Title: WSET Level 3 / WSET Level 3 C33 - California

Front: How long is the state of California?
Back: Approx. 1100 kilometres from north to south

Front: What is the role of latitude in determining the climate of California vineyards?
Back: Relatively small
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Name: What is the role of latitude in determining the climate of C

Front: What is the biggest cooling influence in California?
Back: The exceptionally cold California Ocean Current

Front: Where are most of the vineyards of California located?
Back: North of Los Angeles

Front: Describe the coastline of California
Back: More mountainous north of LA

Front: What is the climatic role of the mountains in California?
Back: They shield much of the state from the cooling effect of the ocean

Front: What is common evening weather for California?
Back: Cold air, often accompanied by fogs is drawn in from the ocean, lowering night-time temperatures

Front: How and when do Californian fogs dissipate? How does this affect the vineyard climate?
Back: 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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Name: How and when do Californian fogs dissipate? How does this af

Front: Describe the cooling effect of Californian fogs
Back: Some years, the effect can be so dramatic that grapes can struggle to ripen fully

Front: Where in California does the cooling fog penetrate further inland?
Back: Where there are gaps in the mountains
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Name: Where in California does the cooling fog penetrate further i

Front: Give examples of areas of California that act as funnels for the cold coastal air. Why do they have this effect?
Back: Monterey and Santa Barbara CountiesThey are valleys at right angles to the ocean
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Name: Give examples of areas of California that act as funnels for

Front: What is the climate like in areas of California that have no exposure to the ocean? Give an example
Back: HotCentral Valley
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Name: What is the climate like in areas of California that have no

Front: What is the second climatic feature that links all of California's wine regions?
Back: A lack of rain during the ripening season
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Name: What is the second climatic feature that links all of Califo

Front: How is the lack of rain in California's ripening season counteracted by grape growers?
Back: Using drip irrigation
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Name: How is the lack of rain in Californias ripening season coun

Front: What has been the effect of the lack of rain during autumn in California?
Back: It has allowed growers to leave grapes on the vine for long into the season
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Name: What has been the effect of the lack of rain during autumn i

Front: What has been the result on grapes of the longer ripening season in California?
Back: They have concentrated flavours and very high sugar levels
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Name: What has been the result on grapes of the longer ripening se

Front: What has been the recent trend in Californian winemaking?
Back: There has recently been a greater appreciation for freshness and many growers are picking slightly earlier

Front: What is the most widely planted black grape in California?
Back: Cabernet Sauvignon

Front: Give an overview of Cabernets from prime sites in California
Back: They can produce extremely expressive wines that rival the quality of the best produced anywhere

Front: What is the profile of California's best Cabernets?
Back: Full-bodiedRipe cassis flavoursProminent spice aromas from new oak barrelsSome are less rich, with fresher blackcurrant flavours
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Name: What is the profile of Californias best Cabernets?

Front: What is regarded as California's 'own' grape variety?
Back: Zinfandel
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Name: What is regarded as Californias own grape variety?

Front: What style is Zinfandel made into in California?
Back: It's made into a range of styles

Front: What is the biggest viticultural difficulty with Zinfandel?
Back: It tends to ripen unevenly, with the result that harvested fruit can include raisined and underripe grapes

Front: What can be the result on wine of raisined Zinfandel?
Back: Concentrated, full-bodied red wines with high alcohol levels and sometimes some residual sugarFlavours include red and black fruits, dried berries and liquoriceSome display subtle herbaceous qualities from underripe grapes

Front: How are underripe/early-picked Zinfandel grapes often used in California?
Back: For large volumes of rosé wine
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Name: How are underripe/early-picked Zinfandel grapes often used i

Front: How are Zinfandel-based rosés of California commonly labelled?
Back: White Zinfandel
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Name: How are Zinfandel-based rosés of California commonly labelle

Front: Describe White Zinfandel
Back: FruityPale in colourMedium-sweetLow in alcohol

Front: What is the third most widely planted grape of California?
Back: Merlot

Front: Give an overview of Merlot-based wines in California
Back: Approachable wines with soft tannins and ripe black fruit

