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WSET D3 from Sarah > USA > Flashcards

USA Flashcards

1
Q

Which grapes are used for cheap blends in the US?

A 
Colombard
Chenin Blanc
Thompson Seedless
Carignan
Ruby Cabernet
Barbera

Mostly in California Central Valley using irrigation

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2
Q

What is the style of old vine Californian Zinfandel?

A

Rich full bodied wines with concentrated red berry flavours, high alcohol levels and some residual sugar

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3
Q

What leads to some raisining of Zinfandel at full ripeness in California?

A

Tendency towards uneven ripeness of Zinfandel

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4
Q

What is Zinfandel also known as?

A

Primitivo

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5
Q

What is Zinfandel used for in California?

A

Blends, varietal wines and for blush rosé

Blended with other varieties for bulk wines

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6
Q

Where in the US can rival Bordeaux for quality Cabernet Sauvignon?

A

Napa Valley

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7
Q

What creates expressive wines in Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon?

A

Fruit is left until complete phenolic ripeness

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8
Q

Where else in the US aside from Napa Valley makes high quality Cabernet Sauvignon?

A

Washington State

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9
Q

What is the style of Cabernet Sauvignon in the Central Valley, USA?

A

Soft, juicy black cherry with light tannin

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10
Q

What is a watch out for California Cab Sav?

A

Sometimes unbalanced with high alcohol

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11
Q

What is a watch out for cheap Merlot in USA?

A

Fashionable, cheap soft tannins and little character

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12
Q

What is the flavour profile of quality Merlot from Monterey and Napa?

A

Blackberry and plum flavours, velvety tannins and high alcohol

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13
Q

Which grape is thought to have high quality potential in Washington State?

A

Merlot

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14
Q

What is a watch out for Pinot Noir from hot sites in the US?

A

Early planting in hotter sites lead to baked wines with little character

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15
Q

In which cooler sites is Pinot Noir planted in the US?

A

Russian River
Carneros
Santa Barbera
Willamette Valley

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16
Q

What is the style of quality Pinot Noir in the US?

A

Ranges from elegant, structured, gamey styles through to rich, full red fruit wines

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17
Q

What is the style of Chardonnay in the US?

A

Generally full bodied, high alcohol, obvious oak, hazelnut and butter character with exotic fruit flavours.

Many more restrained styles found in cooler regions

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18
Q

In which style is most Sauvignon Blanc produced in the US?

A

In the Bordeaux style with partial full fermentation and ageing in Oak.

Sometimes sold as Fumé Blanc which usually indicates ageing in oak

Cheap Sauvignon Blanc often shows very little varietal fruit

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19
Q

Why have there been plantings of Syrah, Viognier and Marsanne in the US?

A

To answer the fashion and trend for Rhône style wines

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20
Q

What is the third most important state for grape growing in the US?

A

New York State

But not all of it is for wine, grapes for table grapes, jams etc

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21
Q

What increased Vinifera plantings in New York State?

A

Farm wineries Act 1976

Saw a move away from American varieties that had dominated

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22
Q

What are the three main vineyard areas in New York State?

A

Finger Lakes
Hudson Valley
Long Island

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23
Q

What is perennial climatic risk in Finger Lakes, New York State?

A

Frost

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24
Q

What provides a warm, moderating effect on the climate of New York State?

A

Lakes and Ocean

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25
Q

What is the second biggest Vinifera based wine producing state in the US?

A

Washington State

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26
Q

What is grown in Washington State?

A

Mostly Bordeaux varieties, especially Merlot. Chardonnay and Syrah also planted.

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27
Q

What is the climate in Washington State?

A

Extreme continental climate.

Inland regions with dry, almost desert like conditions mean irrigation with river water is essential.

Severe winter frost a threat

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28
Q

What is the structure of the release in Washington State?

A

One major winery group with small independent producers

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29
Q

What is a key region in Washington State?

A

Columbia Valley (including Yakima Valley and Walla Walla)

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30
Q

What is the climate in Oregon?

A

Maritime climate influenced by Pacific Ocean and North Pacific Drift

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31
Q

What is the climate in Willamette Valley, south of Portland?

