NVL wine
Photo Courtesy of Gramercy Estate
DEEP DIVE INTO THE DISTINCT TERROIR Walla Walla Valley produces incredible wines from the distinct terroir. “Vineyard location, slope, and aspect all vary from vineyard to vineyard, but one thing that impacts all vineyards in Walla Walla and helps make this such a special growing region in the diurnal shift,” said Jordan Dunn-Small, General Manager and Co-Owner of Woodward Canyon Winery. “Diurnal shift is the difference between average daytime highs and nighttime lows during the growing season. In Walla Walla, we see a significant temperature swing from the highs of the days to the lows of the nights. The heat helps ripen the grapes, but the cool evenings preserve natural acidity to help make balanced wines.” With seven to 22 inches of rainfall across the appellation and between 400-2,000 feet elevation, the terroir is a patchwork of microclimates and soil categories. The region’s proximity to the Columbia River on the west and the Blue Mountains on the east offer both a cooling influence and varied elevation. During the growing season, average temperatures range between 60° and 66° Fahrenheit. This lower-heat temperature combined with excellent sun exposure is what allows for such balanced expressions of Bordeaux and Rhône varietals. The bright sun brings ripeness, but the cool temperatures bring balance, freshness, and bright acidity. In the valleys, well-draining, cobblestone river gravels line the vineyards; dark basalt stones retain heat and offer it to the vines, crafting bold and ripe fruit. Loess—a fine, wind-blown silt over sand 64
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Photo Courtesy of Gramercy Estate
and gravel—sits at the appellation's midlevel elevation sites. A vestige of former flood plains, the resulting soil is rich in minerals and gives the local wines a nice complexity. For vineyards sitting above 1,100-feet elevation, ten-foot-deep silt soils give way to deep vine roots and very pure grapes. At the highest levels of elevation, thin silt is layered over weathered basalt and ancient volcanic bedrock on steep hillsides; the characteristics of these rocky vineyard sites produce wines with earthladen flavors and deep minerality.
WINERIES TO KNOW & WHERE TO VISIT Breathtaking views of rugged mountains and sweeping vineyards across the valley floor draw tourists to this tranquil wine country every year. Walla Walla Valley is one of the Pacific Northwest’s best-kept secrets for wine enthusiasts. As a wine-growing region and agricultural haven, the bounty of great wines and delicious food makes this destination ideal for those looking to unwind, wine, and dine.
Leonetti Cellar For a historical look at Walla Walla Valley, travelers will want to know Leonetti Cellar. Established in 1997, Leonetti Cellar was founded by Gary and Nancy Figgins and was the region’s first commercial winery. Since its inception, the estate has undoubtedly put Walla Walla wines in the spotlight. The winery is now under the direction of winemaker Chris Figgins, son of Gary and Nancy, and the family’s name dates to more than a century in the Walla Walla Valley. While the estate is a mailing-list-only winery and does
not offer public tastings, the rich history and incredible quality of their wines make Leonetti Cellar important to know for those looking to get to know Walla Walla Valley. // www.leonetticellar.com
L’ecole N° 41 Another historic site is L’Ecole N° 41, a thirdgeneration, family-owned estate. Their tasting room is a restored 1915 original schoolhouse and offers a slice of Walla Walla history. Marty Clubb, L’Ecole N° 41’s managing winemaker and co-owner, was another one of the early wine pioneers in Walla Walla Valley. Their indoor and outdoor wine tastings include Bordeaux varietals from their current releases, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Located off highway 12, the agricultural site offers broad valley views and a breath of fresh air. // www.lecole.com
Gramercy Cellars Downtown Walla Walla tasting rooms make grabbing a flight and lunch convenient, and one of the region’s most well-known producers has set up shop here. Gramercy Cellars has earned high accolades for their beautiful collection of wines, namely their excellent Syrah—which happens to be one of the region’s most premium varietals. “For Syrah and Rhone varieties especially, we look for higher altitude vineyards, with 1,500 feet being ideal. At this level, we seem to achieve both phenolic and physical maturity at close to the same time,” said Brandon Moss, co-winemaker of Gramercy Cellars. At the tasting room, open Tuesday through Saturday by appointment only, guests can enjoy a flight of five to six wines and learn about what makes Walla Walla wine so sought after. // www.gramercycellars.com