Wine Region Report - Washington State

Wine Region Report - Washington State

"It was wheat to grapes, orchards to vineyards, and Rieslings to reds." - Kevin Zraly, Windows on the World Complete Wine Course 


The Washington state region is one of the "Big Four" of United States winemaking. Located in the Pacific northwestern portion of the country, Washington is home to 37,000 acres vineyards and 542 wineries. In the United States, Washington is the second-largest wine producing state with 156,000 tons of wine produced in 2010. 

Washington's first wine grapes were planted almost 200 years ago in 1825. By 1910, wine grapes were growing in most portions of the state. The 1960s ushered in the first age of commercial-scale plantings. Since 1970s, however, Washington's wine industry has matured considerably. In 1970, Washington was home to only 10 wineries, comprising 9 acres of vineyards. Today, this region is rising to prominence as one of the best wine regions of the world and home to the United States' second highest number of wineries for 2010. 

Washington's wine production is roughly 54% white wines and 46% red wines. The major white grapes grown in Washington are Chardonnay (5,992 acres), Riesling (4,404 acres), Sauvignon Blanc (993 acres), and Gewurztraminer (632 acres). In fact, Washington state is America's number one producer of Riesling. Washington's Chardonnays are also some of the best in country with its balance, great fruit, and lively acidity. The major red grapes of Washington are Cabernet Sauvignon (5,959 acres), Merlot (5,853 acres), and Syrah (2,831 acres). 

Within Washington state, there are 11 American Viticultural Areas (AVA). AVAs are specific grape-growing areas within a state or region recognized by and registered with the federal government. If an AVA is listed on the label, at least 85% of the grapes must come from that region. 

The first AVA established in Washington was that of the Yakima Valley in 1983. In the following year, 1984, two more AVA were established - Walla Walla Valley and Columbia Valley. The most recently established AVAs for Washington came in 2009 with Snipes Mountain and Lake Chelam. 

Yakima Valley is home to 50 wineries. In Yakima Valley, 2,090 acres are dedicated to growing Merlot. Merlots produced in this AVA are known for their sweet cherry, berry flaovrs and complex aromas. Also, wines produced from Merlot in the Yakima Valley tend to be full-bodied with soft tannins and a slightly higher alcohol content. Another 1,350 acres are dedicated to Cabernet Sauvignon, which grows well in the Washington state. Cabernet Sauvignon's from Yakima Valley age well and express characteristics of black currants, cherry, chocolate, leather, and herbs. Also, many vintners in Yakima Valley use traditional blending practices with Cabernet Sauvignon, often adding Cabernet Franc or Merlot with the wine. The most widely planted grape in the Yakima Valley AVA is Chardonnay, comprising 3,180 acres. Styles of Chardonnay range from crisp non-oak versions to more richer, fuller barrel fermented wines. Also, many wineries in Yakima Valley use secondary malolactic fermentation to add characteristics of vanilla and butter to the wine. 

Columbia Valley is Washington's largest viticultural AVA, responsible for 95% of Washington's wine production. This AVA also covers nearly 6,850 vineyard acres of wine grapes. In Columbia Valley, vineyards are planted on southern-facing slopes, which increases solar radiation during the summer months and promotes air drainage during the winter season. The Columbia Valley also has an average growing season of roughly 180-200 days with an average annual rainfall of 6-8 inches. 

In this Columbia Valley, Riesling, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon are the most widely planted, predominate grapes. 

The Walla Walla Valley region is the most remote of Washington's wine regions. The Walla Walla Valley region, roughly 530 square miles in size, is an arid AVA, known for setting the standard for the northwestern United States' Merlots and Cabernet Sauvignons. In 1999, this AVA was home to 800 total acres of vineyards. By 2010, this number had doubled to 1,600 acres. This AVA is also home to 120 wineries. 

Significant to this AVA, the Walla Walla Valley has been strongly affected by cataclysmic events, such as enormous basaltic laval flows dating back 15 million years, which established the formatio of the Columbia Plateau, which includes the Walla Wall Plateau. These events have contributed to Walla Walla's ideal grape growing soils. 

The Washington state region is divided into two regions, an east and a west, by the Cascade Mountains. This mountain range includes two active volcanoes, Mount Rainer and Mount St. Helens. This mountain range creates what is known as the "Rain Shadow Effect," meaning that clouds rolling in off the Pacific Ocean are stopped from moving on into the eastern portion of the state. Also, on the eastern portion of the region, geologic cataclysms created ideal soil conditions for growing grapes and producing high-quality wine. Today, vineyards on the eastern side of the Cascades are home to 99% of Washington's wine grapes, as well as 10 of Washington's 11 AVAs. 

Columbia Valley

In looking more specifically at the soil, Washington is home to a combination of mostly sandy, rocky-based alluvial soil. Some of Washington's soil is also windblown over periodic violence basalt lift. Types of soils overall include loess, basalt, silt, sandy loam, and clay. The sandy/rocky soils drain water deep into the Earth. This type of soil also holds up well against the common vine-killing pest, Phylloxera, which is unable to travel and reproduce in these soils. 

Columbia Valley

One major challenge winemakers face in this region is a lack of organic nutrients. Washington's eastern portion requires extensive fertilizing components. Also, throughout the state, there is a growing presence of organic composts and teas to help sustain the vitality of the soil. 

Yakima Valley

There is also a significant difference in the climate of the east and west regions. The west-coast maritime climate brings with it sixty inches of annual rainfall along the coast. The eastern continental portion only sees roughly eight inches of rain annually. Grapes also thrive in the eastern portion's hot, arid summers. During the day, grapes planted in the eastern portion of the region receive 16 hours of sun at high latitudes. Throughout the summer, from June 1 to October 15, the region averages a daytime temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit. In comparing the day-to-night temperatures, it can be noted that there is a 40 degrees Fahrenheit difference in the state. This drop in temperatures causes the Malic acids in the grapes to dissipate through respiration during the warm temperatures, while the cooler evenings preserve the acid. 

Also, the eastern wine-growing region has an ideal irrigation system sourced from the Columbia River, the 15th largest river in the United States. In fact, the Columbia River catches the Cascades, Rockies, and Blue Mountains snow runoff. Also, underground aquifers in the region run through levels of basalt lava flow and can be tapped through wells. This efficient irrigation system helps produce perfectly ripe grapes in what is an otherwise dry, arid region of the state. 

Lastly, the eastern portion of Washington is resistant to a common fungal diseases, like oidium, peronosperal, and grey/black rot. These types of mildews require a humid environment in order to thrive and infect the crop. Due to its mildly arid climate, the eastern portion of the region remains relatively fungus free, resulting in a decreased need for chemical based anti-fungicides. Accordingly, winemakers are able to use natural practices that leave soils vibrant and healthy.


Sources - Information:

Zraly, Kevin. Kevin Zraly's Windows on the World Complete Wine Course. New York: Sterling Epicure, 2011. 66-67. Print.
http://www.winesnw.com/wahome.html
http://www.washingtonwine.org/wine-101/perfect-classroom/
http://www.winesnw.com/wahome.html
http://www.washingtonwine.org/wine-101/regions/columbia_valley.php
http://www.winesnw.com/walla.html
http://wineyakimavalley.org/varieties_296.html


Sources - Pictures: 

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