Goose Gap AVA

🔍 Quick Summary

Goose Gap AVA is a rising star in Washington’s wine scene, offering a unique terroir shaped by its east-west ridge orientation and cool, north-facing slopes that yield elegant, structured wines.

🔊 Pronunciation: goose gap

📜 History

Established in 2021, Goose Gap AVA is Washington’s 19th American Viticultural Area.

  • 1998 – First vines planted by Arvid Monson with guidance from Dr. Walter Clore, the "father of Washington wine" .

  • 2021 – Official AVA status granted by the TTB on July 1.

  • Named after a natural saddle between Goose Mountain and Candy Mountain, historically a migratory path for geese.

  • Developed primarily by Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard, now the largest vineyard in the lower Yakima Valley.

🧠 What to Know

Goose Gap stands out for its distinctive geography and climate.

  1. Unique Orientation – The east-west ridge of Goose Mountain results in predominantly north and northeast-facing vineyards, contrasting with neighboring AVAs .

  2. Delayed Ripening – North-facing slopes receive less solar radiation, leading to later harvests and extended growing seasons .

  3. Soil Composition – Dominated by Warden series soils: windblown silt and fine sand over Missoula Flood sediments, providing excellent drainage .

  4. Microclimate – Cool air flows from higher elevations, moderating temperatures and preserving grape acidity .

  5. Viticultural Diversity – Home to 16 grape varieties, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Chardonnay as the primary cultivars .

  6. Famous vineyards – Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard is the flagship, supplying fruit to over 20 wineries statewide

📍 Where It’s Found

🇺🇸 Goose Gap AVA – Located in south-central Washington, within the Yakima Valley AVA and the larger Columbia Valley AVA.

Elevation: 577–1,339 ft / 176–408

🌞 Climate: Hot Semi-Arid (90°F / 32°C days, <50°F / 10°C nights) – Warm, dry summers with significant diurnal shifts aid in grape maturation .vinerra.com

🌡️ Historical Temperature Summary: Daytime highs average 90°F (32°C) during the growing season, with nighttime lows below 50°F (10°C) .en.wikipedia.org+1vinerra.com+1

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

🏛 Notable Producers

  • Goose Ridge Estate Winery – Only winery within the AVA; estate-grown wines from 16 varieties .

  • Ste. Michelle Wine Estates – Sources fruit from Goose Gap for premium blends .

  • Precept Wine – Utilizes Goose Gap grapes in various labels .

  • House of Smith – Incorporates Goose Gap fruit into bold, expressive wines .

  • Shaw Vineyards – Farms over 200 acres in Goose Gap, specializing in Cabernet Sauvignon .

🍷 Wines to Try

These wines define Goose Gap’s style and legacy:

  • Cabernet Sauvignon – Full-bodied with blackcurrant, cedar, and dark chocolate notes .

  • Merlot – Medium-bodied, showcasing plum, cherry, and soft tannins .

  • Syrah – Rich and spicy, with blackberry, pepper, and earthy undertones .

  • Chardonnay – Crisp and balanced, featuring apple, citrus, and subtle oak

🗺️ To Further Explore

These zones reveal the region’s range and character:

  • Goose Mountain – The central ridge influencing the AVA’s unique orientation and microclimate.

  • Candy Mountain – Neighboring AVA with warmer, south-facing slopes, offering a contrast in wine styles.

  • Red Mountain – Adjacent AVA known for powerful reds; shares some climatic traits with Goose Gap.

  • Badger Mountain – Forms part of the AVA’s boundary, contributing to its topographical diversity.

👅 Flavor & Style

Goose Gap wines are noted for their balance, structure, and vibrant fruit profiles.

  • Color: Deep ruby for reds; pale gold for whites

  • Aromas & Flavors:

    • Primary: Blackcurrant, plum, blackberry, apple, citrus

    • Secondary: Vanilla, toast, spice

    • Tertiary: Earth, leather, dried fruit (with age)

  • Structure:

    • Body: Medium to full

    • Tannin: Moderate to firm

    • Acidity: Bright

    • Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%

New french oak barrel aging produced by Wine with Seth

🛠 Winemaking Notes

Producers in Goose Gap focus on techniques that highlight the AVA’s unique terroir.

  • Fermentation: Controlled temperatures to preserve fruit character

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

  • Blending: Combining varieties to enhance balance and structure

  • Sustainability: Emphasis on sustainable farming practices

🍽 Food Pairing Ideas

Pairs well with dishes that complement its structure and flavor profile.

  • Savory: Grilled lamb, roast duck, mushroom risotto

  • Cheese: Aged cheddar, Gruyère, Camembert

  • Unexpected: Spicy barbecue, mole poblano, rosemary shortbread

📑 Regional Wine Laws

AVA Designation: Established in 2021, Goose Gap is a sub-AVA of Yakima Valley within the Columbia Valley AVA .

  1. Labeling: Wines must contain at least 85% grapes from Goose Gap to use the AVA designation.

  2. Recognition: Acknowledged for its distinct topography, climate, and soil composition

🔗 Related Topics to Explore

🍇 Cabernet Sauvignon – King of reds in Goose Gap

  1. 🍷 Merlot – Soft, plummy counterpoint to Cab

  2. 🛢 Oak Aging – Adds structure and spice

  3. 🌄 Red Mountain AVA – Neighboring powerhouse for bold reds

  4. 🌬 Diurnal Shift – Cool nights preserve acidity

  5. 🧭 Yakima Valley AVA – Parent AVA with diverse terroirs