napa part 3 with tastings

Introduction

Discussion prompts to engage students in the learning process.
Emphasis on collaborative brainstorming, avoiding external references like Google.

Mountain Ranges
- Myakanas Range vs. Vaca Range
  - Location of Vaca Range: Eastern side, receives maximum sunlight.
  - Effects of sunlight on grape growth, influencing grape quality.
Impact of Vaca Range on Climate
- The concept of rain shadow effect: blocks moisture from the Pacific Ocean.
- Climate on the other side of Vaca Range: hotter, conducive for grape growing in Central Valley.
- Grape types growing: table grapes, grape varietals for wine (e.g., Fox Brook).

Characteristics of Mountains:
- Old, uplifted structures formed through tectonic plate shifts.
- Varied soil types: rocky, stony, gravelly, volcanic, and limestone.
- Marine influence on soil composition due to historical underwater geography.

Valley Floor vs. Mountain Elevation
- Lower elevation (valley) usually has more fertile soil, leading to vigorous vine growth.
- Higher elevation (mountains) contributes to reduced yields, thicker skins, and complex flavors.
Fertility and Vineyard Practices
- Grapes grown on valley floors might require careful pruning and water management techniques:
  - Pruning: Controls cluster growth; done multiple times per year.
  - Water Management: Techniques such as dry farming to limit soil moisture.
  - Green harvesting: A practice where unripe grapes are removed to improve concentration and sustainability, dropping the crop when clusters begin coloring (veraison).

Valley Floor Wines
- Tasting notes: lush, dense mouthfeel, with riper tannins; lower acidity.
- Comparison to Mountain Wines: typically more acidic and structured, ageable due to acidity and tannin balance.
Mountain Wines
- Grown above fog line (above 1200-1400 feet): cooler conditions, intense UV light exposure leading to thicker skins.
- Tannins are often firmer, with dense structure.
- Example: Comparison to Italian varietals (e.g., Chianti, Brunello).

Definition and characteristics of benchlands: transitional areas between valley floor and mountains that blend qualities.
Notable area: Stags Leap District; known for balanced wines between valley and mountain characteristics.

Pre-Harvest Practices
- Dry Farming: limits water uptake for better concentration.
- Mountain Vineyard AVAs and their characteristics: Varying elevations define unique vineyard expressions.
Notable Mountain AVAs
- Classic five: Mount Veeder, Spring Mountain, Diamond Mountain, Howell Mountain, Atlas Peak.
- Characteristics of spring mountain and its berry size influenced by root stress from seeking sustenance.

Cabernet Sauvignon as dominating varietal (40% of production).
- Breakdown of overall production: 80% red wines, 20% white wines.
Highlighting emerging varietals: Sparkling wines from domains like Domaine Carneros.
- Increasing interest in unique varietals like Roussanne.

Notes on specific wines tasted, detailing aspect of flavor profiles:
- Rutherford Dust: Culinary notes, references to earthy minerality in wines.
- Importance of regions like Coombsville, size of wineries, and their impact on wine style.
Evaluation Techniques for Wine
- Assessing acidity, body, mouthfeel, and aromas.
- Emphasizing need for appropriate aging and decanting before consumption.

Round Pond Estate: Sauvignon Blanc with high aromatic profile and richer mouthfeel.
- Techniques in fermentation and aging in stainless steel.
Silverado Vineyards: Comparison of Merlot from Coombsville, showcasing its unique structure and cool climate advantages.
Interesting Finds: Zinfandel from Coombsville versus traditional high-sugar, jammy profiles expected from warmer regions.
- Emphasis on balance and elegance, as opposed to purely fruity interpretations.

Connecting varietals, climate factors, and vineyard practices to the overall experience of Napa wines.
Urging students to consider their tasting notes and preferences against detailed characteristics discussed throughout the lecture.