Washington State AVAs Flashcards
Puget Sound AVA has a temperate, maritime climate. What else is unique about it?
It is Washington’s coolest and wettest growing region, growing only 1% of the state’s grapes
Only region west of the Cascade Mountain Range
Many of the wineries use fruit from east of the Cascades
Grapes grown include Madeleine Angeline, Muller-Thurgau and Siegerebbe
Is Woodinville, Washington an AVA?
No, it is nestled in the beautiful Sammamish River Valley just 30 minutes northeast of Seattle, Woodinville Wine Country is home to over 100 wineries and tasting rooms representing every wine grape growing region in Washington.
Nearly all of the Woodinville wineries grow their grapes in the warm, arid climate of Eastern Washington’s Columbia Valley where vineyards boast sandy, gravelly soils providing an ideal medium to plant vines.
Chateau Ste Michele winery is in Woodinville. True or False?
True
Washington wines can be described as
A. Bold, aromatic, fruit forward and balanced*
B. Light bodied and complex
Walla Walla Valley, Horse Heaven Hills, Red Mountain and Yakima Valley are all in which AVA?
Columbia Valley
True or False. Annual rainfall in the Columbia Valley Averages 6-8 inches and daytime temp hovers around 80 degrees.
True
Which red grape varietals are common to Washington wines?
Washington also often enjoys a long, consistent growing season which allows it to produce some of the boldest red wine varieties around.
Expect fruit-forward wines with notes of cherries, currants, cassis, and ground, dried herbs. The region’s best red wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Grenache, Tempranillo, Cabernet Franc, as well as Bordeaux- and Rhône-style Blends.
Which white varietals do well in Washington?
. White varieties that do well in Washington’s dry climate include Riesling, Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and of course, white Bordeaux-style Blends. Flavors and aromas of Lemon, lime, green/golden delicious apples, white peaches, nectarines with moderate acidity.
Yakima Valley is a part of Columbia Valley. However, name its three sub appellations.
Rattlesnake Hills: know mostly for Cab, Merlot, Riesling, Chardonnay and Syrah. Elevation from 850 to 2085 feet.
Red Mountain: The smallest appellation in Washington State known for productions dark, tannic, red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot.
Snipes Mountain: home to some of Washington State’s oldest grapevines. Fist and melon-sized gravel deposits.
Horse Heaven Hills AVA
This expansive, desolate region is home to large vineyards (1500+ acres) that are a sight to behold. Not only is this place known for quantity (25% of Washington’s total grape production), it’s known for quality: this is the home of Washington’s first, second, and third 100-point wines from old vines on Champoux Vineyard made by Quilceda Creek Vintners. It’s here in Horse Heaven Hills that you’ll find Columbia Crest, which is one of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates prized winery brands.
What it’s known for: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Riesling, Syrah.
Wahluke Slope
Wahluke Slope: Vies with Red Mountain as one of the driest and warmest climates in the state. This quiet, remote region is responsible for producing consistently great Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot at more than fair prices.
Yakima, Sub-appellation of Columbia Valley
The valley has an arid, continental climate with annual average precipitation at just 8 inches. Irrigation it required to cultivate vinifera grapes. White variety are more planted than red, led by Chardonnay and Riesling.
Sub-appellations of this sub-appellation are Rattlesnake Hills, Red Mountain, and Snipes Mountain.
