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.
White Riesling is a grape variety that originated in France (Alsace). It produces a variety of grape specially used for the elaboration of wine. It is rare to find this grape to eat on our tables. This variety of grape is characterized by small bunches, and small grapes. White Riesling can be found in many vineyards: Alsace, Loire Valley, Languedoc & Roussillon, Lorraine, Provence & Corsica, Rhone Valley, Savoie & Bugey, Beaujolais, South West.
white wines from the region of Washington go well with generally quite well with dishes of pork, game (deer, venison) or shellfish such as recipes of pork cheeks confit in cider, canned duck confit or marinated mussels with maroilles.
