Sean Sullivan - Washington Wine Report

Washington Wine Round-up May 8th to 14th 2013

2013-05-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

A round-up of stories on Washington wine from May 8th to May 14th. Read previous round-ups here.

From around the country...

San Jose Mercury News writes about O Wines.

From around the blogosphere...

Great Northwest Wine writes about a fire destroying a Lake Chelan winery. They also write about Washington vineyards setting up for warm 2013 vintage, fly fishing at Waterbrook Winery, Alan Busacca heading up the Viticulture and Enology program in Walla Walla, and Barnard Griffin celebrating its 30^th anniversary. Read recent wine reviews here.

Paul Gregutt writes about Carmenère.

Write for Wine writes about Barrage Cellars.

The Washington Vine says summer is back thanks to Locati Cellars.

Wine Peeps does a challenging wine pairing.

Wild Walla Walla Wine Woman looks at Woodward Canyon’s Artist Series. Catie also gives a Stan Clarke story.

Wild 4 Washington Wine reviews Hamilton Cellars 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Palate Press asks whether there is evidence for terroir.

Eater Seattle writes about the new movie SOMM and talks with the Metropolitan Grill’s Thomas Price.

From the locals...

Wine Press Northwest writes about Walla Walla Community College’s wine program getting a new director.

The News Tribune writes that Seattle's Rainier Wine delivers high quality at a low price.

The Herald writes about Cabernet Sauvignon.

Oregon Live writes about Gov. Inslee signing a bill that makes it easier for certain businesses to serve alcohol.

The Columbian writes about reaction to new law allowing small, local theaters to sell wine.

The Bellingham Herald writes about Walla Walla wines in Woodinville.

The Wenatchee World writes about sommelier classes.

Seattle Metropolitan gives a weekly wine pick from yours truly.

The Seattle Times writes about Westport Winery’s arboretum.

The Tri City Herald writes about a movie shot in Lower Yakima Valley. They also write about King Cab.

KXLY writes about Spokane wineries celebrating Spring Release.

Western Farm Press writes about Eye of the Needle.

Spokane Journal of Business writes about a Spokane team designing the Wine Science Center.

That's all folks!

What is Washington’s signature grape? You decide!

2013-05-16T10:15:00.002-07:00

Tasting through a large set of Washington wines, I am always struck by the diversity of grapes produced here. Here’s a list of varieties that I’ve come across from the Evergreen State this month:

Albariño

Barbera

Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Sauvignon

Chardonnay

Chenin Blanc

Gewurztraminer

Grenache

Gruner Veltliner

Lemberger

Madeline Angevine

Malbec

Marsanne

Merlot

Mourvèdre

Petit Verdot

Muscat Canelli

Pinot Blanc

Pinot Gris

Pinot Noir

Primitivo

Riesling

Roussanne

Sangiovese

Sauvignon Blanc

Semillon

Siegerrebe

Syrah

Tempranillo

Viognier

And that’s not even a remotely complete list of all the varieties grown here.

While many regions of the wine world are defined by a single grape variety or style of wine, Washington is not and may well never be. It lacks a 'signature grape' - one variety that defines the state the way, say, Pinot Noir defines Oregon to the south. It creates some interesting challenges in establishing the state’s identity as a wine region around the country and world, but let’s not forget that these are still early days here.

So what is or will be the grape that comes to define Washington in the years to come? Here’s your chance to weigh in. Vote in the poll on the right and/or leave a comment below about what you think Washington’s signature grape is and why – or why not. Is it important for the state to be identified by a single variety or is Washington’s diversity a strength? You tell me.

In the poll, I’ve included four of the ‘Big Five’ grapes – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Riesling, omitting Chardonnay because, well, it’s not going to happen. I’ve also thrown in some grapes that more (Tempranillo) or less (Malbec) recently have generated buzz as well as some other grapes and categories bandied about. Did I miss your favorite grape variety? Leave a comment below.

Graphic above courtesy of Wine Folly. See the original post here.

May Virtual Tasting - L'Ecole No 41 Chenin Blanc

2013-05-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

The May Virtual Tasting wine is the L'Ecole No 41 2012 Chenin Blanc. This wine retails for $14 and is fairly widely available. The tasting will take place on Thursday May 30th from 7-8pm Pacific.

What you need to do to participate is:

1. Buy this month’s wine from a local retailer or from the winery.

2. Tweet your comments about the wine on Twitter between 7 and 8pm Pacific on the specified date using the hashtag #lecole41. For those on Twitter, follow me @wawinereport.

Washington Wine Round-up May 1st to May 7th 2013

2013-05-10T00:01:00.000-07:00

A round-up of stories on Washington wine from May 1 to May 7. Read previous round-ups here.

From around the country...

The Anchorage Daily News writes about the 2010 Hedges CMS.

The Pensacola News Journal writes about Duck Pond rehabilitating Merlot's poor public image.

From around the blogosphere...

Paul Gregutt writes about reader letters. He also writes about Barnard Griffin turning 30.

Great Northwest Wine writes about Leonetti Cellars and Spring Release Weekend. They also write about Barnard Griffin turning 30, Westport Winery creating a 40-acre arboretum, Maryhill’s summer concert series, and about a design team being chosen for WSU’s wine science center. Read their wine reviews here.

Jameson Fink and I talk about tasting wine.

Lucha Vino compares Washington Malbec v. Argentina.

WineEYak gives a toast to construction.

Wild 4 Washington Wine writes about Pomum Cellars.

Woodinville Wine Update writes that Anton Ville Winery is going out of business.

The Washington Vine writes about LocatiCellars.

The Zinfandel Chronicles writes about the Efeste Spring Release party.

Northwest Wine Anthem writes about Red Willow Vineyard.

The Wild Walla Walla Wine Woman shares a Stan Clarke story.

Wine Peeps writes about a challenging wine pairing.

Write for Wine writes about what they’ve been drinking recently.

From the locals...

The News Tribune writes that the WSU Tri-Cities wine center design has been unveiled. They also write about Avennia and about bars and restaurants getting more options to buy booze.

The Bellingham Herald writes about Walla Walla Vintners. They also write about Rainier Wine.

Wine Press Northwest writes that Richland's Barnard Griffin Winery is in good hands.

The Herald writes about Diversion wines.

KIMA TV (Yakima CBS affiliate) writes about a Naches Heights winery offering camping with a bed, electricity and spa services.

Seattle Metropolitan gives a weekly wine pick from yours truly.

Queen Anne News writes about Yakima Valley marking its 30^th year.

KPLU writes about lobbyists wining and dining lawmakers after hours.

The Capital Press writes about a Spokane team picked for wine center.

The Seattle Post Intelligencer writes about Washington State bubbles in Stan's Pick of the Week.

That's all folks!