C33 - California (reviewed) Flashcards
What is the main climatic influence on California’s wine growing regions?
The California Ocean Current
it’s an extremely cold Pacific Ocean current which moves down from British Columbia and directly affects the coast of California.
Despite California’s latitude and northern California’s mountainous terrain, it is this ocean current that plays the largest role in moderating California’s grape growing regions.
Most California vineyards are protected from cold ocean currents by what geological feature?
Mountains - which run up most of the state’s coastline.
Without the mountains, California’s northern coast would be dramatically cooler due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. The mountains help insulate California.
What are the effects of fog created by California’s cold ocean currents?
Beneficial effects:
- The cold evening air and morning fogs that are drawn in from the ocean help to lower evening temperatures and retain acidity in the grapes.
- It takes longer for the sun to burn off the fog in the morning which extends the cooling effect well into late morning or afternoon.
Detrimental
- The cooling influence of fog can be so intense that in some parts of California grapes can have difficulty ripening.
What climatic factor links nearly all of California’s grape growing regions?
Low rainfall during the ripening season.
Lack of rain means growers can leave their grapes on the vine late into the season, resulting in super-ripe grapes with intense flavors and elevated sugar levels.
Due to the shortage of rain in California, many grape growers use drip irrigation to make sure their vines have water during the growing season.
What are the main grapes of California
Red
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Zinfandel
- Merlot
- Pinot Noir
- Merlot
White:
- Chardonnay
- Sauvignon Blanc
Discuss Zinfandel
Origin: Despite its European origin, it is widely considered to be a uniquely Californian grape
Ripening: Zinfandel has the propensity of ripening unevenly, meaning that harvested bunches almost always include both unripe and raisinated grapes (which produces both underripe and overripe flavors in the wine)
Style: Concentrated, full bodied, with high alcohol sometimes with small amount of residual sugar
White Zinfandel: Large volume of Rose Zinfandel are made from early picked grapes referred to as White Zinfandel
- Pale pink
- Medium-sweet
- Low alcohol
Discuss Cabernet Sauvignon
- Most planted black grape variety in California
- Home to some of best CS in the world
- Many are full body, concentrated cassis flavour and prominant spice aromas from new oak barrels
- Some chose to do it in less rich style with fresher backcurrant flavours
Discuss Merlot production areas in California
Reputations for making distinctive Merlot with character
- The cooler regions, such as Monterey County and parts of North Coast, and the warmer regions of Napa and Sonoma.
- Merlot from these regions will be soft, lush, and velvety.
Largest plantings of Merlot
- San Joaquin Valley in the Central Valley.
- Seen as simple wines of lesser quality than those from Napa, Sonoma, or Monterey.
- Merlots from San Joaquin are generally more affordable and meant for everyday consumption.
Which regions of California are known for producing top-quality Pinot Noir?
- Russian River Valley AVA
- Los Carneros AVA
- Sonoma Coast AVA
- Santa Maria Valley AVA
Discuss Sauvignon Blanc in California
Best examples from California’s coastal areas – which promote brisk acidity and bursting citrus notes.
Usage of term Fumé Blanc
- Fumé Blanc usually refers to Sauvignon Blanc made in the United States that more than likely saw some new oak
- Some producers will use Fumé Blanc on unoaked wines as a marketing term
Discuss Chardonnary
- Most planted white grape variety
- Inexpensive - Central Valley - fruity, low to medium acidity, sometimes toasty note from oak staves/chips
- High quality - very full body, high alcohol, low acidity with obvious falvours of oak, hazenut, buttet, peach, and banana
- Now some more restrained premium Chardonnay from cooler areas - Los Carneros and Russian River Valley
How many main wine producing regions is there in California
Five - 3 to know
- North Coast
- Central Coast
- Central Valley
What are the main AVA of North Coast
Nappa Valley
Sonoma and Mendocino Counties
Where is the majority of California’s wine produced?
Central Valley
The hot + dry Central Valley has very fertile soil and irrigation is widely used to increase grape yields.
Discuss Nappa Valley - broadly
- Leader forming California’s reputation for quality wines, and home to some of the most desirable vineyards in the US
- 50km N to S, 5km wide
- Two mountain ranges flank Napa Valley
- Eastern side: Vaca Mountains
- Western side: Mayacamas Mountains
- San Pablo Bay (northern extension of the SF Bay) - has a significant cooling effect on Napa Valley, providing morning fogs and cool afternoon breezes that moderate the temperatures of the vineyard in the South
