MERLOT
7,100 acres
2,873 hectares

Washington Merlot, with its cherry flavors and aroma, tends to be more full-bodied, moderately tannic and slightly higher in alcohol than its Bordeaux cousins and higher in acidity than those from California.

Traditionally used in blends, Merlot gained popularity as a stand-alone wine in the early 1970s. It captured center stage as Washington's star varietal almost 15 years after its first commercial release in 1976. Washington Merlot is known for its sweet cherry, berry flavors and complex aromas that include mint, cigar box, and sweet spices like nutmeg and cardamom.

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
6,300 acres
2,550 hectares

The king of the red grapes grows magnificently in Washington. The heady, fruity character of this complex grape develops slowly. In its youth, the wine appears more subtle and restrained than Washington Merlots. Its character can emerge as black currants, cherry, berry, chocolate, leather, mint, herbs, bell pepper or any combination of these. This wine ages beautifully. Frequently, several years of bottle aging are needed for the wine to show its best. Many of the state's vintners employ traditional blending practices, adding Merlot or Cabernet Franc to the wine.

SYRAH
2,000 acres
809 hectares

A relative newcomer to Washington State, acreage for the Syrah grape has increased substantially in the past few years. Syrah is just one of the Rhone varieties sparking new interest in Washington State. A spicy, rich, complex varietal, Syrah grapes turn into big, dark, intensely concentrated wines with aromas and flavors of blackberries, black currants, roasted coffee and leather.

CABERNET FRANC
841 acres
340 hectares

Long considered primarily a blending grape, Cabernet Franc has recently captured the attention of Washington's winemakers who are exploring the grape's unique varietal characteristics. A hardy grape, Cabernet Franc has been of primary value for the sturdy core and firm tannins it adds to softer wines. On its own, it offers delicious, spicy notes with mellow coffee and intense blueberry fruit. Washington vineyard acreage devoted to Cabernet Franc has grown six-fold in the past few years.

LEMBERGER
174 acres
70 hectares

Washington is one of the few places outside Germany to successfully cultivate this grape. Washington Lemberger is made in a range of styles, from fresh, fruity Beaujolais-like wines, to rich, hearty types with full-oak aging.

OTHER REDS

Sangiovese
Grenache
Zinfandel
Nebbiolo
Pinot Noir