A

Maritime climate. Mild winters and warm summers

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32
Q

What is successfully grown in Willamette Valley?

A

Burgundian styles Pinot Noir

Also Pinot Gris and Chardonnay

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33
Q

What grapes dominate in Umpqua Valley and Rogue Valley (South of Willamette) and why?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot dominate due to warmer climate

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34
Q

What type of wineries will you most likely find in Umpqua Valley and Rogue Valley in Oregon?

A

Mostly boutique wineries

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35
Q

Why does California have such a wide range of climates?

A

It is 1100km north to south with vineyards along the entire length leading to a large range of climates

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36
Q

What moderates temperature in parts of California?

A

Cooling mists and fog that roll in from the Pacific Ocean

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37
Q

Why are Vineyards played at altitude if there is no fog influence in California?

A

As lower down the temperature can reach up to 40•C

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38
Q

What is UC Davis best known for?

A

It’s zonal classification of California based on degree days

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39
Q

Where is the North Coast Region?

A

North of San Francisco Bay, California

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40
Q

What is the climate in North Coast Region?

A

Wide range of climates from warm Mediterranean to cool where spring frosts are a problem

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41
Q

What is Napa Valley AVA known for?

A

Expensive vineyard land and prestigious wineries

Morning mists rolls in from the bay cooling the climate

Cabernet Sauvignon

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42
Q

Where is Carneros AVA?

A

It runs along the bottom of Napa and Sonoma AVAs in California

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43
Q

What wines is Carneros AVA known for?

A

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay

And sparking wine

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44
Q

What is Russian River Valley known for?

A

Quality Pinot Noir production

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45
Q

Where is Russian River Valley?

A

Sonoma County, North Coast Region, California

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46
Q

What wine is Dry Creek Valley known for?

A

Zinfandel

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47
Q

Where is Dry Creek Valley?

A

Sonoma County in California’s North Coast Region

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48
Q

What is the climate in Anderson Valley, Medocino County?

A

Cool climate

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49
Q

Where the hell is Anderson Valley?

A

Mendocino County, North Coast Region, California

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50
Q

What wines are revered from Anderson Valley?

A

Pinot Noir

And Riesling and Gewürztraminer

Due to cool climate

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51
Q

What regions are in California’s North Central Coast?

A
  1. Monterey County, cool dry climate - producing Chardonnay with crisp, citrus character and rich dark Merlot with firm tannins
  2. Santa Cruz Mountains, cool (Zone 1) locations of poor soil producing some of California’s greatest wines
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52
Q

Where in California’s South Central Coast is known for producing fine Zinfandel?

A

Santa Ynez Valley and Paso Robles

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53
Q

What facilitates the flow of cool ocean breezes in South Central Coast California?

A

The mountain range lies East-West rather than North-South

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54
Q

Which region represents 80% of California’s total production?

A

Central Valley California

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55
Q

What is the focus of production in Central Valley California?

A

Quantity

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56
Q

What some is Central Valley in?

A

Zones 4 + 5 it is hot hot hot

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57
Q

Who has experimented to create varieties that can handle the heat of California’s Central Valley’s?

A

UC Davis

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58
Q

Which varieties has UC Davis created to deal with the heat of Central Valley California?

A

Ruby Cabernet and Rubired

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59
Q

What soaks up excess production in California’s Central Valley?

A

Wine Coolers and brandies

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60
Q

What grows best in the Sierra Foothills, California?

A

Old Vine Zinfandel

Italian varieties like Sangiovese

Hot days and cool nights ensures good fruit concentration

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61
Q

Where is the Sierra foothills?

A

In California

At the foothills of the Rockies

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62
Q

What ensures good fruit concentration in the Sierra Foothills?

A

Hot days and cool nights makes for some great concentrated old vine Zinfandel

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63
Q

Why did half of Napa vineyards need to be replanted?

A

Poor research from UC David led to planting on rootstock ARC1 not tolerant to Phylloxera, meaning half of Napa Vineyards needed to be replanted

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64
Q

What disease is a problem in Southern California?

A

Pierce’s Disease carried by Sharp Shooers

It is incurable and fatal and a problem in Southern California

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65
Q

Which California wine region is said to be a hotbed or experimentation and why?

