Washington wines are now a must try.
Yes, it is a newer wine region in comparison to many other wine regions throughout the US, but in just a short time, Washington is really producing some fantastic wines.
Washington’s climate is perfect for Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon
I’m talking of course about Washington State wines which has nothing to do with the nation’s capital, Washington D.C. on the East Coast. This West Coast state, just to the north of Oregon actually shares an AVA with Oregon. When we think Oregon wines, Pinot Noir comes to mind first and foremost as Oregon has long been producing amazing Pinot Noirs. Washington, in comparison, is known for making great wines with a wide range of varietals but they are mostly known for Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, which makes up about 55% of their overall production. Washington is much more Northern than California so the characteristics of the wine are also very different. For those who are completely unfamiliar with Washington wines, they have identical latitude as the famous regions Bordeaux & Burgundy. Most of the vineyards are to the east of the Cascade Mountains other than the Puget Sound AVA. The Cascade Mountains divide Eastern and Western Washington, with Canada to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and Oregon to the south and Idaho to the East.
