25 - Washington State Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
1
Q

Outline the most planted grapes in Washington.

A

Cabernet Sauvignon (265), Merlot (18%), Chardonnay (17%), Riesling (17%), Syrah (8%)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Describe the style of red most commonly made in Washington State. How do the growing environments in the state account for this?

A

Warm, sunny, dry w/ cold nights –> med(+) - high acid, ripe fruit, high alcohol

High % of new oak

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Outline how the style Riesling is made in. How is this changing?

A

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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Describe the growing environment of Columbia Valley AVA.

Describe how its growing environment impacts grape ripening.

A

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 well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

How large is Columbia Valley?

A

99% of Washington plantings

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Name one unique advantage and two disadvantages of Columbia Valley’s growing environment.

A

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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Why might a grower choose to graft vines in Columbia Valley? (3)

A

Despite low phylloxera risk…

  1. Drought resistance rootstocks

2 Precision viti to match other soil type requirements

  1. Head grafting allows changing varieties in response to consumer demand
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Where is water for irrigation sourced from?

A

Columbia River

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Using two examples of sub-AVAs describe how Columbia Valley is able to produce such a wide range of grapes.

A

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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What topographical feature in Columbia Valley makes some vines more susceptible to spring frost?

A

Large, flat valley floor

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Describe the growing environment and grapes produced in Walla Walla Valley.

A

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 well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

How has Washington State’s production and wine styles evolved in recent history?

A

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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are Washington State’s most important routes to market?

A

Most wines sold in-state –> cellar door incl. in Seattle

Only largest brands sold out of states

Exports is tiny %

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly