WSET3-C33 - California Flashcards

1
Q

How long is the state of California?

A

Approx. 1100 kilometres from north to south

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2
Q

What is the role of latitude in determining the climate of California vineyards?

A

Relatively small

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3
Q

What is the biggest cooling influence in California?

A

The exceptionally cold California Ocean Current

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4
Q

Where are most of the vineyards of California located?

A

North of Los Angeles

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5
Q

Describe the coastline of California

A

More mountainous north of LA

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6
Q

What is the climatic role of the mountains in California?

A

They shield much of the state from the cooling effect of the ocean

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7
Q

What is common evening weather for California?

A

Cold air, often accompanied by fogs is drawn in from the ocean, lowering night-time temperatures

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8
Q

How and when do Californian fogs dissipate? How does this affect the vineyard climate?

A

The time it takes for the sun to burn off the fog in the morning, means that the cooling influence extends well into the day

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9
Q

Describe the cooling effect of Californian fogs

A

Some years, the effect can be so dramatic that grapes can struggle to ripen fully

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10
Q

Where in California does the cooling fog penetrate further inland?

A

Where there are gaps in the mountains

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11
Q

Give examples of areas of California that act as funnels for the cold coastal air. Why do they have this effect?

A

Monterey and Santa Barbara Counties

They are valleys at right angles to the ocean

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12
Q

What is the climate like in areas of California that have no exposure to the ocean? Give an example

A

Hot

Central Valley

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13
Q

What is the second climatic feature that links all of California’s wine regions?

A

A lack of rain during the ripening season

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14
Q

How is the lack of rain in California’s ripening season counteracted by grape growers?

A

Using drip irrigation

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15
Q

What has been the effect of the lack of rain during autumn in California?

A

It has allowed growers to leave grapes on the vine for long into the season

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16
Q

What has been the result on grapes of the longer ripening season in California?

A

They have concentrated flavours and very high sugar levels

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17
Q

What has been the recent trend in Californian winemaking?

A

There has recently been a greater appreciation for freshness and many growers are picking slightly earlier

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18
Q

What is the most widely planted black grape in California?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon

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19
Q

Give an overview of Cabernets from prime sites in California

A

They can produce extremely expressive wines that rival the quality of the best produced anywhere

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20
Q

What is the profile of California’s best Cabernets?

A

Full-bodied
Ripe cassis flavours
Prominent spice aromas from new oak barrels
Some are less rich, with fresher blackcurrant flavours

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21
Q

What is regarded as California’s ‘own’ grape variety?

A

Zinfandel

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22
Q

What style is Zinfandel made into in California?

A

It’s made into a range of styles

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23
Q

What is the biggest viticultural difficulty with Zinfandel?

A

It tends to ripen unevenly, with the result that harvested fruit can include raisined and underripe grapes

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24
Q

What can be the result on wine of raisined Zinfandel?

A

Concentrated, full-bodied red wines with high alcohol levels and sometimes some residual sugar
Flavours include red and black fruits, dried berries and liquorice
Some display subtle herbaceous qualities from underripe grapes

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25
Q

How are underripe/early-picked Zinfandel grapes often used in California?

A

For large volumes of rosé wine

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26
Q

How are Zinfandel-based rosés of California commonly labelled?

A

White Zinfandel

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27
Q

Describe White Zinfandel

A

Fruity
Pale in colour
Medium-sweet
Low in alcohol

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28
Q

What is the third most widely planted grape of California?

A

Merlot

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29
Q

Give an overview of Merlot-based wines in California

A

Approachable wines with soft tannins and ripe black fruit

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30
Q

Which area of California has the largest plantings of Merlot?

A

San Joaquin in Central Valley

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31
Q

What are the Merlot wines of San Joaquin, Central Valley like?

A

Simple and inexpensive

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32
Q

Give examples of areas that produce better qualities of Merlot in California
What do they have in common?

A

Monterey and the north coast regions, especially Napa and Sonoma
They are cooler sites

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33
Q

Describe the better quality Merlots of California

A
Luscious body
Deeply coloured
Soft, velvety tannins
High alcohol
Classic varietal flavours of blackberry and plum
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34
Q

Where in California do its premium Pinot Noirs typically come from?

