Washington State Flashcards
Washington State is the _____ largest producers of premium wines, with ___ % of the nations total production?
2nd largest producer
5% of nations total production
Describe the soil in Washington State.
Basalt bedrock, overlaided by sediment deposited by the Missoula Floods: sandy / silty loam soils derived from the flood-borne sediment.
Describe the climate of Washington
95% of vineyards are east of the Cascade Mountains.
Rain shadow creates an arid land - 10-12 inches or rain each year. Irrigation necessary.
Continental Climate: daily temperatures can fluctuate 40-50 degrees during growing season. Cool nights retains acidity.
Cold Winters winters.
What rootstock are the grapes using in Washington and what is it’s advantage
Planted on their own rootstock
No Phyloxera in this region - too cold and sandy soil.
Helps the plant survive the winter
What important winery was founded in Columbia Valley in the 1950-60’s
Chateau Ste Michelle
What Washington wine region is not east of the Cascade Mountains and describe it’s climate
Puget Sound
Maritime Climate
What are the AVA’s of Washington State
Columbia Valley Horse Heaven Hills Lake Chelan Rattlesnake Hills Wahluke Slopes Red Mountain Walla Walla Valley Snipes Mountain Yakima Valley Puget Sound, Seattle and Woodinville area Columbia Gorge Naches Heights Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley
What 3 AVA are within Yakima Valley?
Rattlesnake Hills
Red Mountain
Snipes Mountain
What was the first Washing State AVA?
Yakima Valley in 1983
Describe Red Mountain
Warmest growing region, smallest and most densely planted. Developed a reputation for a note worthy tannic Cabernet Sauvignon.
What two AVA’s were not exposed to the floods and what grape do they grow?
Lake Chelan
Wahluke Slopes
Riesling
What 3 AVA’s are shared with Oregon
Columbia Valley
Columbia Gorge
Walla Walla Valley
Describe the soils of Walla Walla Valley AVA
basalt bedrock with a thin alluvial topsoil deposited by the Missoula Floods. Loess is everywhere.
Describe Walla Walla Valley AVA reputation?
emerging as a prestige region
premium red reputation for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah.
What grapes are grown in Washington?
Chardonnay (21 %) Riesling (20%) Cabernet Sauvignon (17%) Merlot (16%) Syrah, Gewurztraminer, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Noir.