A

Lodi

While best known for its old vine Zinfandel there are 100 different vines in the ground at Lodi including Italian varieties like Aglianico, Sangiovese and Nero d’Avola

Napa gets a big return on Cab Sav but Lodi winemakers Cab experiment more as land is cheaper and lots of different soil types that suit a broad range of grapes

There is a lot of interest in planting Albariño

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66
Q

How much does Lodi produce of California’s wine output?

A

40%

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67
Q

Why were attempts to establish European vines in the US repeated failures?

A

Vines died of a mysterious ailment which only much later in the mid 19th Century came to be identified as Phylloxera

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68
Q

What vines were planted on the Eastern Seaboard of US?

A

Labrusca varieties and hybrids such as Concord, Catawba, Niagara and Delaware

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69
Q

What is the third most important state for grape growing in the US?

A

New York

Makes wine, table and jams

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70
Q

What was the most widely planted grape variety in the US in the 19th Century?

A

The American hybrid Catawba

Red grape

Hardy suitable to harsh cold winter

Late ripening, susceptible to fungal disease - powdery and downy mildew

Used to make wine, jams and table grapes

Thought to be a hybrid of Vitis Labrusca and Vitis Vinifera variety Sémillon

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71
Q

Why were Franciscan missionaries able to cultivate the Vinifera variety Mission (País, Criolla Chica) in Alta California in the late 1760s?

A

Due to the Phylloxera free soils of San Diego, Monterey and San Francisco

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72
Q

What drew people and prosperity to California in 1848?

A

The gold rush

James W Marshall discovered gold in the American River in California

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73
Q

Who introduced Zinfandel to California?

A

Italian immigrants they called it Primitivo

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74
Q

What two Ps caused disaster to US wineries?

A

Phylloxera late 1880s

Prohibition 1920-1933

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75
Q

What is the legacy of prohibition that lives on to this day?

A

State legislation

Each US state imposed its own alcohol tax with some remaining puritanical dry and exporting wine across state boundaries can present such a legislative hurdle as to dissuade many producers from even trying.

Viticulture continues during prohibition in production of table grapes, juice concentrate, raisins and communion wine

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76
Q

Which pioneers in the 1960s helped shift the focus from port style fortified wines that had dominated post-Prohibition to Bordeaux style Cabs and Burgundy-influenced Chardonnays?

A

Robert Mondavi
André Tchelistcheff
Gallo brothers

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77
Q

Who set up the Judgement of Paris?

A

British wine merchant Steven Spurrier

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78
Q

What is the Judgement of Paris?

A

It refers to the blind tasting panel convened in 1976 by British merchant, Steven Spurrier, pitting best of California against the best of Bordeaux and Burgundy.

California wines top the top prize in every category

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79
Q

What is 1976 an important date in US wine history?

A

Year of the Judgement of Paris (Cali v Bordeaux and Burgundy, 1976)

Farm Wineries Act 1976 increased Vinifera plantings in NYC

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80
Q

How much of US wine does California represent?

A

In volume terms ~85% of production

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81
Q

If California State was a country, where would it rank in world wine production?

A

Fourth, after Italy, France and Spain

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82
Q

Where in the US is justifiably proud of its Riesling?

A

Finger Lakes Region, NY

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83
Q

How many AVAs are there in the US?

A

Over 200

84
Q

What was the first AVA in the US?

A

Augusta AVA, Missouri

85
Q

What is a niche market some producers in NY cater for using Concord and Niagara?

A

Kosher Wine

86
Q

What are the most notable wine regions in NY?

A

Finger Lakes AVA - exceptional Riesling

Long Island AVA - Bordeaux style blends

Lake Erie AVA
Niagara Escarpment AVA
Hudson River AVA

87
Q

Which AVA in the US is compared to the Rhineland in Germany and why?

A

Finger Lakes AVA

Cool continental climate

Vineyards on lakeside slopes

Cold winters and hot summers mitigated by moderating influence of the lakes

Riesling is dominant

88
Q

What is the dominant grape in Finger Lakes AVA?

