WINES OF THE WORLD 🇺🇸 USA - California Flashcards
1
Q
Main sub-regions of California
A
- North Coast
- Central Coast
- Inland Valleys (Central Valley)
- Sierra Foothills
- Southern California
2
Q
Climate of California
A
Influence by the cold Pacific Ocean (deep cold water from the N rises to the surface) and the range of mountains along the state. Possibility of fog in some areas (from the afternoon to the morning). Mediterranean climate. Low latitude, therefore the ocean and the altitude are two key factors in the moderating influence.
3
Q
Hazards in California
A
Drought in recent years. Pierce’s disease, mainly in southern California and Central Valley. Spring frost, wildfires.
4
Q
Main grape varieties of California
A
63% blacks. Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon mainly. Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Merlot, French Colombard, Syrah, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc.
5
Q
Key winemaking operations for Pinot Noir wines in California
A
Small % of whole bunch fermentation or stem.
6
Q
Key winemaking operations for Zinfandel wines in California
A
American oak for fermentation, good match between vanilla and juicy profile. White Zinfandel is made from short maceration on the skins, stainless steel, fermentation is stopped to produce a medium-dry wine.
7
Q
Key winemaking operations for Merlot wines in California
A
Premium wines are blended with Bordeaux varieties.
8
Q
Key winemaking operations for Sauvignon Blanc wines in California
A
Stainless steel or oak.
9
Q
Key winemaking operations for Syrah wines in California
A
Some producers are specialised in Rhône varieties.
10
Q
Californian wines that won the blind tasting in Paris (1976)
A
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 1973 and Chateau Montelena Chardonnay 1973.
11
Q
When a Californian wine can be defined as ‘organic wine’
A
No addition of SO2.
12
Q
The meaning of ‘certified organic grape’ in a Californian wine
A
Grape growing process has been certified.
13
Q
Labelling laws for Californian wines
A
- variety, wine made from 75+% of that variety;
- appellation of origin, 75+% grapes come from that county or state; 85+% if vintage;
- AVA, 85+% grapes come from that AVA; 95+% if vineyard name or vintage.
14
Q
The meaning of ‘estate bottled’ in a Californian wine
A
If vineyards and winery are in the same AVA.
15
Q
Types of businesses that operate in California
A
5900 grape growers, 4800 bonded wineries, small number of estate wineries. Many wine producers are merchants or grower-merchants. Also indipendent professional grape growers that farm large vineyards. Large range in size, from small (Screaming Eagle Winery and Harlan Estate) to the worldwide largest companies (E & J Gallo). Small % of biodynamic grape growers.
16
Q
North Coast AVA
A
The largest AVA in California, covering a substantial % of Napa County, Sonoma County, Mendocino County, and Lake County.
17
Q
Mountain range between Mendocino and Lake County
A
Mayacamas Mountains
18
Q
Climate of Mendocino
A
Cool close to the coast and warmer inland (altitude can moderate).
19
Q
Main grape varieties of Mendocino AVA
A
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and aromatic varieties on the coastal sites. While inland there are Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling on altitude.
20
Q
Key elements in the topography of Mendocino AVA
A
Along the Pacific Ocean to the W, Lake County to its E and Sonoma County to its S. Vineyards are either close to Pacific Ocean or inland (some in altitude).
21
Q
How many AVAs in Mendocino are
A
13
22
Q
Mendocino AVA
A
Cover six of the county’s AVAs, can be used for multi-regional blends between these AVAs.
23
Q
Anderson Valley AVA
A
The most well-known of Mendocino’s AVAs. Vineyards on the sloped sides of the valley. Warm day-time temperatures, cold air and fog along the Navarro River. Warmer inland. Plentiful rainfall (900-2000 mm), mainly in winter and spring. Risk of frost. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the main grape varieties. High reputation for Pinot Noir caused that many wineries from other areas buy grapes here. Both sparkling and still wines. Tourism is an important source for cellar doors.
