Wine and Beverage: Day 3, 10/18/05

Wine Quote of the Day

"God in His goodness sent the grapes, to cheer both great and small; little fools will drink too much, and great fools not at all."

—Anonymous

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In this class we discussed New World wines of the U.S.: California, Oregon, and Washington. Highlights from the class are below, and you can view a PDF of my full notes here.

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New World Wines: Wines of the U.S.

California

• The vast majority (approximately 90%) of wines produced in the U.S. come from California. California produces some of the most prestigious wines in the New World.
• There are about 850 wineries and approximately 89 distinct AVA’s within California’s five major wine producing regions.
• Because of the influence of the cold Pacific waters, vineyards up and down the coast and as far inland as 200 miles in some areas, are beneficially cooled to help create fine wine grapes.
• Cabernet and Chardonnay are two of the most significant grapes grown in California, and are grown by almost every winery.

Wine-growing Regions

1. North Coast
   An important and extensive grape growing region north of San Francisco that includes Napa, Sonoma, Lake, and Mendocino counties. This region produces the best wines.
   
2. Central Coast
   A large growing area extending south from San Francisco to Santa Barbara.
   
3. Sierra Foothills
   Home of the legendary gold rush of 1849. This region contains smaller producers—it’s too warm for great wine.
   
4. South Coast
   Best known for Hollywood and its beaches.
   
5. Central Valley
   Largest producer of wine grapes in California, but not as many wineries. This is California’s agricultural land that stretches almost 500 miles down the center of the state.

Map compliments of Boisset America.

Oregon

• Oregon’s northern latitude brings long hours of summer sunshine to its vineyards as the marine breezes help moderate the climate, causing the ripening process for the grapes to be gradual.
• The northwest portion of Oregon is celebrated for cool-climate grape varieties including:
  - Pinot Gris
  - Riesling
  - Chardonnay
  - Pinot Noir

Wine-growing Regions

1. Willamette Valley (will-AM-et)
   Oregon’s most famous and largest wine-growing region. Known for Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Pinot Blanc, which have all won praises throughout the world.
   
2. Umpqua Valley (UHMP-kwah)
   Located in bweeen the Willamette Valley and the Rogue Valley. Burgundy-style grapes predominate.
   
3. Rogue River Valley
   Warmer than most other parts of Oregon. Best known for its Chardonnay and Cabernet.
   
4. Applegate Valley
   Heat-oriented varietals thrive here: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah. Wines are often intense and full-bodied, less fruit-forward.

Map compliments of Korbrand Wine.

Washington

• Washington is located approximately the same latitude (46?N) as the French wine regions of Bordeaux and Burgundy.
• The most significant and highest selling wines are Merlot and Chardonnay.
• 98% of the wine grapes in Washington are grown on the east side of the state.

Wine-growing Regions

1. Columbia Valley
   Washington’s most significant region. Merlot grape vines prosper in the long sunny days and chilly nights producing wines that tend to be rich with ripe cherry flavors that are lively with acidity.
   
2. Yakima Valley
   Diverse climate, well suited for Cabernet, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Merlot.
   
3. Walla Walla
   Remote region that is setting the standard for Cabernet and Merlot.
   
4. Puget Sound
   Cool climate. Pinot Noir and the more adaptable Pinot Gris grow best.

Map compliments of Korbrand Wine.