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The Burn of Columbia Valley AVA is situated within the larger Columbia Valley AVA, to the west of the Horse Heaven Hills AVA, in south-central Washington. Established in 2021, this AVA of the United States spans 16,870 acres and is distinguished by its unique environmental conditions that significantly influence viticulture in the region.
The climate in The Burn AVA is characterized by warm temperatures with an average of 2763 Growing Degree Days (GDD) annually. Despite this, the area benefits from persistent winds from the Columbia Gorge, which help moderate temperatures and extend the growing season. These winds delay heat accumulation, allowing for a gradual ripening process that is key for developing complex flavors in the grapes. The region receives an average of 8.76 inches of precipitation annually, slightly higher than other parts of the Columbia Valley, necessitating supplemental irrigation for optimal vine health.
The soils in The Burn AVA are predominantly fine sand, silt, and sandy loam. Fine sand offers excellent drainage, preventing waterlogging and promoting deep root growth. Silt soils retain moisture well, providing a consistent water supply to the vines. Sandy loam, which combines the properties of sand, silt, and clay, offers a balanced environment with good drainage and nutrient retention, ideal for viticulture.
The primary grape varieties grown in The Burn AVA are Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Malbec, and Chardonnay. These varieties thrive in the region's warm climate and diverse soil conditions, contributing to the production of high-quality wines with distinctive characteristics.
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GROWING DEGREE DAYS
The Burn of Columbia Valley AVA, located in south-central Washington state, is renowned for its distinct and picturesque landscape. Established in 2021, this AVA spans 16,870 acres and is situated to the west of the Horse Heaven Hills, with the Columbia River forming a natural border. The region is characterized by its unique topography and scenic beauty, making it a prominent area for viticulture.
The terrain of The Burn of Columbia Valley AVA is defined by a series of southeast-facing benches that rise above the Columbia River. These benches, which range in elevation from 270 to 1,780 feet above sea level, create a tiered effect that contributes to varied microclimates within the AVA. The gentle slope of just over 7% facilitates excellent air drainage, reducing the risk of frost and making the area ideal for grape growing.
One of the most notable features of The Burn's landscape is its series of vineyard benches. Each bench offers unique growing conditions, with the first bench located closest to the Columbia River and the higher benches, such as the Old Highway 8 Vineyard on the fourth bench, providing different environments for vine cultivation. This variation allows for diverse vineyard management practices and enhances the quality of the grapes produced in the region.
The Columbia River not only forms a natural boundary but also significantly influences the local microclimate. It helps to moderate temperatures, reducing extreme weather variations and providing a stable environment for viticulture. This natural feature, along with the region's elevation, protects the vineyards from early and late season frosts, which can be detrimental to grape growth in other areas.
The Burn's landscape is visually striking, with its series of benches creating a dramatic backdrop of rolling hills and lush vineyards. The scenic beauty is further enhanced by the presence of the Columbia River and the surrounding natural features, making the AVA a picturesque location for wine production. This aesthetic appeal not only adds to the charm of the region but also attracts visitors and wine enthusiasts.
The landscape of The Burn of Columbia Valley AVA is distinguished by its southeast-facing benches, the moderating influence of the Columbia River, and its overall scenic beauty.
The Burn of Columbia Valley AVA is known for its unique climatic conditions that influence viticulture in the region. The climate of this AVA is defined by several key characteristics, including temperature, growing degree days, precipitation, and wind patterns.
The Burn of Columbia Valley AVA is considered one of the warmer regions in the Columbia Valley. The area accumulates an average of 2,763 Growing Degree Days (GDD) annually, with a range from 2,405 to 3,249 GDD. This relatively high heat accumulation supports the cultivation of grape varieties that require more heat, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Despite being a warm appellation, the persistent winds from the Columbia Gorge delay heat accumulation, resulting in an extended growing season. This allows grapes to develop complex flavors and maintain excellent acidity.
The Burn receives an average annual precipitation of 8.76 inches, which is slightly higher than other regions in the Columbia Valley. This moderate level of rainfall, combined with the region's soil characteristics, helps maintain adequate moisture levels for the vines, reducing the need for extensive irrigation.
One of the defining climatic features of The Burn is the persistent wind from the Columbia Gorge. These winds play a crucial role in moderating temperatures and extending the growing season. The wind also reduces the size of the grapevine canopy and berries, contributing to the unique viticultural conditions of the AVA. This consistent wind pattern helps protect the vines from extreme heat and cold, making the region appear cooler than it actually is.
The Burn of Columbia Valley AVA is characterized by its unique and varied soil composition. These soils are characterized by its high content of organic matter, which allows the grapevines to obtain a higher amount of essential nutrints.
The Burn of Columbia Valley AVA, located in the Washington state , is recognized for its unique terroir and climatic conditions. This AVA, established in 2021, spans 16,870 acres and features vineyards primarily planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Malbec, and Chardonnay. The region's moderate elevation and proximity to the Columbia River create a distinctive environment that supports the cultivation of these grape varieties.
Chardonnay: Chardonnay is the primary white grape variety planted in The Burn of Columbia Valley AVA. This grape requires a moderate climate with warm days and cool nights to achieve the best growth and ripening conditions. The region's elevation and proximity to the Columbia River provide these temperature variations. Chardonnay vines thrive in the AVA's silty loam soils, which offer good drainage and adequate water retention. The slightly higher precipitation levels in The Burn help maintain soil moisture, ensuring consistent vine health throughout the growing season.
The unique climatic and soil conditions of The Burn of Columbia Valley AVA make it an ideal location for cultivating a variety of grape types.
The Burn of Columbia Valley AVA is slowly getting more recognizement for its high-quality wines, primarily crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Malbec, and Chardonnay grapes.
Chardonnay: Chardonnay wines from The Burn are celebrated for their bright and refreshing characteristics. They typically display aromas of green apple, pear, and citrus, with subtle hints of honeysuckle and minerality. The palate is well-balanced, featuring crisp flavors of apple, lemon, and tropical fruits, enhanced by notes of vanilla and butter from oak fermentation. These wines often have a vibrant acidity and a clean, elegant finish.
The wines of The Burn of Columbia Valley AVA reflect the unique terroir of the region, offering unique sensory experiences.
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