Wine Regions California Flashcards
North Coast
Climate: Ocean influence. Fog and cool breazes flow through gaps in coastal mountain ranges adn river valleys. Impacts average temps and Diurnal range.
Topography: North of San Franscisco
Los Carneros AVA
Climate: Morning fog, cool afternoon breezes
Topography: North of San Pablo Bay. Most southernly in North Coast and is in both Napa and Sonoma.
Grapes: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, CabSav (in warmer northern valley)
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Central Valley
Climate: Mot & Dry, Irrigation widely practised
Topography: Sacremento & San Joaquim Valleys
Terrior: Flat
Grapes: Rubirded, Ruby Cabernet (new grape varieties). CabSav, Merlot, Chardonnay, Colombard, Chenin Blanc, Barbera
Lodi
Climate: Sacremento Delta provides cooling breezes off the San Francisco Bay.
Topography: In between Sacremento & San Joaquim Valley. Middle of Central Valley.
Grapes: Zinfandel (Oldest and best). Most other varieties.
Santa Cruz Mountains (Central Coast)
Climate: Moderate
Topography: North of Central coast. Diverse region. Hillside and infertile soils.
Grapes: CabSav (some of CA’s best). High Quality Pinot and Chardonnay.
Monterey AVA
Climate: cold Pacific Ocean, strong cool winds near coast
Topography: Follows Salinas Valley
Grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir planted on coast for cool winds. Interior - Merlot, CabSav, Syrah.
Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Climate: Moderate. Cool winds from Pacific Ocean.
Topography: Within Monterey AVA in Salinas Valley
Grapes: High Quality Chardonnay with citrus & Tropical flavors and balanced acidity
San Luis Obispo & Santa Barbara Counties
Climate: Flow of cool ocean breezes through the E-W mountains
Topography: Mountians lie East to West
Paso Robles AVA
Climate: Hot, sunny weather. West is cooled by marine air
Topography: Deep fertile soil
Grapes: CabSav, Merlot, Syrah
Wine Style: Fruity wines, for High Volume Brands. West has High Quality Zinfandels & Rhône varieties
Santa Maria Valley AVA
Climate: Significantly cooler. Low lying areas get fog during the day (hence slow ripening & yield with concentration of fruit flavors balanced acidity)
Topography: Exposed coastal. Sanata Barbara County
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Grapes: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
Santa Rita Hills AVA
Climate: Much cooler with strong ocean influence
Topography: Santa Barbara County, far west in Santa Ynez
Grapes: Pinot Noir & Aromatic Chardonnay
Santa Ynez Valley AVA
Climate: Warmer climate
Topography: Santa Barbara County
Grapes: Red wine, Syrah & Bordeaux varieties
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