North America - CMS Intro Somm Flashcards
(163 cards)
1
Q
What are the two historical origins of winemaking in the United States?
A
East Coast and West Coast
2
Q
When did winemaking begin on the East Coast of the United States?
A
1500s with French Huguenots in Florida and 1600s with colonists in Jamestown
3
Q
What initiated winemaking on the West Coast of the United States?
A
Franciscan mission plantings in present-day Texas and New Mexico in the sixteenth century
4
Q
In which century did winemaking begin along the California coast?
A
Seventeenth century
5
Q
When did the wine industry in the United States start to flourish?
A
Mid-1850s
Began to gain international recognition
6
Q
Who is considered the father of the California wine industry?
A
Agoston Haraszthy, a Hungarian fur trader
7
Q
Why is Agoston Haraszthy considered the father of the California wine industry?
A
- He saw the potential of Sonoma in particular
- He founded the Buena Vista winery in 1857
- He is credited with importing European vinifera vines to California
8
Q
What winery did Agoston Haraszthy found in 1857 in California?
A
Buena Vista winery
9
Q
What did Agoston Haraszthy import to California?
A
European vinifera vines
10
Q
What major event attracted Italian and French immigrants to California?
A
The Gold Rush
This had important consequences for the wine cultures of California and the broader United States.
11
Q
What major setback did the USA’s wine industry face in the late 1800s?
A
Phylloxera
This was just as the USA’s wine industry was establishing itself.
12
Q
When did phylloxera make its way to California vineyards?
A
The 1880s and 1890s
While California vineyards had been on the rise, phylloxera was ravaging the vineyards in Europe.
13
Q
What years did Prohibition take place in the USA?
A
1920 – 1933
Prohibition forbade the production and sale of beverage alcohol except for sacramental purposes.
14
Q
What was the effect of Prohibition on the wine industry in the USA?
A
Crippled the growing wine trade
Prohibition did not eradicate the nation’s taste for alcoholic drinks.
15
Q
How many wineries remained when Prohibition was repealed in 1933 in the USA?
A
Fewer than 100 wineries
The repeal of Prohibition occurred during the Great Depression.
16
Q
What economic event followed the repeal of Prohibition and affected industry recovery in the USA?
A
The Great Depression
The Great Depression hampered the recovery of the wine industry.
17
Q
How long did it take for the wine industry to fully recover after Prohibition in the USA?
A
Nearly five decades
The recovery period was extended due to the subsequent World War II.
18
Q
In which decades did the wine industry begin to flourish again in the USA?
A
1960s and 1970s
This resurgence marked the start of the modern era for the wine industry.
19
Q
Who were two key figures that contributed to the revival of winemaking in California in the 1960s and 1970s?
A
- Robert Mondavi
- André Tchelistcheff
They were instrumental in bringing quality winemaking back to life.
20
Q
What event established the ‘world class’ caliber of California wines in 1976?
A
Judgment of Paris
This was a famous blind tasting where California wines prevailed over classic French wines.
21
Q
What was the outcome of the Judgment of Paris?
A
Two California contenders prevailed over classic French wines from Burgundy and Bordeaux
This blind tasting was conducted by world-renowned experts.
22
Q
What is the current rank of the United States in global wine production?
A
Fourth largest producer of wine
23
Q
In how many states is wine currently made in the United States?
A
Every state
Exports are trending upward
24
Q
Which country consumes more wine than any other?
A
The United States
25
What federal agency regulates all beverage alcohol laws in the United States?
Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
## Footnote
The TTB is responsible for enforcing federal laws related to alcohol production and distribution.
26
What does the TTB define and approve regarding American wine regions?
The boundaries of American wine regions
27
On what basis does the TTB demarcate appellations in the United States?
Distinctive geographical, physical, and climatic features
28
What is the purpose of establishing viticultural areas according to the TTB in the United States?
To allow vintners to describe more accurately the origin of their wines and help consumers identify wines they may purchase
29
What are named wine-growing regions in the United States called?
American Viticultural Areas (AVAs)
30
How are American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) defined in the USA?
As delimited grape-growing areas, referring to geographic location only
31
When were the first AVAs established in the USA?
In the early 1980s
## Footnote
The first AVAs included Augusta, Missouri (1980) and Napa Valley, California (1981).
32
Fill in the blank: Napa Valley became an AVA in _______.
