Candy Mountain AVA

🔍 Quick Summary

Candy Mountain AVA, Washington’s smallest and one of its youngest wine regions, is gaining acclaim for producing bold, structured red wines that rival those from its esteemed neighbor, Red Mountain.

🔊 Pronunciation: kan-dee moun-tin

📜 History

Established in 2020, Candy Mountain AVA is a rising star in Washington's wine landscape.

  • Small but Mighty: At 815 acres, it's the smallest AVA in Washington.

  • Recent Recognition: Formally recognized as an AVA in September 2020.

  • Geological Significance: Part of the Yakima Fold Belt, contributing to its unique terroir.

  • Early Plantings: First vineyards established in the late 1990s, with significant expansion in recent years.

🧠 What to Know

Candy Mountain AVA is characterized by its distinctive terroir and promising viticultural potential.

  1. Southwest-Facing Slopes: Vineyards benefit from optimal sun exposure, enhancing grape ripening.

  2. Well-Drained Soils: Composed of loess and windblown silt over basalt bedrock, promoting vine health.

  3. Elevated Terrain: Ranging from 640 to 1,360 feet, providing excellent air drainage and frost protection.

  4. Limited Rainfall: Receives about 5 inches annually, reducing disease pressure and allowing controlled irrigation.

  5. High-Quality Reds: Known for producing concentrated, age-worthy red wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon.

  6. Famous vineyards:

    • Candy Mountain Vineyard: A 50-acre vineyard known for its premium Cabernet Sauvignon.

    • Kitzke Cellars: Family-owned winery producing estate-grown Bordeaux-style blends.

📍 Where It’s Found

🇺🇸 Candy Mountain AVA – Located in Benton County, Washington, approximately 4 miles southeast of Red Mountain.

⬆️ Elevation: 640–1,360 ft / 195–415 m

🌞 Hot Semi-Arid Climate (75–95°F / 24–35°C) – Warm days and cool nights contribute to balanced acidity and ripe tannins.

🌡️ Historical Temperature Summary: 75–95°F (24–35°C) avg daytime highs during growing season. Based on 20-year average (2001–2020).

🔺 Warming Trend: Temperatures have risen ~3°F (1.2°C) since the 1980s, leading to riper fruit and earlier phenolic ripeness.

🏛 Notable Producers

  • Kitzke Cellars – Estate-grown Bordeaux-style blends; only winery within the AVA.

  • L’Ecole No. 41 – Utilizes Candy Mountain fruit in its acclaimed red blends.

  • Long Shadows Vintners – Sources grapes from Candy Mountain for its premium wines.

  • Cellar Beast Winehouse – Emerging producer with upcoming releases from Candy Mountain fruit.

  • Liberty Lake Cellars – Produces varietal wines showcasing Candy Mountain's terroir.

  • Succession Wines – Crafts wines highlighting the AVA's unique characteristics.

🍷 Wines to Try

  1. Cabernet Sauvignon – Full-bodied with dark fruit and firm tannins.

  2. Merlot – Smooth texture with ripe plum and cherry notes.

  3. Syrah – Spicy and rich with blackberry and pepper flavors.

  4. Sangiovese – Bright acidity with red fruit and herbal undertones.

🗺️ To Further Explore

These zones reveal the region’s range and character:

  • Red Mountain AVA – Known for powerful reds with structured tannins.

  • Goose Gap AVA – Offers diverse varietals with balanced profiles.

  • Rattlesnake Hills AVA – Produces aromatic whites and elegant reds.

  • Snipes Mountain AVA – Features old vines and unique soil compositions.

👅 Flavor & Style

Candy Mountain wines are known for their depth and balance.

  • Color: Deep ruby to garnet hues.

  • Aromas & Flavors:

    • Primary: Black cherry, blackberry, plum.

    • Secondary: Vanilla, spice, toasted oak.

    • Tertiary: Leather, tobacco, earthy notes with age.

  • Structure:

    • Body: Medium to full-bodied.

    • Tannin: Firm, well-integrated.

    • Acidity: Balanced, contributing to freshness.

    • Alcohol: Moderate to high (13.5–15%).

New french oak barrel aging produced by Wine with Seth

🛠 Winemaking Notes

Producers focus on techniques that highlight the AVA's strengths.

  • Fermentation: Controlled temperatures to preserve fruit character.

  • Aging: Use of French and American oak barrels for complexity.

  • Blending: Combining varietals to enhance structure and balance.

  • Minimal Intervention: Allowing the terroir to express itself.

🍽 Food Pairing Ideas

Pairs well with dishes that complement its robust profile.

  • Savory: Grilled steak, lamb chops, hearty stews.

  • Cheese: Aged cheddar, Gouda, blue cheese.

  • Unexpected: Dark chocolate desserts, mushroom risotto, spicy barbecue.

📑 Regional Wine Laws

AVA Designation: Established in 2020, wines must contain at least 85% grapes from the AVA to bear its name.

  1. Sub-AVA Status: Candy Mountain is a sub-appellation within the Yakima Valley AVA, itself part of the larger Columbia Valley AVA.

🔗 Related Topics to Explore

🍇 Cabernet Sauvignon – King of reds with bold character.

🗺️ Red Mountain AVA – Neighboring AVA known for powerful wines.

🌍 Yakima Valley AVA – Parent AVA with diverse microclimates.

🛢️ Oak Aging – Influences flavor and structure in wines.

🌡️ Climate Change and Viticulture – Impact on grape growing regions.

🤓 Deep Dive Topics