24
Q
How many AVAs in Lake County are
A
7
25
Clear Lake AVA
Lake County's largest AVA, has four sub-AVAs. Afternoon breezes from the lake, vineyards on the slopes, mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc.
26
Key elements in the topography of Lake County
In the rain shadow of the Mayacamas Mountains to the W and the Vaca Range to the E. Most of the vineyards are around Clear Lake.
27
The overarching AVAs in Sonoma County
Northern Sonoma AVA, Sonoma Coast AVA, Sonoma Valley AVA.
28
Northern Sonoma AVA
Large area between Mendocino, Mayacamas Mountains and Santa Rosa. Russian River provides water for vineyards. It incorporates many smaller AVAs (Alexander Valley, Knights Valley, Rockpile, Chalk Hill, Russian River Valley and Dry Creek Valley).
29
Sonoma Coast AVA
From Mendocino in the N, down to Marin County and San Pablo Bay to the S. It includes the Sonoma side of Carneros, part of Sonoma Valley, the W part of Chalk Hill and most of the Russian River Valley AVA. Also the Petaluma Gap AVA and Fort Ross Seaview AVA. Cold ocean winds and fog for vineyards in the W (disrupted fruit set, low yields). Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in light body, high acidity and med alcohol. Aubert and Occidental as significant producers.
30
Sonoma Valley AVA
SE of Sonoma County, Mayacamas mountain range on the E, Sonoma mountain range shelter from cool Pacific breezes. The S part is the coolest. Temperatures are moderated by cold winds from San Pablo Bay, slow ripening. Sub-appellations: Sonoma Mountain AVA, Bennet Valley AVA and Carneros AVA.
31
Knights Valley AVA
One of the warmest AVAs in Sonoma County, surrounded by hills and sheltered from cool influence of Pacific Ocean. Cooler sites at higher altitudes. Free-draining volcanic soils. Ripe and full bodied Cabernet Sauvignon.
32
Rockpile AVA
In the N of Sonoma County, overlapping with the Dry Creek AVA and extending up to Mendocino County. Steep rocky slopes above 244 m. Influence by Lake Sonoma, warm influence during night. Vineyards above the fog layer. Little water retention by the soil, windy conditions mean high evapotranspiration rates, so low yields and concentrated ripe fruit. Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Douro varieties.
33
Fort Ross Seaview AVA
NW of the Sonoma Coast AVA, vineyards over the fog, long sunshine and warmth, riper fruit but always fresh and high acidity. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah.
34
Petaluma Gap AVA
S of Sonoma County, high speed coastal winds, persistent wind of 8+ miles per hour. Lower temperatures, slower respiration and photosynthesis. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah. High acidity, fresh fruit flavours and lower alcohol.
35
Sonoma Mountain AVA
W of Sonoma Valley, E facing, steep slopes within Sonoma mountain range, above fog, intense sunlight and warmth (deep colour, ripe flavours), cold air from mountain during night (retains acidity), volcanic soils, free-draining and low nutrients. Concentrated and ripe Cabernet Sauvignon. Also Merlot, Zinfandel and Syrah. Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon on cooler sites.
36
Bennet Valley AVA
One of the smallest AVA in Sonoma County, surrounded by hills, warm days and cool nights (cool air and fog). Syrah, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.
37
Alexander Valley AVA
Sonoma County's AVA. Vineyards both on the valley floor and W/SW facing slopes of the Mayacamas mountains. Fertile soils in the valley and free-draining, low nutrients, sand and gravel on the slopes. Great concentration in colour and tannin and acidity retaining due to altitude that gives long hours of sunlight. Warm, cooling influence by Pacific through the Petaluma Gap and Russian River Valley. Moderate rainfall (800 mm), mainly in winter. Cabernet Sauvignon is the main grape variety.
