Daily Wine Tidbits-Washington State

Washington State is one of the top four wine producing states in the United States. Its climate is cooler and rainier than that of California, but is neither too cold nor too wet to produce high quality wine. The four major white grapes grown in Washington State are Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Gewurtztraminer and the two reds that Washington is known for are its Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. I actually tried a Gewurtz. from Washington and it was delicious. Much more sweeter than the French one I had tried previously. Also, over the last 10 years, winemakers have increased their planting of Syrah, and recent vintages have turned into very high quality. Columbia Valley, one of Washington's States AVAs, is actually on the same latitude as Bordeaux, France. There are 9 AVAs in Oregon, and Columbia Valley is responsible for 95% of wine production. I may have to take a little trip to Washington very soon!