1981
33
What is the minimum percentage of the stated **grape variety** required for labels if the wine is from country (USA), state, county, or AVA?
75%
## Footnote
90% minimum in Oregon for many varieties
34
What is the minimum percentage of the stated **grape variety** required for labels in Oregon?
90%
## Footnote
This applies for many varieties in Oregon.
35
Name the minimum percentage of grapes required from the stated **vintage** if the US wine is from a(n):
* State or county
* AVA or single vineyard
* 85%
* 95%
36
List the percentages of grapes that must be used to claim an **appellation** from:
* A country (USA), state*, or county
* A stated AVA
* A single vineyard
* 75% minimum from a country (USA), state*, or county
* 85% minimum from a stated AVA
* 95% minimum from a stated single vineyard
## Footnote
*Washington requires 95%; California and Oregon require 100%
37
What does 'Estate Bottling' mean in wine labeling in the USA?
100% from grapes grown on land owned or controlled by the winery
## Footnote
The land must be located in an AVA.
38
What is the location of California in relation to the United States?
West Coast of the United States
39
What is the climate of California?
* Cool on the coast due to the influence of the Pacific Ocean
* Warm to hot inland, based on distance from the ocean
## Footnote
This is a common theme for almost all wine regions we will discuss in California.
40
What topographical features influence California's wine production?
Mountain ranges and rolling hills
## Footnote
These features can block or funnel cool Pacific air inland.
41
Name two white grape varieties grown in California.
* Chardonnay
* Sauvignon Blanc
42
Name four red grape varieties grown in California.
* Cabernet Sauvignon
* Merlot
* Zinfandel
* Pinot Noir
43
List the important wine areas in California.
* North Coast
* Sierra Foothills
* Central Valley
* Central Coast
44
What is the geographical location of Napa Valley, California?
The Napa Valley stretches from the San Pablo Bay 30 miles north to Mount Saint Helena.
45
What mountains flank Napa Valley, California to the east and west?
*** The Vaca Mountains to the east
* The Mayacamas Mountains separate Napa from Sonoma to the west**
46
What significant water body flows through the Napa Valley?
The Napa River flows through the heart of the region.
47
What type of climate does Napa Valley have?
Dry Mediterranean
## Footnote
This is depending on altitude and the influence of cool air and fog rolling off the San Pablo Bay
48
Why does the climate of Napa Valley vary?
It varies depending on altitude and the influence of cool air and fog rolling off the San Pablo Bay.
49
What natural phenomenon contributes to temperature shifts in Napa Valley?
Morning and evening fogs rolling in off the San Pablo bay
50
Which AVAs in Napa Valley are highly affected by cool air and fog?
The AVAs in the southern portion of the Napa Valley.
## Footnote
This lessens upon moving north up the valley.
51
What is the highest altitude of vineyard land in Napa Valley?
2,000 feet
## Footnote
This altitude is found in the mountainous portions of Napa Valley.
52
What is the soil like in Napa Valley?
Very diverse across the valley and mountainous areas
53
Name two white grape varieties grown in Napa Valley.
* Chardonnay
* Sauvignon Blanc
54
Name four red grape varieties grown in Napa Valley.
* Cabernet Sauvignon
* Merlot
* Zinfandel
* Pinot Noir
55
Where are the vineyards in the Napa Valley typically planted?
On higher-elevation slopes, hillsides, or the valley floor
56
What do the differing vineyard locations in Napa Valley affect?
Intensity of color, flavor, and structure in the resulting wines
57
What helps Napa Valley wines retain needed acidity and freshness?
Temperature shifts from day to night
58
What factors allow for different types and styles of wine in Napa Valley?
The wide range of climates from south to north
59
Which wine is associated with cooler climates in Napa Valley?
Pinot Noir
60
Which wines are associated with warmer climates in Napa Valley?
Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel
61
What is a common characteristic of wines from the Napa Valley in terms of vinification?
Extensive use of new French and American oak barrels, lending notes of vanilla and toast to both red and white wines.
62
What fermentation process is often used in the production of white wines in Napa Valley, particularly Chardonnay?
Malolactic fermentation
## Footnote
This process imparts rich, buttery aromas and flavors to the wine.
63
Where in Napa Valley are sparkling wines primarily produced?
In the cooler southern areas, most notably in Carneros.
64
Which California AVA is situated in both Napa Valley and Sonoma County?
