USA & California

Question 1

What was an early attempt at East Coast viticulture in the US, and why did it fail?

Answer 1

Settlers (like Thomas Jefferson in Virginia) tried planting Vitis vinifera, but phylloxera and unsuitable soils caused repeated failures. Native species or hybrids fared better early on.

Question 2

Which missionaries first planted vines in California?

Answer 2

Spanish missionaries in the 18th century (e.g., San Juan Capistrano Mission, 1779) cultivated the Mission grape (Listán Prieto).

Question 3

How do US wine laws differ from Europe’s?

Answer 3

US laws do not regulate winemaking or grape varieties by region; AVAs simply define geographic boundaries with shared traits, offering broad freedom to producers.

Question 4

Who oversees American AVAs, and what was the first official AVA?

Answer 4

The TTB (formerly BATF) approves AVAs. The first AVA was Augusta, Missouri (1980), followed by Napa Valley (1981).

Question 5

What is the required percentage of grapes for a wine labeled by country/state/county?

Answer 5

At least 75% of the grapes must come from that stated origin.

Question 6

What is the required percentage of grapes for a wine labeled by AVA?

Answer 6

At least 85% of the grapes must come from that AVA.

Question 7

What about a single-vineyard-labeled wine?

Answer 7

At least 95% of the grapes must come from that named vineyard.

Question 8

Which labeling rules apply to Vitis vinifera vs. Vitis labrusca varietal wines?

Answer 8

Vitis vinifera wines: 75% of the stated variety. Vitis labrusca wines: 51% of the stated variety.

Question 9

What does “estate bottled” imply on a US wine label?

Answer 9

It means 100% of grapes were grown on land owned or controlled by the winery, which must also be in the same AVA as the winery.

Question 10

What is the difference in vintage labeling for state/county vs. AVA?

Answer 10

State or county-labeled wines must have 85% from the stated vintage; AVA-labeled wines must have 95% from that vintage.

Question 11

Name two major historical events that impacted US wine production.

Answer 11

Prohibition (1920-1933) forced most wineries to close; The 1976 Judgment of Paris put California wines on the world stage.

Question 12

When and why did phylloxera appear in California?

Answer 12

It arrived in the 1860s, devastating vineyards and prompting replanting on American rootstocks for resistance.

Question 13

Which 1976 event showcased California’s wines globally?

Answer 13

The Judgment of Paris tasting, where CA’s Chateau Montelena Chardonnay & Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon beat top French wines.

Question 14

What is the “cult winery” phenomenon in California during the 1990s?

Answer 14

A handful of wineries (e.g., Screaming Eagle, Harlan Estate) commanded huge demand and prices, reflecting collector fervor and limited supply.

Question 15

Which broad area dominates US wine production?

Answer 15

California accounts for ~80-90% of all US wine, overshadowing other states in volume and global reputation.

Question 16

Name four important red grape varieties in California.

Answer 16

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel. (Syrah also important.)

Question 17

What are the major white grapes in California?

Answer 17

Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc lead; also Riesling, Viognier, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Grigio in smaller volumes.

Question 18

Describe California’s general climate influences.

Answer 18

Maritime near coasts (fog, cool ocean breezes), Mediterranean inland valleys, Continental/higher-elevation in the Sierra Foothills. Warm, sunny conditions are typical.

Question 19

Why is geology in California so diverse?

Answer 19

The state’s mountainous ridges, tectonic faulting, ancient seabeds, alluvial fans, and large basins create varied soils like loam, limestone, granite, and more.

Question 20

How do California winemakers typically approach red winemaking?

Answer 20

They use temperature-controlled stainless or concrete, aim for extended maceration for color/intensity, higher ripeness/alcohol, and often age in new French or American oak.

Question 21

List three widely recognized AVAs in Mendocino County.

Answer 21

Anderson Valley, Mendocino Ridge, Yorkville Highlands (with Anderson Valley known for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling).

Question 22

Which AVA is notable in Lake County for Cabernet Sauvignon?

Answer 22

Clear Lake AVA, known for volcanic soils, also High Valley AVA. Warmer climate but moderated by lake effects.

Question 23

What major grape varieties does Sonoma County specialize in?

Answer 23

Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, and Sauvignon Blanc—diverse microclimates enable many styles.

Question 24

Name three key AVAs in Sonoma.

Answer 24

Sonoma Coast, Russian River Valley, and Alexander Valley are major ones (others include Dry Creek, Knights Valley, Carneros).

Question 25

Which is the most famous California AVA worldwide?

Answer 25

Napa Valley, recognized internationally for premium Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals.

Question 26

List four sub-AVAs of Napa Valley.