Front: Which area of California has the largest plantings of Merlot?
Back: San Joaquin in Central Valley
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Name: Which area of California has the largest plantings of Merlot

Front: What are the Merlot wines of San Joaquin, Central Valley like?
Back: Simple and inexpensive
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Name: What are the Merlot wines of San Joaquin, Central Valley lik

Front: Give examples of areas that produce better qualities of Merlot in CaliforniaWhat do they have in common?
Back: Monterey and the north coast regions, especially Napa and SonomaThey are cooler sites
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Name: Give examples of areas that produce better qualities of Merl

Front: Describe the better quality Merlots of California
Back: Luscious bodyDeeply colouredSoft, velvety tanninsHigh alcoholClassic varietal flavours of blackberry and plum

Front: Where in California do its premium Pinot Noirs typically come from?
Back: Moderate regions such as Russian River Valley, Los Carneros and Santa Maria Valley
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Name: Where in California do its premium Pinot Noirs typically com

Front: What is the style of Pinot Noir in California?
Back: Styles vary widely according to vineyard site and winemaking practices

Front: Describe the style range for Pinot Noir in California
Back: Some are light in colour, with classic gamey and vegetal notesMost show rich layers of ripe red fruit flavours (red cherry, strawberry) and notes of sweet spice from oak maturation

Front: What is the fifth black grape of California?
Back: Syrah

Front: Where in California is Syrah planted?
Back: Across the state

Front: What broad style is Syrah generally made into in California?
Back: A full-bodied, rich style

Front: What other style do some producers make Syrah into in California?
Back: Leaner, more peppery styles
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Name: What other style do some producers make Syrah into in Califo

Front: What is the most widely planted grape variety in California?
Back: Chardonnay

Front: Describe the inexpensive, high volume examples of Chardonnay in CaliforniaWhere are they mostly made?
Back: FruityLow to medium aciditySometimes a toasty note from oak staves or chipsCentral Valley
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Name: Describe the inexpensive, high volume examples of Chardonnay

Front: What's the formative reputation of high quality Californian Chardonnay?
Back: Very full-bodiedHigh alcoholLow acidityPeach and banana fruit flavoursObvious flavours of oak, hazelnut and butter
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Name: Whats the formative reputation of high quality Californian

Front: Where are the more restrained, less oaky styles of Chardonnay being produced in California?
Back: Los Carneros Russian River Valley
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Name: Where are the more restrained, less oaky styles of Chardonna

Front: What is California's 'second' white variety?
Back: Sauvignon Blanc
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Name: What is Californias second white variety?

Front: Where does the best Sauvignon Blanc in California come from?
Back: The coastal regions

Front: Give an overview of the best Sauvignon Blancs in California
Back: High acidity and ripe citrus flavours

Front: Where are the more affordable fruity, everyday Sauvignon Blancs of California from?
Back: Warmer regions such as Central Valley
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Name: Where are the more affordable fruity, everyday Sauvignon Bla

Front: What does Fumé Blanc sometimes indicate when used in California?
Back: An oaked style of Sauvignon Blanc, but some producers use this term for unoaked wines
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Name: What does Fumé Blanc sometimes indicate when used in Califor

Front: Where in California is the majority of wine produced?
Back: Central Valley

Front: Briefly describe viticulture in Central Valley, California
Back: Soil is very fertile and irrigation is used to increase yield

Front: Where are California's premium wine regions located?
Back: Primarily along the coast
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Name: Where are Californias premium wine regions located?

Front: What is the primary focus of quality wine producers along California's coast?
Back: Managing quality in the vineyardProducing wines reflective of each area
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Name: What is the primary focus of quality wine producers along Ca

Front: How many regions are the principal vineyards of California grouped into?
Back: Five
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Name: How many regions are the principal vineyards of California g

Front: Which three of California's five wine-making regions contain the majority of the state's well known County Appellations and AVAs?
Back: North CoastCentral CoastCentral Valley
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Name: Which three of Californias five wine-making regions contain

Front: What are the principal winemaking counties of North Coast region in California?
Back: Napa CountySonoma CountyMendocino County
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Name: What are the principal winemaking counties of North Coast re

Front: Where is California's North Coast region?
Back: North of San Francisco Bay
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Name: Where is Californias North Coast region?

