Washington Flashcards
What are the major & minor white grapes of Washington?
Major: Riesling, Chardonnay
Minor: Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon
What are the major & minor red grapes of Washington?
Major: Cab, Merlot, Syrah
Minor: Cab Franc, Grenache, Petit Syrah
Where is Washington located? What parallel lies Yakima valley and what is its french location equivolent?
Washington is on on the US West Coast between Oregon & Canada. Yakima Valley lies at the 47th parrallel, just like Burgundy
What are the important Mountains, Rivers, Lakes, & Geographic Features of Washington?
Cascade Mountains
Columbia River
Snake River
Yakima River
Lake Chelin
Columbia Gorge
Puget Sound
What are the important general climates of Washington?
Puget Sound: Maritime with high rainfall
Columbia Valley: True Continental & very dry
What is the greatest threat to viticulture in Columbia Valley?
Winter Freeze
Why is Columbia Valley so dry? How can grapes grow there?
Huge rain shadow effect from the cascades.
Grapes require irrigation from nearby lakes & rivers.
What impact did the Missoula floods have on Washington Terroir?
Created flood planes & rolling hills; WA grapes are exposed and tend to thrive on S-SE slopes.
Created sand, silt & alluvial topsoils above a basalt base in Eastern WA
What are the soils of Washington?
Puget Sound: Sandy Loam
Columbia Valley: sand, silt, & alluvial topsoil on a base of basalt
Briefly sketch the history of the Washington wine industry
1825: First vinifera vines were planted in WA
1937: Dr. Walter Clore, father of WA wine industry, plants vines in Prosser
1997: Cayuse plants the first modern vineyard Cailloux in Rocks District of Milton Freewater in Walla Walla (this subAVA is technichally entirely on the OR side…
1999: Chateau St. Michelle partners with Dr. Loosen to create first bottle of Eroica Riesling, bringing international attention to the variety in Washington
What kinds of red wine are common in Washington?
Varietal wines & Meritage blends, especially Cab &/or Merlot with Syrah.
Reds tend to be more elegant, with more old world aromatics (cedar, graphite, currants, game) than in California
How are Washington vintners most likely to utilize oak?
Their best reds will see integrated oak aging, spending considerable time in French oak.
Describe the styles of Washington’s major white wines
Riesling will be made in a German style with hints of detectable RS
Chardonnay will see oak & lees contact, but will maintain more delicacy than its Californian neighbors.
What are the major villages in Puget Sound?
Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia
What are the major villages of Columbia Valley?
Prosser
