Oregon, Washington, New York

Question 1

What is Oregon’s most important AVA?

Answer 1

Willamette Valley AVA

Question 2

Willamette Valley AVA is located between what two geographical features?

Answer 2

• Coastal Range (west side)
• Cascade Mountains (east side)

Question 3

Which mountain range provides a rain shadow for Willamette Valley AVA?

Answer 3

Coastal Range

Question 4

What is the climate of Willamette Valley AVA?

Answer 4

Cool, maritime influenced

Question 5

What are the 3 main soils of Willamette Valley AVA?

Answer 5

• Volcanic
• Alluvial
• Clay

Question 6

What are the 3 main white grapes of Willamette Valley AVA?

Answer 6

1. Pinot Gris
2. Chardonnay
3. Riesling

Question 7

What is the main red grape of Willamette Valley AVA?

Answer 7

Pinot Noir

Question 8

Pinot Noir accounts for ___% of plantings in Willamette Valley AVA.

Answer 8

70%

Question 9

Wine color, intensity, and structure differ in Willamette Valley AVA even across the same grape varietal.

Why is this?

Answer 9

Vineyards are planted on the valley floor, hillsides, and at higher elevation – and each contributes to ripeness and concentration.

Question 10

Oregon wine law states that ___% of a grape must be in a bottle if that grape is stated on the label…

…EXCEPT for these two grape varietals.

Answer 10

90%

Except for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, which can be a minimum of 75%.

Question 11

If an Oregon wine label has a specific AVA on it, a minimum of ___% of the grapes must come from that AVA.

Answer 11

95%

(it’s 85% everywhere else in the U.S.)

Question 12

Who was David Lett?

Answer 12

David Lett was one of the pioneers of Oregon viticulture.

He was one of the first to plant Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris in the Willamette Valley in 1965.

Question 13

The majority of Washington’s vineyards are planted east or west of the Cascades?

Answer 13

East of the Cascade Mountains

Question 14

What is Washington State’s largest AVA?

Answer 14

Columbia Valley AVA

Question 15

The Cascade Mountains create a ____ ______ for Columbia Valley.

Answer 15

Rain shadow

Question 16

Thanks to the rain shadow created by the Cascades, what is the climate of Columbia Valley?

Answer 16

Continental / high desert

Hot summers, freezing cold winters, low precipitation.

Question 17

What are the 2 main white grapes in Washington State?

Answer 17

1. Chardonnay
2. Riesling

Question 18

What are the 3 main red grapes in Washington State?

Answer 18

1. Cabernet Sauvignon
2. Merlot
3. Syrah

Question 19

Yakima Valley and Walla Walla AVAs are nested within what larger AVA?

Answer 19

Columbia Valley AVA

Question 20

Is irrigation permitted in Washington State?

Answer 20

Yes! In fact, it’s essential due to the high-desert conditions.

Question 21

What are the main sources of water for irrigation in Washington State?

Answer 21

1. Columbia River
2. Snake River
3. Yakima River

Question 22

What 2 other features of Washington State’s location and climate make it a good place to grow grapes?

Answer 22

1. Northerly latitude – allows for long sunny days in summer
2. Diurnal shifts – nighttime temps can drop 40 degrees from daytime highs, lending freshness and acidity preservation

Question 23

What are 4 important AVAs of New York State?

Answer 23

1. Lake Erie AVA
2. Finger Lakes AVA
3. Hudson River Region AVA
4. Long Island AVA

Question 24

Who trailblazed the planting of Vitis vinifera in the Finger Lakes?

Answer 24

Dr. Konstantin Frank

Question 25

What is the general climate of New York State?

Answer 25

Contintenal

• inland areas have moderating influences from lakes and rivers
• coastal areas are moderated by the Atlantic Ocean

Question 26

Name 2 threats that can affect viticulture in New York State.

Answer 26

1. Deep winter freezes, especially in upstate NY
2. Mold during the growing season, casued by humid summers

Question 27

Name 2 hybrid grapes grown in New York State.

Answer 27

1. Seyval Blanc
2. Aurora

Question 28

What are the 3 main white grapes grown in New York State?

Answer 28

1. Riesling
2. Chardonnay
3. Gewürztraminer

Question 29

What are the 4 main red grapes grown in New York State?

Answer 29

1. Pinot Noir
2. Merlot
3. Cabernet Franc
4. Concord