WSET 3 Chapter 33- California (Part 1)

What cools many of the vineyards on the sides of the valley?

Altitude

Stags Leap District, Oakville and Rutherford are particularly renowned for what grape?

Cabernet Sauvignon

What is the most widely planted black grape in California?

Cabernet Sauvignon

Where is the majority of Californian wine produced?

Central Valley

What is the most widely planted white grape in California?

Chardonnay

Where can the best Sauvignon in California be found?

Coastal regions

What kind of irrigation is widely practiced in California?

Drip

What direction does Mount Veeder AVA face?

East

What is caused by cold ocean currents that further effects vineyards?

Fog

What term is often used to describe oaked Sauvignon Blanc?

Fume blanc

What meteorological factor is a major concern across California?

Lack of rain (during ripening season)

What does the lack of rain in autumn allow vineyard owners to do?

Leave grapes on the vine longer

What AVA is the most southerly vineyard area in Napa Valley, and extends into Sonoma?

Los Carneros

What are the main three regions of California for wine making?

North Coast, Central Coast, Central Valley

What feature strongly influences the climate of the North Coast?

Ocean

What is the main cooling influence in California?

Ocean currents

What is distinctive about how Zinfandel ripens?

Ripens unevenly

What AVA in Sonoma has a good reputation for sparkling wines?

Russian River Valley

Which of Stags Leap District, Oakville and Rutherford is the warmest during the day?

Rutherford

Which two AVAs are in the north of Napa Valley, and receive some of the warmest temperatures?

Saint Helena, Calistoga

Which of Sonoma and Napa Valley is largest?

Sonoma

Alongside, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel and PNoir, what other black grape is widely planted across California?

Syrah

What variety is most planted on the hillsides in Dry Creek Valley?

Syrah

What is generally higher in wines from the sides of Napa Valley?

Tannins

What geological feature forms the boundary between Napa Valley and Sonoma?

The Mayacamas Mountains

What geological feature forms the boundary between Napa Valley and the north of Central Valley?

Vaca Mountains

What direction does Howell Mountain AVA face?

West

What orientation generally secures the most warmth in Napa?

West

What is California's main 'own' grape?

Zinfandel