Answer 26

Examples: Rutherford, Oakville, Stags Leap District, Howell Mountain, plus many others like Spring Mountain, Coombsville, Diamond Mountain, etc.

Question 27

Which variety is historically prominent in the Sierra Foothills?

Answer 27

Zinfandel—particularly old vines. Sub-AVAs include Shenandoah Valley, Fair Play.

Question 28

Where do many bulk/low-cost wines originate in CA?

Answer 28

The Central Valley, including areas around Lodi, produces mass-market wines. Lodi also has some higher-quality old-vine Zinfandel pockets.

Question 29

Name two sub-AVAs of Monterey County.

Answer 29

Santa Lucia Highlands and Arroyo Seco, known for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, plus Merlot.

Question 30

What grapes thrive in San Luis Obispo County (Paso Robles)?

Answer 30

Paso Robles fosters Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Grenache, plus Zinfandel. Warm days, cooler nights from oceanic breezes.

Question 31

Which AVAs are notable in Santa Barbara County for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay?

Answer 31

Santa Maria Valley, Santa Ynez Valley, and Sta. Rita Hills, benefiting from ocean fog funneling through east-west valleys.

Question 32

What is the hallmark climate phenomenon of Santa Barbara’s wine regions?

Answer 32

The only east-west coastal mountain range in California channels cool maritime fog, perfect for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Question 33

Which region is the southernmost notable AVA in California?

Answer 33

Temecula (South Coast) is near San Diego, focusing on Syrah, other Rhône varieties, some Mediterranean grapes.

Question 34

What labeling must appear if sulfites exceed 10 ppm in a US wine?

Answer 34

“Contains Sulfites” is required on the label for wines with ≥10 ppm SO₂.

Question 35

How much variation is allowed for labeled ABV in table wine?

Answer 35

U.S. federal law permits ±1.5% deviation from the stated ABV for table wine (7–14% category).

Question 36

Explain “estate bottled” under US AVA rules.

Answer 36

All grapes come from vineyards owned or controlled by the winery, located within a single AVA, and the winery itself must be in that AVA.

Question 37

Which CA region is recognized for sparkling wine from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay?

Answer 37

Anderson Valley (Mendocino) has excelled in methode traditionnelle sparkling. Carneros (Napa/Sonoma) is also known for sparkling.

Question 38

What is Fumé Blanc?

Answer 38

Robert Mondavi’s rebranding of oak-aged Sauvignon Blanc in 1960s–1970s. A marketing term, not a regulated name, signifying a certain style.

Question 39

Why is Lodi recognized for old vine Zinfandel?

Answer 39

Its older vineyards (some 100+ years old) survived prohibition, producing intensely flavored, robust Zin with distinct brambly fruit.

Question 40

Which region near Santa Cruz city fosters world-class Pinot Noir and Cabernet?

Answer 40

The Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, home to Ridge (Monte Bello) for Cabernet and high-elevation Pinot Noir.

Question 41

Name a US pioneer who proved vinifera success in the East (Finger Lakes) in the 1960s.

Answer 41

Dr. Konstantin Frank demonstrated Riesling and other vinifera thrive in upstate New York’s cooler climate, launching Vinifera Wine Cellars.

Question 42

Which is the largest AVA in the US by area?

Answer 42

The Upper Mississippi River Valley AVA, spanning parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois. Larger than many countries, though not as high profile for vinifera.

Question 43

In which decade did CA’s “cult winery” phenomenon solidify?

Answer 43

The 1990s, with small-production, high-rated Cabernet-based wines like Screaming Eagle, fetching very high prices and waiting lists.

Question 44

Name three key historical Napa wineries still in operation.

Answer 44

Charles Krug (1861), Schramsberg (1862), Beringer (1876) – all predating Prohibition and continuing today.

Question 45

Which region in California is known for warm days but strong marine influence via the Petaluma Gap?

Answer 45

Sonoma Coast, especially the southwestern portion. Fog and cool winds moderate the vineyards for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, etc.

Question 46

Who was André Tchelistcheff?

Answer 46

A Russian-born winemaker hired by Beaulieu Vineyards (1938), credited for elevating Napa’s wine quality and influencing generations of winemakers.

Question 47

What effect did the 1976 Judgment of Paris have on US wines?

Answer 47

It propelled California wines onto the global stage, proving they could rival or surpass top French producers in blind tastings.

Question 48

Name a common, less expensive region for table wines in the Central Valley.

Answer 48

The broader “California” or “Central Valley” label, often from places like Modesto/Fresno, includes Gallo’s mass-market wines.

Question 49

Which climate type covers most of Napa?

Answer 49

Mediterranean, with moderate winters, warm/dry summers, moderated by cool breezes/fog from the San Pablo Bay, especially in the southern AVAs (Carneros).