Washington Flashcards
Washington Fun Facts
Washington has emerged as the nations second largest producer of premium wines
Most regions and over 95% of its vineyards are located east of the Cascade Mountains
What is Eastern Washington’s climate?
Continental, hot summers and cold winters. Frost and winter freezes are serious concerns for growers.
The Missoula Floods
Massive floods that occurred repeatedly at the end of the last ice age, some 12,000 to 18,000 years ago.
The bedrock soil is basalt overlaid by sediments deposited by the floods
The largest appellation in the state of Washington
Columbia Valley
Washington’s first AVA in 1983
Yakima Valley
It contains over one third of the states vineyards
The AVAs of Washington
Columbia Valley
Yakima Valley
Walla Walla Valley
Horse Heaven Hills
The three AVAs of Yakima Valley
Snipes Mountain
Rattlesnake Hills
Red Mountain
Red Mountain AVA
Washington’s warmest growing region
Has developed a reputation for noteworthy tannic Cabernet Sauvignon
Walla Walla Valley
Most acclaimed varieties are:
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Syrah
Washington’s two most planted grape varieties
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Other important commercial grapes include
Syrah
Gewurztraminer
Semillon
Sauvignon Blanc
Cabernet Franc
