Red Mountain AVA: Washington State's Premier Wine Region

Snuggled into the heart of Washington State's wine country lies a vinous gem that has quietly emerged as one of the premier wine regions in the United States. Red Mountain AVA, with its rich history and exceptional terroir, has captured the attention of wine enthusiasts and critics alike, earning a reputation for producing world-class wines.

First, let’s get some basic facts out of the way: 

Size: 4,040 acres

Estimated vineyard acreage: 2,700 acres

Elevation: From 540 feet to 1,400 feet

First planted: 1975

Major varietals grown: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot

Average yield: 3.2 tons per acre

Within the context of Washington wine, there’s a lot more to Red Mountain than just these figures, including an intriguing history.

A Brief History of Red Mountain AVA

Red Mountain is a relatively new player in the fine wine scene, with its roots tracing back to the early 1970s. The first pioneers to the region, John Williams and Jim Holmes, stumbled upon this pristine land in 1972. What they found was a gently sloping hillside covered in sagebrush, untouched by civilization. Inspired by the wine grape research conducted by Dr. Walter Clore at the WSU agricultural station in Prosser, Williams and Holmes planted the first ten acres of vineyard in 1975. Little did they know, their efforts would set in motion a series of events that would lead to the establishment of Red Mountain as a premier wine region.

The Ascendence of Red Mountain Wines

The first wines produced on Red Mountain were exceptional, quickly garnering attention and acclaim. As the reputation of Red Mountain grew, so did the vineyard expansion. By 1980, the first Red Mountain winery was bonded, marking a significant milestone in the region's history. More people began to purchase land and plant vineyards, recognizing the superior quality of Red Mountain grapes and the potential for producing world-class wines. In 2001, Red Mountain achieved AVA status, solidifying its place among the top wine regions in the world. Don’t forget that when you go to order wine online. 

The Terroir of Red Mountain AVA 

What sets Red Mountain apart from other wine regions is its unique terroir, shaped by natural forces over thousands of years. The region was formed by the repeated ice-age flooding of Glacial Lake Missoula over 10,000 years ago, which redesigned the landscape and deposited nutrient-rich topsoil over sand, silt, and gravel. This unique terroir gives Red Mountain wines their exceptional color, strength, and richness, with a remarkable balance of fruit, acidity, and tannin. These are characteristics to seek out when you buy wine online.

The Five Pillars of Red Mountain

Red Mountain's terroir is characterized by five essential factors, which the Red Mountain AVA Alliance calls The Five Pillars. Each contributes to the region's exceptional wine quality:

Soil: The sedimentary soils deposited by the Missoula floods are high in alkalinity and calcium carbonate, allowing vines to form a well-established root system.

Slope: The southwest slope of Red Mountain provides ideal sunlight exposure and warmth, resulting in ripe tannins.

Precipitation: The Cascade Mountain rain shadow creates a desert climate with low rainfall and almost no precipitation during the growing season, reducing mold and mildew pressure.

Wind: Prevailing winds from the Southwest keep grape clusters small and concentrate flavors, while autumn winds prevent frost damage.

Temperature: Red Mountain experiences significant temperature swings during the growing season, with daytime temperatures averaging 90°F and nighttime temperatures dropping below 50°F. This diurnal temperature variation helps retain acidity levels, contributing to the exceptional balance found in Red Mountain grapes.

In the final analysis, Red Mountain AVA has emerged as a world-class wine region, thanks to its unique terroir, dedicated pioneers, and exceptional wines. As the region continues to grow and evolve, it remains a shining example of Washington State's prowess in the world of fine wine. The best wine store USA has a full range of Washington wines.