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11 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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Climate and grape growing |
Influence of the cold California Ocean Current is crucial for grape growing-> cold air and fod lower night time temperatures, slowing down ripening
Central Valley = hot clinqye and less influence from the ocean.
Lack of rain in all wineregions. Drought can be a serious problem. Does lead to extra hang time-> concentrated flavours, high sugar |
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Black grape varieties California |
Cabernet Sauvignon: full-bodied, cassis, spice, new oak. Some styles are less rich with fresh blackcurrent flavours Zinfandel: ‘own’ grape, range of styles. Ripens unevenly. Red + black druit, dried berries, liquorice. White Zinfandel: rose made of early picked grapes- fruity, pale in colour, med-sweet, low alcohol Merlot: widely planted, easy wines with soft tannins, ripe black fruit Pinot Noir: moderate regions like River Valley, Los Carneros and Santa Maria Valley. Different styles - light with gamey and vegetal notes, rich ripe red fruit and sweet spice from oak Syrah: across the state, usually in a full-bodied rich style |
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California White Grape Varieties |
Chardonnay: most planted of either colour. Many different styles. Russian River Valley and Los Carneros (cooler areas) premium wines with less oak
Sauvignon Blanc: best grown in the coastal regions, high-acidity, ripe citrus flavours. More affordable from warmer Central Valley - fumé blanc can refer to an oaked style of Sauv Blanc |
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3 main regions of California |
North Coast, Central Coast and Central Valley |
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North Coast region of California |
Vineyards north of San Francisco Climate: Cooling effects from the ocean- fog and cool breezes Napa County, Sonoma and Mendocino Counties |
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Napa Valley AVA |
Napa Valley AVA- most expensive vineyard land. In between two mountains Different wine styles due to cool influences- morning fog, cool afternoon breezes from San Pablo Bay Good quality merlots |
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Napa County |
Los Carneros AVA: Most Southerly in Napa, extends into Sonoma Cool areas produce high quality pinot noir and chardonnay, warmer areas Cabernet Sauvignon AVA’s for Cabernet Sauvignon: Rutherford (warmest, so most power and structure, Stags Leap District, Oakville, Yountville Saint Helena and Calistoga AVA: warmest day time temperature, so full bodied wines. Cool air through Chalk Hill Gap Howel Mountain AVA: west facing vineyards, full exposure to pm-sun. Fuller bodied wines with high alcohol |
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Sonoma County |
Larger than Napa, greater variety of climates. Russian River Valley AVA: cool, foggy. Known for high quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay + sparkling Dry Creek Calley: further north, warmer. Hillsides above the fog layer grown old vine Zinfandel, on valley floor Sauvignon Blanc Alexander Valley AVA: warmer still, most fleshy and full bodied. Reputation for soft-textured, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Coast AVA: lies west of the above AVA’s. Climate influenced by the cold Pacific so vineyards on south facing slopes. |
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Mendocino County |
North of Sonoma County. Anderson Valley AVA: very cool. Source of aromatic varieties like Riesling and Gewurztraminer Mendocino AVA: warmer and protected behind coastal hills. Cab Sauv, Zinfandel, Syrah |
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Central Coast Region California (santa cruz mountains and Montery, San Luis Obispo and St Barbara Counties) |
Santa Cruz Mountains AVA: diverse region with moderate climate, infertile soils. Elegant Cabernet Sauvignon and high quality Chardonnay and Pinot Noir Monterey AVA: strongly influenced by Pacific. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir along the coast, merlot, cab sauv and syrah more inland Paso Robles AVA: south in central Coast. Mountains lie east-west so flow of cool breezes inland. Area has two distinct zones Santa Maria Valley AVA: exposed, cooler. Premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Fog so slower ripening= higher acidity and concentrated fruit |
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Central Valley Region California |
Encompasses the San Joaquin Valleys and Sacramento. Known for high-volune, inexpensive wine. Climate is mostly hot and dry, irrigation is needed New varieties like Rubired and Ruby Cabernet are bred here |