A

Moderate regions such as Russian River Valley, Los Carneros and Santa Maria Valley

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35
Q

What is the style of Pinot Noir in California?

A

Styles vary widely according to vineyard site and winemaking practices

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36
Q

Describe the style range for Pinot Noir in California

A

Some are light in colour, with classic gamey and vegetal notes
Most show rich layers of ripe red fruit flavours (red cherry, strawberry) and notes of sweet spice from oak maturation

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37
Q

What is the fifth black grape of California?

A

Syrah

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38
Q

Where in California is Syrah planted?

A

Across the state

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39
Q

What broad style is Syrah generally made into in California?

A

A full-bodied, rich style

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40
Q

What other style do some producers make Syrah into in California?

A

Leaner, more peppery styles

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41
Q

What is the most widely planted grape variety in California?

A

Chardonnay

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42
Q

Describe the inexpensive, high volume examples of Chardonnay in California
Where are they mostly made?

A

Fruity
Low to medium acidity
Sometimes a toasty note from oak staves or chips
Central Valley

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43
Q

What’s the formative reputation of high quality Californian Chardonnay?

A
Very full-bodied
High alcohol
Low acidity
Peach and banana fruit flavours
Obvious flavours of oak, hazelnut and butter
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44
Q

Where are the more restrained, less oaky styles of Chardonnay being produced in California?

A

Los Carneros

Russian River Valley

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45
Q

What is California’s ‘second’ white variety?

A

Sauvignon Blanc

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46
Q

Where does the best Sauvignon Blanc in California come from?

A

The coastal regions

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47
Q

Give an overview of the best Sauvignon Blancs in California

A

High acidity and ripe citrus flavours

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48
Q

Where are the more affordable fruity, everyday Sauvignon Blancs of California from?

A

Warmer regions such as Central Valley

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49
Q

What does Fumé Blanc sometimes indicate when used in California?

A

An oaked style of Sauvignon Blanc, but some producers use this term for unoaked wines

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50
Q

Where in California is the majority of wine produced?

A

Central Valley

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51
Q

Briefly describe viticulture in Central Valley, California

A

Soil is very fertile and irrigation is used to increase yield

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52
Q

Where are California’s premium wine regions located?

A

Primarily along the coast

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53
Q

What is the primary focus of quality wine producers along California’s coast?

A

Managing quality in the vineyard

Producing wines reflective of each area

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54
Q

How many regions are the principal vineyards of California grouped into?

A

Five

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55
Q

Which three of California’s five wine-making regions contain the majority of the state’s well known County Appellations and AVAs?

A

North Coast
Central Coast
Central Valley

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56
Q

What are the principal winemaking counties of North Coast region in California?

A

Napa County
Sonoma County
Mendocino County

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57
Q

Where is California’s North Coast region?

A

North of San Francisco Bay

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58
Q

Describe the climate of the vineyards in North Coast region

A

Strongly influenced by the ocean

Fog and cool breezes flow through the gaps in the coastal ranges and river valleys

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59
Q

What effect do the fogs and cool breezes of North Coast have on climate?

A

They affect average and diurnal temperature ranges that affect grape-plantings

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60
Q

How long is the Napa Valley AVA?

A

About 50km north to south

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61
Q

How wide is Napa Valley AVA?

A

Only about 5km

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62
Q

Which AVA has the most expensive land and some of the most prestigious wineries of California?

A

Napa Valley AVA

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63
Q

What marks the boundary of Napa Valley AVA with Sonoma County?

A

The Mayacamas Mountains to the west

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64
Q

What do the Vaca mountains separate Napa Valley AVA from?

A

The northern part of the Central Valley

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65
Q

Where within Napa Valley AVA are the vineyards found?

A

On the valley floor and each valley side

66
Q

What creates the diverse range of styles available in Napa Valley AVA?

A

The variety of cooling influences which creates a diverse range of climates

67
Q

What are the most significant cooling influences of Napa Valley AVA?

A

The morning fogs and cool afternoon breezes from San Pablo Bay

68
Q

What essentially is San Pablo Bay?