Front: Describe the climate of the vineyards in North Coast region
Back: Strongly influenced by the oceanFog and cool breezes flow through the gaps in the coastal ranges and river valleys

Front: What effect do the fogs and cool breezes of North Coast have on climate?
Back: They affect average and diurnal temperature ranges that affect grape-plantings
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Name: What effect do the fogs and cool breezes of North Coast have

Front: How long is the Napa Valley AVA?
Back: About 50km north to south

Front: How wide is Napa Valley AVA?
Back: Only about 5km

Front: Which AVA has the most expensive land and some of the most prestigious wineries of California?
Back: Napa Valley AVA
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Name: Which AVA has the most expensive land and some of the most

Front: What marks the boundary of Napa Valley AVA with Sonoma County?
Back: The Mayacamas Mountains to the west
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Name: What marks the boundary of Napa Valley AVA with Sonoma Count

Front: What do the Vaca mountains separate Napa Valley AVA from?
Back: The northern part of the Central Valley

Front: Where within Napa Valley AVA are the vineyards found?
Back: On the valley floor and each valley side

Front: What creates the diverse range of styles available in Napa Valley AVA?
Back: The variety of cooling influences which creates a diverse range of climates
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Name: What creates the diverse range of styles available in Napa V

Front: What are the most significant cooling influences of Napa Valley AVA?
Back: The morning fogs and cool afternoon breezes from San Pablo Bay
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Name: What are the most significant cooling influences of Napa Val

Front: What essentially is San Pablo Bay?
Back: The northern extension of San Francisco Bay

Front: Which area of Napa Valley AVA do the San Pablo Bay fogs and breezes moderate?
Back: The southern part
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Name: Which area of Napa Valley AVA do the San Pablo Bay fogs and

Front: What is the most southerly vineyard area on the valley floor of Napa Valley AVA?
Back: Los Carneros AVA
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Name: What is the most southerly vineyard area on the valley floor

Front: What area does Los Carneros AVA cover?
Back: It extends into Sonoma County

Front: What grapes are notably produced to a high quality level in Sonoma County? Why is this possible?
Back: Pinot Noir and ChardonnayIt is cool enough to produce them to a high quality
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Name: What grapes are notably produced to a high quality level in

Front: What styles of wine are made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in Los Carneros AVA?
Back: Still and traditional method sparkling
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Name: What styles of wine are made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

Front: What is the climate like slightly further north along the valley floor from Los Carneros AVA?
Back: Warmer
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Name: What is the climate like slightly further north along the va

Front: What are the principal AVAs just north of Los Carneros AVA along the valley floor?
Back: Stags Leap DistrictYountvilleOakvilleRutherford
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Name: What are the principal AVAs just north of Los Carneros AVA a

Front: What are Stags Leap District, Yountville, Oakville and Rutherford primarily renowned for?
Back: Premium Cabernets
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Name: What are Stags Leap District, Yountville, Oakville and Ruthe

Front: 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?
Back: RutherfordIt's the warmest during the day
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Name: Of the areas most renowned for Cabernet within Napa Valley A

Front: Which of the AVAs just north of Los Carneros AVA produces wines with the most power and structure? Why?
Back: RutherfordIt's the least exposed to the cooling influences of San Pablo Bay and so is warmest during the day
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Name: Which of the AVAs just north of Los Carneros AVA produces wi

Front: Which other varieties are widely planted in Napa's premium Cabernet AVAs?
Back: MerlotChardonnaySauvignon Blanc
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Name: Which other varieties are widely planted in Napas premium C

Front: Describe the flavours produced by whites of Stags Leap District, Yountville, Oakville and Rutherford
Back: They all typically show white tropical fruit
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Name: Describe the flavours produced by whites of Stags Leap Distr

Front: What are the AVAs in the north of Napa Valley which receive the warmest daytime temperatures?
Back: Saint Helena AVA and Calistoga AVA
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Name: What are the AVAs in the north of Napa Valley which receive

