Washingotn

Question 1

Washington

Answer 1

“Most people think of Washington as a rainy place. However, the Cascade Mountains stop the clouds from going east and the rest of the state is sunny and dry (some areas are as dry as the Gobi Desert!). Most vineyards are found within the Columbia Valley AVA, where bold red wines are becoming known for their great quality and affordable prices.”

Question 2

Cabernet Sauvignon
(Washington)

Answer 2

Full Body Red

The most planted variety in Washington grows best in hotter sites. Horse Heaven Hills, Red Mountain, and Walla Walla produce excellent examples. Wines are noted for their rich raspberry, black cherry, and cedar flavors that have yogurt-like creaminess.

BLACK CHERRY, RASPBERRY, CEDAR BOX, CREAM MINT)

Question 3

Merlot
(Washington)

Answer 3

Medium Body Red

“It was Merlot that first put Washington on the map for wine in the 1990s. Merlot has proven to be especially well-suited for the region’s extreme diurnal shift (e.g., hot days, cold nights) and makes rich, full-bodied wines with pure cherry fruit flavors and subtle mint notes on the finish.

BLACK CHERRY, SPICED PLUM, BAKING SPICES, VIOLET, MINT”

Question 4

Bordeaux Blends
(Washington)

Answer 4

Full Body Red

“Even though single-varietal wines will always be in high demand, some of Washington’s very best red wines are blends. The varieties of Cabernet, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and even Syrah go into regionally blended wines that have increased body, depth, and complexity.

BLACK CHERRY, PLUM, MOCHA, BAKING SPICES, VIOLET”

Question 5

Syrah
(Washington)

Answer 5

Full Body Red

“They say that “Syrah likes a view” and this grape is quickly becoming the focus of several Washington wine regions with sloping views. You’ll find it performs well in Yakima, Horse Heaven Hills, and Walla Walla. The highest-quality wines manage to be smoky, rich, and tart at the same time.

PLUM, BLACK OLIVE, BACON FAT, COCOA POWDER, WHITE PEPPER”

Question 6

Riesling
(Washington)

Answer 6

Aromatized Wine

Riesling was one of the first wines to become popular outside of Washington state. The variety does well in the cooler growing areas, including Naches Heights, Ancient Lakes, and Yakima Valley. More and more producers are making dry styles similar to Alsace Riesling.”

MEYER LEMON, GREEN MELON, GALA APPLE, HONEYCOMB, LIME”

Question 7

Sauvignon Blanc
(Washington)

Answer 7

Full Body White

“Where there is good Cabernet and Merlot, you can expect to see great Sauvignon Blanc as well! Wineries occasionally blend this grape with Sémillon and oak-age these wines to produce a rich, creamy white with more savory notes of lemon balm and tarragon.

WHITE PEACH, GREEN MELON, LEMON BALM, TARRAGON, GRASS”