38
Dry Creek Valley AVA
Sonoma County's AVA. Valley floor and slopes, Dry Creek river. Gravel sandy loam on the valley floor and gravel red clay loam on the slopes. Less vigour due to gravel. Warm days due to shelter by coastal mountains. Cool ocean air and fogs through mountains on either side of the valley. S is cooler due to the proximity of the coast. West-facing sites are warmer. Cool nights and retaining acidity due to cool air and fogs. Zinfandel (some 100+ years old) and Sauvignon Blanc as the main grape varieties.
39
Sub-AVAs of Russian River Valley AVA
Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA and Chalk Hill AVA.
40
Russian River Valley AVA
In the middle of Sonoma County. Included in both the Northern Sonoma AVA, Sonoma County AVA and part of Sonoma Coast AVA. From flat to hilly. Soils from yellow sandstone to rocky sandy clay loam, free-draining and low nutrients. From moderate to warm. S and W are coolest due to fog and wind through the Petaluma Gap. Warmer inland and up to the NE corner due to the shelter by the hills. Slow sugar accumulation, acidity retaining due to fog (from evening to morning). Pinot Noir and Chardonnay as the main grape varieties. Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA and Chalk Hill AVA are the sub-AVAs. There has been an extension of the AVA area due to the popularity of Pinot Noir and to include all the neighbouring areas affected by fog.
41
Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA
Sub-AVA of Russian River Valley AVA. Next to the Petaluma Gap, fog for the longest time (afternoon and morning) means the coolest conditions in northern California. Vineyards on free-draining, low-nutrients, sandstone soils. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with higher acidity and fresher fruit flavours.
42
Chalk Hill AVA
NE corner, hilly area which block some of the Pacific breezes, warmer climate inland. Volcanic ash for the soil, vineyards up to 500 m. Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc as the main grape varieties.
43
Carneros AVA
Overlaps two counties: Sonoma and Napa. Between San Pablo Bay to the S and Sonoma and Napa to the N. Low altitude. Fog and cold winds in the morning and evening. Cool to moderate. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay as the main grape varieties. Also Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Mainly still, also sparkling wines.
44
Key elements in the topography of Napa County
50x8 km, formed by the Napa River, the Mayacamas mountains and the Vaca mountains. The valley is open to San Pablo Bay in the S. Vineyards both on the valley floor and on the slopes.
45
Type of soils in Napa County
Thin and poor soils on the mountain. Silt and clay in the middle and E of the valley, high fertility. Alluvial fan at the bottom of the mountain (mainly W) by the deposition of sediments by mountain streams as they reach the flat valley floor (also called 'benches'), deep, rocky with moderate fertility. Many valley AVAs have both alluvial fans and fluvial soils.
46
Climate of Napa County
Cooling influence and fog from the S. SV AVAs are the cooler. CV AVAs are warmer but with cool nights due to the cooling influence from the bay. NV AVAs are warm to hot (cooling influence in Calistoga from the Chalk Hill gap).
No fog on M AVAs, long sunshine, cooling influence by altitude. More sunlight on E side (W aspect), S sites are cooler than N (cooling influence from the bay).
47
Hazards in Napa County
Frost during night where no air circulation (floor vineyards).
48
Main grape varieties of Napa County
Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Merlot, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Petite Sirah. Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris.
49
Main training systems in Napa County
Cordon or replacement spur, with VSP trellising.
50
Key winemaking operations for wines in Napa County
In the past, high % of new oak. Now, shorter time of new oak. Wineries are well-resourced (optical sorters, concrete eggs, etc). Chardonnay is often fermented and matured in oak (less new oak), Sauvignon Blanc in inert vessels (some oak).
51
The most common blending for wines in Napa County
Mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and a small % of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and/or Petite Sirah. Blending between different vineyards (or AVAs) is also common. Single vineyard from the well-known vineyards, (To Kalon or Martha’s Vineyard).
52
The most important single-vineyards in Napa County
To Kalon and Martha’s Vineyard.
53
AVAs in the southern part of the valley in Napa County
Carneros AVA, Coombsville AVA and Oak Knoll AVA.