Front: What is the result of northern Napa's warm temperatures on its wines?
Back: They can be some of the most concentrated, full-bodied wines in the valley
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Name: What is the result of northern Napas warm temperatures on i

Front: How is the warmth of Napa's most northerly AVAs moderated? What is the effect on grapes?
Back: Cool air through the Chalk Hill gap in the Mayacamas Mountains can provide some relief from afternoon temperaturesMuch cooler night-time temperatures tooHelps to retain grape-acidity
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Name: How is the warmth of Napas most northerly AVAs moderated? W

Front: What is the main grape produced in Saint Helena and Calistoga?
Back: Cabernet Sauvignon
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Name: What is the main grape produced in Saint Helena and Calistog

Front: Which additional grapes are also grown in Saint Helena and Calistoga?
Back: Zinfandel and Syrah
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Name: Which additional grapes are also grown in Saint Helena and C

Front: Which vineyards are unaffected by fog in Napa Valley? Why?
Back: Many of those on the valley sidesThey lie above the fog layer

Front: How are the vineyards of the valley sides in Napa Valley cooled, if not by the fog?
Back: By their altitude
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Name: How are the vineyards of the valley sides in Napa Valley coo

Front: Other than altitude, what else has an important effect on vineyard climate in the vineyards of the valley sides in Napa Valley?
Back: Aspect
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Name: Other than altitude, what else has an important effect on vi

Front: Which AVAs of Napa County have west-facing vineyards? What is the result?
Back: Those of Howell Mountain AVA and Atlas Peak AVAThey get full exposure to the hot afternoon sun and tend to be warmer than those facing east
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Name: Which AVAs of Napa County have west-facing vineyards? What i

Front: Which AVAs of Napa County have east-facing vineyards? What is the result?
Back: Diamond Mountain District AVASpring Mountain District AVAMount Veeder AVALess/no exposure to the hot afternoon sunCooler than those on west-facing sites
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Name: Which AVAs of Napa County have east-facing vineyards? What i

Front: What is the result on wines of the warmer afternoon exposure received in vineyards of Howell Mountain AVA and Atlas Peak AVA?
Back: They tend to be fuller-bodied and with higher alcohol levels
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Name: What is the result on wines of the warmer afternoon exposure

Front: What is the general structural difference in the red wines of the valley sides in Napa Valley?
Back: They tend to have higher levels of tannins and less richness on the palate than those on the valley floor
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Name: What is the general structural difference in the red wines o

Front: What is the principal variety of wines made from vineyards of the valley sides in Napa Valley?
Back: Cabernet Sauvignon
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Name: What is the principal variety of wines made from vineyards o

Front: Which other grapes are generally grown on the vineyards of the valley-side AVAs in Napa Valley?
Back: Merlot Cabernet Franc ZinfandelChardonnay
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Name: Which other grapes are generally grown on the vineyards of t

Front: What is the main white variety grown on the vineyards of the valley-sides in Napa Valley?
Back: Chardonnay
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Name: What is the main white variety grown on the vineyards of the

Front: What are the valley-side Chardonnays like compared with those of the valley floor in Napa Valley?
Back: They tend to have higher levels of acidity and display citrus and stone fruit aromas
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Name: What are the valley-side Chardonnays like compared with thos

Front: Which is the larger of Sonoma and Napa County?
Back: Sonoma County

Front: Which of Sonoma and Napa has the greater variety of climates?
Back: Sonoma County
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Name: Which of Sonoma and Napa has the greater variety of climates

Front: Where is Russian River Valley AVA?
Back: Sonoma County, to the west of Napa County

Front: What are the weather conditions like in Russian River Valley AVA? Why?
Back: Very cool and foggyDue to a break in the coastal ranges, known as the Petaluma gap
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Name: What are the weather conditions like in Russian River Valley

Front: What wines is Russian River Valley AVA known for?
Back: High quality, elegant wines made from:Pinot NoirChardonnaySparkling wines from the above varieties

Front: What are the main AVAs to the north of Russian River Valley AVA?
Back: Dry Creek Valley AVAAlexander Valley AVA
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Name: What are the main AVAs to the north of Russian River Valley

