Bursts of lively gold and crimson colors, the aromas of ripening fruit and crushed grapes, and the cool morning air– fall is in full speed in Yakima Valley’s white wine nation. For white wine enthusiasts, wine makers and vineyard caretakers, it’s the most active and interesting time of year.Trucks of all
shapes and sizes overflowing with ripe golden and purple grapes are lumbering up and down the Valley’s main road, traveling from Yakima Valley vineyards to the cellars of eager winemakers throughout the Pacific Northwest.The change of season
often means a modification in what we grab in the wine cellar. We can select from reds, whites, sparklers and even pinks, but autumn generally provides itself towards larger red white wines or heavier whites. With a lot of choices from the Valley, it’s tough to understand the best choice for fall and winter imbibing. The following white wines are terrific choices to have on hand for the winter season. The grapes in these white wines might have traveled across the state or across the street to be vinified. Regardless of where they are produced, each of these Yakima Valley red wines is outstanding year in and year out. – 2020 Avennia Justine: Originally located in Woodinville, Avennia just recently
included a second tasting room and production facility on Red Mountain in Benton City. Justine is a stunning wine. A blend of grenache, mourvèdre and syrah, this wine reveals well every year. Constant, tasty, well balanced and age worthwhile. The grapes from this red wine are sourced from Upland Vineyard in Sunnyside, Oldfield Vineyard in Grandview, and Heart of the Hill Vineyard on Red Mountain. Expense:$40. – Delille Cellars 2021 Roussanne: DeLille Cellars has actually ended up being a landmark winery in Woodinville. They are open daily with a range of tasting opportunities available. The 2021 Roussanne was sourced from Ciel du Cheval vineyard, one of Red Mountain’s oldest and most iconic vineyards. The white wine is brilliant, medium-bodied and elegant. Cost:$ 35. – Kevin White 2020 Pionnier Boushey Vineyard Grenache: Kevin White Winery is also in Woodinville and open weekend afternoons for tasting. This wine is
85% grenache and 15%mourvèdre. It is sourced 100% from Boushey Vineyard in Grandview. A lovely medium-bodied red wine with red fruit, round tannins and extended surface. Expense: $40. – Mark Ryan Winery 2019 Water Witch Red wine: This cabernet sauvignon, red wine, cabernet franc and red wine mix is sourced from Yakima Valley’s Quintessence Vineyards on Red Mountain. This vineyard has actually been turning heads with its development and quality. The Mark Ryan winemaking team chose the top carrying out blocks in the 13.6-acre vineyard to create the 2019 Water Witch. A full-bodied wine with flavors of red fruit, tobacco and baking spices that bring into a long earthy surface. Cost:$70. – 2019 Sheridan Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon: Sheridan Vineyard’s tasting space remains in Zillah and is open Thursdays through Sundays for tastings. This white wine is made from 100 %estate-grown cabernet grapes. Unlike some of the other grapes mentioned here, these berries did
n’t have to travel far to be vinified. Sheridan’s vineyard is simply north of the tasting room on the exact same site as the production center. The black fruit in this wine offers notes of tobacco and leather. A full-bodied wine with incorporated tannins, lovely finish and total elegance. Cost:$ 30. Grape range and vineyard site are probably the most basic options in a winemaker’s job. It is much like artists choosing a medium: The range and the vineyard source dictate the red wine’s initial style. Together, grape and place form the basis of each wine
, although every winemaker takes a slightly various path transforming nature’s tastes from vineyard to bottle. Yakima Valley grapes provide the backbone to some of Washington’s most prominent red wines. – Barbara Glover is executive director of Wine Yakima Valley, an industry group representing member wineries. Her column runs every other week in Friday’s Explore.