USA Flashcards
What is Washington’s most widely planted red grape variety?
Cabernet Sauvignon
What is Washington’s most widely planted white grape variety?
Chardonnay
What percentage of Washington’s vineyards are located east of the Cascade Mountains?
Over 99%
What is the primary climate of Washington wine regions?
Continental, with hot summers and cold winters
What is Washington’s largest AVA by geographical size?
Columbia Valley AVA
What percentage of grapes must come from Washington State for a wine to carry a Washington appellation?
95%
What is the second most planted red grape variety in Washington?
Merlot
What is the second most planted white grape variety in Washington?
Riesling
What is the significance of the Columbia River for Washington vineyards?
Provides irrigation water to the arid wine regions east of the Cascades
What is the annual average rainfall in Washington’s eastern wine regions?
Less than 10 inches
What is the largest sub-AVA of Columbia Valley?
Yakima Valley AVA
Which AVAs are located within both Washington and Oregon?
Walla Walla Valley AVA
Columbia Valley AVA
Columbia Gorge AVA
What is the primary grape variety of Red Mountain AVA?
Cabernet Sauvignon
What is the Horse Heaven Hills AVA known for?
Known for wind-swept vineyards and high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon
What is a notable producer in Walla Walla Valley AVA?
Leonetti Cellar
Which Washington AVA is known for producing structured and age-worthy reds due to its hot, dry climate?
Red Mountain AVA
Describe Wahluke Slope AVA in Washington.
A warm, dry region producing ripe, fruit-forward wines, especially Merlot and Syrah
Which AVA within Columbia Valley is Washington’s oldest AVA?
Yakima Valley AVA, established in 1983
What is the role of irrigation in Columbia Valley vineyards?
Essential for vine growth due to the region’s arid conditions
What are the primary red grape varieties of Walla Walla Valley AVA?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah
What is the soil type in Walla Walla Valley AVA?
Wind-blown loess over basalt bedrock
What is the climate influence of the Blue Mountains on Walla Walla Valley?
Provides cooling winds, extending the growing season
What is a notable producer in Walla Walla Valley AVA?
Cayuse Vineyards, known for biodynamic Syrah
What distinguishes The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater?
Unique basalt cobblestone soils producing earthy and complex Syrah
What is the significance of Woodward Canyon in Walla Walla Valley?
A pioneering winery producing premium Bordeaux-style wines
What is the annual rainfall in Walla Walla Valley?
12-22 inches, higher than most Washington wine regions
What is the primary white grape variety in Walla Walla Valley?
Viognier
What is the significance of the “Rocks District” AVA within Walla Walla Valley?
Known for Rhône-style wines with distinct minerality and savory complexity
What is the typical alcohol range for Syrah from Walla Walla Valley?
13.5–15%
What is the primary grape variety of Yakima Valley AVA?
Chardonnay, followed closely by Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon
What is Boushey Vineyard in Yakima Valley known for?
Known for producing top-tier Syrah and Grenache
What are the sub-AVAs within Yakima Valley?
Rattlesnake Hills, Snipes Mountain, and Red Mountain
What is the role of elevation in Yakima Valley vineyards?
Higher elevations mitigate frost risk and promote even ripening
What is the annual average rainfall in Yakima Valley?
6–8 inches
What is a notable producer in Yakima Valley?
Hedges Family Estate, known for Red Mountain wines
What is the primary style of Riesling from Yakima Valley?
Dry to off-dry, with crisp acidity and stone fruit flavors
What grape varieties thrive in Snipes Mountain AVA?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Malbec
What does Red Mountain AVA within Yakima Valley make?
Produces powerful, tannic reds with high aging potential
What is the role of volcanic activity in Yakima Valley’s terroir?
Contributed to nutrient-rich soils that support vine health
What is the primary grape variety of Horse Heaven Hills AVA?
Cabernet Sauvignon
What is the climate of Horse Heaven Hills AVA?
Warm and dry with consistent winds, which reduce disease pressure
What is grown in Canoe Ridge Vineyard in Horse Heaven Hills?