Front: What is the climate like in Dry Creek Valley and Alexander Valley AVA?
Back: Perceptibly warmer than Russian River Valley AVA
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Name: What is the climate like in Dry Creek Valley and Alexander V

Front: Describe how Dry Creek Valley AVA is planted
Back: Planted densely on both the valley floor and sides

Front: What varieties are planted chiefly in Dry Creek Valley AVA and where in the valley are they planted?
Back: High quality, old-vine Zinfandel is planted above the fog layer on the hillsidesValley floor vineyards are better suited to Sauvignon Blanc
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Name: What varieties are planted chiefly in Dry Creek Valley AVA a

Front: What other varieties are popular in Dry Creek Valley AVA?
Back: Rhône varieties and Cabernet Sauvignon are also popular

Front: Which AVA of Sonoma County is warmer still, than Dry Creek Valley AVA?
Back: Alexander Valley AVA
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Name: Which AVA of Sonoma County is warmer still, than Dry Creek V

Front: How do the wines of Alexander Valley AVA compare with those of the other Sonoma AVAs?
Back: They tend to be fleshier and fuller-bodied
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Name: How do the wines of Alexander Valley AVA compare with those

Front: What style of wine has Alexander Valley AVA built a particular reputation for?
Back: Soft-textured, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon
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Name: What style of wine has Alexander Valley AVA built a particul

Front: Which varieties other than Cabernet does Alexander Valley AVA successfully make?
Back: A range of international varieties
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Name: Which varieties other than Cabernet does Alexander Valley AV

Front: Which AVA lies to the west of Alexander and Dry Creek Valley?
Back: Sonoma Coast AVA
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Name: Which AVA lies to the west of Alexander and Dry Creek Valley

Front: What is the climate of Sonoma Coast AVA?
Back: Greatly influenced by the cooling effect of the cold Pacific Ocean

Front: How is ripening maximised in Sonoma Coast AVA?
Back: By planting on south-facing slopes

Front: Describe and name the AVA to the south of Sonoma Coast AVA
Back: Sonoma Valley AVA runs parallel to Napa Valley

Front: What is the weather like in Sonoma Valley AVA?
Back: It is heavily influenced by breezes and fogs from San Pablo Bay (like southern parts of Napa)

Front: What is Sonoma Valley AVA best known for?
Back: High quality ChardonnaysOld vine Zinfandels

Front: Generally describe Mendocino County
Back: Very large and diverse

Front: Which county lies to the north of Sonoma County?
Back: Mendocino County

Front: Name a notable AVA of Mendocino CountyWhat does it produce?
Back: Anderson Valley AVAAromatic whites made from varieties such as Riesling and GewurztraminerSparkling wines

Front: What is the weather like in Anderson Valley AVA?
Back: Very cool

Front: Describe conditions in Mendocino AVA
Back: Much warmer and drier than Anderson Valley AVA

Front: How does Mendocino AVA achieve such relatively warm, dry conditions?
Back: It's protected behind coastal hills that rise up to 900 metres
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Name: How does Mendocino AVA achieve such relatively warm, dry con

Front: Describe wines from Mendocino AVA
Back: Full-bodied with soft tanninsOften made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Syrah

Front: List major wine-producing counties of the Central Coast area in California
Back: Santa Cruz Mountains and MontereySan Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties
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Name: List major wine-producing counties of the Central Coast area

Front: Describe the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA and its location
Back: A diverse region in the north of the Central Coast that includes hillside locations with infertile soils

Front: Describe the wines of Santa Cruz Mountains AVA
Back: Some of California's most elegant Cabernet SauvignonsSome high quality Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs

Front: How can the conditions of Santa Cruz Mountains AVA best be described?
Back: Moderate
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Name: How can the conditions of Santa Cruz Mountains AVA best be d

Front: Where is Monterey AVA?
Back: It follows the path of the Salinas Valley in Central Coast

Front: What is the biggest moderating influence in Monterey AVA?
Back: The Pacific Ocean

Front: Which varieties are planted closest to the coast of Monterey AVA? Why?
Back: Chardonnay and Pinot NoirSo that they receive maximum influence from the daily strong, cool winds from the ocean
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Name: Which varieties are planted closest to the coast of Monterey

