Ch 24&25 OR & WA Flashcards

Question

Describe Willamette Valley AVA General size and location Geo features Climatic conditions

Answer 1

largest AVA in OR Proximity to OR’s main cities provides easy access for tourists Located in W part of OR Diverse geo features have led to creation of 7 sub-AVAs Only 80km from pacific Ocean Bordered on W side by the Coast Range mountains which provide some protection, but many areas still affected by cold Pacific winds Valley is one of coolest and wettest areas of OR, but still benefits from warm, dry SU and long hours of sunshine Diurnal range is high during growing season Lack of humidity in the air over the dry growing season means that temps can rise and fall quickly

Answer 2

Air rises from the warm interior of central OR and causes cool air to be pulled inland This effect is particularly strong earlier in the day in the AVAs of Van Duzer Corridor, Eola Amity Hills, and to some extent, McMinnville

Answer 3

while the SU months are dry, many do not use irrigation Legislation prevents all but the longest-est’d producers from using water from rivers In order to use irrigation, producers would need to build ponds on their property to collect water in WI Many producers only own small plots of land and irrigation would be expensive to install and maintain Where rainfall and water retention properties of the soil allow, producers dry farm

Answer 4

diverse range Fertile loam soils are found on valley floors (up to ~60m) left by floods in the Columbia Gorge several 1000 years ago. These are mostly suited to PG, but if PN grown, vigor must be managed (e.g. Scott Henry vine training) Higher altitudes have mixture of marine sedimentary soils (e.g. sandstone), volcanic basalt, and loess soils — generally lower fertility. Here vines tend to be cordon trained or replacement-cane pruned w/ VSP

Answer 5

perhaps the most well-known AVA in Willamette Valley Where the state’s first PN was planted Made up of a series of volcanic hills running N to S w/ lateral ridges running E to W Vineyards start at 60m up to 325m This results in vineyards at higher altitudes than the rest of Willamette Valley —> helps retain acidity Temp is warmer than other AVAs b/c buffered to the W from the Coast Range and to the N by the Chehalem Mountains, sheltering it form cold wet conditions —> enables fruit ripeness Area has the highest proportion of red iron-rich clay formed from volcanic basalt The clay is important to retaining water during the dry SU (little access to irrigation) to avoid vines shutting down and ensure grapes become fully ripe

Answer 6

defined by a ridge of Northern Willamette Valley 32km long x 8 km wide ( Includes discrete spurs, mountains and ridges Vineyards planted btw 60m and 305m w/ highest point to the ridge at ~500m serving as a windbreak Range in altitude, aspects and soil types (loess, volcanic basalt, sedimentary) The most plantings of any sub-AVA and a large # of wineries

Answer 7

small AVA in Willamette Valley An island-like ridge that rises to ~200m from the Chehalem Valley floor, in the W of the Chehalem Mountain AVA Vineyards are relatively low elevation, protected from wind by surrounding ranges creating consistently warm dry growing area Sedimentary soils is relatively deep but low in nutrients —> controls vigor Moderate water-holding which is much needed (water for drip irrigation unavailable) All of these factors lead to concentrated grapes

Answer 8

Willamette Valley sub-AVAS-facing bowl w/ a series of horseshoe-shaped eroded hills composed of ancient sedimentary soil PN is by far the most planted variety In the NW of Willamette Valley Sits in foothills of the Coast Range which forms a rain shadow over area S-facing slopes (60-300m), warm free-draining sedimentary soils and sheltered nature of the AVA lead to wines w/ riper fruit flavors, fuller body, and lower acidity than those of other sub-AVAs

Answer 9

Willamette Valley sub-AVA Towards the SW of the Willamette Valley A beak in the Coast Range funnels Pacific Ocean winds during the afternoon, cooling vineyards at warmest time of day Early in season, winds can disrupt flowering and fruit set —> lower yields Later I noted season, winds can cause leaf stomata to shut and slow ripening Cooling nature of winds also slow ripening process, helping to retain acidity, slow sugar accumulation while flavors develop Wind also reduces disease pressure Soils are marine sediment loam and silt, shallow, well-draining

