When considering the wine-growing region of Washington, it is sometimes easy to overlook the depth, variety, and quality of production of this wine-making region. However, some say many of the best wines in the world hail from Washington state. It is easy to consider this area and jump to the idea of cold, rainy days. When in fact, many factors of Washington lend themselves to the creation of incredible wines. There are vast amounts of varietals planted in Washington, and rivers wind their way throughout the region. Mountains create drastic effects. Ancient flooding and volcanic activity have carved out unique soil types. All of this and much more have singled out Washington state for rapid growth and production in recent years.
The first grapes were said to be planted here by Italian immigrants in the 1860’s. Ramping up production, however, did not occur until almost 100 years later. In 1960 Washington state had 15 wineries; in 1995 there were 88. Today, there are reports of over 900 wineries, 19 AVAs, more than 350 grape growers, and 50,000 acres of vineyards.
Initially, it seemed winemakers’ hopes were stuck on Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Chardonnay. While these varietals all tend to do well in Washington, nothing shines quite as brightly as the rich, luxurious Cabernets and Merlots coming out of this region. Their lush texture and deep minerality set these wines apart in a big and bold fashion.
Because of several cold mountain rivers (the Columbia, Yakima, Snake, and Walla Walla), proper hydration sets in for the vineyards; without these rivers, eastern Washington would be a virtual desert. The eastern region is considered a continental climate and is responsible for nearly all grape growing. Washington’s west coast maritime climate often confuses folks considering the production of grapes in the region. Two major mountain ranges, the Olympics and the Cascades protect Washington’s eastern area with the rain shadow effect. Rainfall can be as little as 6 inches per year here. The dryness of the climate gives Washington state a distinct viticultural personality and leaves watering to the rivers and the use of irrigation.
There are also varying and impressive soil structures to consider when observing Washington state. Millions of years ago, volcanic activity brought forth massive amounts of basalt-a dark, fine-grained volcanic rock. The Pacific Northwest sees one of the largest areas of basalt compared with the rest of the world. It can be thousands of feet thick and often so heavy it falls below sea level. Then came the Missoula Floods. Roughly 15,000 years ago ancient floods carved deep valleys and left varying soil deposits throughout Washington state. There are now layers of sea fossils, silt, sand, and gravel layered on the bedrock. These soils all have low water holding capacity are ideal for the irrigated viticulture of eastern Washington.
There is an incredible difference in temperature from day to night here. In a single day, the contrast is often a difference of 50 degrees. Cool nights offer grapevines a moment of rest, preserving their acidity. Washington’s northern latitude provides long, sunny days for ideal ripening, generally 2 hours per day more than Napa. This diurnal shift is one of the most dramatic fluctuations seen worldwide.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Syrah make up 80% of grape production in Washington state. And yet, over 80 varieties are planted throughout the year and do quite well, creating some surprising and exciting wines.
While the Washington Wine Month of August may be coming to a close, that doesn’t mean we can’t pop a bottle or two in the name of exploration! For Washington wine suggestions, ask any of your Vinum 55 sommeliers who are sure to have a few options on the ready.