USA - Washington state

Question 1

Mountain range that protects the Columbia Valley AVA?

Answer 1

Cascade mountains

Rain shadow

Question 2

Top 3 red grapes in Washington State? (3)

Answer 2

Cabernet
Merlot
Syrah

Question 3

Top three white grapes in Washington State? (3)

Answer 3

Chardonnay
Riesling
Sauvignon Blanc

Question 4

General style of Washington State Riesling?

Answer 4

Off dry 10-15g/L rs

Drier styles are made

Question 5

Largest AVA in Washington State?

Answer 5

Columbia Valley AVA

Question 6

Sub AVAs in the Columbia Valley? (6)

Answer 6

1. Yakima Valley
2. Red Mountain
3. Walla Walla Valley
4. Wahluke Slope
5. Horse Heaven Hills
6. Rattlesnake Hills

Question 7

Rainfall in the Columbia Valley?

Answer 7

150-250mm

Irrigation essential

Question 8

Columbia valley latitude? (2)

Answer 8

45-48 degrees north

High sunshine hours

Question 9

Climate in Columbia Valley?

Answer 9

Continental

Question 10

Soil types in Columbia valley AVA? (3)

Answer 10

Basalt bedrock

Alluvial Sandy loess

Low in nutrients

Question 11

What are the sub AVAs mainly based on?

Answer 11

Raised bedrock that has created aspects and altitude

Question 12

Main hazards in Columbia Valley AVA? (2)

Answer 12

Frost

Winter freeze

Question 13

Disease pressure in Columbia Valley AVA? (2)

Answer 13

Very low due to dry, arid conditions

Low phylloxera risk too due to Sandy soils

Question 14

Columbia Valley main grapes? (5)

Answer 14

Cabernet Sauvignon
Chardonnay
Merlot
Syrah
Riesling

(All the main internationals)

(Same in all sub regions except Walla Walla)

Question 15

Yakima valley topography and soils? (2)

Answer 15

Soils same as Columbia Valley AVA

Topography, there are a number of cooler sites suited to growing white grapes

Question 16

Main grape for Yakima Valley? (2)

Answer 16

Chardonnay

Followed by the rest of Columbia Valley AVA grapes

Question 17

Red mountain AVA reputation? (2)

Answer 17

Hottest part of Columbia Valley

Full bodied Cabernet high in alcohol and acid (large diurnal range)

Question 18

Rattlesnake Hills Sun AVA reputation? (2)

Answer 18

Higher altitude, South facing

Riesling and red grapes

Question 19

Horse Heaven Hills AVA reputation? (3)

Answer 19

Full bodied, high alcohol reds

Ripe stone fruit rieslings

Strong winds protecting the vines

Question 20

Wahluke Slope AVA reputation? (2)

Answer 20

South facing slopes

Full bodied reds

Question 21

Walla Walla repution? (3)

Answer 21

Wide range of European grapes grown

Altitudes up to 600m

Sustainable focus

Question 22

Other grapes grown in Walla Walla AVA besides the usual in Columbia Valley? (2 reds) (2 whites)

Answer 22

Cabernet Franc

Malbec

Viognier

Semillon

Question 23

What is a risk in spring and autumn is Walla Walla Valley AVA?

Answer 23

Spring and Autumn frost due to poor air drainage