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WSET Level 4 - D3 > USA - California - North Coast > Flashcards

USA - California - North Coast Flashcards

(110 cards)

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1
Q

What is included in the North Coast AVA?

A
  • Substantial proportions of
  • Napa County
  • Sonoma County
  • Mendocino County
  • Lake County
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2
Q

Mendocino County
How many AVAs are there and what is the most important one?

A
  • 13 AVAs
  • Anderson Valley AVA
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3
Q

Mendocino County
What are the different climates of the AVAs and what are the grapes grown?

A
  • More coastal, cooler: e.g., Anderson valley (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay)
  • Further inland, warmer: e.g., Redwood Valley (Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon)
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4
Q

Mendocino County
How are the grapes typically priced compared to Napa and Sonoma and what are they used for?

A
  • Lower priced
  • Often used for multi-regional blends
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5
Q

Mendocino County - Anderson Valley AVA
Describe the different influences in the AVA

A
  • Usually warm day-time temps and cold air and fog funnelled inland -> cold evenings and mornings
  • Further inland: valley becomes narrower, so less ocean breezes and fog -> warmer
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6
Q

Mendocino County - Anderson Valley AVA
What is the rainfall and when is it mostly raining?

A
  • 900-2,000mm
  • Mostly in winter and spring
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7
Q

Mendocino County - Anderson Valley AVA
Where are most vineyards planted and what is an environmental risk?

A
  • Vineyards mostly planted on slopes
  • Cold nights mean frost can be an issue, esp. in low-lying areas
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8
Q

Mendocino County - Anderson Valley AVA
How much ha are planted, what are the most important varieties and what types of wines are produced?

A
  • 1,000 ha
  • Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
  • Still and sparkling wines
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9
Q

Mendocino County - Anderson Valley AVA
Describe the typical style of high quality Pinot Noir (aromas, acidity, body, quality, price)

A
  • Fresh raspberry, cherry and plum
  • Medium(+) acidity
  • Medium body
  • Good to outstanding quality
  • Premium priced (some super-premium)
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10
Q

Mendocino County - Anderson Valley AVA
Name two significant producers

A
  • Littorai
  • Williams Selyem
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11
Q

Mendocino County - Anderson Valley AVA
What other styles of wines are produced?

A

Aromatic Alsace-style white wines from Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc

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12
Q

Lake County
What is the climate and how is it influenced?

A
  • Rain shadow between mountain ranges
  • Warm climate
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13
Q

Lake County
Where are most vineyards located and how is grape growing influenced?

A
  • Most vineyards are around “Clear Lake” in the southern part
  • Afternoon breezes
  • Planted on slopes around the lake
  • 400-450m -> cooling effects of altitude
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14
Q

Lake County
What are the two most planted varieties?

A
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Sauvignon Blanc
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15
Q

Lake County
How much area is planted?

A

200 ha

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16
Q

Lake County
What are the wines mainly used for?

A

Mostly for multi-regional blends

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17
Q

Sonoma County
How many AVAs does it encompass and what are the three overarching AVAs?

A
  • 18 AVAs
  • Northern Sonoma AVA
  • Sonoma Coast AVA
  • Sonoma Valley AVA
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18
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA
Where in Sonoma is it located and what is it influenced by?

A
  • Separated from the Pacific by the Sonoma Coast AVA
  • Russian River flow through it and provides water
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19
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA
What are the major AVAs?

A
  • Alexander Valley
  • Knights Valley
  • Rockpile
  • Chalk Hill
  • Russian River Valley
  • Dry Creek Valley
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20
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Alexander Valley AVA
Where is it located and what is the climate and what is it influenced by?

A
  • Northeast corner of Sonoma County
  • Warm climate
  • Cooled in the evenings by Pacific air through the Petaluma Gap and Russian River Valley to the south
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21
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Alexander Valley AVA
Where are the vineyards located and what is the influence on grape growing?

