Discover the Delicious Dutch Delight: Stroopwaffle Episode at Cultura Winery
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Rattlesnake Hills AVA: A Closer Look
- Location and Background
- Viticultural Area and Appellation
- Grapes Grown in Rattlesnake Hills AVA
- Cultura Wines: A Hidden Gem in Rattlesnake Hills
- The Fueled Family Legacy
- A Small Winery with Big Ambitions
- Exclusive Focus on Red Wines
- Tasting the Exquisite Reds of Cultura Wines
- The Cultural Merlot: A Washington State Icon
- The Koltura K Rosé: A French-Style Blend
- Exploring the Cabernet Franc: Cultura's Specialty
- Cultura Chronos: A Bordeaux-Style Blend
- Koltura Estate Zinfandel: A Unique Offering
- The Unforgettable Experience at Cultura Wines
- Conclusion
Introduction
Welcome to Rattlesnake Hills AVA, a picturesque wine region nestled within the larger Yakima Valley AVA and Columbia Valley AVA in Washington. In this article, we will explore Cultura Wines, a hidden gem that stands out in the Rattlesnake Hills. Join us as we take a closer look at the AVA, Delve into the story behind Cultura Wines, and savor the exquisite red wines they offer.
Rattlesnake Hills AVA: A Closer Look
Location and Background
The Rattlesnake Hills AVA is located in Yakima County, Washington. It is entirely contained within the larger Yakima Valley AVA and Columbia Valley AVA. With elevations ranging from 850 feet to 3085 feet, this AVA boasts the highest point in the Yakima Valley. Its unique geography and climate make it an ideal region for grape cultivation.
Viticultural Area and Appellation
On March 20, 2006, the Rattlesnake Hills AVA was awarded an appellation status, making it Washington's ninth federally recognized American Viticultural Area. The city of Zillah serves as the central hub of this AVA, which is known for its diverse range of grape varietals.
Grapes Grown in Rattlesnake Hills AVA
The Rattlesnake Hills AVA is home to a wide variety of grape varietals. Some of the commonly grown grapes in this region include Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Grenache, Malbec, Merlot, Mourvèdre, Muscat Canelli, Petite Sirah, Riesling, Semillon, and Viognier. The AVA's unique terroir lends distinctive characteristics to the wines produced here.
Cultura Wines: A Hidden Gem in Rattlesnake Hills
The Fueled Family Legacy
Cultura Wines is a small winery located in Rattlesnake Hills AVA. Its owners, Pat and Sarah Fuel, have deep roots in the Yakima Valley. Sarah's great grandfather played a significant role in the family-owned pear Orchard, which has been a part of their heritage for over a century. Meanwhile, Tad grew up working on his family's orchards in Zillah, Washington. With their combined passion and expertise, the couple embarked on a winemaking Journey.
A Small Winery with Big Ambitions
Cultura Wines stands out for its dedication to quality and focus on red wines. Unlike many wineries that aim for large-Scale production, Cultura Wines embraces its small and focused approach. With an annual production of around a thousand cases or less, they strive to Create wines that truly showcase the unique characteristics of the Rattlesnake Hills AVA.
Exclusive Focus on Red Wines
At Cultura Wines, red wines take center stage. Their commitment to excellence shines through in every bottle of red they produce. If You're a red wine enthusiast, Cultura Wines should be at the top of your list for wineries to visit in the Rattlesnake Hills AVA. Their passion and expertise result in remarkable red wines that are sure to impress.
Tasting the Exquisite Reds of Cultura Wines
When visiting Cultura Wines, prepare to embark on a sensory journey filled with extraordinary red wines. Here are some of the standout wines you can expect to taste:
The Cultural Merlot: A Washington State Icon
Merlot played a pivotal role in putting the Washington State wine industry on the map. Cultura's Cultural Merlot, with its deep garnet color and notes of cherry, floral aromas, and wet slate, pays homage to the excellence of Washington State Merlot. This is a bold and concentrated Merlot that showcases the best of what the Rattlesnake Hills AVA has to offer.
The Koltura K Rosé: A French-Style Blend
The Koltura K Rosé is a blend of 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Franc sourced from prestigious vineyards in the AVA. Crafted in the regional French-style, this Rosé is rich, luscious, and incredibly concentrated. Its flavor profile is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Exploring the Cabernet Franc: Cultura's Specialty
Cultura Wines takes great pride in their Cabernet Franc, a varietal that often surprises wine enthusiasts. As Cabernet Franc may be less familiar to many, they offer guests the opportunity to discover the unique qualities of this grape. The hot and dry climate of the Rattlesnake Hills AVA imparts distinctive characteristics to the Cabernet Franc grapes, resulting in wines that are rich, complex, and truly enjoyable.
Cultura Chronos: A Bordeaux-Style Blend
Cultura Chronos is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 35% Cabernet Franc. This wine exemplifies the traditional Bordeaux style, and the grapes are sourced from three vineyards in the AVA. With a medley of dark fruits, Hints of cherry, blueberry, black currant, and a touch of black pepper, this wine offers a symphony of flavors that wine enthusiasts will appreciate.
Koltura Estate Zinfandel: A Unique Offering
Cultura's Koltura Estate Zinfandel is a true standout in the lineup. This 100% Zinfandel wine comes from their family estate vineyard, planted on a steep and terraced hillside. With meticulous Attention to Detail throughout the winemaking process, this Zinfandel showcases the rich red fruit flavors with hints of citrus, peppercorn, and allspice. It is a truly remarkable wine that demonstrates the exceptional quality that can be achieved in the Rattlesnake Hills AVA.
The Unforgettable Experience at Cultura Wines
Visiting Cultura Wines is not just about tasting exceptional wines; it's about immersing yourself in a unique and unforgettable experience. From the warm hospitality of the owners to the stunning outdoor garden where tastings take place, every detail is designed to create a Memorable visit. Cultura Wines is a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts looking for a special and intimate winery experience in the Rattlesnake Hills AVA.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cultura Wines stands as a testament to the exceptional quality of wine produced in the Rattlesnake Hills AVA. With a focus on red wines and a commitment to craftsmanship, this small winery offers an unforgettable tasting experience. Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or simply looking to explore the world of red wines, Cultura Wines will leave a lasting impression. Plan your visit to this hidden gem and discover the delights that await in the heart of the Rattlesnake Hills AVA.
