USA

Question 1

What are the climatic influences on California?

Answer 1

Extremely cold Californian ocean current.
North of LA the coast line is mountainous which shelters vineyards from the cooling effect.
Gaps in the mountains allow fog through.

Lack of rainfall during the ripening season, drought can be an issue and drip irrigation is widely practiced. Can gives grapes extra hang time for very ripe, concentrated, high sugar grapes.

Question 2

What are the main black grapes of California?

Answer 2

Warmer:
Cab Sav
Zinfandel

Merlot
Syrah

Cooler:
Pinot Noir

Question 3

What are the white grapes in California?

Answer 3

Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc (coastal regions, fruity everyday from central valley, fume blanc)

Question 4

What are the 4 groups for you to remember Napa Valley?

Answer 4

Los Carneros - Fog. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Still and sparkling.

Stags leap district, Oakville and Rutherford. Valley floor, mainly Cab Sav but also merlot and tropical Sav B and Chardonnay.

Mount Veeder (east facing) and Howell Mountain (west facing so fuller bodied and higher alc). Lay above fog layer, cooled by altitude. Valley sides = higher tannin, less rich. Mainly Cab Sav but also Merlot Zinfandel, Cab Franc. Higher acid citrus, stone fruit Chardonnay.

Calistoga and St Helena. Warmest of the valley. Cooler night time temp to retain acid. Mainly Cab Sav but also Merlot and Syrah.

Question 5

What are the 10 fog affected areas of California?

Answer 5

Anderson Valley
Valley floor of dry creek
Sonoma Coast
Russian River
Lodi
Flat of Santa Cruz Mountains
Coastal area of Monterey
West of Paso Robles
Santa Maria Valley

Question 6

Where are the warm areas of California?

Answer 6

Mendocino County
Alexander Valley
Hills of Dry Creek
Hills of Santa Cruz mountains
Inland Monterey
East Paso Robles

Question 7

What is the AVA in New York State and what would you find here?

Answer 7

Finger Lakes AVA
Deep glacial lakes store heat well into November and extend the growing season.
Most noted for Riesling
also Pinot Noir, Cab Franc and Chardonnay.

Question 8

What is the AVA in Oregon and what would you find there?

Answer 8

Willamette Valley AVA
Moderate climate and cooling breezes from the Pacific. Dry growing season with long sunny days and cool nights.
Pinot Noir is most planted
Also Pinot Gris.

Question 9

What are the AVAs in Washington and what would you find there?

Answer 9

Columbia Valley AVA and Yakima Valley AVA.
Lies in rain shadow of the Cascade mountains irrigation with river water is a necessity. Sunny days and cool nights.
Full bodied merlot and cab sav. Toasty Chardonnay.