NEW: Washington State's AVA
Exciting news for Washington state and wine lovers everywhere! Washington’s wineries are attracting more and more of the national spotlight. Just recently, Rocky Reach became the State's 20th American Viticultural Area (AVA), which means that it is officially designated a wine grape growing region. There’s a new AVA in Washington! Washington state AVA approvals recognize the quality of grapes grown and wine produced in the region.
ROCKY REACH
The new AVA in Washington, Rocky Reach, is located between Wenatchee and Chelan, and it closely follows the Columbia River. It is an area contained within the larger Columbia Valley, which is famous for its wines and wineries. The total Washington state AVA covers more than 32,000 acres in Rocky Reach and makes up about 25 percent of the area. Currently, there are eight major commercial vineyards that cover 117 of these acres. Located within the greater Columbia Valley, Rocky Reach uniquely covers vineyards that are located at low elevations.
Rocky Reach derives its name from the Rocky Reach reservoir and Rocky Reach Dam, and some historians suggest that the name most likely originated in the late 1800s to describe the rapids within “reach” of the Columbia River.
AVA DESIGNATION
In order to be graded as an AVA, the wine grape growing region must have certain key features that include the region’s soil, geology, climate, and topography. Unlike other areas of the Columbia Valley, Rocky Reach has unique geology that is predominantly granitic bedrock. In addition to the windblown sand and silt, the soil in Rocky Reach also overlies gravel and cobblestones. As far as the topography is concerned, Rocky Reach is located in an area of the Columbia River where the fast-running waters have eroded the landscape, creating a deep canyon. Within these canyons are flat-topped terraces on both sides of the river basin, which make the place ideal for viticulture. Finally, Rocky Reach has a very favorable climate for grape growing. With its low elevation, it has a warm and long growing season.
IMPORTANT MILESTONE
For the state of Washington, approval of the state’s 20th Washington state AVA is an important milestone as it reflects the region's continued growth and vitality of the wine industry. For years, Washington state winegrowers have been pushing for more national recognition for their world-class wines and, finally, it looks like the recent recognition of Rocky Reach as the state’s new AVA in Washington has paid off.
Pacific Rim's vineyards are in the Yakima and Horse Heaven Hills AVAs, both of which are in the greater Columbia Valley AVA. The soil we grow from was shaped by the Missoula Floods and the bedrock is basalt, with wind-blown loess. This combination is perfect to produce a complex Riesling.
Pacific Rim & Company has long recognized the wine potential in the state of Washington, offering many fine wines from the region. Find out what we have known for a long time. Check out our wines and/or call to speak with one of our local experts today at 1-503-863-5454.
Chilling Red Wine Like the Pros
All over North America this summer, the weather has been hot and humid. One way to deal with the summer heat is to cool off by drinking a glass of nice chilled red wine. How cold should wine be to enjoy it? Does it make a difference if it is red or white wine? If you were to speak to five wine connoisseurs and ask at what temperature red wine should be served, you would likely get five different temperatures you should be chilling red wine at. To learn more, read on.
When it comes to red wines, the purists say that this beverage should be served at a temperature a little less than room temperature. Secondly, it is generally agreed that the majority of red wines may benefit from a little time in the fridge before consumption. Place the wine in the refrigerator several hours before you plan to drink it.
CAN YOU CHILL ALL RED WINES?
For the most part, just about all red wines can be slightly cooled between 45-60 degrees Fahrenheit to bring out the best flavor during the hot summer months. If red wine is served warm, it will taste less fruity and bland. But if the red wine is served too cold, it becomes disjointed, and the balance is lost. That does not mean, however, that chilled red wine is a given; there are a few exceptions.
WHICH WINES TASTE BETTER COLD?
In general, chilled red wine can enhance some flavors, while others can become dull. Overall, chilling red wine can bring out the fruity notes, while the tannins (the chemicals that produce bitterness) are shut down. This means that the best red wines to drink cold are the younger and lighter varietals, like Merlot, Syrah, Grenache, or Pinot Noir. The process of chilling red wine results in a refreshing taste that is incredibly easy to drink.
