Washington wine

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Washington varying elevation and climates helps to produce a wide range of grape varieties
Washington varying elevation and climates helps to produce a wide range of grape varieties

Wine produced in the U.S. state of Washington has a long and continued history. The state ranks 2nd in the US in the production of varietal wine with over 29,000 acres of vineyards and exports going to over 40 countries around the world. [1]

Contents

[edit] Background

The glaciers resting upon what is now Washington State retreated a mere 16,000 years ago, leaving behind a free-draining gravel bed.

Persistent lava flows created volcanic-based topsoil, and the combination of the two are the foundation for Washington’s wine industry. In 1825, the Hudson's Bay Company planted the first wine grapes, and by 1910 every corner of the state was planted with vines.

Following Prohibition the state had 38 wineries and during the 1960s the industry grew rapidly. Today, Washington has over 460 licensed wineries of all sizes, most located east of the natural rain barrier provided by the Cascade Mountains. Vignerons take advantage of long sunlight hours (on average, two more hours a day than in California) and a consistent growing season. The fruit attains optimal ripening while maintaining natural acidity.

[edit] Vitis Vinifera grown in Washington State

Merlot grapes
Merlot grapes

While over 80 grape varieties are grown in Washington State, the primary grapes used in the production of wine are from the Vitis Vinifera family of grapes. [2]

The main grapes used in wine production include Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Grenache, Malbec, Merlot, Nebbiolo, Petite Syrah, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Syrah, Tempranillo, Viognier, and Zinfandel. [2]

Cabernet Sauvignon grapes
Cabernet Sauvignon grapes

Washington State is also home to planting of some lesser known Vitis vinifera varieties that are also used in wine production for some experimental varietals and blending. These include Abouriou, Alicante Bouschet, Aligoté, Auxerrois, Black Cornichon, Black Monukka, Black Muscat, Black Prince, Blauer Portugieser, Calzin, Carignane, Chasselas, Chauche Gris, Clevner Mariafeld, Colombard, Csaba, Ehrenfelser, Feher Szagos, Gamay, Green Hungarian, Lemberger, Madeleine Angevine, Madeleine Sylvaner, Melon de Bourgogne, Mission, Morio Muscat, Muller-Thurgau, Muscat of Alexandria, Muscat Canelli, Muscat Ottonel, Palomino, Petite Verdot, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Meunier, Pirovano, Rkatsiteli, Rose of Peru, Salvador, Sauvignon Vert, Scheurebbe, Siegerrebe, Sylvaner, Trollinger, and Trousseau. [2]

Some notable French hybrid grapes used in wine production include Aurore and Baco Noir. [2]

[edit] AVAs

Washington has nine federally defined American Viticultural Area (AVA) mostly located in Eastern Washington. They are

The southern boundaries of the Columbia Gorge, Columbia Valley and the Walla Walla Valley AVAs extend into Oregon.

The Lake Chelan and the Ancient Lakes wine-growing regions are currently seeking federal AVA status.

[edit] Columbia Valley

The Columbia Valley AVA, known for its structured Cabernets and jammy Merlots, comprises 90% of Washington State’s wine industry. This massive appellation, with over 16,000 acres (65 km²) under vine and well over 300 wineries, was the driving force behind the development of the state’s wine industry.

It is geographically defined by three mountain ranges that border it on every side but the east, and by the Snake, Yakima and Columbia Rivers which converge within it. Located in the lee of the Cascade Mountains, the area is sheltered from the marine climate to the west and is left with semi-desert conditions.

While portions of this appellation cross into Oregon, the majority of wine activity occurs on the Washington State side. The Columbia Valley appellation was created as a stepping stone for the definition of other viticultural areas in the state. Subsequently, smaller and more distinct appellations have been created within it.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ C. Fallis & P. White The Encyclopedic Atlas of Wine pg 50 Global Books Publishing 2006 ISBN 1740480503
  2. ^ a b c d R. Irvine & W. Clore The Wine Project pg 433-438 Sketch Publications 1997 ISBN 0-9650834-9-7

[edit] External Links

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