Class 8 M2 - Wines of the USA

Question 1

What percentage of US wine production comes from California?

Answer 1

Approximately 90%

California is the leading wine-producing state in the United States.

Question 2

What are the top three wine-producing states in the US after California?

Answer 2

Washington, New York, Oregon

These states contribute significantly to the US wine industry.

Question 3

What is the minimum percentage of grapes that must be grown in an AVA for it to appear on a wine label?

Answer 3

85%

This rule applies to wines labeled with a specific American Viticultural Area.

Question 4

What is the minimum percentage of a varietal that must be present in a varietal-labeled wine?

Answer 4

75%

This ensures the wine’s primary grape variety is accurately represented.

Question 5

What is the minimum percentage of grapes required for a wine labeled with a vintage?

Answer 5

95%

This indicates the year of harvest for the majority of grapes used.

Question 6

What type of grape must French varietals be grafted onto in the US?

Answer 6

American rootstocks

This is necessary for their survival against pests like Phylloxera.

Question 7

What is the fourth largest wine-producing country in the world?

Answer 7

United States

It ranks behind France, Italy, and Spain.

Question 8

What grape species were introduced by European settlers that contributed to the US wine industry?

Answer 8

Vitis vinifera

This species is crucial for high-quality wine production.

Question 9

What wine competition is the basis of the movie ‘Bottle Shock’?

Answer 9

Judgment of Paris

This event took place in 1976 and featured blind tastings of wines.

Question 10

Which California region is known for its significant wine production?

Answer 10

Napa Valley

It is recognized as one of the most important areas for quality wine.

Question 11

What are the primary white grape varieties produced in Napa?

Answer 11

• Chardonnay
• Sauvignon blanc

These grapes thrive in Napa’s climate.

Question 12

What are the primary red grape varieties produced in Napa?

Answer 12

• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Merlot
• Syrah
• Pinot Noir
• Zinfandel

Napa is known for a diverse range of high-quality red wines.

Question 13

What is the climate type predominant in Napa Valley?

Answer 13

Mostly Mediterranean with some maritime influence

This diverse climate supports various grape varieties.

Question 14

Name three AVAs within Napa Valley.

Answer 14

• Los Carneros
• Stags Leap
• Howell Mountain

Napa Valley has numerous sub-regions with distinct characteristics.

Question 15

What is unique about the climate of Paso Robles?

Answer 15

Big temperature swings and high diurnal shifts

This allows for full ripeness and high acidity in wines.

Question 16

What grape varieties is Paso Robles particularly known for?

Answer 16

• Zinfandel
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Rhône varieties

The region’s climate suits these late-ripening grapes.

Question 17

What is the significance of the Santa Maria Valley in California?

Answer 17

It has the longest growing season in California

This region is known for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Question 18

What grape is primarily grown in the Sta Rita Hills AVA?

Answer 18

Pinot Noir

This area is recognized for its unique marine layer and calcareous soils.

Question 19

What are the notable grape varieties grown in Sonoma?

Answer 19

• Chardonnay
• Zinfandel
• Pinot Noir
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Syrah

Sonoma’s diverse climate supports a wide range of grape varieties.

Question 20

What is the main grape variety associated with the Ballard Canyon AVA?

Answer 20

Syrah

This AVA is known for its unique climate and soil conditions.

Question 21

What is the growing condition of the Central Valley in California?

Answer 21

Primarily used for fruit and vegetable production

The valley floor mainly produces table grapes.

Question 22

What defines the climate of the Santa Barbara region?

Answer 22

Cool, dry climate with east-west valleys

This climate is well-suited for specific grape varieties.

Question 23

Fill in the blank: The North Coast region of California includes notable areas such as Napa Valley and _______.

Answer 23

Sonoma County

This region is known for high-quality wine production.

Question 24

True or False: California wine laws restrict grape growing to specific regions.

Answer 24

False

Unlike countries like France and Italy, US laws allow any grape to be grown anywhere.

Question 25

What are the main grape varieties grown in the Mendocino region?

Answer 25

* Zinfandel * Petite Syrah * Carignane ## Footnote The region has a wide range of mesoclimates supporting diverse varieties.

Question 26

What is the primary climate characteristic of the South Coast wine region in California?

Answer 26

Coastal regions south of Los Angeles down to the border with Mexico.

Question 27

Name three notable wine regions in the South Coast area of California.

Answer 27

* Temecula Valley AVA * Antelope Valley/Leona Valley AVA * San Pasqual Valley AVA * Ramona Valley AVA

Question 28

What are the seven leading grape varieties grown in California?

Answer 28

* Cabernet Sauvignon * Chardonnay * Merlot * Pinot Noir * Sauvignon Blanc * Syrah * Zinfandel

Question 29

What is the significance of Zinfandel in California wine history?

Answer 29

Introduced during the Gold Rush, became widely planted due to its thriving in California's climate.

Question 30

What is required by U.S. regulations regarding the labeling of Zinfandel and Primitivo?

Answer 30

They must be identified separately.

Question 31

What is the average vineyard age of Cline's Ancient Vines?

Answer 31

80-130 years old.

Question 32

What unique feature allows grapes to thrive in the Petaluma Gap?

Answer 32

Cool offshore winds.

Question 33

What percentage of U.S. wine production does Washington account for?

Answer 33

3%.

Question 34

What are the primary grapes used in wine production in Washington?

Answer 34

* Cabernet Sauvignon * Riesling * Chardonnay * Merlot * Syrah

Question 35

What is the largest AVA in Washington?

Answer 35

Columbia Valley AVA.

Question 36

Fill in the blank: The _______ River provides irrigation water essential for Washington's vineyards.

Answer 36

Columbia

Question 37

What is the climate type of Washington's wine regions?

Answer 37

Semi continental climate, warm days, cool nights.

Question 38

What is the oldest AVA in the Pacific Northwest?

Answer 38

Yakima Valley.

Question 39

What are the top two grapes grown in Oregon?

Answer 39

* Pinot Noir * Pinot Gris

Question 40

What is the largest AVA in Oregon?

Answer 40

Willamette Valley AVA.

Question 41

Name one of the sub-AVAs within Willamette Valley.

Answer 41

* Dundee Hills * Eola-Amity Hills * Yamhill-Carlton * Chehalem Mountains * Ribbon Ridge * McMinnville

Question 42

What percentage of New York's grape area is made up of Vitis labrusca varieties?

Answer 42

85%.

Question 43

What are the four major wine-growing regions in New York?

Answer 43

* Lake Erie AVA * Finger Lakes AVA * Hudson River Region AVA * Long Island AVA

Question 44

What is the primary grape variety used for sparkling wines in New York?

Answer 44

Chardonnay.

Question 45

True or False: Zinfandel is grown in multiple regions around the world.

Answer 45

False.

Question 46

What geographical feature influences the climate in the Eola-Amity Hills?

Answer 46

Van Duzer Corridor.

Question 47

What is the average annual rainfall in the Columbia River Basin of Washington?

Answer 47

Around 8 inches (200 mm).

Question 48

What is the significance of old vines in viticulture?

Answer 48

They withstand heat, reduce yields, and focus quality.

Question 49

What is the main grape variety used in Bordeaux-style blends in Walla Walla Valley?

Answer 49

Cabernet Sauvignon.

Question 50

Fill in the blank: The _______ Valley is known as 'Napa Valley in Blue Jeans'.

Answer 50

Walla Walla