WA Riesling is known for its vibrant flavors and balanced profile. Washington State has gained a reputation for producing high-quality Riesling, thanks to its diverse terroirs (which represents the natural environment the wine is produced) and favorable climate conditions, that imitate its origin Rhine region in Germany.
Washington Rieslings offer a range of styles from bone-dry to sweet, with crisp acidity and notes of citrus, green apple, and some cases stone fruits, like nectarine and peach. The cooler climate of the state helps preserve the acidity, which is key to the wine’s refreshing quality.
Like most grape varietals of wa-ine (Washington wine) within the State, the biggest producers are the regions of Columbia, Walla Walla, and Yakima Valleys, and for Riesling this is no exemption; Each of these regions bring their unique characteristics to each bottle, depending on the soil and climate conditions.
Flavors noticed in Rieslings are green apple, peach, citrus, and sometimes hints of honey or mineral notes. Depending on the style, they can be dry, off-dry, or sweet.
Acidity: The cooler climate in Washington’s key wine regions helps maintain high acidity, which gives these Rieslings a crisp, refreshing quality.
Balance: They often have a good balance between sweetness and acidity, making them versatile for pairing with various foods.
Pairing Suggestions:
Spicy Foods: Riesling’s sweetness and acidity pair well with spicy dishes, such as Thai or Indian cuisine, We recommend Tom Kha Gai, or a butter chicken.
Seafood: It complements seafood, including shellfish and white fish, beautifully, their is a wide range of options, but a seafood bouillabaisse, or a nice hood canal oysters are always awesome .
Cheese: It goes well with various cheeses, particularly those with a bit of funk or sharpness, like blue cheese, aged gouda, and our personal fave cana de cabra.
top bottle picks:
1- Eroica xlc dry Riesling
2- Lily and Oliver Riesling
3- Poets Leap from long shadows
Syrah
WA has become a prominent region for Syrah, producing award winning, impressive and highly regarded bottles of this varietal. This varietal has been top three most used red grapes in the State for a while and this also contributes to diverse terroirs, that develop in a wide range of Syrah styles, from bold and expressive to refined and elegant. The syrah from Whidbey Island, very different to the ones in the Columbia River, even thou for this case, Walla Walla and Columbia valley are the most well known region for this wine.
The origins of the grape are somewhat a mystery, but it is believed to have originated in Rhône Valley in southeastern France. Historical records suggest that Syrah has been cultivated in Rhone for over 2,000 years.
Syrah, also known as Shiraz in Australia and South Africa, Same grape different names.
Acclaimed for its rich, full-bodied structure that often display flavors of dark berries, black pepper, and smoke meat, and leather and nature. The wines often have a good balance of fruit, acidity, and tannins.
The states microclimates,leads to diverse Syrah styles. You’ll find Syrahs with flavors ranging from ripe fruit and chocolate to earthy and herbal notes.
Flavor Profile: Washington Syrahs often feature dark fruit flavors like blackberry, plum, and sometimes raspberry. You’ll also find spicy notes such as black pepper, clove, and sometimes a touch of smoked meat or leather.
Structure: These wines can range from medium to full-bodied, with firm tannins and good acidity. Many Washington Syrahs also have a noticeable mineral or earthy component due to the region’s unique soils.
Food Pairings:
Pairs well with a variety of foods. Try it with grill striploin, BBQ (we miss Texas style) but any brisket or a nice lamb chop will do, also pair with roasted vegetables, try it with chenterelle mushrooms grill with tomato and delicata squash. It’s also excellent with Jamon Iberico or country style stews.
top picks:
k Vintners – The Cattle King, or MCK both great options, the ladder a cheaper option
The Walls – Mahana
Gramercy cellars – Syrah