C34 - Oregon, Washington and New York Flashcards
(33 cards)
What are the two broad regions of Oregon?
Northern Oregon and Southern Oregon
What is the most important AVA in Northern Oregon?
Willamette Valley AVA
Describe the location of Willamette Valley AVA within Northern Oregon
It lies to the west of the Cascade Mountains and stretches south from Portland
What make Willamette Valley AVA so significant in Oregon?
It has the largest concentration of wineries and vineyards in Oregon
What is the climate like in Willamette Valley AVA?
It has a moderate climate
Experiences cooling breezes from the Pacific Ocean
Growing season is dry with long sunny days and cool nights
What is the most planted variety in Willamette Valley AVA?
Pinot Noir
Describe the general style of Pinot Noir in Willamette Valley AVA
High levels of acidity
Ripe red fruit flavours
Hint of cinnamon spice
What else is widely grown in Northern Oregon? What style is it made into?
Pinot Gris
A fruity, dry style
Where is the Southern Oregon AVA?
Directly to the south of Willamette Valley AVA
How is the Southern Oregon AVA composed?
Of smaller AVAs, such as Umpqua Valley and Rogue Valley
Which region has the warmest growing conditions in Oregon?
Southern Oregon AVA
How is Southern Oregon also able to grow cool-climate varieties?
It has cooler areas within its hillsides and valleys
Which are the main varieties that Southern Oregon can grow successfully?
Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Pinot Noir Chardonnay Pinot Gris Syrah
Where are the majority of vineyards planted in Washington State?
Columbia Valley AVA
Where in Washington State is Columbia Valley AVA?
East of the Cascade Mountains in the valleys of the Columbia River and its tributaries
Which are the most important smaller AVAs in Washington State? Where are they?
Yakima Valley AVA
Walla Walla AVA
Within Columbia Valley
What is the most important aspect of climate, specific to Columbia Valley AVA? Explain why it is like this and how growers deal with it
Low rainfall
Result of a rain-shadow effect from the Cascade Mountains
Growers irrigate with river water
What are the more beneficial aspects of climate in Columbia Valley?
Long daylight hours
Consistent summer temperatures
How are the long daylight hours and consistent summer temperatures beneficial for winemakers in Columbia Valley?
Fruit attains optimal ripeness due to sunny days
Cool nights help grapes to maintain natural levels of acidity
Besides low rainfall, what is another major problems for winemakers in Columbia Valley? What is the impact?
Winter freeze
It may reduce crop volumes by half or more
What are the most important red wines and styles in Columbia Valley?
Merlot - Plummy and full-bodied
Cabernet Sauvignon - Elegant and age-worthy
Which other red style is produced in Washington State?
Syrah - Full-bodied and intensely concentrated
What is the most planted white variety in Washington State?
Chardonnay
What is the style of Chardonnay in Washington State?
Fruity wines with some toasty noted from oak
