Sean P. Sullivan - Washington Wine Report

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In tough times, we continue the search for good, inexpensive wines.

Earlier this week the Washington Wine Commission released the findings of an economic impact study on the Washington wine industry. The numbers are impressive, a clear sign of the industry’s rapid growth and its subsequent effect on the regional and national economy.

The overall economic impact of the Washington wine industry is $8.6B annually in state, $14.9B nationally. The industry creates 27,000 jobs in Washington, $1.2B in wages, and $238M in taxes. There are 2.4M tourist visits annually with $1.1B in associated spending. All of these numbers were up significantly from 2007, the last time such a study was undertaken.

Seattleites, tune in to 1150AM KKNW today 8-9am when I'll be on Table Talk Radio talking about rosé.

Now that spring is not only officially here but there is warm weather to prove it, it’s time to turn our attention to rosé.

Rosé comes in just about every shade and color. It is also made from just about every red grape being produced in Washington – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre. You name it.

Some are a blend of grapes and some are varietally labeled wines. Most are fermented and aged in stainless steel, but I have had a few that were fermented and aged in non-neutral barrels (!). They can be dry, off dry, or even semi-sweet and, as is usually the case, there is no way to tell unless the bottle is labeled as such unfortunately.

Seattleites, tune in to 1150AM KKNW this Wednesday 8-9am when I'll be on Table Talk Radio.

This month's Virtual Tasting is tonight! The wine will be the 2009 Charles Smith Wines Chateau Smith Cabernet Sauvignon (Note that some readers have told me they have seen the 2010 on the shelves, so feel free to pick that up instead). This wine retails for $20 and is widely available. The tasting will take place from 7-8pm Pacific.

What you need to do to participate is:

1. Buy this month’s wine from a local retailer or from the winery.

2. Tweet your comments about the wine on Twitter between 7 and 8pm Pacific using the hashtag #charlessmith. For those on Twitter, follow me @wawinereport.

Join us!

This month's Virtual Tasting will take place Tuesday at 7pm Pacific. Read about how to participate here.

A round-up of stories on Washington wine from April 15^thto 21^st. Read previous round-ups here.

From around the country…

No love this week.

From the blogosphere…

Table Talk profiles Brian Carter of Brian Carter Cellars.

Nectar Tasting Room and Wine Blog writes about four Nectar wineries joining the Spokane Wine Association.

Wine and Beer of Washington State reviews the Sexy Syrah event. They also write about Passport to Woodinville and a day at Vin du Lac.

Today, just a few pictures from the Walla Walla Valley. Several areas are reporting bud break and more expect to see it soon, with the timing closer to average compared to the last two years. No reports of any winter damage this year, and all fingers are crossed for a more 'normal' growing season. Click on the pictures for larger images.

A round-up of stories on Washington wine from April 8th to 14th 2012. Read previous round-ups here.

From around the country…

Las Vegas Review-Journal writes about Covey Run Riesling.

Fox Business says forget pairing wine and chocolate; drink chocolate wine.

From the blogosphere…

Jameson Fink writes about tasting 58 Washington Syrahs.

Today’s Fresh Sheet – new and recent releases – includes wines from Fielding Hills, Seven Hills, Sweet Valley, Vin du Lac, and Walla Walla Vintners.

Washington and Oregon share hundreds of miles of border. They are the second and fourth leading wine producing states in the nation and together have well over 1,000 wineries between them. Yet the two areas could not seem more different, almost as if there were an invisible divide between them.

Let’s start with a simple lay of the land and physical appearance. It can be summed up quite simply. Oregon wine country is green; Washington wine country is not.

A round-up of stories on Washington wine from April 1st to 7th 2012. Read previous round-ups here.

From around the country…

The Republic writes about ciders at Taste Washington.

D Magazine recommends wines from Spring Valley Vineyard.

From the blogosphere…

Writing for Foodista, Jameson Fink writes about five roses at Taste Washington.

This month's Virtual Tasting will take place on Tuesday April 24th. The wine will be the 2009 Charles Smith Wines Chateau Smith Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine retails for $20 and is widely available. The tasting will take place from 7-8pm Pacific.

What you need to do to participate is:

1. Buy this month’s wine from a local retailer or from the winery.

2. Tweet your comments about the wine on Twitter between 7 and 8pm Pacific using the hashtag #charlessmith. For those on Twitter, follow me @wawinereport.

Today, just a picture of bud break on a Nebbiolo vine at Windrow Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley courtesy of Jan Roskelley of Tero Estates. Click on the picture for a larger image.

Let the 2012 growing season begin!

In the middle of the Yakima Valley appellation lies Snipes Mountain. Snipes is unique in terms of Washington AVAs in that the vast majority of it is encompassed by a single site – Upland Vineyard – with a small section of the appellation stretching across Interstate 82 to Harrison Hill.

Less of a mountain and more a part of the Yakima fold belt, like a number of other eastern Washington growing regions, Upland has elevations ranging from 750 to 1,300 feet and slopes facing in all four cardinal directions.

Today’s Fresh Sheet – new and recent releases – includes wines from Betz Family Winery, EFESTĒ, Angel Vine, Auclair Winery, Wines of Substance, and Tamarack Cellars.

A round-up of stories on Washington wine from March 22^nd to 31^st. Read previous round-ups here.

Buckle your seatbelts. This week's round-up is a long one.

From around the country…

The Anchorage Daily News writes about Eye of the Needle’s Little Italy.

The Washington post writes about Taste Washington expanding to two days.

The Cape Gazette writes that women deserve all the credit as wine pioneers.

Wines & Vines writes that the sale of Cave B has been deferred. They also write about landowners envisioning Walla Walla Valley vineyards.

Well folks, Taste Washington weekend 2012 is a wrap.

I thought it was a particularly great event this year. I have to admit that I had some concerns about the move to a two-day format for the Grand Tasting. Would it be too taxing on the wineries and restaurants? Would there be enough consumer support?

The weekend proved these concerns unwarranted. Based on an informal survey of a number of participants, there seemed to be resounding support for the change. Many winery representatives I spoke with gave a consistent description – “less frenzied” – and noted that they were better able to talk with attendees about their wines. While some noted that they might be inclined to have additional help for the event next year, most seemed to enjoy the slightly shortened day and the opportunity to enjoy Seattle Saturday evening.

Below is a summary of posts for March 2012.

March is Washington Wine Month!

Washington Wine Roundup February 22nd to 29th 2012

Washington State Wine 2012 Tour Guide released

Wine Country Porn from Napa Valley

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Editor

Sean P. Sullivan is the editor of Washington Wine Report and a contributing editor at Wine Enthusiast magazine, covering Washington and Idaho. He has been writing about and reviewing Washington wine since 2005.

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Editor - Sean P. Sullivan

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Washington Wine Report is an independent publication focused on bringing Washington wine to you and bringing you to Washington wine. My goal is: to help you select Pacific Northwest wines at a variety of price levels; to keep you up-to-date about the Northwest’s wineries, vineyards, and individuals; to help you plan trips to wine country; and to connect you to the larger wine community.

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