A

Riesling dominates

Other varieties include:

Chardonnay
Pinot Gris
Gewürztraminer 
Pinot Noir
Cabernet Franc
89
Q

What grapes are planted in Long Island AVA?

A

Principle varieties are Merlot and Cabernet Franc

Many producers try to ripen Cabernet Sauvignon

Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay cultivated

Currently a discussion about whether the terroir is better suited to white and sparking wine production

90
Q

What is the Farm Winery Act 1976?

A

It made it economically feasible for financially depressed grape growers in NY to own and operate a small winery by allowing direct sales to consumers.

First french Hybrids, then Vinifera vines planted.

The eastern end of Long Island was developed with a flurry of small wineries opening, large established wineries in Finger Lakes suffered under the competition

By 2005, NY had 210 wineries more than 190 of them established since the Farm Winery Act

91
Q

How much impact did the Farm Winery Act 1976 have on NY wine?

A

Introduced in 1976.

By 2005, NY had 210 wineries more than 190 of them established since the Farm Winery Act

1.5 million ha of wine produced

92
Q

How much of NY’s grape production is destined for wine?

A

33% is destined for wine production

The rest for grape juice, jellies, jams and table grapes

93
Q

Why is the topography of Finger Lakes conducive to wine making?

A

Narrow deep lakes carved by Ice Age glaciers which deposited shallow topsoil in sloping shale beds above the lakes

This combination of steep slopes and deep lakes provide good air drainage and drainage of water and fewer extremes of temperature in winter and summer

Since lakes retain their summer warmth in winter, any cold air sliding down the steep slopes is warmed by the lake and rises, permitting more cold air to drain from the hillside

Conversely in Spring the now cold water if the lake delays budding until the danger of frost has passed

94
Q

Where is most Finger Lakes Estate Wine sold?

A

Locally

95
Q

How many lakes are there are Finger Lake?

A

11

96
Q

Which of the 11 lakes at Finger Lakes are significant to the wine industry?

A

Canandaigua
Keuka
Seneca
Cayuga

As they are big enough to moderate the climate

Cayuga Lakes was granted its own AVA in 1988 since local wineries could demonstrate that its lower altitudes and greater lake depth created a mesoclimate suitable for Vinifera varieties

97
Q

Why was Cayuga in Finger Lakes granted its own AVA?

A

Cayuga Lakes was granted its own AVA in 1988 since local wineries could demonstrate that its lower altitudes and greater lake depth created a mesoclimate suitable for Vinifera varieties

98
Q

What are two interesting wineries in Hudson River?

A

Hudson River is home to the US’s oldest winery

Brotherhood America’s Oldest Winery Ltd established in 1839

+

Royal Kedem Wine, one of the world’s largest Kosher wineries

99
Q

Which grape is dominant in Hudson River?

A

Seyval Blanc the French hybrid

100
Q

Which US AVA feels its maritime influence is similar to Bordeaux?

A

Long Island local growers feel that the Atlantic’s maritime influence is similar to its influence on Bordeaux

Although Long Island’s greatest hazard aside from birds is threat of ocean hurricanes and sea salt spray

101
Q

Which NY AVA has a growing season three weeks longer than the rest of the state and what does this allow?

A

Long Island AVA

This allows the growing of dark skinned varietals

Merlot and Cabernet Franc dominate as they may be fully ripened every year.

Cab Sav struggles to ripen

102
Q

What do Spring fogs do in Long Island?

A

Keep the area cool and prevent premature budbreak

103
Q

What is the second largest wine producer in the USA after California?

A

Washington State

104
Q

What is the climate in Washington State?

A

Continental (hot summers and very cold winters) and very dry

Summer temperatures can exceed 40•C and winter temperatures can plunge to -26•C

105
Q

How often is frost or snow an issue with winemaking in Washington?

A

Regularly. Around 1/6 vintages is severely damaged by frost or snow

106
Q

Why is irrigation essential in Washington State?

A

It receives only ~200mm annual rainfall

Very dry

107
Q

What mitigates the risk of frost in spring in Washington State?

A

The Columbia River and its tributaries

108
Q

Why has Washington managed to keep Phylloxera at bay?

