34. Oregon, Washington and New York

Question 1

Where is Willamette Valley AVA located? Describe the climate.

Answer 1

• stretches south from Portland
• west of the Cascade Mountains
• moderate climate
• cooling breeze from ocean
• long growing season
• long, sunny days, cool nights

Question 2

What is the most planted grape of Willamette Valley? Describe the wines.

Answer 2

Pinot Noir

• ripe red fruit
• cinnamon spice
• high acidity

Question 3

What is a common white grape in Willamette Valley? Describe the wines.

Answer 3

Pinot Gris

• fruity
• dry

Question 4

Where is Southern Oregon AVA located? Name two major AVAs within. Describe the climate. What grapes are grown here?

Answer 4

• directly south of Willamette Valley
• Umpqua Valley, Rogue Valley
• warmest part of Oregon
• some cooler areas within hillsides and valleys
• cool and warm varieties
• Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Syrah

Question 5

Where are the majority of Washington vineyards?

Answer 5

Columbia Valley AVA

• east of the Cascade Mountains
• valleys of the Columbia River and its tributaries

Question 6

What are two smaller AVAs within Columbia Valley AVA?

Answer 6

Yakima Valley AVA, Walla Walla AVA

Question 7

Describe the climate and geography of Columbia Valley AVA? What is their major problem?

Answer 7

• Rain shadow of the cascades
• must use irrigation
• long daylight hours
• consistent summer temperatures
• sunny days, cool nights
• major problem: winter frost (can reduce crops by half or more)

Question 8

What are the 5 most prominent wines of Columbia Valley AVA? Describe the wines.

Answer 8

1. Merlot: plummy, full body
2. Cabernet Sauvignon: elegant, age-worthy
3. Syrah: full body, intensely concentrated
4. Chardonnay: fruity, often toasty from oak
5. Riesling: dry, ripe stone fruit

Question 9

What is unique about New York wines?

Answer 9

• dominated by American and hybrid vine species
• grapes typically used for juices and jellies
• also some v vinifera varieties

Question 10

What are the 4 most common varietals in New York?

Answer 10

1. Riesling
2. Chardonnay
3. Pinot Noir
4. Cabernet Sauvignon

Question 11

What is the most important NY AVA? Describe the climate and geography. What is the most important grape here? Other grapes?

Answer 11

Finger Lakes AVA

• deep glacial lakes restore heat into November
• raise air temperatures, extend growing season

Riesling: perfumed
Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay