US - California Flashcards
(345 cards)
What term indicates a premium California blend made from Bordeaux varieties with no single grape surpassing 90%?
Meritage Explanation: The term is trademarked by the Meritage Alliance for Bordeaux-style blends.
Which Croatian grape was definitively linked to California’s Zinfandel?
Crljenak Kastelanski Explanation: Carole Meredith’s genetic research proved they are the same variety.
Which six counties are included in the North Coast AVA?
Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Lake, Solano, and Marin Explanation: These counties collectively form the North Coast AVA.
What percentage of California’s vineyard acreage is in Napa Valley?
About 4% Explanation: Napa accounts for a small percentage of the state’s total acreage.
How many sub-AVAs does Napa Valley contain?
17 Explanation: They are nested within the larger Napa Valley AVA.
Crystal Springs of Napa Valley(2024, 400-1400feet) in Spring Mountain District
Which two mountain ranges form the Napa Valley?
The Mayacamas Mountains to the west and the Vaca Mountains to the east Explanation: They create the valley’s geography.
Which southern AVA in Napa Valley is well-suited for sparkling wine production?
Carneros AVA Explanation: Its cooler climate favors sparkling wine grapes like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Which northernmost AVA in Napa routinely sees summer temperatures above 90°F?
Calistoga AVA Explanation: It is among the warmest sub-AVAs of Napa Valley.
What types of soil are most prevalent in Napa Valley?
Volcanic, alluvial, and maritime soils Explanation: These create diverse vineyard terroirs.
Which wettest and coolest of Napa’s mountain AVAs was the first to receive sub-appellation status within Napa Valley?
Howell Mountain Explanation: It begins at 1,400 feet in elevation.
Which mountain AVA in Napa has the highest-altitude west-facing vineyards producing benchmark wines?
Howell Mountain Explanation: It is known for its high elevation and distinctive Cabernet Sauvignon.
What is the most planted grape variety in Sonoma County overall?
Chardonnay Explanation: It leads with over 16,000 acres.
How many AVAs does Sonoma County contain?
19 Explanation: Each AVA reflects unique climates and soils.(West Sonoma Coast, 2022, 500-1000 feet, Littorai, Hirsch Vineyards, Peay Vineyards)
Which labeling requirement was introduced in Sonoma County from 2011 forward?
All wines must state Sonoma County on the label Explanation: This is the conjunctive labeling law.
Which AVA in Sonoma is classified as Region I on the Winkler Index?
Carneros AVA Explanation: Its cool temperatures place it in Winkler Region I.
(Russian River Valley, Santa Maria, Sta. Rita Hills)
Which Sonoma AVA is considered the coolest in the northern stretches, with persistent coastal fog?
Sonoma Coast AVA Explanation: Altitude and cold ocean air combine for very cool conditions.
What year was the West Sonoma Coast AVA approved?
2022 Explanation: It was established to delineate the true coastal region of Sonoma.
Which AVA follows the Russian River southwest from Healdsburg and is known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay?
Russian River Valley AVA Explanation: Fruity, forward styles of these grapes are typical there.
What is the fertile sandy loam soil found in the Russian River Valley AVA?
Goldridge sandy loam Explanation: Common in Green Valley and other parts of the Russian River Valley.
*Soil: Goldridge and Altamont soils. Mostly Sandy loam based.
Which AVA is nested within Russian River Valley and known for cool temperatures and morning fog?
Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA Explanation: It is distinct for its Goldridge soil and microclimate.
Which small AVA north of Dry Creek Valley is known for powerful Zinfandel?
Rockpile AVA Explanation: It produces ripe, concentrated Zinfandel above the fog line.
*Elevation: 800–1,900 feet (800’ is the minimum elevation to qualify for the AVA)
Which Sonoma Valley nested AVA is too cool to regularly ripen Cabernet Sauvignon, favoring Merlot instead?
Bennett Valley AVA Explanation: It is known for Merlot due to its cooler microclimate.
What is the name of the mountain range forming Sonoma Valley’s eastern boundary?
The Mayacamas range Explanation: It separates Sonoma Valley from Napa Valley.
Which AVA covers the southern counties stretching from Los Angeles to San Diego?
South Coast AVA Explanation: It spans several coastal counties in Southern California.