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Red Mountain AVA – one of the most prestigious and highly regarded wine appellations in Washington State, USA, located in the southeastern part of the state within the Columbia River Valley. Despite its name, Red Mountain is not a mountain but a sun-drenched, gently sloping hillside known for producing intensely concentrated, structured, and long-lived red wines.
The appellation was officially established in 2001, though vineyards were first planted here in the 1970s. Today, Red Mountain is considered the premier source of Cabernet Sauvignon in North America – many of Washington’s most renowned producers source grapes from this region for their flagship cuvées.
The climate is dry and hot – Red Mountain is one of the driest viticultural areas in the U.S., with only around 150 mm of rainfall per year. Long, sunny days and cool nighttime breezes from the Columbia River create a perfect diurnal balance, allowing grapes to achieve full phenolic ripeness while maintaining acidity and aromatic precision.
The soils are a unique mix of sand, clay, gravel, and volcanic sediments, formed by ancient glacial floods. These well-drained, mineral-rich layers give Red Mountain wines their hallmark depth, structure, and pronounced minerality.
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The main grape varieties grown here are ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’, ‘Merlot’, ‘Cabernet Franc’, ‘Syrah’, and ‘Petit Verdot’. Blends from these grapes produce powerful yet elegant red wines of great intensity and balance.
Red Mountain wines are characterized by their deep color, concentrated aromas of blackcurrant, plum, and dark cherry, complemented by notes of tobacco, cedar, graphite, and subtle herbs. On the palate, they are full-bodied and firm, with polished tannins and long, spicy finishes.
The region is also recognized for its commitment to sustainability and precision viticulture – due to minimal rainfall, all vineyards rely on controlled irrigation systems, and many are certified as Sustainable.
Today, Red Mountain AVA covers just 1,800 hectares of vineyards, yet its wines are considered the benchmark of Washington winemaking, combining the richness of the New World with the finesse and precision of the Old World.