On the other hand, aged or full-bodied wines, like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, or Gamay, are made more flavorful at much lower temperatures.
HOW SHOULD YOU CHILL WINE WITHOUT A THERMOMETER?
Since not everyone is fanatical about temperatures and may not have a thermometer, the best recommendation is to leave the red wine in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours before serving. The wine should be cool but not ice cold.
SHOULD YOU ADD ICE CUBES TO THE WINE TO CHILL IT?
While some people do add ice cubes to chill their wine, this is not recommended. The ice will melt, and the additional water will dilute the wine, thus reducing the flavor and aroma. If you just have to add ice cubes, you should only add a minimal amount and drink the wine before the ice melts into water.
If you are going to be sitting on the deck or your patio on a warm evening, use an ice bucket to keep the red wine chilled.
In summary, wine experts agree that there is no one universal method of chilling red wine. You may have to experiment a bit to find out what temperature you really like for your red wine. As well, you can drink the wine warm; it all depends on your taste buds, the weather, the type of wine, and personal preferences. For questions or advice, call Pacific Rim & Company at 1-503-863-5454, visit us online, or email us at: PacRimInfo@Banfi.com.
How to Hold a Red Wine Glass
For those who drink wine in the company of others or at social gatherings, it is important to know how to hold a wine glass. While in your own home, wine glass etiquette may not matter, but when you are with other wine drinkers, rest assured, how you hold your red wine glass can reveal a lot about you. In general, there is a correct way to drink wine from a glass as it allows you to enjoy the beverage to the fullest extent. To start, how to hold a red wine glass begins at the stem. Even though it may look fragile and precarious, this is the way wine is supposed to be consumed.
HOLDING A WINE GLASS AND TEMPERATURES
Wines are, in general, supposed to be served on the cool side. Red wines need to be just below room temperature. When you hold the wine by the glass bowl rather than the stem, your hands warm up the wine and ruin the experience. Therefore, hold the red wine glass stem using your thumb and index finger. Your other fingers will then naturally support the base of the wine glass. Depending on the size of the wine glass, sometimes you may have to keep the glass steady by holding the stem with your thumb, index, and middle fingers.
WINE GLASS HOLDING AND APPEARANCE
Holding the wine glass by the stem will not only keep the wine at the right temperature but you also won’t leave any fingerprint marks all over the wine glass. This is especially useful knowledge if you are also eating food at the same time. Having oily greasy marks on the wine glass can look tacky and primitive.
CAUTION
It is common to see wine glasses that are not nearly full to the top, and there is a reason for that. Because the wine glass is supposed to be held at the stem, filling the wine glass with to the top can make it quite heavy, and you may have great difficulty holding it with just your fingers. Hence, when at a social function, always ensure that your wine glass is only about a third full; this makes it a lot easier to hold the wine glass with your fingers. In addition, a glass that is less full also makes it easier to swirl the wine without spilling it. Finally, select a wine glass that is lightweight and small to medium size. The larger the glass, the more difficult it becomes to hold it with just your fingers.
CONCLUSION
In the end, if you are drinking wine at home, you can hold the wine glass as you please. But when you drink wine in the presence of company or at a social function, hold the wine glass properly at the stem using your fingers. The key is to limit contact with the wine so that it does not get warm. Unfortunately, there are also stemless wine glasses that are quite popular, and, when faced with this situation, there is no option but to hold the glass bowl. For more tips and advice on wine etiquette, like how to hold a red wine glass, contact Pacific Rim & Company at 1-503-863-5454, check out more of our blog, or email us at PacRimInfo@Banfi.com.
Halloween Wine, Crisp Weather, and Spooky Bottles
Think Halloween is just for the kids? Think again. This crisp weather has as much to offer adults as it does the kids. From the frightful DIY decorations to the delicious wines you can enjoy, this Halloween doesn’t just have to be about the little ones in your life, if you have them. Consider starting your night with a delicious bottle of Halloween wine. Here are a few spooky varieties you may want to consider.
