C34 - Oregon, Washington and New York Flashcards Preview

WSET 3 - TechnoWine > C34 - Oregon, Washington and New York > Flashcards

Flashcards in C34 - Oregon, Washington and New York Deck (33)
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1
Q

What are the two broad regions of Oregon?

A

Northern Oregon and Southern Oregon

2
Q

What is the most important AVA in Northern Oregon?

A

Willamette Valley AVA

3
Q

Describe the location of Willamette Valley AVA within Northern Oregon

A

It lies to the west of the Cascade Mountains and stretches south from Portland

4
Q

What make Willamette Valley AVA so significant in Oregon?

A

It has the largest concentration of wineries and vineyards in Oregon

5
Q

What is the climate like in Willamette Valley AVA?

A

It has a moderate climate
Experiences cooling breezes from the Pacific Ocean
Growing season is dry with long sunny days and cool nights

6
Q

What is the most planted variety in Willamette Valley AVA?

A

Pinot Noir

7
Q

Describe the general style of Pinot Noir in Willamette Valley AVA

A

High levels of acidity
Ripe red fruit flavours
Hint of cinnamon spice

8
Q

What else is widely grown in Northern Oregon? What style is it made into?

A

Pinot Gris

A fruity, dry style

9
Q

Where is the Southern Oregon AVA?

A

Directly to the south of Willamette Valley AVA

10
Q

How is the Southern Oregon AVA composed?

A

Of smaller AVAs, such as Umpqua Valley and Rogue Valley

11
Q

Which region has the warmest growing conditions in Oregon?

A

Southern Oregon AVA

12
Q

How is Southern Oregon also able to grow cool-climate varieties?

A

It has cooler areas within its hillsides and valleys

13
Q

Which are the main varieties that Southern Oregon can grow successfully?

A
Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon
Pinot Noir 
Chardonnay
Pinot Gris
Syrah
14
Q

Where are the majority of vineyards planted in Washington State?

A

Columbia Valley AVA

15
Q

Where in Washington State is Columbia Valley AVA?

A

East of the Cascade Mountains in the valleys of the Columbia River and its tributaries

16
Q

Which are the most important smaller AVAs in Washington State? Where are they?

A

Yakima Valley AVA
Walla Walla AVA
Within Columbia Valley

17
Q

What is the most important aspect of climate, specific to Columbia Valley AVA? Explain why it is like this and how growers deal with it

A

Low rainfall
Result of a rain-shadow effect from the Cascade Mountains
Growers irrigate with river water

18
Q

What are the more beneficial aspects of climate in Columbia Valley?

A

Long daylight hours

Consistent summer temperatures

19
Q

How are the long daylight hours and consistent summer temperatures beneficial for winemakers in Columbia Valley?

A

Fruit attains optimal ripeness due to sunny days

Cool nights help grapes to maintain natural levels of acidity

20
Q

Besides low rainfall, what is another major problems for winemakers in Columbia Valley? What is the impact?

A

Winter freeze

It may reduce crop volumes by half or more

21
Q

What are the most important red wines and styles in Columbia Valley?

A

Merlot - Plummy and full-bodied

Cabernet Sauvignon - Elegant and age-worthy

22
Q

Which other red style is produced in Washington State?

A

Syrah - Full-bodied and intensely concentrated

23
Q

What is the most planted white variety in Washington State?

A

Chardonnay

24
Q

What is the style of Chardonnay in Washington State?

A

Fruity wines with some toasty noted from oak

25
Q

What is another popular white made in Washington State?

A

Riesling - In a dry style with ripe stone fruit flavours

26
Q

What is unique about New York State as a wine region compared with almost any other?

A

It’s dominated by American and hybrid vine species

27
Q

Why are American and hybrid species so popular in New York State?

A

They are used for the production of juices and jellies as well as wines
They are used for their winter hardiness

28
Q

What are the most widely planted V. Vinifera varieties in New York State?

A

Riesling
Chardonnay
Pinot Noir
Cabernet Sauvignon

29
Q

What’s the most important area in New York State for wine production?

A

Finger Lakes AVA

30
Q

Explain why Finger Lakes AVA is suitable for growing grapes

A

The deep, glacial lakes store heat well into November, raising the air temperature of the surrounding vineyards and extending the growing season

31
Q

What wine is Finger Lakes AVA most noted for?

A

Its perfumed Rieslings

32
Q

Besides Riesling, which other varieties does Finger Lakes AVA successfully produce?

A

Pinot Noir
Cabernet Franc
Chardonnay
A number of American varieties and hybrids

33
Q

Where are there smaller AVAs in New York State?

A

Some of the individual lakes of Finger Lakes AVA have their own AVA