A
  • Both, on valley floor and west / southwest facing slopes at 100-750m
  • Aspect and altitude -> long sunshine hours
  • Altitude helps to retain acidity
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22
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Alexander Valley AVA
Describe the different soil types of the vineyard locations

A
  • Mixture of soils
  • Valley floor: more fertile
  • Higher altitudes: more low-nutrient, free-draining
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23
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Alexander Valley AVA
What is the most planted variety and what wines does it produce? (variety, aromas, body, tannin, quality, price)

A
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Ripe flavours of blackberry, blackcurrant, dried herbs and chocolate
  • Full body
  • Valley floor: less tannin
  • Slopes: more structured and concentrated
  • Good to outstanding quality
  • Mid- to premium priced (some super-premium)
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24
Q

Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Alexander Valley AVA
What other varieties have notable plantings?

A
  • Chardonnay
  • Merlot
  • Zinfandel
  • Petit Verdot
  • Malbec
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25
**Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Alexander Valley AVA** Name two significant producers
* Kendall-Jackson (including the Stonestreet Estate) * Seghesio
26
**Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Knights Valley AVA** Where is it located and what is the climate?
* Furthest-inland AVA * One of the warmest areas of Sonoma County * Surrounded by hills and sheltered from any cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean
27
**Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Knights Valley AVA** What are the soils and what type of wines are produced from the most planted variety?
* Warm, free-draining volcanic soils * Ripe, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon
28
**Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Knights Valley AVA** What further varieties are grown?
* Merlot * Syrah * Zinfandel * Some Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc
29
**Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Dry Creek Valley AVA** What is it known for?
* Zinfandel, some from >100 year old vines * Sauvignon Blanc
30
**Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Dry Creek Valley AVA** Where are vineyards planted and what is the soil?
* Valley floor and on slopes of the Dry Creek river * Mixed, free draining -> reduce vigor
31
**Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Dry Creek Valley AVA** What influences the climate?
* Sheltered by coastal mountains -> warm * Valley funnels cool ocean air and fogs from San Pablo Bay in the afternoon and evenings -> retain acidity
32
**Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Dry Creek Valley AVA** How does the climate change based on locations in the valley?
* South of the valley: cooler due to coastal influence * West-facing vineyards are exposed to afternoon sun -> warmer than those on the western slopes
33
**Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Dry Creek Valley AVA** Describe the typical style of Zinfandel (aromas, acidity, body, oak, quality, price)
* Ripe flavours of blackberry, black plum and cherry * Medium(+) acidity * Medium(+) to full body * Maturation in (American) oak typical (usually some new oak) * Good to outstanding quality * Mid-priced to premium priced
34
**Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Dry Creek Valley AVA** Describe Zinfandel's aromas based on the location in the valley
* West-facing slopes in the north: riper, with more jammy and dried fruit flavours * East-facing vineyards and those in the south: fresher styles
35
**Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Dry Creek Valley AVA** Besides Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc, what other varieties are grown?
* **Bordeaux varieties**: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot * **Rhône varieties**: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Carignan
36
**Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Dry Creek Valley AVA** Name two significant producers
* Ridge * Kinsella Estates
37
**Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Rockpile AVA** Where are vineyards located and what does it mean?
* Steep rocky slopes * Min 244m altitude * Variety of aspects and altitudes (up to around 650 m) * Diverse range of growing conditions
38
**Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Rockpile AVA** What is the climate influenced by and what does altitude help with?
* Heavily influenced by snake-like "Lake Sonoma" * Creates an inversion layer, which keeps the vineyards relatively warm at night * Vineyards are above the fog layer -> long hours of sunshine
39
**Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Rockpile AVA** Describe the soil and weather conditions and their effect on grape growing
* Shallow hillside soils hold little water * Windy conditions -> high evapotranspiration rates * Low yields and concentrated, ripe fruit
40
**Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Rockpile AVA** What varieties are grown?
* Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Syrah * Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot * Douro varieties
41
**Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Rockpile AVA** Name two significant producers
* Seghesio Family * Devil Proof
42
**Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Russian River Valley AVA** Where are the coolest parts of the valley and what is the effect?
* The south and western parts are cooled by fog and wind from Petaluma Gap * Fog arrives in the evening and reduces temperatures significantly * Slower sugar accumulation and greater acidity retention
43
**Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Russian River Valley AVA** What are the most planted varieties?
Early-ripening Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
44
**Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Russian River Valley AVA** What is the soil and what effect does it have on grape growing?
* Soils vary: yellow sandstone to rocky sandy clay loam * Free-draining and low in nutrients * -> Lower vigor and yield
45
**Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Russian River Valley AVA** What is the typical style of Pinot Noir? (aromas, acidity, body, tannin, oak, quality, price)
* Ripe strawberry and red cherry * Medium(+) acidity * Medium to medium(+) body * Medium tannin * Vanilla spice from oak maturation * Good to outstanding quality * Mid- to super-premium priced
46
**Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Russian River Valley AVA** What is the typical style of Chardonnay? (aromas, acidity, body, malo, oak, quality, price)
* Ripe peach and pineapple * Medium(+) acidity * Medium to medium (+) body * Often creamy from malo * Often spicy from oak maturation * Good to outstanding quality * Mid- to super-premium priced
47
**Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Russian River Valley AVA** Name two significant producers
* Rochioli * La Crema
48
**Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Russian River Valley AVA** Where in the AVA are warmer conditions and what varieties are grown here?
* Inland and up to the northeast (sheltered by hills from the fog and breezes) * Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel * Riper styles of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
49
**Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Russian River Valley AVA** What are the two sub-AVAs?
* Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA * Chalk Hill AVA
50
**Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Russian River Valley AVA - Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA** Where is it located and what does it mean for the climate?
* Located next to Petaluma Gap * Gets first fogs in the afternoon and is the last area to have the fog burnt off * Some of the coolest conditions in northern California
51
**Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Russian River Valley AVA - Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA** What is the soil and what does it mean for grape growing?
* Free-draining, low-nutrient sandstone soils * Limiting vigor * Creating small concentrated grapes
52
**Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Russian River Valley AVA - Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA** What grapes are grown and what types of wines are produced? How does the style differ from usual style in Russian River Valley?
* Pinot Noir and Chardonnay * Still and sparkling wines * Can have higher acidity and fresher fruit flavours
53
**Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Russian River Valley AVA - Chalk Hill AVA** What is the climate, soil, and altitude?
* Warm climate as Pacific breezes are blocked (relatively far inland) * Soil: white volcanic ash (NOT chalk) * Vineyards from valley floor up to 500m
54
**Sonoma County - Northern Sonoma AVA - Russian River Valley AVA - Chalk Hill AVA** What varieties are planted here?
* Chardonnay * Cabernet Sauvignon * Sauvignon Blanc
55