Answer 10

Willamette Valley sub-AVA A ridge of N to S hills of shallow rocky volcanic basalt over sedimentary soil Located E of the Van Duzer Corridor AVA and like VDC, is relatively low-lying area, w/ many vineyard sites sitting at 75-250m and influenced by same cool winds leading to slower ripening However, due to range of aspects and altitudes, there is greater variation in how much vineyards are affected by winds

Answer 11

Willamette Valley sub-AVA Between Yamhill-Carlton AVA to the N and Van Duzer Corridor AVA to the S so influenced by both areas Some sites protected by Coast Range rain shadow Areas in S are more influenced by cool winds from Van Duzer corridor

Answer 12

OR’s 2nd largest growing region Large area from just S of Willamette Valley down to CA border More southerly latitude = warmer, but cooling from mountains (both altitude and cool air descending at night) and river valleys that channel cool breezes during afternoon and evening —> high diurnal ranges Like Willamette, vast majority of annual rain falls in WI w/ dry growing season Soils a mix of sedimentary soils, volcanic soils (both with high clay to help retain water), and alluvial soils (more free-draining) Warmer climate + lower rain = irrigation is ESSENTIAL here Many growers were ranchers in the past so were allowed to irrigate w/ river water Vineyards that ARE dry farmed are usually planted to Rhone varieties

Answer 13

Warmer climate + lower rain = irrigation is ESSENTIAL here Many growers were ranchers in the past so were allowed to irrigate w/ river water Vineyards that ARE dry farmed are usually planted to Rhone varieties

Answer 14

wide range — better able to ripen a range of black grape varieties than Willamette Valley PN is still most planted, it is less dominant here, making up just >40% PG is 2nd most planted Followed by Syrah, and CS

Answer 15

sub-AVA in N part of Southern Oregon AVA Sits at confluence of 3 mountain ranges: Coast Range, Cascade Range, Klamath Mountains Umpqua River and its many tributaries flow through the region Diverse range of vineyard sites w/ different altitudes (50-400m), aspects, and soils Relatively cool for Southern OR (tho slightly warmer than Willamette Valley due to N location and cool afternoon breezes that come thorough the river gorge

Answer 16

Mainly PN Whites such as PG, Gewürztraminer, Riesling In central & S areas —> warmer —> Syrah, Merlot, Tempranillo

Answer 17

sub-AVA of Southern Oregon AVA Further S than Umpqua and encompasses Applegate Valley sub-AVA Closest to CA border and has warmest climate and driest conditions of all OR growing areas Cooling influences from altitude (250-950m) provided by Klamath Mountains and Cascade Range, and cool afternoon evening breezes from the Pacific

Answer 18

Warmest AVA of OR so range of black grapes Merlot, CS, Syrah, Tempranillo, PN

Answer 19

AVA shared by OR and WA, w/ a majority in WA, and 1/3 in E OR Far from the coast —> arid continental climate w/ hot dry SU that enable black grapes to ripen

Answer 20

very hot and dry —> enables black grapes to ripen Nearly 40% production = CS Merlot & Syrah also planted

Answer 21

The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater Distinct area of basalt stones and graveled silt loam Warmth radiated from the stones leading to extra ripeness in the grapes

Answer 22

AVA shared by WA and OR Covers 64km stretch along Columbia River, which forms the border btw WA and OR Western part of AVA closest to Pacific has cooler, wetter climate whereas E part os warmer and drier Cooling influences from altitude (up to 600m) and winds funneled by the gorge A variety of varieties

Answer 23

Origin labeling is stricter in OR than federal req’s Requires 100% of grapes to be grown in OR Req’s 95% of the wine to be from the stated appellation Wine produced in multi-state appellations may follow either state’s labeling laws, but 100% of the wine must come from those 2 states If variety stated —> min 90% (remaining 10% does not have to be listed). This compares to 75% in CA Wine labeled Estate Bottled must be made from 100% of grapes grown at the winery and must be fully finished at the estate

Answer 24

just under 25% This includes tasting rooms (14%), wine clubs (6.5%), and web/phone orders (2%)

Answer 25

about 16% is sold in-state (retail & hospitality) Around 60% is sold in the US

Answer 26

approx 2.5% is exported Top 3 markets = CAN, UK, Japan

Answer 27

Extreme NW of mainland US 2nd to CA in terms of wine produced from V vinifera Majority of vineyards located w/in boundaries of Columbia Valley in E of the state Here, the Cascade Mountains block the wet Pacific weather and create warm, dry condition

