Washington State Flashcards
Important geographic feature of Washington?
Cascade Mountains
Provides large-scale irrigation, blocks Pacific weather
Ste Michelle’s role in Washington?
Advised by Tchelistcheff
Founded 1934
More than half of state’s production
Climate of Washington?
Warm, sunny, dry
Cold nights
Describe Riesling:
Was the most planted, but decreasing
Generally off dry (10-15 g/L)
Describe Columbia Valley:
99% of vineyard plantings
1/3 of Washington geography
Continental - hot summers, cold winters
1 hour daily longer than Cali - retails acidity, more sugar accumulation
Basalt with sandy/loess/alluvial - free draining, low nutrients
Drip irrigation
Low disease/pest risk
Sub-AVA’s of Columbia Valley?
Yakima Valley
Red Mountain
Horse Heaven Hills
Wahluke Slope
Rattlesnake Hills
Walla Walla Valley
Describe Yakima Valley:
Oldest Washington AVA
Largest in Columbia Valley
1/3 of Washington production
Chardonnay dominates
3 sub-AVAs: Red Mountain, Rattlesnake Hills, Snipes Mountain
Describe Red Mountain:
Densely planted
SW slopes, warm
Poor nutrients
Low yields
Cab dominates
Describe Rattlesnake Hills:
South-facing slopes
High altitude
Riesling dominates
Describe Horse Heaven Hills:
25% of Washington production
Red 2/3
Columbia Valley leads to strong winds, offering protection from frosts and diseases
Describe overall Washington wine style:
Ripe
High alcohol
Full bodied
Describe Wahluke Slope:
Warm/dry
South facing slopes
Reds dominate
Sandy/free-draining soils
Describe Walla Walla Valley:
Fastest-growing AVA
Frost risk - no air funnel
Wide range of grapes - Italian/Spanish/Rhone varieties
What is Vinea?
Wine growers alliance dedicated to sustainable practices
Founded in Walla Walla
Washington Exports?
Most sold in state
Large producers sell to other states
Very small export - UK, Canada, Japan
