Washington State is now known for producing some excellent wines, in a vast diverse climates and different soil types. Focusing in a specific type of final products, with a tremendous grape varietals, since my wife and I moved from Texas, we have begun a love affair with viognier, which in Washington are a little more buttery, and often blend with Chardonnay, and they develop that malolactic fermenation, which is the second fermentation process that occurs when bacteria convert malic acid into lactic acid and co2. This process can take place if the winemaker lets it form naturally after primary fermentation, or it can be induced by adding a bacterial strain. this is a crucial step in the production of most red wines, and it’s also common for some white wines, like Chardonnay and in WA often in viognier.
the biggest and most money making variety is:
Cabernet Sauvignon – Known for its rich and full-bodied, the most used grape in the world, with a great deal of different styles in their final product, in Europe often blend in a bordeaux style with Merlot and cab franc primarily, world famous for its prices and villas; in Chile sometimes blend cab with merlot and a few bold winemakers they use carmenere. In Napa the biggest and most popular US AVA (American Viticultural Area), or AVA, is a specific appellation of origin used on wine labels, are sold for a steak dinner, and their well pairing for rich steaks, excellent for a cap of rib eye, or a tomahawk.
they often display notes of dark fruit and spices. Walla Walla and Columbia Valley are key regions for this varietal.
Merlot – WA merlot is a combination of smooth texture and flavors, that highlights flashes of plum, cherry,
tobacco, and chocolate. The Columbia Valley is particularly renowned for Merlot.
Balanced well though approachable style, The Columbia Valley AVA is a huge and diverse region, which provides a variety of microclimates and soil types, and helps to build the complexity and richness of Merlot.
Flavor Profile: Ripe red and black fruits like cherry, strawberry, and blackberry. They may also have hints of chocolate, coffee, and in some cases subtle herbal, earthy elements. These wines typically have a smooth, texture with mid tannins and balanced acidity, making them very approachable and versatile.
While many are ready to drink upon release, some good quality Merlots can age well, developing more complex flavors and aromas over time.
Notable Producer in the region:
Chateau Ste. Michelle – A well-known producer with a range of Merlots that often showcase the rich fruit character typical of the oldest winery in WA.
Chardonnay – Ranges from crisp and citrusy to creamy and oaky. the most used white variety in the world. most renowned regions are Columbia and Yakima Valley.
Chardonnay is known for its diversity: The state’s varied climates and soil types allow for a wide range of styles. What you can expect from Washington Chardonnay? That is a really good question! let me explain
due to the pacific ocean and the mountain range, there are so many different rocks and soils that produce different kind of wines, the one from bainbridge island is very different to the one in lake chelan, or the wine country so here are a few features of chard.
Crisp & Citrus: Some Chardonnays, focused in those from cooler regions or made in a more old world style, feature bright citrus notes like lemon and lime, along with green apple and pear.
Rich & Buttery: Others, especially those with oak aging, can have flavors of ripe fruit, butter, vanilla, and toasted oak. This style often includes notes of cream, caramel, and even a touch of baking spices. most of this develop and highlights the malolactic fermentation.
Crisp: Un-oaked or lightly-oaked Chardonnays have a fresh, clean finish with higher acidity.
Creamy: Oaked Chardonnays can be more full-bodied with a creamy mouthfeel and a softer, rounder finish.
Stainless Steel also super used in chardonnay for aging the wines tend to maintain its acidity and fruit character.
Oak Aged chardonnays in oak barrels develop additional complexity, with buttery textures and nutty flavors.
Notable Regions: Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley, Woodinville.
there are so many grapes and we will explain more in our next post, follow @wawa.ine
next post
syrah and riesling.