Ch 24&25 OR & WA Flashcards
Describe Oregon
Pacific NW
4th largest wine producing state
Bordered by WA to N and CA to S, but more marginal climate than either
1st MODERN vineyard established w/ V. Vinifera vines in 1961 near Roseburg, somewhat S of most of today’s OR Vineyards
These vineyards caught attn of others, primarily David Lett, who in 1966 planted 5 ha of PN in Dundee Hills, now an AVA in N Willamette Valley
What prompted winemakers to move to OR (often from CA)?
Search for more appropriate sites to make Burgundian style wines
In 1979, OR’s potential became obvious when, in the Wine Olympics blind tasting organized by Gault-Millau, David Lett’s 1975 Eyrie Vineyards Reserve PN was awarded 10th place against other PNs from around the world
The Burgundy winemaker Robert Drouhin of Maison Drouhin, organized a rematch, at which 1975 Eyrie Vineyards took 2nd to Drouhin’s 1959 Chambolle-Musigny
What did French winemaker Drouhin do as a result of Eyrie Vineyards’s excellent showings at wine competitions?
Purchased land in OR and established a winery: Domaine Drouhin OR in the Willamette Valley
This continues to be run by the family
A # of Burgundian winemakers have since followed
How does OR differ from CA in terms of its wine biz?
unlike CA and WA, the industry in OR is dominated by smaller, family-owned businesses,
some of which are 5th generation still farming their ancestors’ original land
How has the size of the OR wine biz changed over last 25 yr?
Recent expansion in the # of wineries has been remarkable, increasing >5x in last 25 yr
How many AVAs in OR?
complex geology and topography of the vineyard areas has led to formation of 19 AVAs
15 AVAs wholly w/in the state
4 AVAs across borders
Describe the OR climate
Most of OR’s wine regions re situated in W part of the state, just inland from the Pacific Ocean
The Coastal Range provides some, but not total protection from Pacific influences
In general, the wine regions are cool to moderate climate
Located at 42-46 N latitude (roughly equivalent to FR Mediterranean coast up to Mâcon
Cold currents and winds from Pacific Ocean
Long daylight hours in SU and AU —> aids ripening
Many areas have high rainfall, but mainly in WI (Willamette Valley, the wettest region, gets >1000mm/yr, but only 200mm falls April - Sept)
Describe OR soils
free-draining marine sedimentary, volcanic, and loess soils are found in most growing areas
Good for a region that gets a lot of rain (Willamette Valley, the wettest region, gets >1000mm/yr, but only 200mm falls April - Sept)
Describe vineyard management in OR
Climatic conditions and implications
Wind and dry summers reduce mildew and disease pressure —> enables sustainable growing
OR emphasizes sustainable, organic, biodynamic
47% are certified sustainable
52% of all Demeter Biodynamic vineyards in the US are in OR
Other voluntary programs include Oregon Tilth (organic certifier), Salmon-Safe LIVE (Low Input Viticulture and Enology), Certified Sustainable, and Deep Roots Coalition
What % of OR vineyards are sustainable?
What % of Demeter Biodynamic vineyards in the US are in OR?
~47% sustainable
52% of US Biodynamic are in OR
What voluntary programs have come out of OR’s commitment to sustainability?
Oregon Tilth (organic certifier),
Salmon-Safe LIVE (Low Input Viticulture and Enology),
Certified Sustainable, and
Deep Roots Coalition
Grape(s) in OR
wide variety grown, but by far most planted is PN (57% of plantings)
PG is 2nd, but decreasing in favor of Chardonnay
Others include Syrah, CS, Merlot, Riesling
How has clonal selection come into play for growing PN in OR?
Traditional PN clones in OR were Wadenswil and Pommard
Intro of Dijon clones in late 1980s permitted increased clonal diversity, better enabling producers to choose clones that suited the climate and soils of their vineyard sits and style of wine they wanted to make
All of these are still used
Some producers use a selection, whereas others choose to make at least some of their wines from a single clone
How has clonal selection come into play for growing Chard in OR?