**Sonoma County - Sonoma Coast AVA** What AVAs does it include?
* Sonoma side of Carneros * Part of Sonoma Valley * Western part of Chalk Hill * Most of the Russian River Valley AVA * Petaluma Gap AVA * Fort Ross Seaview AVA
56
**Sonoma County - Sonoma Coast AVA** Describe the growing conditions
* Close to the coast -> extremely exposed to cold ocean winds and fog * Limited sunshine due to fog -> Cool growing conditions
57
**Sonoma County - Sonoma Coast AVA** What grapes are mostly grown and what is the typical style? (acidity, body, alcohol)
* Early-ripening Pinot Noir and Chardonnay * High acidity * Light body * Medium alcohol
58
**Sonoma County - Sonoma Coast AVA - Fort Ross Seaview AVA** Where are the vineyards located and what is the influence?
* Min 280m altitude * Vineyards are above the fog layer * Gain longer hours of sunshine and warmth * Moderating influence from coastal winds
59
**Sonoma County - Sonoma Coast AVA - Fort Ross Seaview AVA** What are the most planted varieties?
* Chardonnay * Pinot Noir * Syrah
60
**Sonoma County - Sonoma Coast AVA - Petaluma Gap AVA** What significantly influences the climate and how?
* Open to the coast at both ends * High-speed coastal winds of at least 12 km/h through the growing season * -> lower temps and cause leaf stomata to close, slowing respiration and photosynthesis
61
**Sonoma County - Sonoma Coast AVA - Petaluma Gap AVA** What are the most planted varieties and what is the typical style of wine? (aromas, acidity, alcohol)
* Pinot Noir (75%) * Chardonnay, Syrah * Fresh fruit flavours * High acidities * Lower alcohol compared to more sheltered, inland appellations
62
**Sonoma County - Sonoma Valley AVA** What two climatic influences exist?
* Sheltered by mountains to the east and west from Pacific breezes * Southern part coolest as it open towards the San Pablo Bay
63
**Sonoma County - Sonoma Valley AVA** What AVA are included?
* **North** * Sonoma Mountain AVA * Bennett Valley AVA * **South** * Carneros AVA
64
**Sonoma County - Sonoma Valley AVA - Sonoma Mountain AVA** Where are vineyards located and what are influences on grape growing?
* East-facing, steep slopes * Up to 730m altitude, above the fog line * -> Intense sun and warm daytime temps * -> Ripe flavors, tannins, and deep color * Cold air from mountains can give cool nights -> retain acidity
65
**Sonoma County - Sonoma Valley AVA - Sonoma Mountain AVA** What is the soil and what influence does it have on grape growing?
* Volcanic * Free-draining * Low in nutrients * -> Control vigor and yields
66
**Sonoma County - Sonoma Valley AVA - Sonoma Mountain AVA** What are the varieties grown?
* **Black** * Cabernet Sauvignon * Merlot * Zinfandel * Syrah * **White** * Chardonnay * Sauvignon Blanc * Semillon
67
**Sonoma County - Sonoma Valley AVA - Bennett Valley AVA** What are the climatic influences?
* Surrounded by hills -> warm, sheltered conditions during the day * Cool air and fog from the hills -> cold at night
68
**Sonoma County - Sonoma Valley AVA - Bennett Valley AVA** What are the main varieties grown?
* Syrah * Merlot * Sauvignon Blanc * Chardonnay * Other Rhône varieties such as Grenache and Viognier
69
**Sonoma County - Sonoma Valley AVA - Carneros AVA** Where is the AVA located?
Between San Pablo Bay to the south and the Sonoma and Napa counties to the north
70
**Sonoma County - Sonoma Valley AVA - Carneros AVA** What are climatic influences and where are vineyards located?
* Fog and cold winds in mornings and evenings through San Pablo Bay * Warm and sunny daytimes * Low elevation (up to 200m)
71
**Sonoma County - Sonoma Valley AVA - Carneros AVA** What two varieties is it most known for and what is the typical range of styles of both? (varieties, aromas, acidity, body, alcohol, quality, price)
* Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (a portion used for sparkling wine) * **From** fresher fruit, medium(+) acidity, medium body, medium alcohol * **To** riper, fuller-bodied, higher-alcohol styles * Good to outstanding quality * Mid- to super-premium priced
72
**Sonoma County - Sonoma Valley AVA - Carneros AVA** What other varieties besides Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are grown?
* Merlot * Syrah * Cabernet Sauvignon
73
**Sonoma County - Sonoma Valley AVA - Carneros AVA** Name two significant producers
* Kistler * Tor
74
**Sonoma County - Sonoma Valley AVA - Carneros AVA** What is special about the AVA and how is this reflected in labeling regulations?
* Overlaps the border between two counties: Sonoma and Napa * Wine from the Sonoma side may use 'Sonoma County' * Wine from the Napa Valley side may use 'Napa Valley' * If grapes come from both counties, it can only be labeled 'Carneros'
75
