7/27/2023 0 Comments Washington wines![]() ![]() It covers a full third of Washington State’s landmass. Walla Walla Merlot’s are known for their full-bodied and moderately tannic flavor, with notes of cherry and sweet spice.Ĭolumbia Valley is the largest AVA (American Viticultural Area) in Washington. Its spicy notes are well complimented by coffee and blueberry flavors. Cabernet Franc’s popularity has grown in the past several years. Walla Walla wineries have gained a reputation for their red wines. Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon feature heavily among the wines produced in the Walla Walla Valley, supplemented by Malbec, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. It can be found in the southern part of the state crossing over into Oregon. Walla Walla Valley has the highest concentration of wineries in Washington State. Sauvignon Blanc & Semillon together have produced a Bordeaux-inspired full-bodied white wine that stands out among the mineral-driven Sauvignon Blancs from New Zealand and France. To add a bit of butteriness and vanilla, some wineries introduce a secondary malolactic fermentation. ![]() Most Rieslings in Washington State are done in a dry to off-dry style.Ĭhardonnay in Washington is known for its delicate and crisp characteristics unlike the full-bodied Chardonnays produced in California. The cool evenings are particularly important for preserving the acidity that makes these wines both balanced and elegant. The mean temperature of the Columbia Valley matches the great Riesling wine-growing regions in Alsace and Germany. Riesling is the signature white grape of Washington State. If the conditions are right, white varietals can also be used to create ice wines, a sweeter dessert-style wine that cleanses the palate after a big meal. The most notable Washington white wine is a dry Riesling, but Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Semillon, and Sauvignon Blanc also do well. This results in a low-alcohol, palatable Rosé that has been growing in popularity throughout the Pacific Northwest wine regions. The grapes are picked early so the amount of sugar is low and the acidity is high. Sangiovese has long been heralded as an Italian red wine staple, but in Washington, the most popular use for this varietal is to make rosé! rosé’s made with Sangiovese tend to be dry with just a touch of sweetness. A Colombia Valley Rosé made with Syrah or Sangiovese will refresh your palate with fresh fruit flavors and bright acidity at half the price of a similar French-style rosé. Rosé is a relatively new venture for Washington winemakers, but some wineries are already having success. This blend – a signature of French wines – suits the current methods and known varietals of Washington wineries. Many producers also use Malbec in their Red Blends.īordeaux Blends use a combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, as well as the occasional Petit Verdot or Malbec. Walla Walla has made use of these similarities to produce several dense, fruity, and acidic wines sure to please any fan of Malbec grapes. Coincidentally, Washington State shares these qualities with Argentina, and has plenty of natural irrigation from snowmelt. Malbec is a well-known Argentinian grape that thrives in an arid, high-altitude wine region. Washington Cabernets get better after a few years of aging since it takes time for complexity to develop. Traditionally, Cabernet Sauvignon blends well with both Cabernet Franc and Merlot grapes. Many of the 100 Best Washington Wines feature this grape. Pair a Washington Syrah with a do-it-yourself charcuterie board for a match made in heaven.Ĭabernet Sauvignon from Washington mixes the best of Old World techniques with New World fruits. The combination of earthiness and berry aromas provided by Washington’s terroir makes it one of the most popular varietals in the region. On its own, Syrah has a smoky richness that has long fascinated wine enthusiasts. It thrives in a variety of environments and is produced in the style of the Northern Rh ône. Syrah has proven to be one of the most successful Washington red varietals. Many of these are combined to create the popular Washington Red Blends. Washington red wines feature primarily Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. ![]()
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