A

The northern extension of San Francisco Bay

69
Q

Which area of Napa Valley AVA do the San Pablo Bay fogs and breezes moderate?

A

The southern part

70
Q

What is the most southerly vineyard area on the valley floor of Napa Valley AVA?

A

Los Carneros AVA

71
Q

What area does Los Carneros AVA cover?

A

It extends into Sonoma County

72
Q

What grapes are notably produced to a high quality level in Sonoma County? Why is this possible?

A

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay

It is cool enough to produce them to a high quality

73
Q

What styles of wine are made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in Los Carneros AVA?

A

Still and traditional method sparkling

74
Q

What is the climate like slightly further north along the valley floor from Los Carneros AVA?

A

Warmer

75
Q

What are the principal AVAs just north of Los Carneros AVA along the valley floor?

A

Stags Leap District
Yountville
Oakville
Rutherford

76
Q

What are Stags Leap District, Yountville, Oakville and Rutherford primarily renowned for?

A

Premium Cabernets

77
Q

Of the areas most renowned for Cabernet within Napa Valley AVA, which has the least exposure to the cooling influences of San Pablo Bay? What is the result?

A

Rutherford

It’s the warmest during the day

78
Q

Which of the AVAs just north of Los Carneros AVA produces wines with the most power and structure? Why?

A

Rutherford

It’s the least exposed to the cooling influences of San Pablo Bay and so is warmest during the day

79
Q

Which other varieties are widely planted in Napa’s premium Cabernet AVAs?

A

Merlot
Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc

80
Q

Describe the flavours produced by whites of Stags Leap District, Yountville, Oakville and Rutherford

A

They all typically show white tropical fruit

81
Q

What are the AVAs in the north of Napa Valley which receive the warmest daytime temperatures?

A

Saint Helena AVA and Calistoga AVA

82
Q

What is the result of northern Napa’s warm temperatures on its wines?

A

They can be some of the most concentrated, full-bodied wines in the valley

83
Q

How is the warmth of Napa’s most northerly AVAs moderated? What is the effect on grapes?

A

Cool air through the Chalk Hill gap in the Mayacamas Mountains can provide some relief from afternoon temperatures
Much cooler night-time temperatures too
Helps to retain grape-acidity

84
Q

What is the main grape produced in Saint Helena and Calistoga?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon

85
Q

Which additional grapes are also grown in Saint Helena and Calistoga?

A

Zinfandel and Syrah

86
Q

Which vineyards are unaffected by fog in Napa Valley? Why?

A

Many of those on the valley sides

They lie above the fog layer

87
Q

How are the vineyards of the valley sides in Napa Valley cooled, if not by the fog?

A

By their altitude

88
Q

Other than altitude, what else has an important effect on vineyard climate in the vineyards of the valley sides in Napa Valley?

A

Aspect

89
Q

Which AVAs of Napa County have west-facing vineyards? What is the result?

A

Those of Howell Mountain AVA and Atlas Peak AVA

They get full exposure to the hot afternoon sun and tend to be warmer than those facing east

90
Q

Which AVAs of Napa County have east-facing vineyards? What is the result?

A
Diamond Mountain District AVA
Spring Mountain District AVA
Mount Veeder AVA
Less/no exposure to the hot afternoon sun
Cooler than those on west-facing sites
91
Q

What is the result on wines of the warmer afternoon exposure received in vineyards of Howell Mountain AVA and Atlas Peak AVA?

A

They tend to be fuller-bodied and with higher alcohol levels

92
Q

What is the general structural difference in the red wines of the valley sides in Napa Valley?

A

They tend to have higher levels of tannins and less richness on the palate than those on the valley floor

93
Q

What is the principal variety of wines made from vineyards of the valley sides in Napa Valley?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon

94
Q

Which other grapes are generally grown on the vineyards of the valley-side AVAs in Napa Valley?

A

Merlot
Cabernet Franc
Zinfandel
Chardonnay

95
Q

What is the main white variety grown on the vineyards of the valley-sides in Napa Valley?