**Napa County - Napa Valley AVA** What is the Napa Valley known for?
High-quality wines from Cabernet Sauvignon
76
**Napa County - Napa Valley AVA** How much of California's production in terms of volume and value does it represent?
* Volume: 4% * Value: 27%
77
**Napa County - Napa Valley AVA** What does conjunctive labeling law mean?
Wines from smaller AVA, e.g., 'Rutherford' must have additionally 'Napa Valley' on the label
78
**Napa County - Napa Valley AVA** How many smaller AVAs does it comprise?
16
79
**Napa County - Napa Valley AVA** How much area under vine does it have?
18,200 ha
80
**Napa County - Napa Valley AVA** Where are vineyards located?
* On the valley floor * On the mountain slopes either side
81
**Napa County - Napa Valley AVA** What are the general climatic influences?
* Sheltered by mountains from cold Pacific Ocean * Protected by mountains from the hot Central Valley * To the south: open to San Pablo Bay * -> Vineyards heat up during the day, air rises and pulls cool air and fog from the bay up the valley in the afternoon
82
**Napa County - Napa Valley AVA - AVAs on Valley Floor** Name the AVAs from south to north, incl. a rough description of the climatic influences
* **South** * Carneros AVA * Coombsville AVA * Oak Knoll AVA * Fog does not burn off, limiting warmth and sunlight * **Further north** * Yountville AVA * Stags Leap District AVA * Oakville AVA * Rutherford AVA * Warm climates but nights are cooled by winds and fog from the bay * **North** * St Helena AVA * Calistoga AVA * Warm to hot -> barely cooling influences from San Pablo Bay * Some cooling during the afternoon and night from Pacific breezes
83
**Napa County - Napa Valley AVA - AVAs on Valley Floor - Carneros** What is it best known for?
Early-ripening Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
84
**Napa County - Napa Valley AVA - AVAs on Valley Floor - Coombsville AVA & Oak Knoll AVA** What is it best known for?
Cabernet Sauvignon (main grape) Merlot Chardonnay
85
**Napa County - Napa Valley AVA - AVAs on Valley Floor - Coombsville AVA & Oak Knoll AVA** What is the style of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot compared to other AVAs in Napa Valley?
* Relatively cool conditions * Fresher fruit * Lighter-bodied
86
**Napa County - Napa Valley AVA - AVAs on Valley Floor - Yountville AVA, Stags Leap District AVA, Oakville AVA, Rutherford AVA** What is the climatic difference between the four AVAs?
* Cooling by winds and fog from the bay * Most in Yountville (most southerly) * Least in Rutherford (most northerly)
87
**Napa County - Napa Valley AVA - AVAs on Valley Floor - Yountville AVA, Stags Leap District AVA, Oakville AVA, Rutherford AVA** What varieties are grown?
* Cabernet Sauvignon (main grape) * Merlot * Cabernet Franc * Some Zinfandel in Rutherford
88
**Napa County - Napa Valley AVA - AVAs on Valley Floor - Yountville AVA, Stags Leap District AVA, Oakville AVA, Rutherford AVA** Describe the typical style of Cabernet Sauvignon (concentration, aromas, body, tannin, comparison to wines from the mountains)
* Concentrated ripe fruit: juicy blackcurrant, blackberry and plum fruit and often notes of spice (liquorice, cloves) or herbs * Medium(+) to full body * High, ripe tannins * Rounder and more fruity in youth than the more structured wines from the mountains
89
**Napa County - Napa Valley AVA - AVAs on Valley Floor - Yountville AVA, Stags Leap District AVA, Oakville AVA, Rutherford AVA** What is the main white grape variety and what type of wines does it produce? (aromas, acidity)
* Sauvignon Blanc * Peach and tropical flavors * Medium(+) acidity
90
**Napa County - Napa Valley AVA - AVAs on Valley Floor - Yountville AVA, Stags Leap District AVA, Oakville AVA, Rutherford AVA** What is the most famous vineyard area and in what two AVAs is it located?
* The Rutherford Bench * Oakville AVA * Rutherford AVA
91
**Napa County - Napa Valley AVA - AVAs on Valley Floor - St Helena AVA, Calistoga AVA** What are the most planted varieties?
* Cabernet Sauvignon * Merlot * Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Zinfandel
92
**Napa County - Napa Valley AVA - AVAs on Mountain Sides** Where are vineyards located and how does it influence grape growing?
* Above the fog layer (up to 800m) * -> Cooling influence * -> Longer hours of sunlight than on the valley floor * Less temperature extremes and lower diurnal range
93
**Napa County - Napa Valley AVA - AVAs on Mountain Sides** How do the wines compare to those from the valley floor?
* Higher levels of tannins * Higher acidity
94
**Napa County - Napa Valley AVA - AVAs on Mountain Sides** What are the two major influences on the climate?
* **West-facing vineyards** (on the east side of the valley) are exposed to intense afternoon sun * **North to south** -> the more south, the more cooling influence
