Horse Heaven Hills AVA

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Horse Heaven Hills AVA (Wine Region)
Appellation type American Viticultural Area
Year established 2005[1]
Years of wine industry since 1972
Country USA
Part of Columbia Valley AVA, Washington
Climate region Moderate
Soil conditions quick-draining silty loam
Total area 570,000 acres (230,671 ha)[2]
Size of planted vineyards 6,040 acres (2,444 ha)[2]
No. of vineyards 20
Grapes produced Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, Grenache, Malbec, Merlot, Mourvedre, Petit Verdot, Riesling, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Viognier, Zinfandel[2]
Wine produced Varietal, Dessert wine, Meritage, Sparkling wine
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The Horse Heaven Hills AVA is an American Viticultural Area in southeastern Washington, and is part of the larger Columbia Valley AVA. The Horse Heaven Hills AVA borders the Yakima Valley AVA on the north and the Columbia River on the south. Elevations in this AVA range from 200 feet (61 m) above sea level in the south to 1,800 feet (549 m) above sea level at the northern boundary. Grapes planted in the south-facing slopes of the Horse Heaven Hills benefit from strong winds that arrive fom the west via the Columbia Gorge, reducing the likelihood of rot and fungal diseases.[2]

Contents

[edit] Wineries

Horse Heavens Hills AVA is home to the single largest wine making facility in Washington, the Columbia Crest Winery owned by Chateau Ste. Michelle in Paterson. In addition to producing over 2 million cases of their brand wines, the facility is also used for the production of the Domaine Ste Michelle sparkling wines.[3]

[edit] Wines

Some of Washington's cult wines are produced from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown in this AVA including the 2002 and 2003 Quilceda Creek Vintners Cabernet Sauvignon, which scored the rare 100 point rating from Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate.[4] Only 15 other wines in the US has received this designation, all made from California grapes.[5] Only five other previous vintages have received consecutive perfect scores in The Wine Advocate's publishing history.[6] The Quilceda Creek wines were blends with grapes from three Red Mountain AVA vineyards and one Horse Heaven Hills AVA vineyard.[7] [8]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Code of Federal Regulations. "§ 9.1888 Horse Heaven Hills." Title 27: Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; Part 9 — American Viticultural Areas; Subpart C — Approved American Viticultural Areas. Retrieved Jan. 30, 2008.
  2. ^ a b c d Appellation America (2007). "Horse Heaven Hills (AVA): Appellation Description". Retrieved Jan. 30, 2008.
  3. ^ T. Parker Discovering Washington Wines pg 34 Raconteurs Press 2002 ISBN 0971925852
  4. ^ T. Parker Discovering Washington Wines pg 85 Raconteurs Press 2002 ISBN 0971925852
  5. ^ M. Allision "Cup of cheer overflows for Snohomish vintners" Seattle Times May 5, 2006
  6. ^ Business Digest "Snohomish winery makes state history" May 3rd, 2006
  7. ^ Quilceda Creek 2002 Vintage Tasting Notes
  8. ^ Quilceda Creek 2003 Vintage Tasting notes
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