Red Mountain

Includes the land surrounding Red Mountain in Benton County, Washington (Located between Benton City and Richland)
Located on the eastern edge of the Yakima Valley, facing Southwest near the Yakima River
Part of the Yakima Valley AVA, which is part of the larger Columbia Valley AVA
Primary grape varieties planted include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Sangiovese, Malbec, and Petit Verdot
The vineyards in this appellation produce grapes for some of the most sought after wines in Washington State and given this region worldwide acclaim
The red color in the name comes from the dark red springtime hue of the drooping brome or “cheatgrass” in the area
The soil in the area is very gravelly, with high alkalinity (high pH) and calcium carbonate content
These low fertile soils limit vigor and yield with the berry sizes are up to 60% smaller than what is normal for the variety
This results in powerful tannic red wines with concentrated fruit flavors (but more structured than fruit driven compared to the rest of the state)
Very unusual terroirs with the southwest facing slopes documenting warmer temperatures and more sunlight hours than any other part of the Columbia Valley AVA
The desert climate has an average yearly rainfall of five inches
During the growing season, daytime temperatures average 90 °F (32 °C) with nighttime temperatures dropping below 50 °F (10 °C)
This nighttime temperature drop helps to preserve the acid levels within the grape