2021 Pacific Rim Wicked Good Red
The first red we ever created after our success in the white wine market, we mean it when we say this wine is truly wicked, and it’s the perfect little complement to your Halloween celebration. Packed with notes of fresh, dark berries, you’re in for a treat as amazing as the Halloween candy you once collected as a kid. The inky darkness as you peer into a bottle of our best Wicked Good Red will have you ready to take the first scary sip. The burst of juiciness you feel on your tongue balanced by fresh acidity will be your reward whether you find yourself in the shadows of a campfire on Halloween or handing out candy every time the doorbell rings.
2020 J Riesling
Searching for a choice that looks like the season? If you’ve ever fallen in love with Halloween wine bottle decorations, this needs to be your next purchase for the season. The gorgeous orange bottle is only the start of this perfect choice for a night of spooky, candy-filled fun, though. With just the right amount of sweetness and complexity, every glass here has aromas of jasmine, pear, and apricot to help brighten the dark Halloween evening up a bit. It’s perfect for spicy Halloween dishes as you enjoy the scariest season of the year.
2018 Ramos Vineyard Gewurztraminer
If intense fall flavors are what define Halloween for you, this is a great choice. Every bottle means intense character notes of lychee and rose petals, as well as a complex spicy flavor you’ll enjoy. Gewurztraminer varieties have long been considered to be the darling of fall, and for good reason. This choice is nothing short of stunning, and you’re certain to love what it brings to your Halloween night.
If you’re ready for the beauty of fall, the spicy excitement of Halloween and the full moon glory your long night will bring, one of these options is certain to be the perfect match! You can even save the bottles to create your own terrifying Halloween wine bottle decorations for next year.
How Long Should Red Wine Breathe?
As you pour a delicious glass of red wine, something nags at the back of your mind. Lifting it to your lips, you suddenly remember. You were supposed to let it breathe before you drank it, right? Not necessarily. Understanding how long to let red wine breathe depends on many different factors, and understanding each of them is key to the best wine-drinking experience. So, wondering how long should red wine breathe? Read on.
How Long Should Red Wine Breathe?
The simple truth is that there’s no universal rule in terms of how long a wine should breathe. Instead, it’s dependent on the type of wine you select. In most cases, red wines tend to need to breathe more than white wines do, but there are some white wines that improve as they’re exposed to the surrounding air. There are a few guidelines you can use to help you decide whether a bit of extra time will help your wine’s flavor profile soften and mellow with a bit of extra time.
Do a bit of research before you open the bottle. Does this type of wine typically need breathing time? If so, how long is recommended?
Always decide whether you think the wine could benefit from a bit of aeration by pouring a small glass immediately after opening. As you drink, note any unpleasant aromas or flavors. Things like rubber or sulfur are a sure sign that you need to let the wine breathe.
Any wine with a high tannin level will benefit from at least a half hour of aeration.
Young Cabernet Sauvignon bottles typically need at least an hour to properly aerate and soften their flavors.
Young Pinot Noir wines need at least 20 minutes per glass to breathe. If you intend to drink more than one glass or you’re serving it with dinner, let it breathe for at least 2 hours.
Aged red wines are far more delicate and can quickly over oxidize. Aerate for no more than fifteen to thirty minutes to avoid losing flavor.
How To Allow Your Wine to Breathe
If you believe your wine needs a bit of extra breathing time, there’s certainly a right way and a wrong way to do it. Just uncorking the bottle and allowing it to sit open simply won’t work. Not enough surface area of the wine is being exposed to the air to actually allow it to breathe. There are, though, two good options. First, you can use a decanter. Pour your bottle of wine into the decanter, then allow it to sit for the recommended period. The second method is to simply pour your wine into your glass and let it sit for as long as recommended. You’ll want to keep your glass in a fairly still place, however, while it breathes.
How long should red wine breathe? While not every bottle of red you open will need to breathe, understanding how long the bottle of red you just bought needs is absolutely essential before you enjoy it. Check out our red wines today!