Front: What are conditions like further along the valley in Monterey from the cool coastal area?What is grown in these areas?
Back: Cool winds are less evidentMerlot, Cabernet and Syrah
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Name: What are conditions like further along the valley in Montere

Front: Describe plantings in Salinas Valley, Monterey
Back: There are a number of AVAs on the slopes surrounding the valley

Front: Which is the most notable of the slope-AVAs along the Salinas Valley in Monterey County?
Back: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
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Name: Which is the most notable of the slope-AVAs along the Salina

Front: What is Santa Lucia Highlands AVA most noted for producing?
Back: High-quality Chardonnay with citrus and tropical fruit flavours and balanced acidity

Front: Where are San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties located?
Back: In the southern part of the Central Coast
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Name: Where are San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties located

Front: Describe the terrain of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties and the resulting effect
Back: The mountains are east-west rather than north-southIt encourages the flow of cool ocean breezes onto the mainland
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Name: Describe the terrain of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Co

Front: What is the major AVA of San Luis Obispo County?
Back: Paso Robles AVA

Front: Of which varieties does Paso Robles AVA have major plantings?
Back: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah
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Name: Of which varieties does Paso Robles AVA have major plantings

Front: How many distinct zones does Paso Robles have?
Back: Two

Front: Describe the eastern zone of Paso Robles
Back: Hot, sunny weather and deep, fertile soilsSupple, fruity wines for high volume brands

Front: Describe the western zone of Paso Robles
Back: Cooled by marine airReputation for high quality Zinfandel and Rhône varieties

Front: Which AVA lies to the south of Paso Robles AVA?
Back: Santa Maria Valley AVA

Front: Where is Santa Maria Valley AVA
Back: Santa Barbara County, Central Coast

Front: Describe Santa Maria Valley AVA
Back: Significantly cooler than Paso Robles AVAWell-suited to growing premium Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes

Front: What is the impact of fog in Santa Maria Valley AVA?
Back: In low-lying areas, fog can cover the ground during the day, encouraging a slow-ripening process

Front: What is the result of the slow-ripening in Santa Maria Valley AVA?
Back: It can yield wines with concentrated fruit flavours balanced by high acidity
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Name: What is the result of the slow-ripening in Santa Maria Valle

Front: Where of Santa Barbara County is slightly warmer?
Back: Santa Ynez Valley AVA

Front: What are the wines of Santa Ynez Valley AVA like?
Back: Red wines from Syrah and Bordeaux varieties

Front: Which AVA is in the far west of Santa Ynez?
Back: Sta. Rita Hills AVA

Front: Describe conditions in Sta. Rita Hills AVA
Back: Much cooler than Santa Ynez Valley AVA

Front: Why is Sta. Rita Hills AVA so much cooler?
Back: It's strongly influenced by the ocean

Front: What does Sta. Rita Hills AVA specialise in?
Back: Pinot Noir

Front: What other varieties does Sta. Rita Hills AVA produce?
Back: Chardonnay and a number of aromatic varieties

Front: Which areas is Central Valley comprised of?
Back: Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys

Front: Which area produces the vast majority of Californian wine?
Back: Central Valley

Front: Describe the climate of Central Valley
Back: Mostly hot and dry

Front: What is the reaction in the vineyards of Central Valley to the conditions?
Back: Irrigation is widely practiced
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Name: What is the reaction in the vineyards of Central Valley to t

Front: What was new that came out of the conditions in Central Valley?
Back: New varieties; Rubired and Ruby Cabernet
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Name: What was new that came out of the conditions in Central Vall

Front: Which traditional varieties are widely planted in Central Valley?
Back: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and ChardonnayColombard, Chenin Blanc and Barbera
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Name: Which traditional varieties are widely planted in Central Va

Front: Which AVA straddles the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys in the middle of Central Valley?
Back: Lodi AVA
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Name: Which AVA straddles the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys i

Front: What is unique about the conditions in Lodi AVA?
Back: 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

Front: What varieties are grown in Lodi AVA?
Back: Most varietiesHome to some of the oldest and best Zinfandel vineyards in the state