Original clonal selections from CA such as Wente and clone 108 proved difficult for cooler OR climate
Intro of earlier-ripening Dijon clones has increased the diversity and ability to better match clone to site and wine style
W/ recent warmer vintages, Dijon clones are now ripening a little too early so some producers are returning to CA heritage
What winemaking techniques are common for PN in OR
techniques vary by winemaker
In general, use of whole bunches has increased
Some choose to use ambient yeasts and are experimenting w/ alt fermentation and storage vessels, including amphorae
Majority of wines are matured in oak
The proportion used is decreasing
Describe the profile of OR PN
M+ acid
M to M+ Tannin
Often High alcohol
Range of Fl from red cherry & raspberry to black cherry & plum
G to O, Generally $$$ w/ some $$$$
Significant OR producers
Bergström Wines
Evening Land
Describe the winemaking for OR PG
Made both dry and off-dry, w/ current trend going toward drier
Winemaking ranges from whole-bunch pressing and cool ferment in SS to create a light fruity style…
To skin contact, old barrels and lees contact to increase complexity and texture
Describe OR PG
M to full-bodied
M to M+ acid
Pear, peach and melon fruit, sometimes w/ a nutty or honeyed note
Often G to VG, $$
Describe OR Chard winemaking
Often made w/ whole bunch pressing
Followed by ferment and maturation in oak, generally w/ a high % of old oak
Full MLF/C and lees contact are common, influencing flavor & texture
Lees are usually left w/o stirring to encourage low levels of reductive sulfur compounds to develop, giving smoky, struck match aromas
Describe OR Chard
M+ acidity
M+ body
Fruit flavors of lemon & peach
May have slight oxidative notes from aging in oak (mainly used)
Full MLF/C and lees contact are common, influencing flavor & texture
Lees are usually left w/o stirring to encourage low levels of reductive sulfur compounds to develop, giving smoky, struck match aromas
G to VG
$$ to $$$
What is the largest AVA in OR?
How many sub-AVAs does it have?
Willamette Valley AVA
7 Sub-AVAs
What is the 2nd largest AVA in OR?
How many sub-AVAs does it have?
What % of OR vineyards
Southern Oregon AVA
5 sub-AVAs
25% of all OR Vineyards
Which AVAs does OR share w/ other states?
Columbia Valley AVA w/ WA
Walla Walla AVA w/ WA
Columbia Gorge AVA w/ WA
Snake River Valley AVA w/ Idaho
Describe Willamette Valley AVA
General size and location
Geo features
Climatic conditions
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
Why is there a high diurnal range in Willamette Valley during the growing season?
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
Do producers generally use irrigation in Willamette Valley? Why or why not?
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
Describe Willamette Valley soils
Implications for vine training
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
Describe Dundee Hills AVA
Location and location of vineyards
Implications
Soils and implications
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
Describe Chehelem Mountains AVA
Size, location, geo features
Location of vineyards
Soils
Relative # of vineyards
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
Describe Ribbon Ridge AVA
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
Describe Yamhill-Carlton District AVA
Geo features
Soils
Location and location (elevation) of vineyards
Implications for style of wine
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
Describe the Band Duzer Corridor AVA
Location
Geo features and implications
soils
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
Descrive Eola-Amity Hills AVA
Location
Location of vineyards and implications
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
Descrive McMinnville AVA
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
Describe the Southern Oregon AVA
Relative size
Location
Climatic conditions, timing of rain + implications
Soils
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
Is irrigation used in Southern Oregon AVA? Why or why not
Implications
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
Grape(s) in Southern Oregon AVA
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
Describe the Umpqua Valley AVA
Location
Geo features
Location of vineyards (altitude)
Climatic conditions
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
Grape(s) in the Umpqua Valley AVA
Mainly PN
Whites such as PG, Gewürztraminer, Riesling
In central & S areas —> warmer —> Syrah, Merlot, Tempranillo
Describe the Rogue Valley AVA
Location
Climatic conditions
Elevation of vineyards and implications
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
Grape(s) in Rogue Valley AVA
Warmest AVA of OR so range of black grapes
Merlot, CS, Syrah, Tempranillo, PN
Describe the Walla Walla Valley AVA
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
Grape(s) of Walla Walla Valley AVA
very hot and dry —> enables black grapes to ripen
Nearly 40% production = CS
Merlot & Syrah also planted
Describe the Sub-AVA of Walla Walla Valley AVA
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
Describe the Columbia Gorge AVA
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
How do OR wine laws compare to those of other US states?
