Malbec has become a key variety in Washington wine country the past decade or so, producing some of the most remarkable and stylish reds in the Pacific Northwest. The grape thrives in its ancestral home in France's Bordeaux region, and shines as an international variety in the high-altitude vineyards of Argentina's Mendoza Valley. But in North America, Washington's arid … [Read more...] about Malbec shines under Columbia Valley’s sunshine
Featured wines
Viognier remains a darling in the Pacific Northwest
Viognier ranks among the most maddening and confounding grapes. It is difficult to grow, and it is equally difficult to make into a balanced and delicious wine. Yet the grape and its often highly floral aromatics has captured the imagination of Northwest winemakers, many of them caught up in the growing interest in Rhône varieties. Viognier originates in France's northern … [Read more...] about Viognier remains a darling in the Pacific Northwest
Spanish red Tempranillo continues to rise in Pacific Northwest
Thanks primarily to some visionary grape growers and winemakers, the noble Spanish red grape Tempranillo has been coming into its own across the great Pacific Northwest. Mike Sauer of Red Willow Vineyard in the western Yakima Valley planted the first Tempranillo in the Northwest when he put some in the ground in 1993. Earl Jones of Abacela in Roseburg, Ore. kicked off a … [Read more...] about Spanish red Tempranillo continues to rise in Pacific Northwest
Red blends big deal across great Northwest
In the past decade, the biggest growth in wine has been the category of red blends. Seattle wine shops have mentioned remodeling to accommodate the large number being produced. In our competitions, the category is far bigger than any other. One reason for the growth is Northwest winemakers' desire to emulate the European model of winemaking, particularly in Bordeaux and the … [Read more...] about Red blends big deal across great Northwest
Cab is king in Washington, across Northwest
King Cab is all the rage - not only in Washington, but also across the Pacific Northwest. Credible examples are being produced in Idaho's Snake River Valley, British Columbia's Okanagan Valley and Southern Oregon. The noble grape of France's Bordeaux region has found the Pacific Northwest to be a hospitable environment. In Washington, the driver is Ste. Michelle Wine … [Read more...] about Cab is king in Washington, across Northwest