A

Chardonnay

96
Q

What are the valley-side Chardonnays like compared with those of the valley floor in Napa Valley?

A

They tend to have higher levels of acidity and display citrus and stone fruit aromas

97
Q

Which is the larger of Sonoma and Napa County?

A

Sonoma County

98
Q

Which of Sonoma and Napa has the greater variety of climates?

A

Sonoma County

99
Q

Where is Russian River Valley AVA?

A

Sonoma County, to the west of Napa County

100
Q

What are the weather conditions like in Russian River Valley AVA? Why?

A

Very cool and foggy

Due to a break in the coastal ranges, known as the Petaluma gap

101
Q

What wines is Russian River Valley AVA known for?

A

High quality, elegant wines made from:
Pinot Noir
Chardonnay
Sparkling wines from the above varieties

102
Q

What are the main AVAs to the north of Russian River Valley AVA?

A

Dry Creek Valley AVA

Alexander Valley AVA

103
Q

What is the climate like in Dry Creek Valley and Alexander Valley AVA?

A

Perceptibly warmer than Russian River Valley AVA

104
Q

Describe how Dry Creek Valley AVA is planted

A

Planted densely on both the valley floor and sides

105
Q

What varieties are planted chiefly in Dry Creek Valley AVA and where in the valley are they planted?

A

High quality, old-vine Zinfandel is planted above the fog layer on the hillsides
Valley floor vineyards are better suited to Sauvignon Blanc

106
Q

What other varieties are popular in Dry Creek Valley AVA?

A

Rhône varieties and Cabernet Sauvignon are also popular

107
Q

Which AVA of Sonoma County is warmer still, than Dry Creek Valley AVA?

A

Alexander Valley AVA

108
Q

How do the wines of Alexander Valley AVA compare with those of the other Sonoma AVAs?

A

They tend to be fleshier and fuller-bodied

109
Q

What style of wine has Alexander Valley AVA built a particular reputation for?

A

Soft-textured, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon

110
Q

Which varieties other than Cabernet does Alexander Valley AVA successfully make?

A

A range of international varieties

111
Q

Which AVA lies to the west of Alexander and Dry Creek Valley?

A

Sonoma Coast AVA

112
Q

What is the climate of Sonoma Coast AVA?

A

Greatly influenced by the cooling effect of the cold Pacific Ocean

113
Q

How is ripening maximised in Sonoma Coast AVA?

A

By planting on south-facing slopes

114
Q

Describe and name the AVA to the south of Sonoma Coast AVA

A

Sonoma Valley AVA runs parallel to Napa Valley

115
Q

What is the weather like in Sonoma Valley AVA?

A

It is heavily influenced by breezes and fogs from San Pablo Bay (like southern parts of Napa)

116
Q

What is Sonoma Valley AVA best known for?

A

High quality Chardonnays

Old vine Zinfandels

117
Q

Generally describe Mendocino County

A

Very large and diverse

118
Q

Which county lies to the north of Sonoma County?

A

Mendocino County

119
Q

Name a notable AVA of Mendocino County

What does it produce?

A

Anderson Valley AVA
Aromatic whites made from varieties such as Riesling and Gewurztraminer
Sparkling wines

120
Q

What is the weather like in Anderson Valley AVA?

A

Very cool

121
Q

Describe conditions in Mendocino AVA

A

Much warmer and drier than Anderson Valley AVA

122
Q

How does Mendocino AVA achieve such relatively warm, dry conditions?

A

It’s protected behind coastal hills that rise up to 900 metres

123
Q

Describe wines from Mendocino AVA

A

Full-bodied with soft tannins

Often made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Syrah

124
Q

List major wine-producing counties of the Central Coast area in California

A

Santa Cruz Mountains and Monterey

San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties

125
Q

Describe the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA and its location

A

A diverse region in the north of the Central Coast that includes hillside locations with infertile soils

126
Q

Describe the wines of Santa Cruz Mountains AVA

A

Some of California’s most elegant Cabernet Sauvignons

Some high quality Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs

127
Q

How can the conditions of Santa Cruz Mountains AVA best be described?

A

Moderate

128
Q

Where is Monterey AVA?