Carnernos
65
Name the most important AVAs in the Napa Valley.
* Howell Mountain
* Rutherford
* Oakville
* Stags Leap District
* Carneros
66
Where is Sonoma County located?
Western edge of the North Coast of California, extending eastward from the Pacific Ocean to the ridge line of the Mayacamas Mountains bordering the Napa Valley
67
What is the climate of Sonoma County like?
Cooler coastal areas with warmer zones moving inland
## Footnote
The climate is extremely varied.
68
Why is the climate of Sonoma County extremely varied?
* Proximity to the Pacific Ocean
* Altitude
* The inland influence of fog and cool air from the ocean flowing through a gap in the mountains, called the Petaluma Gap.
69
What geographical feature creates large diurnal shifts from day to night in Sonoma County?
The Petaluma Gap, which allows fog and cool air to flow inland
## Footnote
This is a gap in the mountains.
70
What California wine region is affected by the Petaluma gap?
Sonoma County
71
Which California wine regions are affected in various ways by various gaps in mountains?
* Sonoma County
* Monterey AVA
* Paso Robles AVA
72
What type of topography characterizes Sonoma County?
Hilly or mountainous throughout
73
List two white grape varieties grown in Sonoma County.
* Chardonnay
* Sauvignon Blanc
74
List five red grape varieties grown in Sonoma County.
* Pinot Noir
* Cabernet Sauvignon
* Merlot
* Zinfandel
* Syrah
75
Where are vineyards commonly planted in Sonoma County?
Hillsides
76
What climatic factors influence viticulture in Sonoma County?
* Differences in elevation
* Diurnal shifts
77
What is a characteristic of the red wines produced in Sonoma County?
Intense red wines, often aged in new-oak barrels
## Footnote
Sonoma is incredibly diverse in the types of wine made. Styles are highly dependent on climate and cooling factors.
78
Name the important Sonoma County AVAs.
* Dry Creek Valley
* Alexander Valley
* Sonoma Valley
* Sonoma Coast
* Russian River Valley
* Carneros
79
Where is Mendocino County located?
North of Sonoma County along the Pacific Ocean
## Footnote
Mendocino County is situated in Northern California.
80
How does the climate of Mendocino County vary?
Very dependent on proximity to the Pacific Ocean; cool coastal areas and warm inland areas
81
What is an important AVA in Mendocino County, Northern California?
Anderson Valley AVA
82
Where is Anderson Valley AVA located?
Mendocino County, Northern California
83
What is the climate like in the Anderson Valley AVA, Mendocino County, Northern California?
Cool coastal
84
What are the main grape varieties grown in Anderson Valley AVA, Mendocino County, Northern California?
* Chardonnay
* Pinot Noir
85
What is Anderson Valley AVA (Mendocino County, Northern California) well-known for in terms of vinification?
Traditional-method sparkling wines
86
What are the important winemaking areas of California's Central Coast?
* Monterey AVA
* Paso Robles AVA
* Santa Barbara County
87
Where is the Monterey AVA located?
South of San Francisco and San Jose, near the town of Monterey
## Footnote
Central Coast of California
88
What type of area is Monterey AVA (Central Coast, California) known for?
A very fertile area known for many types of agriculture
89
What are the climates of the Monterey AVA (Central Coast, California)?
* Cool maritime, with fog and intense wind near the coast
* Very warm to hot further south and inland
90
What unique topographical feature affects the Monterey AVA (Central Coast, California)?
A gap in the mountains along the coast begin to run east-west instead of the typical north-south orientation, funneling cool air and strong winds directly inland.
91
Which California wine region is affected by a gap in the mountains* that funnels in strong winds?
## Footnote
*not the Petaluma gap
Monterey AVA
## Footnote
Central Coast
92
What effect does the gap in the mountains have on air movement in Monterey AVA (Central Coast, California)?
Funneling cool air and strong winds directly inland
93
What is the white grape variety in the Monterey AVA (Central Coast, California)?
Chardonnay
94
List the red grape varieties in the Monterey AVA (Central Coast, California).
* Pinot Noir
* Cabernet Sauvignon
* Merlot
* Zinfandel
95
Why is vineyard site selection important in Monterey AVA (Central Coast, California)?
To protect from severe harsh winds funneled in from the Pacific
96
Where is the Paso Robles AVA located?
San Luis Obispo County between Monterey and Santa Barbara
## Footnote
Central Coast of California.