A

Harsh winters and sandy loam soils don’t appeal to the Phylloxera bug and many vines remain ungrafted

109
Q

Why do ungrafted vines offer more protection against extreme weather in Washington State?

A

With no exposed graft unions, are better preserved in cold winters

110
Q

What is the general focus of Washington State wines?

A

Fresh, clean, expressive varietal wines with a deep colour and bright, intense fruit flavours

111
Q

How many AVAs are there in Washington State?

A

13 with all but one, Puget Sound, to the East of the Cascades

112
Q

What is the largest AVA in Washington State?

A

Columbia Valley which dips into North Oregon and encompasses most of the other Washington AVAs

113
Q

What is the most widely planted white grape in Washington State?

A

Riesling and Chardonnay

Riesling made dry and austere to sweet and botrytized and even ice wine

Other important white varieties include Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier

114
Q

What wine company makes almost half of the wine producers in Washington State?

A

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates with its various labels

115
Q

Which Washington based winery is one of the greatest producers of Sémillon in the world?

A

L’Ecole

116
Q

How big is California?

A

About the same size of Germany and Benelux combined

Stretches over 1,100km from 42•N to 32.6• N

117
Q

What latitude is California?

A

Stretches over 1,100km from 42•N to 32.6•N

118
Q

What exerts a cooling influence in the California Coast Ranges?

A

The Pacific Ocean

119
Q

What are the key umbrella AVAs in California?

A 
North Coast AVA
Central Coast AVA
Central Valley AVA
Sierra Foothills AVA
Southern California (South Coast AVA)
120
Q

Where is Napa Valley AVA?

A

In California

North of San Francisco

50km inland

121
Q

How many hectares of vines are there in Napa Valley AVA?

A

~18,000 ha of vines

122
Q

What is the climate in Napa Valley AVA?

A

Overall the climate is Mediterranean

Long sunlight hours during the growing season

The Mayacamas Mountains block off Pacific airstreams but the valley remains open to cooling breezes and mists from San Pablo Bay to the South

This creates a rising average temperature gradient from Carneros in the South to Calistoga in the north

Until they dissipate the mists shield more southerly vineyards from the morning sun, especially those closer to the valley floor

Average rainfall ranges from ~500mm in Carneros to ~1,000mm in Calistoga

Irrigation is permitted and use of drip irrigation is common.

Drought of recent years has led to increased interest in traditional dry farming

123
Q

How much rain does Napa Valley have?

A

Annual rainfall ranges from ~500mm in Carneros to ~1,000mm in Calistoga

Irrigation is permitted and drip irrigation is common

At the same time the drought of recent years has led to renewed interest in traditional dry farming

124
Q

Is irrigation permitted in California?

A

Irrigation is permitted and drip irrigation is common

At the same time the drought of recent years has led to renewed interest in traditional dry farming

125
Q

What makes up the majority of Napa plantings?

A

Black varieties

The most important are Bordeaux Varieties

Also Pinot Noir, Zinfandel & Syrah

The most important white varieties are Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc

126
Q

Why does Napa Valley have darker, fuller bodied, higher alcohol and lower acidity than their French counterparts?

A

Comparatively hot and sunny

127
Q

What is the fashion for Napa Valley wines?

A

Highly concentrated, full bodied wines with significant French or American oak

This also extends to Sauvignon Blanc, which is often makes in the Fumé Blanc style pioneered by Robert Mondavi in the 1970s

128
Q

What did Robert Mondavi pioneer in the 1970s?

A

An oaked style of Sauvignon Blanc called Fumé Blanc

129
Q

What is a typical style of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon?

A

Typically deep in colour with a flavour profile of concentrated ripe or jammy dark berry fruit overlain by a fresh greenness which often manifests itself as menthol

130
Q

What does Merlot contribute to Napa Valley blends?

A

Plum and milk chocolate notes

Soft, velvety tannins

131
Q

What does Cabernet Franc contribute to Napa Valley blends?

A

Flint and herbal notes

132
Q

What does Petit Verdot contribute to Napa Valley blends?

A

Floral and spicy notes

133
Q

What is the alcohol level of Napa Valley wines?

