NW Pacific et NY Flashcards
The majority of Washington’s vineyards are planted in which AVA?
Columbia Valley AVA
The Columbia Valley AVA lies to the east (in the rain shadow) of which mountain range?
Columbia Valley AVA lies east / in the rain shadow of the CASCADE Mountains, making irrigation with river water a necessity.
Winemakers take advantage of long daylight hours and consistent summer temperatures.
The fruit attains optimal ripeness due to the sunny days; cool nights help the grapes to maintain natural levels of acidity.
Because the Columbia Valley is in a rain shadow, the area is arid.
What sort of vineyard management is necessary to keep vines alive?
Irrigation
Water comes from the Columbia River and its tributaries
What is the greatest threat grape growers face in the Columbia Valley?
Deep winter freezes, a major concern for grapegrowers, can slash crop sizes in half.
In some years, certain parts of Washington can lose up to 80% of their crop.
What are the most important red/black grapes of Washington?
Elegant, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon
Plummy, full-bodied Merlot
Full-bodied, intensely concentrated Syrah
What are the most planted white grapes in Washington
Chardonnay: fruity wines often with some toasty notes from oak
Riesling in a dry style with ripe stone fruit flavours.
What are the most important nested AVAs within the Columbia Valley?
Yakima Valley AVA
Walla Walla AVA
What Oregon AVA has the largest concentration of wineries and vineyards?
Willamette Valley AVA
Willamette Valley AVA is to the east or west of the Cascades?
West
What is the climate of the Willamette Valley?
Moderate Maritime
Temperatures are kept constant by cool afternoon winds from the Pacific Ocean that enter the southern part of the valley through a break in the Coastal Mountain range.
The growing season is mostly dry with long sunny days and cool nights.
What is the most planted red/black grape in Oregon?
What is the most planted white grape in Oregon?
Pinot Noir with ripe red fruit flavours, a hint of cinnamon spice and high levels of acidity.
Pinot gris in a fruity, dry style.
What major Oregon AVA is located south of the Willamette Valley?
Southern Oregon AVA
Which winemaking region in Oregon has the warmest growing conditions?
Southern Oregon AVA
Although this region has the warmest growing conditions in Oregon, there are also cooler areas within its hillsides and valleys that enable Southern Oregon to grow both cool and warm climate varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Syrah.
Name two nested AVAs within the Southern Oregon AVA.
Umpqua Valley
Rogue Valley
How do the vine species of New York vineyards compare to those on the west coast of the United States?
the grape growing area of New York State is
dominated by American and hybrid vine species.
