25. Washington State

Question 1

What effect does the Cascade Mountain range have on Columbia Valley AVA and its sub-AVAs?

Answer 1

It blocks the wet Pacific weather and creates arid (150-250mm), warm conditions

Question 2

What three AVAs border with Oregon?

Answer 2

1) Columbia Gorge AVA (info in Oregon deck)
2) Walla Walla Valley AVA
3) Columbia Valley AVA

Question 3

What are the top five grape varieties produced in Washington State?

Answer 3

1) Cabernet Sauvignon
2) Merlot
3) Chardonnay
4) Riesling
5) Syrah

Question 4

What are the primary two overarching AVAs of Washington State?

Answer 4

1) Columbia Valley AVA
2) Puget Sound AVA

Question 5

What is the general style of Washington State’s wine and why?

Answer 5

1) Ripe often high alcohol
2) Generally warm, sunny, dry conditions

Question 6

What is the general style of Washington State’s Riesling?

Answer 6

Off-dry, with around 10–15 g/L residual sugar

Question 7

Describe the climate of Columbia Valley AVA (including Walla Walla)

Answer 7

Continental with hot summers, rapid cooling in the autumn and cold winters

Question 8

Why is phylloxera a low risk and irrigation required in Columbia Valley AVA and its sub-AVAs?

Answer 8

Sandy soils

Question 9

What is the most planted variety in Columbia Valley AVA?

Answer 9

Cabernet Sauvignon

Question 10

What is the key sub-AVA of Yakima Valley AVA?

Answer 10

Red Mountain

Question 11

What benefit does the location of Washington State for viticulture? (2)

Answer 11

1) Continental - cool nights
2) Northerly latitude means its growing season is long for daytime ripening in the summer, which slows as autumn brings cooler weather

Question 12

What are Washington State’s two main weather hazards?

Answer 12

1) Spring frost
2) Winter freeze

Question 13

What is the most widely planted variety in Yakima Valley AVA?

Answer 13

Chardonnay

Question 14

What four factors contribute to dominant Cabernet plantings and riper styles being achieved in Red Mountain AVA?

Answer 14

1) South-west facing slopes
2) Warmest climate in Washington
3) Poor nutrient, low yielding soil
4) Wide diurnal range

Question 15

Why are many vineyards planted on slopes in Yakima Valley AVA?

Answer 15

Frosts and winter freeze can be hazardous in valley floor sites

Question 16

Riesling is the most planted grape in Rattlesnake Hills AVA. Why is this?

Answer 16

Vineyards are located on the south facing slopes of the Rattlesnake Hills at higher altitudes

Question 17

Columbia Valley AVA and its sub-AVAs are generally planted in which aspect?

Answer 17

South-facing

Question 18

Washington’s vineyards within Walla Walla Valley AVA are located where up to what altitude?

Answer 18

1) The northeast of the Blue Mountain foothills
2) 600m

Question 19

Besides Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Malbec, what else is planted in Walla Walla Valley AVA?

Answer 19

Italian, Spanish, and Rhône (red and white) varieties

Question 20

What is the only AVA west of the
Cascade Mountain range?

Answer 20

Puget Sound AVA

Question 21

Describe the climate of Puget Sound AVA

Answer 21

Warm and dry in the summer, with mild, relatively wet winters, receiving up to 1,500 mm of rain per year

Question 22

What is most commonly planted in Puget Sound AVA?

Answer 22

Crosses: Madeleine Angevine, Müller-Thurgau, Siegerrebe

Question 23

Which company dominates production in Washington state?

Answer 23

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates

Question 24

Describe the industry trend within Washington state (2)

Answer 24

Rapid expansion:

1) From 10 wineries in 1975 and approximately 200 in 2000 to over 1,000 today.

2) The area under vine has doubled since 2000 to over 23,000 hectares.

Question 25

Where is most Washington State wine sold?

Answer 25

Within the state via cellar door given the proximity to Seattle

Question 26

What are the four AVAs (excluding sub-AVAs of Columbia Valley AVA)?

Answer 26

1) Yakima Valley AVA
2) Horse Heaven Hill AVA
3) Walla Walla Valley AVA
4) Wahluke Slope AVA