25 - Washington State Flashcards
Outline the most planted grapes in Washington.
Cabernet Sauvignon (26%), Merlot (18%), Chardonnay (17%), Riesling (17%), Syrah (8%)
Describe the style of red most commonly made in Washington State. How do the growing environments in the state account for this?
Warm, sunny, dry w/ cold nights –> med(+) - high acid, ripe fruit, high alcohol
High % of new oak
Outline how the style Riesling is made in. How is this changing?
Generally off-dry 10-15g/L
Styles have diverged –> drier or sweeter (with bott or ice wine)
Cool temp ferment is standard. Skin-contact, ambient yeast, lees, oak are being experimented with
Describe the growing environment of Columbia Valley AVA.
Describe how its growing environment impacts grape ripening.
Cascade Range rainshadow effect –> arid, continental climate with ~200mm of rainfall per year
Northerly latitude long daylight hours up to 1hr longer per day than California
Soils complex with basalt bedrock with sand, loess, alluvial top soil –> many sub-AVAs based on unique soils types; generally free-draining
Grape ripening rapid during hot summer then slows markedly in autumn which allows retention of acid; diurnals also help acid
How large is Columbia Valley?
99% of Washington plantings
Name one unique advantage and two disadvantages of Columbia Valley’s growing environment.
Low phylloxera risk sandy soils –> plant on own roots
Need to irrigate dry, hot summers + free draining soil
Frost + winter freeze due to continental climate
Why might a grower choose to graft vines in Columbia Valley? (3)
Despite low phylloxera risk…
- Drought resistance rootstocks
2 Precision viti to match other soil type requirements
- Head grafting allows changing varieties in response to consumer demand
Where is water for irrigation sourced from?
Columbia River
Using two examples of sub-AVAs describe how Columbia Valley is able to produce such a wide range of grapes.
Yakima Valley AVA 1/3 of state production - large area includes warmer, lower elevation sites for Cab, Merlot, Syrah, Chard
Rattlesnake Hills AVA higher altitude sites with Riesling most planted
What topographical feature in Columbia Valley makes some vines more susceptible to spring frost?
Large, flat valley floor
Describe the growing environment and grapes produced in Walla Walla Valley.
Arid, continental
Eastern side is in Blue Mountain foothills up to 600m –> cooler, wetter
Frost risk in foothills - spring and autumn
Known for Cab, Merlot, Syrah
How has Washington State’s production and wine styles evolved in recent history?
5% of total production - grown substantially –> 10 wineries to 1000 wineries 1975 to today
Production remains dominated by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates
Diversification from Riesling to Bordeaux and Rhone
What are Washington State’s most important routes to market?
Most wines sold in-state –> cellar door incl. in Seattle
Only largest brands sold out of states
Exports is tiny %
