Costco Connection - February 2012

Northwest treasures

World-class wines emerging from Washington and Oregon

By Annette Alvarez-Peters

IN THE DISCUSSION of wines made in the United States, California has it all: It’s the largest wine-producing state (and all 50 states have at least one bonded commercial winery), and wine lovers worldwide recognize the Golden State as a top producer of quality wines.

But if you limit your wine explorations to California, you’re missing out. In the great Pacific Northwest, you’ll find an abundance of quality offerings from Washington and Oregon. Since moving to Washington in 2005, I have become a huge fan and advocate of the wines from this beautiful area.

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The wines of Washington

Washington is the second-largest wine-producing state, behind California, with a growing number of wineries that now tops 700 statewide. Its wine-growing appellations consistently produce world-class wines.

Most vineyards lie east of the Cascade Mountains, where arid plains provide unique growing conditions for wine grapes. Washington features 11 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), each with distinctive microclimates, soils, elevations and orientations.

These dry areas rely on irrigation from the greater Columbia River basin, and the vines benefit from nearly 17 hours of sunlight during the peak growing season—as well as large drops in temperature at night that produce healthy acid levels in the fruit. The result: An excellent balance of ripeness and acidity that creates balanced flavors and aromas.

Top wine critics have given Washington wines exceptional scores and accolades.

“Washington wines are wonderfully crafted and have some of the highest ratings for the lowest price in the world,” notes Ted Baseler, CEO of Ste.

Michelle Wine Estates, the
largest producer of Wash-
ington wines. “The wines are
complex, flavorful and can
stand up to many world-class
benchmark wines.”
Red grape varietals domi-
nate in the state, which shares
latitudes with the world-class
Merlot flourishes in Washington, devel-
oping flavors of plum and dark berry fruit.
Merlot is bottled as a single varietal with lus-
cious, approachable fruit characteristics, or
blended with Cabernet Sauvignon to soften
the fruit and oak tannins.

Syrah has proven extremely versatile in Washington. It ranges from concentrated dark “jammy” fruit (think Australian Shiraz) to a more reserved Northern Rhône style with earthy pepper notes and hints of dried meats and delicious blackberry flavors.

Oregon’s cool Willamette Valley is home to some of the country’s finest Pinot Noir.

inant red grape variety grown in Oregon. Preferring cooler climates, this wonderful grape can be fickle and difficult to ripen. But Willamette Valley producers have risen to the occasion and excel with what are arguably the finest Pinot Noirs in the country, featuring complex flavors and beautiful acidity that really captures the grape’s unique nuances.

Many of the wineries in Oregon are family owned or small boutique operations producing exceptional wines. Their commitment to Pinot Noir has produced a range of styles and prices. The wines range from reasonably priced, fruit-forward, lighter red berry wines to complex, intense, fruit-flavored wines that are elegant, age-worthy and expensive.

As I continue to taste the wines from the great Northwest, I become an even bigger fan. Chances are that you will too. Cheers! C

Annette Alvarez-Peters oversees Costco’s wine, beer and spirits program.

Featured at Costco

TO FIND which Costco warehouses carry wine, go to Costco.com, click on “Costco Connection Magazine,” then “Beer, Wine & Spirits Locator.” You can also find notes on Kirkland Signature™ wines under “Kirkland Signature Wine Connection.”

The trail to Oregon

Oregon, with 16 AVAs, has about half as many wineries as its neighbor to the north. In contrast to the hot growing areas of eastern Washington, most of Oregon’s vineyards are in the cool western river valleys and therefore nurture different grape varieties.

Many compare Oregon to the Burgundy region of France. Both are positioned on the same latitudes, experience cool, damp climates and concentrate on similar grape varieties. Oregon’s most famous wine-producing area is the Willamette Valley.

The king here is Pinot Noir, the predom-

You’ll ;nd these ;ne Paci;c Northwest wines at select Costco locations:

Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir Willamette Valley, OR Item #260827 ; Chateau Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge Estate Merlot Horse Heaven Hills, WA Item #211400