USA / CALIFORNIA - North Coast Flashcards
(24 cards)
Which counties are included in the North Coast region of California?
- Napa
- Sonoma
- Mendocino
- Lake Solano
- Marin
What geographical features form Napa Valley?
Mayacamas Mountains to the West and Vaca Mountain to the East
What is the altitude range of Napa Valley?
0-600m above sea level
This variation leads to significant temperature differences.
What climatic influence affects Napa Valley?
Cool ocean air funnels through Petaluma Gap into the Valley
This is crucial for the vineyard’s microclimate.
What types of soil are found in Napa Valley?
- Volcanic
- Alluvial
- Maritime
These soil types contribute to the diversity of wine styles.
What is the Valley Floor Style in Napa Valley?
Deeper top soil leads to a more elegant and supple style of Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel
This style is characteristic of valley floor vineyards.
What AVAs covers the Mountains of Napa?
Mt.Mayacamas AVA & Mt.Vaca AVA
Name 2 AVAs from Mt.Vaca & Mt.Mayacamas
Mt. Veeder AVA & Howell Mountain AVA
What unique soil is in Rutherford AVA?
Rutherford dust - ancient, mineral-rich dusty soil is a signature of the area.
What is significant about Carneros AVA?
- It is the southernmost AVA of Sonoma county suitable for sparkling wine production
- Shared with Sonoma County.
What is the climatic feature of Howell Mountain AVA?
- Wettest & coolest
- high-altitude 400m
- W-aspect
What style of wine is associated with Howell Mountain AVA?
Benchmark Mountain style - Dark fruits & High concentration yet balanced with high acids
Known for high altitude and cooler temperatures.
How are AVAs categorised in Sonoma County?
- Coastal
- Central Valleys
- Eastern Valleys & Mountains
Where is Fort-Ross Seaview AVA located?
Sub-AVA of West Sonoma Coast AVA
Coastal
What is the significance of the Petaluma Gap AVA?
It funnels cool coastal wind into lower Sonoma
Coastal
Where is Carneros AVA?
- Within the North of Sonoma Coast AVA
- Is shared with Napa County
Home to the US HQ of Taitinger
Known for Sparkling wines
What is the sub-AVA of Russian River Valley?
Green Valley AVA
Within the Central-Valleys of Sonoma
Where is the warmest AVA of Sonoma?
Kights Valley AVA located in the Eastern-Valleys of Sonoma County
What are the sub-AVAs of Sonoma Valley AVA?
- Sonoma Mountain AVA
- Bennett Valley AVA
Which AVA is the smallest in the country?
Cole Ranch AVA from Mendocino county
Known for its cool climate and unique terroir.
Where is Anderson Valley AVA?
In Mendocino county
What is signifcant about Anderson Valley?
- 1 of coolest AVA in California
- HQ of Louis Roderer in US
What is the role of Clear Lake in Lake County?
Acts as a moderator for warm temperatures and retains high acidity
This impacts the wine produced in the region.
What are the two main styles produced in Sonoma Coast AVA?
- Coastal style
- Bold, Rich & Powerful (if above fog line)
