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.
Pinot Gris is a grey grape variety mutated from Pinot Noir. It has its origins in Burgundy, where it is called pinot-beurot in reference to the colour of the grey robes worn by the monks of the region. Established in Alsace since the 17th century, pinot gris was called tokay until 2007. It is made up of bunches of small berries that vary in colour from pink to blue-grey. It is particularly well suited to the continental climate because it is resistant to the cold in winter and to spring frosts. This variety also likes dry limestone soils with plenty of sunshine in the summer. Pinot Gris is well suited to late harvesting or to the selection of noble grapes, depending on the year and the concentration of sugars in the berries. Pinot Gris wines are distinguished by their aromatic complexity of white fruits, mushrooms, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, etc., and their great finesse. In the Loire Valley, pinot gris is used in the Coteaux-d'Ancenis appellations. It gives dry or sweet wines with pear and peach aromas.
white wines from the region of Washington go well with generally quite well with dishes of rich fish (salmon, tuna etc), shellfish or sweet desserts such as recipes of baked mackerel, spanish paella or simple pancake batter.
On the nose in the region of Washington often reveals types of flavors of pear, tree fruit or citrus fruit and sometimes also flavors of citrus, peach or honey. In the mouth in the region of Washington is a powerful with a nice freshness.
