Washington State is located in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, immediately north of Oregon. Although the history of the wine industry is relatively Short, Washington's 900-plus wineries and 350-plus independent winemakers, with more than 50,000 acres of vineyards, now produce more wine than any other state except California. Almost all wine production is in the hot, desert-like eastern Part of Washington, although there is some Grape growing and an AVA (Puget Sound) in the cooler, wetter west. White Chardonnay and Riesling grapes, and red Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah grapes are the main varieties grown in Washington, but the region produces quality wines from nearly 70 different grape varieties.
About 58% of the fruit crushed is red grapes. The Cascade mountain range defines the geography of the region by acting as a barrier between the two parts. The mountains create a rain shadow, effectively blocking most of the rainfall. This means that the Columbia River basin to the east only receives about 200 mm of rainfall per year, resulting in a continental Climate.
Carménère is a grape variety of Bordeaux origin. It is the result of a cross between Cabernet Franc and Gros Cabernet. In France, it occupies only about ten hectares, but it is also grown in Chile, Peru, the Andes, California, Italy and Argentina. The leaves of the carmenere are shiny and revolute. Its berries are round and medium-sized. Carménère is susceptible to grey rot, especially in wet autumn. It can also be exposed to the risk of climatic coulure, which is why it is important to grow it on poor soil and in warm areas. Carménère is associated with an average second ripening period. This variety has only one approved clone, 1059. It can be vinified with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It produces a rich, highly coloured wine, which acquires character when combined with other grape varieties.
red wines from the region of Washington go well with generally quite well with dishes of beef, pasta or veal such as recipes of beef bobotie, smoked salmon pasta gratin or flank steak with shallots in red wine sauce.
On the nose in the region of Washington often reveals types of flavors of cherry, oaky or smoke and sometimes also flavors of butter, earthy or blackberry. In the mouth in the region of Washington is a powerful with a nice balance between acidity and tannins.