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
What % of OR wine is sold direct to consumer?
just under 25%
This includes tasting rooms (14%), wine clubs (6.5%), and web/phone orders (2%)
What % of OR wine is sold in OR? In the US?
about 16% is sold in-state (retail & hospitality)
Around 60% is sold in the US
What % of OR wine is exported?
Top markets?
approx 2.5% is exported
Top 3 markets = CAN, UK, Japan
Describe Washington State
Location
Rank w/in US wine production
General location of vineyards
General climate
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
What Washington state vineyards are likely the wettest? Why?
A small # of vineyards are located to the WEST of the Cascade Mountains
These re in the cooler, wetter climate of Puget Sound AVA
Where and when were WA’s 1st grapes planted? By whom?
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
What “innovation” facilitated the establishment of vineyards in E WA?
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
What groups (of people) were among the first to plant grapes in Columbia Valley? When?
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
How did WA’s wine industry develop after Prohibition?
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
What producer is responsible for >50% of WA state wine? How had their quality changed over the years?
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
Grape(s) in WA
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%)
What is the general profile of a wine from WA?
Majority grape color
How climate affects style
Winemaking
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
What is the general style of a WA Riesling?
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
What winemaking practices are common overall in WA?
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
Where is Columbia Valley?
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
What are some of the ore prominent sub-AVAs of Columbia Valley in WA
- Yakim Valley, Red Mountain, Horse Heaven Hills, Wahluke Slope, Rattlesnake hills and Walla Walla Valley
Why would a Columbia Valley producer choose to but Columbia Valley on the label, rather than 1 of the sub-AVAs
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
Describe the climate conditions of Columbia Valley AVA
Geo influence(s)
Rainfall
Latitude and implications
Mitigating factors
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
What conditions have a major impact on the condition of grapes in WA?
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
Describe the soils of Columbia Valley
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
What sources of water are used in Columbia Valley?
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
Is phylloxera low or high in WA? Why?
- low phylloxera risk due to sandy soils —> many own-rooted views
Hazards and pests in Columbia Valley?
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
Describe Yakima Valley AVA
Is it a newer or older AVA
Relative size
General climate
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
Describe the soils of Yakima Valley AVA
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
Where are most vineyards in Yakima Valley AVA planted? Why?
Most are planted on slopes
Frost and winter freeze can be hazardous in valley floor sites
Grape(s) in Yakima Valley AVA
Chardonnay #1
Followed by CS, Merlot, Syrah, Riesling
What are Yakima Valley’s sub-AVAs
Red Mountain AVA
Rattlesnake Hills AVA
Snipes Mountain AVA
All have vineyards on elevated ridges that enable air drainage and reduce freeze and frost
Describe Red Mountain AVA
Location
Relative size and plantings
Where vineyards planted
Soils
White vs black grapes
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
General style of Red Mountain AVA wines
sub-AVA of Yakima Valley
often CS
Produce ripe, full-bodied wines
Often high alcohol
Large diurnal range helps retain acid
Describe Rattlesnake Hills AVA
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
Describe Horse Heaven Hills AVA
Location
% of WA production
% white vs black grapes
Location of vineyards
General climatic conditions & implications
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
Grape(s) of Horse Heaven Hills AVA
Black grapes 66% —> CS, Merlot, Syrah
Chard, Riesling most planted whites
Describe Wahluke Slope AVA
Location
Location of vineyards
grape(s) (esp color & why)
Soils
Mitigation
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
Describe Walla Walla Valley AVA
Location
Noteworthy aspect(s)
Location of vineyards
Elevation
General climate
risk(s)
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
Grape(s) Walla Walla AVA
Area supports range of IT, ESP, and Rhone varieties
Most planted are CS, Merlot, Syrah, CF, Malbec, as well as Chard, Viognier, Semillon
What is the growers alliance dedicated to sustainability in Walla Walla Valley?
- Vinea
Describe the Puget Sound AVA
Location
General climate conditions
grape(s)
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
Describe the wine biz in WA
Relative size in US
How it has evolved
Evolution of # of wineries
Important producer(s)
Where most wine is sold
Important export markets
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
