Chap 34: Oregon, Washington & New York Flashcards
What are the two broad regions of Oregon?
Northern Oregon and Southern Oregon
What is the most important AVA in Northern Oregon?
Willamette Valley AVA
Describe the location of Willamette Valley AVA within Northern Oregon
It lies to the west of the Cascade Mountains and stretches south from Portland
What make Willamette Valley AVA so significant in Oregon?
It has the largest concentration of wineries and vineyards in Oregon
What is the climate like in Willamette Valley AVA? (cool, mod, warm)
What are the climatic influences?
What is the growing season like?
It has a moderate climate
Experiences cooling breezes from the Pacific Ocean
Growing season is dry with long sunny days and cool nights
What is the most planted variety in Willamette Valley AVA?
Pinot Noir
Describe the general style of Pinot Noir in Willamette Valley AVA
* Acidity
* Flavors
High levels of acidity
Ripe red fruit flavours
Hint of cinnamon spice
What else is widely grown in Northern Oregon? What style is it made into?
Pinot Gris is also widely grown and tends to be made into a fruity, dry style
Where is the Southern Oregon AVA?
Directly to the south of Willamette Valley AVA
How is the Southern Oregon AVA composed?
Of smaller AVAs, such as Umpqua Valley and Rogue Valley
Which region has the warmest growing conditions in Oregon?
Southern Oregon AVA
How is Southern Oregon also able to grow cool-climate varieties?
It has cooler areas within its hillsides and valleys
Which are the main varieties that Southern Oregon can grow successfully?
Cabernet Sauvignon
Pinot Noir
Pinot Gris
Syrah
Where are the majority of vineyards planted in Washington State?
Columbia Valley AVA
Where in Washington State is Columbia Valley AVA located?
East of the Cascade Mountains in the valleys of the Columbia River and its tributaries
Which are the most important smaller AVAs in Washington State? Where are they?
Yakima Valley AVA
Walla Walla AVA
Within Columbia Valley
What is the most important aspect of climate, specific to Columbia Valley AVA? Explain why it is like this and how growers deal with it
Low rainfall as a result of a rain-shadow effect from the Cascade Mountains, making irrigation with river water a necessity.
What are the more beneficial aspects of climate in Columbia Valley? What impact does this have on the grapes.
Long daylight hours and consistent summer temperatures. The fruit attains optimal ripeness due to the sunny days and cool nights help the grames to maintain natural levels of acidity.
Besides low rainfall, what is another major problems for winemakers in Columbia Valley? What is the impact?
Winter freeze is a major problem of the region, which may reduce crop volumes by half or more.
What are the most important red wines and styles in Columbia Valley?
Merlot - Plummy and full-bodied
Cabernet Sauvignon - Elegant and age-worthy
Which other red varietal and style is produced in Washington State?
Syrah - Full-bodied and intensely concentrated
What is the most planted white variety in Washington State?
Chardonnay
What is the style of Chardonnay in Washington State?
Fruity wines with some toasty noted from oak
What is another popular white made in Washington State?
Riesling - typ made in a dry style with ripe stone fruit flavours
What is unique about New York State as a wine region compared with almost any other?
It’s dominated by American and hybrid vine species
Why are American and hybrid species so popular in New York State?
They are used for the production of juices and jellies as well as wines, but due to their winter hardiness are also used for wine production
What are the most widely planted V. Vinifera varieties in New York State?
Riesling
Chardonnay
Pinot Noir
Cabernet Sauvignon
What’s the most important area in New York State for wine production?
Finger Lakes AVA
Explain why Finger Lakes AVA is suitable for growing grapes
The deep, glacial lakes store heat well into November, raising the air temperature of the surrounding vineyards and extending the growing season
What wine is Finger Lakes AVA most noted for?
Its perfumed Rieslings
Besides Riesling, which other varieties does Finger Lakes AVA successfully produce?
Pinot Noir
Cabernet Franc
Chardonnay
A number of American varieties and hybrids
Where are there smaller AVAs in New York State?
Some of the individual lakes of Finger Lakes AVA have their own AVA
