FEATURE : RED MOUNTAIN VITICULURAL AREA
Established in April of 2001, Red Mountain American Viticultural Area (or AVA) is located between Benton City and Richland, in Washington State. It is the smallest AVA in the state at only 4,040 acres in area, with 600 acres under cultivation of primarily red varietals including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Syrah. Wineries such as Quilceda Creek, DeLille Cellars and Cadence have recently planted their own estate vineyards on the mountain, joining two of Washington’s most prestigious vineyards, Ciel du Cheval and Klipsun.
Red Mountain is arguably Washington ’s most well-defined and distinctive viticultural area. The area has one of the most unusual terriors in the state with the southwest facing slopes documenting warmer temperatures and more sunlight hours than any other part of the Columbia Valley AVA . The nighttime temperatures drop considerably, helping to preserve the acid levels within the grape. During the growing season, daytime temperatures average 90 °F (32 °C) with nighttime temperatures dropping below 50 °F (10 °C). At Benton City, the Yakima river flows past the area and provides a moderating effect on the temperature. Cool air from the north, seeking the lower elevation of the river valley, moves downwards across the hillsides planted with vineyards and helps keep the grapes from being overheated. The constant air movement prevents air from settling in the area and allowing frost to damage the grapes. The AVA has a desert climate with average yearly rainfall of only five inches.
Although small in area, the wines produced in this region have brought Red Mountain world-wide acclaim and are some of the most sought after wines in Washington State. Col Solare winery and estate vineyard recently brought the prestigious Antinori family of Tuscany to Red Mountain, in collaboration with Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. Over a dozen other wineries are also located on Red Mountain.
We strongly recommend a visit to Red Mountain. The wines have a complexity and characteristic that is unique to the area. It is a pleasure to travel through this small area and we are sure that you will be delighted when you have the opportunity to visit.
~information via washingtonwine.org and Goedhart Family winery