A

Very high but in finer examples can remain in balance

134
Q

What is distinctive about Napa Valley Chardonnay?

A

Baked apple and tropical fruits with vanilla, butter or coconut from oak aging

135
Q

How many sub AVAs are there in Napa?

A

16

136
Q

What are the most notable sub-AVAs in Napa Valley?

A

N-S

Calistoga
Howell Mountain
Spring Mountain
Saint Helena
Rutherford
Oakville
Yountville
Stags Leap District
Atlas Park
Mount Veeder
Los Carneros
137
Q

What is the most northern sub-AVA in Napa Valley?

A

Calistoga

Too far north to benefit from the cooling southern mists

Despite breezes from Russian River the climate is very warm

Home to Château Montelena

A 1973 Château Montelena Chardonnay came first among the white wines in the Judgement of Paris

138
Q

6 Key facts re Calistoga AVA

A
  1. The most northerly sub-AVA in Napa Valley, California
  2. Too far north to benefit from the cooling southern mists
  3. Despite breezes from Russian River the climate is very warm
  4. Home to Château Montelena
  5. A 1973 Château Montelena Chardonnay came first among the white wines in the Judgement of Paris
  6. ~1000mm of rain compared to just 500mm in Carneros
139
Q

What is a notable producer in Calistoga AVA, Napa Valley California?

A

Château Montelena

A 1973 Château Montelena Chardonnay came first among the white wines in the Judgement of Paris

140
Q

Which Napa Valley Sub-AVA is too far north to benefit from the cooling Southern mists from San Pablo Bay?

A
  1. Calistoga. The most northerly sub-AVA in Napa Valley, California
  2. Too far north to benefit from the cooling southern mists
  3. Despite breezes from Russian River the climate is very warm
141
Q

What is the oldest Napa Valley sub-AVA?

A

Howell Mountain

This sub AVA dates back to 1984

Vineyards are planted on volcanic soils on south west facing slopes of the Vaca Mountains

High altitudes of up to 670m lift the vineyards above the mists but high diurnal temperatures enable the grapes to conserve acidity and concentrate flavour

Howell Mountain is reputed for muscular yet complex and refined red wines

142
Q

Why do the vineyards of Howell Mountain AVA in Napa Valley not benefit from the cooling mists from San Pablo Bay?

A

They lie at high altitude up to 670m which lifts the vineyards above the mists

But high diurnal temperature variance due to altitude enables the grapes to conserve acidity and concentrate flavour

143
Q

What enables the grapes in Howell Mountain AVA in Napa Valley to conserve acidity and concentrate flavour, despite not benefiting from the cooling mists from San Pablo Bay?

A

High altitude

Vines are planted on south west facing slopes of the Vaca Mountains at an altitude of up to 670m

High diurnal temperature variation enables the grapes to conserve acidity and concentrate flavour

144
Q

What is the soil in Howell Mountain AVA, Napa Valley?

A

Volcanic

145
Q

5 key facts re Howell Mountain AVA?

A
  1. In Napa Valley, California
  2. This sub AVA dates back to 1984
  3. Vineyards are planted on volcanic soils on south west facing slopes of the Vaca Mountains
  4. High altitudes of up to 670m lift the vineyards above the mists but high diurnal temperatures enable the grapes to conserve acidity and concentrate flavour
  5. Howell Mountain is reputed for muscular yet complex and refined red wines
146
Q

Where is Spring Mountain AVA?

A

Napa Valley, California

147
Q

Where is Spring Mountain AVA?

A

In Napa Valley, California

Across the Howell Mountain in the Myacamas overlooking Saint Helena on the Valley Floor

148
Q

What is the predominant variety in Spring Mountain AVA?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon has replaced Riesling as the predominant varietal

149
Q

What is the altitude of vineyards in Spring Mountain?

A

Similar to Howell Mountain ~ 670m

150
Q

Who is considered the father of Napa wine?

A

Charles Krug

151
Q

What exerts a cooling effect in the mornings in Saint Helena?

A

Morning mists

152
Q

What is the soil in Saint Helena?

A

Alluvial gravel ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon

153
Q

What is the style of Cabernet Sauvignon in Saint Helena?