Answer 28

A small # of vineyards are located to the WEST of the Cascade Mountains These re in the cooler, wetter climate of Puget Sound AVA

Answer 29

Fort Vancouver by the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1825 As early as 1854, hybrid varieties had arrived in nurseries in Puget Sound region and by 1860, wine grapes were growing in Walla Walla

Answer 30

large-scale irrigation, from meltwater off the Cascade Mountains, began in E WA in 1903 This unlocked dormant potential of the land and its sunny yet arid climate

Answer 31

Immigrants from IT and GER planted homeland varieties in Yakima and Columbia Valleys Wine grape acreage expanded rapidly w/ the 1st annual Columbia River Valley Grape carnival held in 1910

Answer 32

after repeal, there were over 40 wineries across the state But, the 1st COMMERCIAL- scale plantings didn’t begin until the 1960s The biggest leap forward was WA legislature passed House Bill 100 — ended over 30 yr of protectionism and allowed for import of wines from outside eat state, most notably CA and overseas

Answer 33

Chateau Ste. Michelle Vineyards Originally, they had a protected market In 1969 WA legislature passed House Bill 100 — ended over 30 yr of protectionism and allowed for import of wines from outside eat state, most notably CA and overseas Faced with such an Econ threat, the industry quickly needed to improve and was aided by advice from legendary CA winemaker André Tchelistcheff

Answer 34

wide range — almost 70 diff varieties planted w/o 1 being dominant Slightly more black (58%) than white Top 5 = CS (26% of grape harvest), Merlot (18%), Chard (17%), Riesling (17%), and Syrah(8%)

Answer 35

Slightly more black grapes than white Warm, sunny, dry but w/ cold nights —> ripe fruit flavors, sometimes w/ high alc, but often w/ M+ to H acidity Often have high % new oak, tho a # of producers using older oak or larger oak, particularly for Syrah A % may use whole bunch ferment or stem inclusion particularly for Syrah

Answer 36

off-dry w/ 10-15 g/L RS Recently there has been the confidence to experiment w/ more drier styles and w/ sweeter, either botrytized or made like and ice wine

Answer 37

Cool ferment in SS is standard practice Variety of add’l techniques using he skin contact and then ambient yeast, lees aging and/or old oak vessels

Answer 38

very large cross-border AVA that covers approx 1/3 of WA state W/in its boundaries are 99% of WA’s vineyard plantings Encompasses several suv alas sofa a tub avas

Answer 39

- Yakim Valley, Red Mountain, Horse Heaven Hills, Wahluke Slope, Rattlesnake hills and Walla Walla Valley

Answer 40

The Columbia Valley AVA can be used by producers who either have vineyards outside of a sub-AVA or wish to blend across diff sub-AVAs

Answer 41

Shelter of the Cascade Range creates an arid desert-like area which receives 150-250mm rainfall / yr Continental w/ hot summers, rapid cooling in the AU, and cold WI Latitude ~45-48N —> sunlight hours during the growing season are long — on avg 1 hr longer / day than many CA vineyards Sugar accumulates rapidly in the grapes during the SU but much cooler AU temps allow flavors and tannins develop as sugar accumulation slows High diurnal range helps retain acidity

Answer 42

sugar accumulates rapidly due to 1-hr longer than CA of daylight hours But, much cooler AU temps allow flavors & tannins to develop as sugar accumulation slows High diurnal temp ranges help retain acidity

Answer 43

complex soils of basalt bedrock w/ sandy, silty loess and alluvial topsoils are result of several cycles of Missoula flood events, volcanic activity and glacial movement In S-Central WA, a # of ridges (anticlines) can be found where the bedrock rises toward the surface creating sloped sites w/ variations in aspect & altitude Many of the sub-AVAs are based on these topographical features Soils are free draining, and low in nutrients

Answer 44

With little rainfall, irrigation is essential in vast majority of sites Water is sourced from the Columbia River and its tributaries Also deep underground aquifers Drip irrigation is most common w/ some using overhead spray

Answer 45

- low phylloxera risk due to sandy soils —> many own-rooted views

Answer 46

low disease and pest pressure due to the arid conditions and very cool WI — reduces need for/ use of pesticides in many areas Frosts and WI freeze are main hazards w/ the vineyard planted on slopes less at risk due to drainage of cold are

