34 - Oregon, Washington and New York Flashcards
What are the key AVAs of Northern and Southern Oregon?
Northern Oregon -
Willamette Valley AVA - to the west of the Cascade Mountains, and stretches south from Portland. Largest concentration of wineries and vineyards in Oregon.
Moderate climate, cooling breezes from Pacific Ocean
dry growing season, long sunny days and cool nights
Pinot Noir most planted variety. Pinot Gris also grown and made in dry fruity style.
Southern Oregon
directly south of Willamette Valley. encompasses Umpqua Valley and Rogue Valley.
warmest growing conditions in Oregon. but there are cooler areas within hillside and valleys that enable Southern Oregon to grow cool and warm varieties - can grow Merlot, Cabernet (warm) and Pinot Noir (cool) and Pinot Gris, Chardonnay Syrah well.
What is characteristic of Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley AVA?
ripe red fruit, cinnamon, high acid.
What are the AVAs of Washington State, and what wines do they make?
Columbia Valley AVA: majority of vineyards are here. It lies east of the Cascade Mountains in valleys of the Columbia River and its tributaries. Because it lies in rain shadow of Cascade Mountains, irrigation with river water is necessary. the fruit attains optimal ripeness because of sunny days while cool nights retain acidity. major problem of region is winter freeze.
Yakima Valley AVA: smaller AVA within this area.
Merlot and Cabernet are most important reds here.
Chardonnay is most planted white - fruity, toasty notes from oak. Riesling also popular.
True/False: grape growing of new York state is dominated by American and hybrid vine species
True. Due to winter hardiness these grapes are used for wine production
What is the most important area for wine production in New York State called?
Finger Lakes AVA. This region has deep glacial lakes that store heat well into November. They raise temperature and extend growing season.
Makes perfumed Rieslings, but also produces Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay.