A

Luscious, meaty style often with minty notes

154
Q

What are increasingly popular in Saint Helena?

A

Rhône varieties

155
Q

Who founded a winery in Saint Helena in 1861?

A

Charles Krug the father of Napa wine

156
Q

Where is Rutherford AVA?

A

Napa Valley California

South of Saint Helena and also on the Valley floor

157
Q

What is the soil in Rutherford AVA?

A

Alluvial gravel at the foot of the Myacamas

More fertile soils closer to the river

158
Q

What is Rutherford Bench?

A

A deposit of alluvial gravels at the foot of the Myacamas in Rutherford AVA making rich, structured, elegant Cabernet Sauvignon

159
Q

Where did Robert Mondavi build his winery in the 1960s?

A

What is now Oakville AVA in Napa Valley

160
Q

Why is Oakville AVA slightly cooler than Rutherford?

A

Morning mists

161
Q

What are the historic wineries in Rutherford AVA?

A

Inglenook

Beaulieu

162
Q

What is made in an opulent style and often oaked in Oakville AVA, Napa Valley?

A

Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc

163
Q

Where is French Laundry restaurant?

A

Yountville AVA, Napa Valley

164
Q

Who was the first person to make wine in Napa?

A

George C Yount

Yountville AVA was named after him

165
Q

Where is Yountville AVA?

A

On the valley floor of Napa

166
Q

Where is Stags Leap AVA?

A

Napa Valley

In the foothills of the Vacas east of Yountville

167
Q

What is Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars claim to fame?

A

It came first among the red wines in the Judgement of Paris

Not to be confused with Stags’ Leap Winery

The placement of the apostrophe is important

The AVA is sans apostrophe Stags Leap AVA

168
Q

What does Stags Leap AVA specialise in?

A

Almost exclusively Cabernet Sauvignon

169
Q

What is the soil in Stags Leap?

A

A unique blend of loam and clay sediments and volcanic deposits

170
Q

Why does Atlas Peak AVA in Napa Valley produce Cabernet Sauvignon with lighter body and higher acidity?

A

Owing to its altitude it is subject to cooler temperatures and higher diurnal temperature variation translating into a more European style of Cabernet

171
Q

Why is Cabernet Sauvignon from Atlas Peak AVA Napa Valley said to have a more European style?

A

Owing to its altitude it is subject to cooler temperatures and higher diurnal temperature variation translating into a more European style of Cabernet

The wines are lighter in body and have greater acidity

172
Q

What are the key grape varieties in Atlas Peak AVA?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon mostly

Also Zinfandel, Sangiovese and Chardonnay

173
Q

What are the principle grape varieties in Mount Veeder AVA, Napa Valley?

A

Bordeaux varieties, Zinfandel and Chardonnay

174
Q

Where are vines planted in Mount Veeder AVA?

A

At altitude on steep slopes overlain by thin, infertile volcanic soils translating into more robust tannins and in white wines exceptional elegance

175
Q

Where is Mount Veeder?

A

Napa Valley

In the Mayacamas Mountains across from Atlas Peak and overlooking Yountville on the valley floor

176
Q

What does Los Carneros translate as?

A

The Rams

177
Q

What is the coolest sub region in Napa Valley AVA?

A

Los Carneros, south of Napa

178
Q

Where is Los Carneros AVA?

A

Napa Valley

South of Napa

The most southern sub AVA

The coolest sub AVA in Napa Valley

179
Q

What dominates plantings in Los Carneros AVA, Napa Valley?

A

Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

180
Q

What is unusual about the placement of Carneros AVA?

A

It sits astride Napa and Sonoma AVAs

181
Q

What are the climatic conditions in Los Carneros?

A

Sparse rainfall ~500mm
Heady winds
Mediterranean climate

182
Q

How big is Sonoma County in comparison to Napa Valley?

A

Twice the size at over 400,000 ha

183
Q

Where is Sonoma Country AVA?

A

North Coast California

Extending from San Pablo Bay and Carneros in the South to Cloverdale in the north

Adjacent to the Pacific Ocean

184
Q

What are the three broad regions in Sonoma AVA?

A

Sonoma Valley
Northern Sonoma
Sonoma Coast

185
Q

Which region in Sonoma benefits from the cooling mists and breezes from San Pablo Bay?

A

Sonoma Valley

186
Q

Where is Russian River Valley and Alexander Valley?

A

Northern Sonoma, California

187
Q

Where is E and J Gallo and Kendall-Jackson based?

A

Sonoma AVA

188
Q

What is the most planted variety in Sonoma AVA?

A

Chardonnay, which usually occupies cooler sites and is less super charged as that from Napa

189
Q

What is the style of Sonoma Sauvignon Blanc?

A

Similar to Napa Valley it is made in a fruity, punchy style that is often oaked

190
Q

What is the most planted black variety in Sonoma AVA?

A

Pinot Noir

Sonoma Pinot Noir is the benchmark for California

In particular Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is classically vibrant in colour with notes of cherry, berry fruits, earth and mushroom

191
Q

What is the classic style of Russian River Valley /Sonoma Pinot Noir?

A

Classically vibrant in colour with notes of cherry, berry fruits, earth and mushroom

192
Q

How does Sonoma Pinot about compare with Burgundy?

A

Compared to Burgundy Sonoma Pinot is fuller in body and richer in fruit

Compared to Oregon Pinot Noir it lacks the crisp green notes

Compared to New Zealand Pinot about it is often lower in acidity

Sonoma Pinot Noir is classically vibrant in colour with notes of cherry, berry fruits, earth and mushroom

193
Q

How does Sonoma Pinot Noir compared to Oregon Pinot Noir?

A

Compared to Oregon Pinot Noir it lacks the crisp green notes

Compared to Burgundy Sonoma Pinot is fuller in body and richer in fruit

Compared to New Zealand Pinot Noir it is often lower in acidity

Sonoma Pinot Noir is classically vibrant in colour with notes of cherry, berry fruits, earth and mushroom

194
Q

How does Sonoma Pinot Noir compared New Zealand Pinot Noir?

A

Compared to New Zealand Pinot Noir it is often lower in acidity

Compared to Oregon Pinot Noir it lacks the crisp green notes

Compared to Burgundy Sonoma Pinot is fuller in body and richer in fruit

Sonoma Pinot Noir is classically vibrant in colour with notes of cherry, berry fruits, earth and mushroom

195
Q

On which sites does Chardonnay tend to be planted in Sonoma?

A

On cooler sites

196
Q

On which sites does Cabernet Sauvignon tend to be planted in Sonoma?

A

Warmer sites on the valley floor

197
Q

Where does Zinfandel achieve one of its finest expressions in California?

A

Sonoma & Lodi

198
Q

What is the style of Sonoma Zinfandel?

A

👁 Deep ruby or purple in colour

👃🏼 Notes of strawberry or bramble fruit, fresh cream, black tea, thyme or other herbs and often coconut from American oak

👄 Full bodied, high alcohol, moderate acidity, high tannins. At its best it is lengthy with a mineral core and savoury finish.

199
Q

Where is Alexander Valley AVA?

A

A large AVA in the North East of Sonoma County it straddles the Russian River as it flows down from Cloverdale to Healdsburg

200
Q

What is the climate in Alexander Valley AVA?

A

Warm although temperatures are somewhat moderated by sea breezes from the Russian River Estuary

201
Q

What is Alexander Valley AVA noted for?

A

It’s Cabernet Sauvignon which is more fruit driven and less earthy than that from Napa

202
Q

What is one of the coolest AVAs in California?

A

Russian River Valley in Sonoma Valley California

Ocean mists exert an important influence

203
Q

What is the rainfall in Russian River Valley?

A

Relatively high at 750mm, this and humidity from ocean mists and the areas many rivers increase the risk of rot especially to the thin skinned Pinot Noir

204
Q

What is Russian River Valley best known for?

A

It’s Pinot Noir which is classically vibrant in colour with notes of cherry, berry fruits, earth and mushroom

Chardonnay is generally made in a lean style

205
Q

How many tourists visit California wine regions each year?

A

24m

WSET D3 from Sarah (41 decks)

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