Washington Wines
Washington Wines
It’s far too easy to forget about other parts of the United States when California refuses to stop hogging the spotlight, but don’t be fooled – Washington and certain other regions can be just as profound and impressive as a place like Napa Valley. In less recent times, Washington was focused almost exclusively on creating delicious, refreshing whites, but their repertoire has since incorporated some classic French varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Today, the region offers a diverse and compelling selection of fine wines, perfect for any curious soul or experienced collector.
One of the most interesting parts of Washington wine culture is how various producers fight the weather and provide a stable environment for their grapes. From special irrigation methods to “dry farming” techniques and the use of wind turbines, they’ve gone to some impressive lengths to deal with what would otherwise ruin almost every harvest. Every successful vintage is a testament to their tenacity and passion, and you can definitely feel it in the wine itself.
The flavor notes and aromatic traces are too numerous to list off, but you can expect to encounter a mixture of lush, juicy raspberries, blackberries, potent cherries and toasted oak with earthy undertones in many of their reds. Other notable factors include a somewhat high level of acidity and bright, vibrant structures. With enough aging potential to last a decade or so at least, these wines are becoming more and more popular among investors and collectors, so make sure you stock up while supplies hold!