Types Of Red Wine Grown In Washington

Looking for a top-tier local wine made right here in Washington State? We’ve got you covered! 

Washington is the second-largest wine producer in the nation behind California, and the unique, high-altitude, arid climate makes for some gorgeous wines. Here are some of the most popular types of red wine made in the state and, of course, how you can pair them.

Red wines grown and produced in WA state

Syrah

Syrah varieties have done extremely well here in Washington state, thanks to their hardiness and ability to withstand great temperature fluctuation. Temperatures in Eastern Washington can fluctuate up to 45 degrees in a single day during late and early summer, which in turn adds a slightly acidic and fruity taste to the grapes. 

Syrah wines are typically smoky and rich, and Washington’s unique high-altitude, arid environment adds an extra earthiness to this fantastic wine, plus aromas of dark berries like blackberries, blueberries and even dark cherry. 

Pair your bottle of Washington Syrah with a Portobello mushroom burger, some dark chocolate, a cheese board or some BBQ pork ribs to really let this wine shine.  

Cabernet Sauvignon

Good old Cab Sav. It’s in nearly all red wine blends and is a strong wine on its own too, given that it's one of the most popular wine grapes grown here in Washington — over 29%, actually!

Cabernet Sauvignon is an old world wine, meaning that it's made by processes started in the “Old World” (Europe) rather than the “New World” (the Americas and Africa) or the “Ancient World” (the Eastern Mediterranean). Essentially, the different “worlds'' are where different wine making traditions started. There are a few differences in flavor between the many regions, too, but much of that also is due to the climates of the region, as well as the processing techniques. 

In terms of Washington’s Cabernet Sauvignon, it means that Old World techniques are being used on a New World grape. The grapes grown here have more sweetness and acidity than grapes grown in Europe, but they are still processed in the old ways. How cool!

Malbec

Speaking of different worlds, Malbec grapes originated in the high-altitude regions of Argentina, a region that shares more than a few similar characteristics with Eastern Washington. These grapes love dry summer weather with plenty of spring snowmelt, both of which contribute to the grapes’ fruitiness and acidity. The high-altitude temperatures keep the wines from getting as sweet as coastal Californian wines, so the final product is an incredibly complex wine that’s fruity, acidic, rich and well-rounded. 

Many Walla Walla wines have Malbec grapes in them, so grab a bottle and pair this rich wine with red meats like pork, steak, lamb and game meat for a perfect wine pairing!

Merlot

Merlot is what skyrocketed Washington State onto the world wine stage back in the 1980s. Back then, the state was known to have produced some pretty nice white wines, but the explosion of earthy Merlots that were not quite as sweet as their Californian counterparts were a huge hit. 

Merlots are dense wines with high acidity and a full body, and the Washington climate adds a distinct velvety flavor with notes of plum, chocolate and blackberry. 

The Columbia River Valley has some excellent Merlots, so find a local bottle and pair it with beef, lamb, veal or bacon for a delicious, smooth wine pairing.

Petit Verdot

This lesser-known wine was the state’s most expensive grape in 2018, proving that even Washington’s less-popular varieties are still a hit in the industry. 

Petit Verdot wines have notes of black fruit and cocoa powder, making them perfect grapes to add to red blends and the occasional standalone wine. They pair well with mushrooms, kidney beans, truffles, olives and eggplants — a more unusual food pairing than the state’s other red wines have.

The Snake River Valley in southeast Washington is known to produce exceptional harvests of this wine, so keep an eye out for bottles from Walla Walla, the Columbia River Valley and any northeast Oregon regions.

Red blends

With so many great red grapes thriving here in Washington, it of course makes sense for some great red blends to emerge from the state’s wineries and vineyards. 

Washington red blends pull from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec — a combination best known as a Bordeaux Blend, referencing the grapes grown and processed in the Bordeaux region of France. Since these grapes grow well here, too, these French-inspired blends are popular in Washington’s wine industry.

So, next time you’re looking to stock up on some local varieties, host a dinner party or just get to know more about the wines that make Washington a viticulture powerhouse, head for some of these wines and know that you’re getting some of the best of the best! Our luxury Seattle apartments aren’t too far from some of the state’s best wineries, either, so make a visit sometime and see the magic up close!

Cheers!

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