Rattlesnake Hills AVA

Rattlesnake Hills
Wine region
TypeAmerican Viticultural Area
Year established2006[1]
Years of wine industry56[2]
CountryUnited States
Part ofWashington, Columbia Valley AVA, Yakima Valley AVA
Other regions in Washington, Columbia Valley AVA, Yakima Valley AVACandy Mountain AVA, Goose Gap AVA, Red Mountain AVA, Snipes Mountain AVA
Growing season2600-3000 GDD (10-yr avg)[1]
Climate regionRegion II
Precipitation (annual average)6–12 in (152–305 mm)[1]
Soil conditionsWarden Series & composite of Harwood-Burke-Wiehl series silt loams[1]
Total area68,500 acres (107 sq mi)[1]
Size of planted vineyards1,500 acres (607 ha)[3]
No. of vineyards29[3]
Grapes producedCabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Chenin blanc, Gewurztraminer, Grenache, Malbec, Merlot, Mourvèdre, Muscat Canelli, Petite Sirah, Riesling, Semillon, Viognier[3][4]
No. of wineries17[3]
Wine producedVarietal, Dessert wine, Meritage

Rattlesnake Hills is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located in Yakima County, Washington surrounding the Rattlesnake Hills. The appellation is the state's 9th AVA established on March 20, 2006 by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau {TTB), Treasury after reviewing the petition submitted by Mr. Gail Puryear, Bonair Winery owner, along with 10 other vineyard and winery owners in the region proposing the "Rattlesnake Hills" viticultural area. The 68,500 acres (107 sq mi) Rattlesnake Hills AVA boundaries are within the Yakima Valley AVA as both are encompassed by the vast Columbia Valley AVA. Rattlesnake Hills borders the northern boundary of Yakima Valley including land between the north bank of the Sunnyside Canal and the entire southern boundary slopes are between Outlook and the Wapato Dam. The western boundary meanders on an east-west chain of hills north of I-82 passing through the cities of Parker, Donald, Buena and Zillah while just east of the Yakima River. Rattlesnake Hills rises to the highest point in the Yakima Valley with elevations ranging from 850 to 3,085 feet (259–940 m).[5]

Vineyards

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Springtime Pinot Noir grapevines stretch below the Rattlesnake Hills.

Vineyards in Rattlesnake Hills AVA include the Morrison Vineyard, planted in 1968 to Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon for Chateau Ste. Michelle. It is the oldest vineyard in the AVA. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Hyatt Vineyard, Whisky Canyon, Outlook and the Portteus Vineyard were established in Rattlesnake Hills.[2]

Opposition to AVA Proposal

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When an AVA designation for the Rattlesnake Hills was proposed it created controversy among some Washington winemakers and vineyard growers.[6] One of its most notable opponents was grower Dick Boushey of Boushey Vineyards which resides outside of the AVA boundaries. Boushey argued that the area did not have distinctive terroir that would merit an AVA stating "I know of no regional style, specific variety or type of wine that is unique to this proposed area. The granting of this proposal would confuse consumers and undermine the existing Yakima Valley Appellation."[3] However, TTB noted the opposition lacked evidence and found the evidence submitted by the petitioner supported the establishment of the proposed viticultural area.[1]

Rattlesnake Hills Red Wine Blend

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f "Establishment of the Rattlesnake Hills Viticultural Area (2004R–678P)" (27 CFR 9 [T.D. TTB–43; Re: Notice No. 47] RIN: 1513–AA77 Final Rule). Federal Register. 71 (32). Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau {TTB), Treasury: 8206–8211. February 16, 2006. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 18, 2023.Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  2. ^ a b Gregutt, Paul (September 24, 2008). "High expectations for Rattlesnake Hills, Washington's newest AVA" (Food & Drink/Lifestyle). The Seattle Times. Archived from the original on July 2, 2021.
  3. ^ a b c d e Goldberg, Howard G. (March 1, 2006). "New AVA for Washington" (Wine News). Decanter Magazine. Archived from the original on October 3, 2022.
  4. ^ "Rattlesnake Hills (AVA): Appellation Profile". Appellation America. 2007. Archived from the original on October 21, 2015. Retrieved January 30, 2008.
  5. ^ "Rattlesnake Hills AVA". Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail. Yakima Valley. January 7, 2014. Archived from the original (About the AVA) on July 14, 2014.
  6. ^ Dininny, Shannon (February 22, 2006). "New wine grape-growing region recognized". The Seattle Times. Archived from the original on July 2, 2021.
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46°25′34″N 120°17′38″W / 46.42616465°N 120.29392224°W / 46.42616465; -120.29392224

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