97
What is the general climate of the Paso Robles AVA (Central Coast, California)?
Generally, a very warm AVA with hot days and cool nights
98
What geographic feature influences the climate of Paso Robles AVA (Central Coast, California)?
Mountains to the west block cool maritime influence of the Pacific Ocean
99
Which California wine region is blocked from the Pacific ocean by mountains, creating a warmer climate?
Paso Robles AVA
## Footnote
Central Coast
100
What allows cool air to funnel in and reach a portion of the wine-growing area in Paso Robles (Central Coast, California)?
A small gap in the mountains
101
What is a prominent white grape variety grown in Paso Robles AVA (Central Coast, California)?
Chardonnay
102
What are some of the red grape varieties grown in Paso Robles AVA (Central Coast, California)?
* Cabernet Sauvignon
* Zinfandel
* Rhône varieties such as:
-Grenache
-Syrah
103
Where is Santa Barbara County located?
North of Los Angeles and north of the city of Santa Barbara
## Footnote
Central Coast of California
104
What type of climate does Santa Barbara County (Central Coast, California) have?
Maritime, with a dramatic change from cool, wet, and windy coast to warm and dry areas inland
105
What geographic feature influences the climate in Santa Barbara County (Central Coast, California)?
California’s Coastal Range, which runs west to east
## Footnote
Unlike the north-south orientation that predominates further up the coast.
106
What effect does the Coastal Range have on air movement in Santa Barbara County (Central Coast, California)?
It creates a valley that funnels cool air and fog directly in from the Pacific Ocean
107
Name the white grape varieties grown in Santa Barbara County (Central Coast, California).
* Chardonnay
* Sauvignon Blanc
108
What are the red grape varieties grown in Santa Barbara County (Central Coast, California)?
* Pinot Noir
* Rhône Varieties:
-Grenache
-Syrah
* Bordeaux Varieties:
-Cabernet Sauvignon
-Merlot
109
What are the important AVAs in Santa Barbara County (Central Coast, California)?
* Santa Maria Valley
* Santa Ynez Valley
* Sta. Rita Hills
110
What are the main wine regions of Oregon situated between?
Coastal Range and Cascade Mountains
## Footnote
Running South from Portland
111
From which city do the main wine regions of Oregon run south?
Portland
112
What type of climate does Oregon have?
Cool and maritime-influenced
## Footnote
The Coastal Range provides a rain shadow.
113
What geographical feature provides a rain shadow in Oregon?
Coastal Range
## Footnote
This offers partial protection against storms headed eastward from the Pacific Ocean.
114
What is the primary topography of Oregon?
Rolling hills and mountains
115
What types of soil are found in Oregon?
* Volcanic
* Alluvial
* Clay
116
Name the white grape varieties grown in Oregon.
* Pinot Gris
* Chardonnay
* Riesling
117
What red grape variety accounts for 70% of plantings in Oregon?
Pinot Noir
118
Where are vineyards in the Willamette Valley, Oregon planted?
On the higher-elevation slopes, hillsides, or on the valley floor
## Footnote
These locations affect the intensity of color, flavor, and structure of the wines.
119
What is an important AVA in Oregon?
Willamette Valley AVA
## Footnote
It contains many sub-AVAs.
120
What is the minimum percentage of grape variety required on an Oregon wine label?
90%
## Footnote
An exception exists for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and a few other grape varieties, which allows for a minimum of 75%.
121
What is the minimum percentage of grapes required for a wine labeled by reference to an AVA within Oregon?
95%
## Footnote
This is stricter than the standard 85% requirement.
122
Which grape varieties are exceptions to the 90% rule in Oregon wine law?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and a few others
## Footnote
These varieties allow for a minimum of 75% instead of 90%.
123
Fill in the blank: Oregon wine law requires that a wine contains a minimum of _______ of the grape variety stated on the label.
90%
## Footnote
Exceptions apply to certain grape varieties.
124
Who is David Lett?
* Oregon pioneer
* Eyrie Vineyards
## Footnote
Around 1975
125
Where are the majority of Washington State vineyards located?
To the east of the Cascade Mountains
126
What climatic feature protects the entire eastern portion of Washington State from rainy weather?
The Cascade Mountains create a rain shadow
## Footnote
This rain shadow results in a continental, high-desert climate.
127
What type of climate is found in the eastern part of Washington State?