95
**Napa County - Napa Valley AVA - AVAs on Mountain Sides** What is the coolest AVA and what does it mean for grape growing?
* Mount Veeder AVA on the south west of the valley * Cabernet Sauvignon struggles to ripen in some years
96
**Napa County - Napa Valley AVA - AVAs on Mountain Sides - Atlas Peak AVA** What are the climatic conditions?
Relatively cool, but gains afternoon sun
97
**Napa County - Napa Valley AVA - AVAs on Mountain Sides** What is the warmest Napa Valley AVA and what type of wine does it produce?
* Howell Mountain AVA in the north east of the valley * Intensely concentrated, ripe Cabernet Sauvignon with high firm tannins
98
**Napa County - Napa Valley AVA - AVAs on Mountain Sides** What two AVAs are slightly cooler than Howell Mountain AVA and where are they located?
* Spring Mountain District AVA * Diamond Mountain District AVA * Located on the north west side
99
**Napa County - Napa Valley AVA** Describe the soil generally
* Wide variety of soil types * Possible to find multiple soil types in a single vineyard
100
**Napa County - Napa Valley AVA** How does the soil change in different locations and what does it mean for grape growing?
* **Mountains**: thin and poor in nutrients, restricting vigor and yields -> small, concentrated grapes * **Middle and east of the valley**: silt and clay -> highest fertility and water retaining capacity -> less structured wines * **West side of valley** (bottom of mountains): alluvial fans ('benches') caused by the deposition of sediments by mountain streams as they reach the flat valley floor -> deep, rocky with moderate fertility (in between other two types)
101
**Napa County - Napa Valley AVA** Why is Napa Valley not under threat from housing and business constructions?
About 90% of Napa County is under high levels of protection from development
102
**Napa County - Napa Valley AVA** How much of plantable area is planted with vine? What does it mean?
* Almost all viable and permitted vineyard land is planted with vines * Popularity and inability to expand production leads to incredibly high grape and land prices
103
**Napa County - Napa Valley AVA** How are vines typically trained? Is mechanization and irrigation allowed?
* Typically cordon or replacement spur, with VSP trellising * Mechanisation can be used on valley floor vineyards, mountain sides can often only be tended by hand * Drip irrigation is widely installed
104
**Napa County - Napa Valley AVA** What is a risk in the valley floors?
* Frost * Not so much in the mountains
105
**Napa County - Napa Valley AVA** What are the most planted varieties?
* **Black** * Cabernet Sauvignon (40%) * Smaller plantings of Merlot, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Petite Sirah * **White** * Chardonnay (most planted) * Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris
106
**Napa County - Napa Valley AVA** Describe the typical style of wines in 1980s and 90s (harvesting, aromas, intensity, acidity, body, alcohol, oak)
* Relatively late harvest * Extra-ripe flavours * Lower acidity * Full body * High alcohol * High proportion of new oak -> vanilla, coconut and toast flavors
107
**Napa County - Napa Valley AVA** What are the recent trends regarding winemaking? (picking, oak, selection, single varietal wines, blending)
* Earlier picking * High proportions of new oak are still common for red wines, but less time in oak * Selection of healthiest fruit * Even if single varietly would be possible, there is often a small proportion of other varieties in the blend (typically CS with others) * Blending across different vineyards is common (within or across different AVAs)
108
**Napa County - Napa Valley AVA** What is the typical quality and price of Cabernet Sauvignon?
* Good to outstanding quality * Premium or super-premium price
109
**Napa County - Napa Valley AVA** What are the two most important white varieties and how are the styles influenced by the different sites?
* Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc * **Cooler valley floor AVAs**: higher acidity * **Warmer valley floor AVAs**: riper fruit (more stone fruit and tropical rather than citrus) * **Mountain AVAs**: less pronounced fruit
110
**Napa County - Napa Valley AVA** How are Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc typically made? (oak)
* **Chardonnay**: often fermented and matured in oak (less than in past) * **Sauvignon Blanc**: mostly unoaked style, but some producers make an oaked style

WSET Level 4 - D3 (56 decks)

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