A

It follows the path of the Salinas Valley in Central Coast

129
Q

What is the biggest moderating influence in Monterey AVA?

A

The Pacific Ocean

130
Q

Which varieties are planted closest to the coast of Monterey AVA? Why?

A

Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

So that they receive maximum influence from the daily strong, cool winds from the ocean

131
Q

What are conditions like further along the valley in Monterey from the cool coastal area?
What is grown in these areas?

A

Cool winds are less evident

Merlot, Cabernet and Syrah

132
Q

Describe plantings in Salinas Valley, Monterey

A

There are a number of AVAs on the slopes surrounding the valley

133
Q

Which is the most notable of the slope-AVAs along the Salinas Valley in Monterey County?

A

Santa Lucia Highlands AVA

134
Q

What is Santa Lucia Highlands AVA most noted for producing?

A

High-quality Chardonnay with citrus and tropical fruit flavours and balanced acidity

135
Q

Where are San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties located?

A

In the southern part of the Central Coast

136
Q

Describe the terrain of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties and the resulting effect

A

The mountains are east-west rather than north-south

It encourages the flow of cool ocean breezes onto the mainland

137
Q

What is the major AVA of San Luis Obispo County?

A

Paso Robles AVA

138
Q

Of which varieties does Paso Robles AVA have major plantings?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah

139
Q

How many distinct zones does Paso Robles have?

A

Two

140
Q

Describe the eastern zone of Paso Robles

A

Hot, sunny weather and deep, fertile soils

Supple, fruity wines for high volume brands

141
Q

Describe the western zone of Paso Robles

A

Cooled by marine air

Reputation for high quality Zinfandel and Rhône varieties

142
Q

Which AVA lies to the south of Paso Robles AVA?

A

Santa Maria Valley AVA

143
Q

Where is Santa Maria Valley AVA

A

Santa Barbara County, Central Coast

144
Q

Describe Santa Maria Valley AVA

A

Significantly cooler than Paso Robles AVA

Well-suited to growing premium Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes

145
Q

What is the impact of fog in Santa Maria Valley AVA?

A

In low-lying areas, fog can cover the ground during the day, encouraging a slow-ripening process

146
Q

What is the result of the slow-ripening in Santa Maria Valley AVA?

A

It can yield wines with concentrated fruit flavours balanced by high acidity

147
Q

Where of Santa Barbara County is slightly warmer?

A

Santa Ynez Valley AVA

148
Q

What are the wines of Santa Ynez Valley AVA like?

A

Red wines from Syrah and Bordeaux varieties

149
Q

Which AVA is in the far west of Santa Ynez?

A

Sta. Rita Hills AVA

150
Q

Describe conditions in Sta. Rita Hills AVA

A

Much cooler than Santa Ynez Valley AVA

151
Q

Why is Sta. Rita Hills AVA so much cooler?

A

It’s strongly influenced by the ocean

152
Q

What does Sta. Rita Hills AVA specialise in?

A

Pinot Noir

153
Q

What other varieties does Sta. Rita Hills AVA produce?

A

Chardonnay and a number of aromatic varieties

154
Q

Which areas is Central Valley comprised of?

A

Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys

155
Q

Which area produces the vast majority of Californian wine?

A

Central Valley

156
Q

Describe the climate of Central Valley

A

Mostly hot and dry

157
Q

What is the reaction in the vineyards of Central Valley to the conditions?

A

Irrigation is widely practiced

158
Q

What was new that came out of the conditions in Central Valley?

A

New varieties; Rubired and Ruby Cabernet

159
Q

Which traditional varieties are widely planted in Central Valley?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay

Colombard, Chenin Blanc and Barbera

160
Q

Which AVA straddles the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys in the middle of Central Valley?

A

Lodi AVA

161
Q

What is unique about the conditions in Lodi AVA?

A

Despite being in Central Valley, it is still kept relatively cool, as it is east of the huge Sacramento Delta and thus benefits daily from cooling breezes from San Francisco Bay

162
Q

What varieties are grown in Lodi AVA?

A

Most varieties

Home to some of the oldest and best Zinfandel vineyards in the state