Continental, high-desert climate with hot summers, very cold winters, and little precipitation
## Footnote
This is due to a rain shadow effect from the Cascade Mountains.
128
Name the primary white grape varieties grown in Washington State.
* Chardonnay
* Riesling
129
Name the primary red grape varieties grown in Washington State.
* Cabernet Sauvignon
* Merlot
* Syrah
130
What is a significant characteristic of the temperature in Washington State's vineyards?
Dramatic diurnal differences of up to 40 degrees between day and night
## Footnote
This is due to the desert-like conditions
131
How do the low nighttime temperatures of Washington State vineyards help viticulture?
It allows the vines to rest and help preserve acidity and freshness in the wines.
132
What is essential for viticulture in Washington State?
Irrigation
133
What are primary sources of water for irrigation in Washington State?
The Columbia, Yakima, and Snake rivers
## Footnote
The desert-like conditions necessitate irrigation for successful grape growing.
134
What are the important AVAs in Washington State?
* Columbia Valley
-Yakima Valley
-Walla Walla Valley
135
What is the geographical location of New York State?
Northeastern United States
136
What type of climate is found in New York State for wine production?
Continental, with moderating influences of lakes and rivers for inland areas and the Atlantic Ocean for coastal regions
137
Name three white grape varieties used in New York State wine production.
* Riesling
* Gewürztraminer
* Chardonnay
138
Name four red grape varieties used in New York State wine production.
* Pinot Noir
* Merlot
* Cabernet Franc
* Concord
139
Name two hybrid grape varieties used in New York State wine production.
* Aurora
* Seyval Blanc
140
What is a key viticultural practice in New York State during harsh winters?
Protect vines from deep freezes
141
What is a key viticultural practice in New York State during warm, humid summer months?
Protect vines from mold
142
List four important American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) in New York State.
* Finger Lakes
* Lake Erie
* Hudson River
* Long Island
143
Who is Dr. Konstantin Frank?
Finger Lakes Pioneer, New York
144
Name the primary US state(s) that Chardonnay is grown in.
* California
* Oregon
* Washington
* New York
145
Name the primary US state(s) that Sauvignon Blanc is grown in.
California
146
Name the primary US state(s) that Cabernet Sauvignon is grown in.
* California
* Washington
147
Name the primary US state(s) that Merlot is grown in.
* California
* Washington
* New York
148
Name the primary US state(s) that Zinfandel is grown in.
California
149
Name the primary US state(s) that Pinot Noir is grown in.
* California
* Oregon
* New York
150
Name the primary US state(s) that Syrah is grown in.
* California
* Washington
151
Name the primary US state(s) that Grenache is grown in.
California
152
Name the primary US state(s) that Pinot Gris is grown in.
Oregon
153
Name the primary US state(s) that Riesling is grown in.
* Oregon
* Washington
* New York
154
Name the primary US state(s) that Gewürztraminer is grown in.
New York
155
Name the primary US state(s) that Cabernet Franc is grown in.
New York
156
Where is Chardonnay grown in California?
* North Coast
-Napa Valley
-Sonoma County
-Mendocino County (Anderson Valley AVA)
* Central Coast
-Monterey AVA
-Paso Robles AVA
-Santa Barbara County
157
Where is Sauvignon Blanc grown in California?
* North Coast
-Napa Valley
-Sonoma County
* Central Coast
-Santa Barbara County
158
Where is Cabernet Sauvignon grown in California?
* North Coast
-Napa Valley
-Sonoma County
* Central Coast
-Monterey AVA
-Paso Robles AVA
-Santa Barbara County
159
Where is Merlot grown in California?
* North Coast
-Napa Valley
-Sonoma County
* Central Coast
-Monterey AVA
-Santa Barbara County
160
Where is Zinfandel grown in California?
* North Coast
-Napa Valley
-Sonoma County
* Central Coast
-Monterey AVA
-Paso Robles AVA
161
Where is Pinot Noir grown in California?
* North Coast
-Mendocino County (Anderson Valley AVA)
-Sonoma County
-Napa Valley
* Central Coast
-Monterey AVA
-Santa Barbara County
162
Where is Syrah grown in California?
* North Coast
-Sonoma County
* Central Coast
-Santa Barbara County
163
Where is Grenache grown in California?
* Paso Robles AVA
* Santa Barbara County
## Footnote
Central Coast