Answer 47

WA’s oldest AVA Largest sub-AVA of Columbia Valley AVA Supplies >1/3 of WA production General climate same as Columbia Valley —> Cascade Range creates arid desert-like area, 150-250mm rainfall / yr, Continental w/ hot summers, rapid cooling in the AU, and cold WI Latitude ~45-48N —> sunlight hours during the growing season are long — on avg 1 hr longer / day than many CA vineyards Sugar accumulates rapidly in the grapes during the SU but much cooler AU temps allow flavors and tannins develop as sugar accumulation slows High diurnal range helps retain acidity However, does have a # of cooler sites most suited to whites, and warmer sites more suited to black varieties

Answer 48

generally same as wider Columbia Valley AVA —> complex soils of basalt bedrock w/ sandy, silty loess and alluvial topsoils are result of several cycles of Missoula flood events, volcanic activity and glacial movement Generally free-draining, and low in nutrients

Answer 49

Most are planted on slopes Frost and winter freeze can be hazardous in valley floor sites

Answer 50

Chardonnay #1 Followed by CS, Merlot, Syrah, Riesling

Answer 51

Red Mountain AVA Rattlesnake Hills AVA Snipes Mountain AVA All have vineyards on elevated ridges that enable air drainage and reduce freeze and frost

Answer 52

in E of Yakima Valley Largest plantings of the sub-AVAs Relatively small AVA, but one of must planted areas in the state of WA Vines planted on SW facing slope Climate amongst warmest in WA Soils are poor w/ careful irrigation —> low yields of concentrated fruit Black grapes dominate, particularly CS

Answer 53

sub-AVA of Yakima Valley often CS Produce ripe, full-bodied wines Often high alcohol Large diurnal range helps retain acid

Answer 54

Sub-AVA of Yakima Valley sizable plantings Vineyards located on S-facing slopes of the Rattlesnake Hills at higher altitudes than much of the surrounding land in Yakima Temps here are more temperate Riesling most planted grape, followed by Merlot & CS

Answer 55

Sits between Yakima Valley AVA to the N and Columbia River and WA/OR border in the S 25% of WA total grape production Black grapes 66% of vines planted Many vineyards on S-facing slopes Conditions warm & sunny —> ripe, full-bodied wines, often high alcohol, ripe fruit

Answer 56

Black grapes 66% —> CS, Merlot, Syrah Chard, Riesling most planted whites

Answer 57

Center of Columbia Valley AVA Some of the warmest and driest conditions in the state All vineyards on gentle S-facing slope, maximizing sun exposure Due to warm conditions, AVA mainly produces reds, particularly CS, Merlot, Syrah Soils are sandy & free-draining Water availability almost entirely controlled by irrigation Sloped landscape and proximity to Columbia River = adequate air flow, reducing frost risk and winter freeze

Answer 58

fasted growing AVA Multi-state AVA located in SE WA, w/ almost 1/2 in OR On WA side, 705ha planted to grapes, and over 100 wineries Many vineyards in NE corner of AVA in Blue Mountain foothills Altitudes up to 600m E side cooler & wetter Diffs in climate = wide variety of grapes Topography does not permit cool air to drain properly from the Blue Mountain foothills —> spring & AU frost risk

Answer 59

Area supports range of IT, ESP, and Rhone varieties Most planted are CS, Merlot, Syrah, CF, Malbec, as well as Chard, Viognier, Semillon

Answer 60

NW corner of WA Only AVA in WA west of the Cascade Mountain range Only 42ha Climate is warm and dry in Summer, w/ mild, relatively wet winters, up to 1500mm/yr Although Crosses created for cool commutes predominate (Madeleine Angevine, Müller-Thurgau, Siegerrebe), PG & PN also grown

Answer 61

2nd largest producer in US w/ ~1.5MM hL Has evolved from growing mostly Riesling to now producing a range of BDX and Rhône varieties alongside other whites From 10 wineries in 1975 to ~200 in 2000, and today 1000 Ha under vine has 2x since 2000 Production dominated by Ste Michelle Wine Estates Most wine sold in state Only largest wineries and more iconic labels get nationwide distro Exports are a small %, w/ mature markets being CAN, UK, Japan Cellar door important