynez Valley, itself part of Santa Barbara County (Central Coast)

229
Q

Is Central Valley an AVA?

A

No. Most wines from “California” appellation

230
Q

Central Valley is made up of what two valleys?

A 
Sacramento Valley (north)
San Jaoquin Valley (south)
231
Q

How many hectares in Central Valley?

A

Total nearly 68,000ha
Sacramento Valley (N): 6,700ha
San Joaquin Valley (S): 61,000ha

232
Q

Account for very ripe grapes in Central Valley?

A

Flat fertile areas of high-yielding vineayrds

Hot, with daytime temperature 35-40C

233
Q

Common grapes in Central Valley?

A 
French Colombard
Chardonnay
Muscat
Zinfandel
Merlot
234
Q

Largest producers in Central Valley?

A

E&J Gallo

Bronco Wine Company

235
Q

Lodi AVA is located where?

A

northern end of Central Valley

236
Q

Lodi AVA land under vine

A

45,000ha (twice the size of Sonoma County)

237
Q

Cliamte in Lodi

A

Hot Mediterranean

Cool afternoon winds from San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta

238
Q

Topography in Lodi AVA

A

Flatlands of free-draining sandy and clay loam soils

239
Q

Is fungal risk high or low in Lodi AVA? Why?

A

Low
Hot climate
Windy conditions

240
Q

Why are South of France and Rhone varieties grown commonly in Lodi?

A

Very suitable conditions (heat, sunlight, windy etc)

241
Q

Lodi signature grape?

A

Zinfandel

Some vines over 100 years old (sandy soil, no phylloxera)

242
Q

Lodi Zinfandel style

A

Medium to full body
Medium to medium (+) acid
Ripe tannins
Cherry, blueberry, blackberry

243
Q

Significant producers in Lodi?

A

Ravenswood

Michael DAvid

244
Q

Lodi AVA was divided into 7 sub-AVAs in 2006. Most wineries are located in which one?

A

Mokelumne River AVA

Most wineries and most old Zinfandel vines

245
Q

Where is Clarksburg AVA?

A

Central Valley, southwest of Sacramento

Simialr climate to Lodi (hot days, afternoon breezes)

246
Q

Clarksburg AVA best known for what grapes?

A

Chenin Blanc

Petite Sirah

247
Q

Sierra Foothills AVA located in the foothills of what mountain range?

A

Western foothills of Sierra Nevada

248
Q

Sierra Foothills best known for what grape/wine?

A

Old vine Zinfandel
100 years +
Also Rhone, Italian and Spanish vareities

249
Q

Where is South Coast AVA?

A

Extends south of LA to Mexican border

250
Q

South Coast AVA: grapes first planted by who, when?

A

Franciscan monks

1760s

D3 KID (35 decks)

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