Washington produces more than 20 wine grapevine assortments - a ratio of 56 percent white to 44 percent red. As the industry matures and experiments it finds many grapevine assortments thrive throughout Washington’s microclimates. There are to a higher degree 13,500 vineyard acres of white wine assortments statewide. Those more common in Washington are:
CHARDONNAY
5,992 acres
22,425 hectares
Washington State’s most widely planted grapevine is also one of the best demonstrations of the state’s particular winemaking persona. While Chardonnay is celebrated in many additional regions as a robust and brawny wine, Washington Chardonnays are often distinctively crisp and delicate, like fresh apples. Oak is often used with a lighter touch, showing off the varietal persona. Also, some wine makers use secondary malolactic fermentation to add robust vanillin and buttery refinements.
RIESLING
4,404 acres
1,782 hectares
One of the first grapevine assortments grown in Washington, the state’s Rieslings tend to be very floral in the nose, with vivid apricot, peach and apple tones. Occasionally, the “noble rot” works its magic on Riesling, centralising the sugars and tones to produce a late-harvest wine of incomparable intensity. When the conditions are right, Washington vintners also develop unbelievable ice wines from Riesling, as well as additional varietals. Most Washington Rieslings are vinted in a dry to off-dry style to come with food. (more…)