Known for premium Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon
What is the role of wind in Horse Heaven Hills AVA?
Reduces vine vigor and enhances grape concentration
What is a notable producer in Horse Heaven Hills AVA?
Columbia Crest, producing high-quality wines at affordable prices
What is the primary style of wines from Lake Chelan AVA?
Crisp whites and vibrant reds, including Syrah and Pinot Noir
What is the smallest AVA in Washington State?
Naches Heights AVA
What is Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley AVA known for?
Known for high-acid Riesling and aromatic white varieties
What is the primary grape variety of Puget Sound AVA?
Madeleine Angevine, a cool-climate white grape
What is the significance of Washington’s Cascade Cliffs Winery?
Known for Barbera and Rhône-style wines
What is the most widely planted grape variety in Oregon?
Pinot Noir.
What is the most widely planted white grape variety in Oregon?
Pinot Gris.
What percentage of grapes must come from Oregon for a wine to carry an Oregon designation?
100%.
What percentage of grapes must come from the stated variety for varietal labeling in Oregon?
90%, except for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and other specified varieties, which require 75%.
What is the climate of Oregon’s wine regions?
Primarily cool-climate with maritime and continental influences.
What is Oregon’s largest AVA?
Willamette Valley AVA.
What is Oregon’s oldest winery?
HillCrest Vineyard, established in 1961.
What is the significance of the 1979 Wine Olympics for Oregon?
Eyrie Vineyards’ Pinot Noir placed well, elevating Oregon’s reputation globally.
What is the role of the Oregon Wine Board?
Promotes and regulates Oregon’s wine industry.
What is the primary soil type in the Willamette Valley?
Jory and Willakenzie soils (volcanic and marine sedimentary).
What is the primary grape variety of the Willamette Valley?
Pinot Noir.
What are the six sub-AVAs of the Willamette Valley?
- Chehalem Mountains
- Dundee Hills
- Eola-Amity Hills
- McMinnville
- Ribbon Ridge
- Yamhill-Carlton
What is the primary style of wines from Dundee Hills AVA?
Elegant Pinot Noir with red fruit and earthy notes.
What is the significance of Ribbon Ridge AVA?
A small sub-AVA known for concentrated Pinot Noir with bright acidity.
What distinguishes wines from McMinnville AVA?
Structured Pinot Noir with darker fruit and herbal notes due to cooler temperatures.
What is a notable producer in Eola-Amity Hills AVA?
Bethel Heights Vineyard.
What is the primary climate influence in Eola-Amity Hills AVA?
The Van Duzer Corridor, bringing cool marine breezes.
What is the role of volcanic soils in Dundee Hills AVA?
Provides excellent drainage and contributes to minerality in Pinot Noir.
What is the average growing season temperature in the Willamette Valley?
60–65°F (cool climate).
What is a notable producer in Chehalem Mountains AVA?
Ponzi Vineyards.
What are the two main sub-AVAs of Southern Oregon?
- Umpqua Valley
- Rogue Valley
What is the primary grape variety of Umpqua Valley AVA?
Pinot Noir, along with Tempranillo and Syrah.
What distinguishes the Rogue Valley AVA?
Warm climate, producing bold reds like Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
What is the significance of HillCrest Vineyard in Umpqua Valley?
Oregon’s oldest winery, producing Bordeaux varieties and Riesling.
What is the role of elevation in Rogue Valley vineyards?
Higher elevations (up to 2,000 feet) preserve acidity in grapes.
What is the primary white grape variety of Rogue Valley AVA?
Viognier.
What is the climate of the Applegate Valley AVA, a subregion of Rogue Valley?
Warmer than the rest of Rogue Valley, ideal for bold reds.
What is the significance of Abacela in Umpqua Valley?
Pioneered Tempranillo production in Oregon.
What is the annual rainfall in Southern Oregon AVAs?
10–25 inches, less than Willamette Valley.
What distinguishes Pinot Noir from Umpqua Valley compared to Willamette Valley?
Umpqua Pinot Noir is riper and fuller-bodied due to warmer temperatures.