Carpe Vinum Friday Flights! Washington!
Hello Friends and Wine Lovers!
Welcome to the Carpe Vinum Friday Flights announcement! This week we’re tasting the fine and wonderful wines of Washington! Our neighbors to the North! The wine industry in Washington has been blossoming, much like a pretty, pretty flower. It’s been blossoming so much, you could say the wine industry in Washington is booming. . .like.. .um. . an exploding flower.
“So,” you might say, “Tell me something about Washington wines.”
“Well,” I might reply, “Okay!”
Washington is carved up into several different wine regions. The largest you’ll see is Columbia Valley, which covers about 18,000 square miles. It’s situated all East of the Cascade Mountain Range, spanning from the Columbia River in the South, almost to the Canadian border in the North. Within the Columbia Valley, certain areas are being subdivided out of that wine region.
In the Southeast, in a fairly close proximity to each other we find the renowned Walla Walla Valley, the up and coming Yakima Valley, the smallest wine-growing area of Red Mountain (Only about the size of a mountain. A red one, naturally. . .) and the newest certified appellation of Horse Heaven Hills, which was established earlier this month.
Just South of the Columbia Valley appellation is the Columbia Gorge appellation, which runs on both sides of the Columbia River, continuing on the Oregon side. That one is fairly new, and was just added last year. (Also of note is the Puget Sound appellation, just around Seattle and the surrounding islands and hills. Of course, the area isn’t quite suited for intensive vine growing, and although there are over 50 wineries, the region is only responsible for 2% of the grapes grown. They get most of their stuff from the other side of the mountains.)
Indicating that a smaller region has a distinct different wine growing conditions, soil, and climate is the reason for establishing these different new appellations. All of the sub-appellations being added is just a little proof that the wine world is taking notice of the blossoming and booming industry in Washington. They’re also some of my favorite wines, and they’re just out our back door. . .and down the street, around the corner and 3 to 5 hours driving time to the East! (Actual driving time and directions may vary.)
So Friday, August 26th, between 4:30 and 9:00 PM it’s:
Washington! It’s So Good!!
Willow Crest 2004 Pinot Gris, Yakima Valley
Kiona 2003 Chenin Blanc, Columbia Valley
Ryan Patrick 2003 Vin D’Ete (Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon), Columbia Valley
Cascade Cliffs NV Goat Head Red, Mail Box Vineyard, Columbia Valley
Chinook 2002 Cabernet Franc, Yakima Valley
Even More Washington!! Oh, and Even Better!!!
Fidelitas 2003 M-100, Columbia Valley
K Vintners 2003 Syrah, Milbrandt Vineyard, Columbia Valley
A stellar deal at $10 for the First 5, and $6 for the Extra 2 Premium Pours
Hope to see you here!
Seize the Wine!
Next Friday tasting is East-Central Italy (Abruzzo, Molise, Marche. . .etc. . .)!
M