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WSET 3 > USA > Flashcards

USA Flashcards

1
Q

What is the primary climactic factor affecting all of California and what does it do?

A
  • The exceptionally cold California Ocean Current
  • Cold air, often accompanied by fogs, is drawn in from the ocean in the evening, lowering nighttime temperatures; takes time for sun to burn this off in the morning, so the cooling effect is extended into the day; gaps in mountains mean the cooling effect can reach well inland
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2
Q

Besides the California Ocean Current, what is the other key climactic factor that makes grape growing in California so successful?

A

Lack of rain during the growing season, which allows vintners to leave their grapes on the vine late into the season.

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3
Q

Describe California Cabernet Sauvignon

A

Full bodied / very concentrated / ripe cassis flavors / prominent spice aromas from new oak barrels

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4
Q

Describe California Zinfandel and the primary viticultural factor that affects its flavor

A
  • Ripens unevenly, causing raisination, which results in:
  • Concentrated / full bodied / high alcohol / small amounts of residual sugar / red and black fruits / dried berries / licorice
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5
Q

Describe high-quality California Merlot

A

Deep color / soft, velvety tannins / luscious body / high alcohol / flavors of blackberry and plum

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6
Q

Describe California Pinot Noir

A

Rich layers of ripe red fruit (red cherry, strawberry) / hints of sweet spice from oak

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7
Q

Describe California Syrah

A

Typically a full-bodied, rich style; leaner, peppery styles exist as well

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8
Q

Describe California Chardonnay

A
  • Most widely planted grape of either color

- Very full bodied / high alcohol / low acid / obvious flavors of oak, hazelnut, butter / peach / banana

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9
Q

Describe California Sauvignon Blanc

A

Best come from coastal regions and have high acid with citrus flavors

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10
Q

What are the two mountain ranges that border the Napa Valley AVA?

A

Mayacamas (to the west) and Vaca (to the east)

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11
Q

What are the cooling influences of Napa Valley?

A
  • Morning fogs and cool afternoon breezes off the San Pablo Bay
  • Cool ocean air through the Chalk Hill gap
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12
Q

From north to south, what are the appellations running along the floor of Napa Valley?

A
  • Calistoga
  • St. Helena
  • Rutherford
  • Oakville
  • Yountville
  • Stag’s Leap District
  • Los Carneros
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13
Q

What distinguishes the appellations Howell Mountain and Atlas Peak from their counterparts to the west and the wines made on the valley floor?

A

They get full exposure to the afternoon sun, and tend to be warmer than valley-side appellations to the east, and tend to give fuller-bodied, higher alcohol wines. Overall, the red wines of the valley sides have greater tannins and less richness than those of the valley floor, however.

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14
Q

What are is the primary geographic factor that affects the climate of the Russian River Valley?

A

The Petaluma Gap, a break in the coastal mountain ranges, which allows for very cool, foggy conditions.

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15
Q

What is the Russian River Valley best known for?

A

High-quality, elegant Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, as well as sparkling wines from the same grape varieties.

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16
Q

What are the appellations of Sonoma County (excluding Sonoma Coast) from warmest to coolest?

A
  • Alexander Valley
  • Dry Creek Valley
  • Russian River Valley
17
Q

What are the two primary grapes grown in Dry Creek Valley, and where is each one planted?

A
  • Zinfandel, old-vine, grown on hillsides above the fog layer
  • Sauvignon Blanc, grown on the valley floor
18
Q

What has Alexander Valley built a reputation for?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon with soft texture and full body

19
Q

What distinguishes Sonoma Coast AVA from the other Sonoma County appellations?

A

The climate here is greatly influenced by the cold Pacific Ocean.

20
Q

What are the two important AVAs of Mendocino County and what are they known for?

A
  • Anderson Valley AVA: very cool, source of aromatic whites made from Riesling and Gewürztraminer, as well as sparkling wines
  • Medocino AVA: warmer and drier, source of full bodied Cabernet, Zinfandel, and Syrah with soft tannins
21
Q

Describe the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA

A

Diverse region that includes hillside locations with infertile soil, moderate climate; produced elegant Cabernets as well as high quality Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

22
Q

Describe the geographical features of Monterey AVA and how this affects the location of grape plantings

A
  • Strong influence of the cold Pacific Ocean
  • Follows the path of the Salinas Valley
  • Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are planted closer to the coast (cooler) while Cabernet, Merlot, and Syrah are planted farther inland (warmer)
23
Q

What are the geographical features of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties?

A

The mountains lie east-west rather than north-south, encouraging the flow of cool ocean breezes onto the mainland.

24
Q

What are the two distinct zones of Paso Robles AVA?

A
  • East: hot, sunny weather with fertile soils, producing high-volume, fruity wines
  • West: cooled by marine air, gained a reputation for high quality Zinfandel and Rhone varieties
25
Q

Why is Santa Maria Valley known for premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay?

A

It is significantly cooler; in low lying areas, fog can cover vineyards during the day, encouraging a slow ripening process, which yields wines with concentrated fruit flavors and high acidity.

26
Q

What wine is Lodi AVA best known for, and what climactic factors separate it from the rest of the Central Valley?

A
  • Oldest and best Zinfandel vineyards in the state

- Cooling breezes from the San Francisco Bay

27
Q

What are the climactic and geographical features of the Willamette Valley AVA?

A
  • Moderate climate, with cool breezes from the Pacific Ocean
  • Dry growing season with long sunny days and cool nights
  • Lies west of the Cascade Mountains
28
Q

What are the characteristics of a Willamette Valley Pinot Noir?

A

Ripe red fruit / hint of cinnamon spice / high levels of acidity

29
Q

What are the climactic and geographical features of Columbia Valley AVA?

A
  • Lies east of the Cascade Mountains in the valley of the Columbia River
  • Lies in the rain shadow of the Cascades, making irrigation necessary
  • Long daylight hours and consistent summer temperatures, with cool nights
30
Q

What is a major climatic problem in Columbia Valley AVA?

A

Winter freeze can reduce crop volumes by half or more

31
Q

What are the most important grapes of Washington State and what style are they made into?

A
  • Merlot: full-bodied
  • Cabernet Sauvignon: elegant, age-worthy
  • Syrah: full-bodied, concentrated
  • Chardonnay: fruity, with toasty notes of oak
32
Q

What geographical factor has the most influence on the climate of the Finger Lakes AVA?

A

Deep, glacial lakes which store heat welling November, raising the air temperature of the surrounding vineyards and extending the growing season

33
Q

What is the overall climate and climactic factors of Canada?

A
  • Continental climate throughout
  • Average annual temps are low, but average daytime times in July/August are high
  • Large lakes can help somewhat moderate temperature extremes
34
Q

What is the most important DVA in Ontario?

A

Niagara Peninsula

35
Q

What are the two most important grapes made in Niagara Peninsula DVA and in what style are they made?

A
  • Riesling: fresh, fruity, dry and off-dry, plus the finest ice wines
  • Vidal: hybrid grape used for ice wine; hardy, with little character when vinified dry
36
Q

What is the most important DVA in British Columbia?

A

Okanagan Valley

37
Q

What are the geographical features of the Okanagan Valley DVA?

A

Lies in the rain shadow between two mountain ranges, which means it receives very low rainfall and has a desert environment. Extremely long day lengths during the growing season, with large glacial lakes moderating temperatures.

38
Q

What are the most widely planted grapes in the Okanagan Valley DVA?

A
  • Merlot
  • Pinot Gris
  • Pinot Noir
  • Chardonnay
  • For ice wine: Riesling and Vidal

WSET 3 (21 decks)

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