54
AVAs in the central part of the valley in Napa County
Yountville AVA, Stags Leap District AVA, Oakville AVA and Rutherford AVA.
55
AVAs in the northern part of the valley in Napa County
St Helena AVA and Calistoga AVA.
56
AVAs in the mountain ranges in Napa County
Mount Veeder AVA, Atlas Peak AVA, Spring Mountain District AVA, Diamond Mountain District AVA, Howell Mountain AVA.
57
Style for wines in the southern part of the valley in Napa County
Lighter bodied and fresher fruit.
58
Style for wines in the central part of the valley in Napa County
Rounder and more fruity in youth.
59
Style for wines in the mountain ranges in Napa County
Higher acidity and tannin. Those from the east side result in riper fruit and higher alcohol.
60
Napa Green
Sustainability certification programme, 60% of the Napa County vineyards.
61
Livermore AVA
Central Coast's AVA. E of San Francisco Bay. Afternoon winds, hot air from Central Valley, cool air from San Francisco Bay. Stony and free-draining soils. Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel. Wines with concentrated, ripe flavours and tannins, fresh acidity. One of the oldest (Spanish missionaries - Wente Vineyards with Chardonnay from Meursault and Concannon Vineyards with Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaux, 80% California Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are from these clones - sacramental wine during Prohibition).
62
Santa Cruz AVA
Central Coast's AVA. Three counties, vineyards at high altitude so moderating influence during day, warm nights so no frost. Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. AVAs in E side are warmer and better for Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Ridge Vineyards and Mount Eden Vineyards as significant producers.
63
AXR1
A rootstock used in California for higher yields than traditional rootstocks but unsuitable against phylloxera.
64
Where Central Coast is located
From San Francisco to Santa Barbara.
65
Where Monterey County is located
Within the large Salinas Valley.
66
Monterey AVA
The largest AVA in Monterey County, cool marine air from Monterey Bay. Deep canyon in Monterey Bay means cool and windy afternoon/evenings in the Salinas Valley. Pinot Noir and Riesling (N of valley), Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Zinfandel (inland), Chardonnay (both). Sandy loam and gravel soils, free-draining. Low rainfall (irrigation), flat valley (mechanisation), therefore most of production is for inexpensive and mid-priced high-volumes wines.
67
Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Monterey County's AVA. Alluvial terraces, near to Monterey Bay, winds and fog (possibility of slow ripening). Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah. Fresh flavours and high acidity.
68
Arroyo Seco AVA
Monterey County's AVA. S and E of Santa Lucia mountains, starting in the Arroyo Seco Canyon (protection from cooling influence and so warmer) with Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Zinfandel, up to the valley floor with Chardonnay and Riesling.
69
Chalone AVA
Monterey County's AVA. E of Monterey, vineyards above fog, warm days, long sunshine, cool nights (retain acidity). Granite and limestone soils, free-draining. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
70
Carmel Valley AVA
Monterey County's AVA. Within Carmel Valley (Chardonnay and Pinot Noir) and Cachagua Valley (vineyards above fog, some vineyards are the warmest in Monterey, cool nights, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot).
71
Where San Luis Obispo is located
Between Monterey County and Santa Barbara County.
72
Paso Robles AVA
The largest San Luis Obispo's AVA, undivided until 2014, now 11 sub-AVAs according to growing environment. Adelaida District AVA the best known, in NW. From valley floors to mountains. Warmer climate in E (fuller bodied, ripe fruit flavours, concentrated) and cooler in the W (fresher flavours and higher acidity). Templeton Gap allows cooling influence from Pacific Ocean. Calcareous soils, some clay, moderate rainfall. Mainly Cabernet Sauvignon, then Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel. Saxum Vineyards and Tablas Creek as significant producers.
73
Edna Valley AVA
San Luis Obispo's AVA. One of the coolest in California, cool fog and wind from Morro Bay to the N. Mainly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (still and sparkling).
74
Arroyo Grande Valley AVA
San Luis Obispo's AVA. One of the cooler. Warm and sunny days, cool nights (fog and wind from the Pacific). Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
75
Where Santa Barbara County is located
S of Central Coast AVA, including Santa Maria Valley and Santa Ynez Valley (includes four sub-AVAs). AVAs are in the Transverse Ranges (east-west orientation of the Southern Coast Ranges formed by plate tectonic shifts).
76
Main grape varieties of Santa Barbara County
Mainly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (cooler areas), and Syrah (warmer areas). Also, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Rhône varieties (Grenache and Viognier).
77
Santa Maria Valley AVA
Santa Barbara County's AVA. N of the county, valley is west to east, cool influence from the ocean. Vineyards at 100-250 m on hillside slopes on sandy clay shale loam. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Syrah, Viognier.
78
Santa Ynez Valley AVA
Large AVA in Santa Barbara County, both cool coastal and warm inland temperatures, four sub-AVAs (Sta. Rita Hills AVA, Ballard Canyon AVA, Los Olivos AVA, Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara AVA).
79
Sta. Rita Hills AVA
Sub-AVA of Santa Ynez Valley AVA. Cool temperatures, calcium-rich soils. W of the Santa Ynez Valley AVA, the first to receive the cool Pacific fog and breezes. Many grapes but Pinot Noir (black cherry, black plum, tea leaf, and savoury notes, med+/high acidity, med+ tannin) is famous at premium/super-premium prices.
80
Ballard Canyon AVA
Sub-AVA of Santa Ynez Valley AVA. Further inland, small plantings, canyon shelters from cool breezes, warmer conditions, cooler night due to overnight fog. Syrah and Grenache.
81
Los Olivos AVA
Sub-AVA of Santa Ynez Valley AVA. Alluvial terraces, warm, sunny days, low diurnal range, mix of Bordeaux, Rhône and Italian varieties.
82
Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara AVA
Sub-AVA of Santa Ynez Valley AVA. Small and new appellation, warm temperatures (N-S orientation), cooling influence from high altitude and afternoon winds (high diurnal range). Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc.
83
Sub-AVAs of Santa Ynez Valley AVA
Sta. Rita Hills AVA, Ballard Canyon AVA, Los Olivos AVA, Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara AVA.
84
Which valleys compose Central Valley in California
The Sacramento Valley (N and small) and the San Joaquin Valley (S and big).
85
Climate of Central Valley
Warm/hot temperatures during day.
86
Main grape varieties of Central Valley
French Colombard, Chardonnay, Muscat, Zinfandel and Merlot.
87
Clarksburg AVA
AVA in Central Valley. SW of Sacramento, similar climate of Lodi. Chenin Blanc and Petite Sirah. Low amounts of wines labelled as Clarksburg AVA, the majority go into California blends.
88
Lodi AVA
N of the Central Valley, 160 km inland from the San Francisco Bay, large area. Free-draining sandy and clay loam soils.
Hot Mediterranean, cooling afternoon winds from San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Breaks between the North and South Coast Ranges mean breezes. Low rainfall. Old vines of Zinfandel (many ungrafted due to sandy soils). Many varieties from the Rhône, South of France, Bordeaux, Spain, Portugal, Germany and Italy. Irrigation. Cordon-trained and VSP trellised. Old bush vines. Seven sub-AVAs since 2006 (Mokelumne River AVA is where there is the majority of the wineries and old Zinfandel vines). Grapes are used as part of blend for inexpenive and large-scale wines or as single-varietal wines. The most expensive from old, dry-farmed bush vines.
89
Mokelumne River AVA
Sub-AVA of Lodi. Where there is the majority of the wineries and old Zinfandel vines.
90
Lodi Rules
The first sustainability programme in California (over 1000 wineries and 1/5 of the vineyards in Lodi).
91
The coolest AVAs in California
Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA and Edna Valley AVA.
92
The warmest AVAs in California
Knights Valley AVA and Howell Mountain AVA.
