Fidelitas Wines

AVA Comparison: Red Mountain vs. Horse Heaven Hills

 

The Red Mountain AVA (American Viticulture Area) and the Horse Heave Hills AVA equally have vines dating back to the early 1970’s. This is one of the many significant factors that lends a creative hand to these premier viticulture regions. While the Horse Heaven Hills is home to about 5 wineries the Red Mountain AVA is home to about 14. Many people may wonder, how does the Red Mountain AVA compare to the Horse Heaven Hill AVA?

Red Mountain was established as an AVA (American Viticulture Area) on April 2, 2001. The defined boundaries of the Red Mountain AVA are currently the smallest in Washington and only cover about 4,040 acres. The significant characteristics that make up Red Mountain include soil, the southwest facing slope, wind, temperatures, and it is home to Fidelitas. How does Red Mountain compare to our Horse Heaven Hill neighbors?

The Horse Heaven Hills AVA was established on August 1, 2005. It is fairly larger region that borders the Yakima Valley AVA and the Columbia River. The total acreage of the Horse Heaven Hills AVA is 570,000 with about 12,444 planted acres. Like Red Mountain, many of the vineyards are planted on a southwest facing slope with sandy, well-drained soils. They also have steady winds blowing from the Columbia Gorge that help to reduce the risk of diseases in the vineyards.

RED MOUNTAIN

Elevation: 500-1410ft

Average Rainfall: 5-7 inches

Soils: Sandy loam and gravel

Planted Acreage: About 2100 acres

Main Grape Varietals:

-Cabernet Sauvignon

-Merlot

-Syrah

HORSE HEAVEN HILLS

Elevation: 1800-300ft

Average Rainfall: About 9 inches

Soils: Sand loess, sediment, rubble

Planted Acreage: 12,444 acres

Main Grape Varietals:

-Cabernet Sauvignon

-Merlot

-Chardonnay

-Riesling

 

 

 

Go Hawks!

Now that the holidays have come to an end it is time to cheer on our favorite sports teams. Fidelitas decided what better way to show our support for the Seattle Seahawks than representing our Hawks pride at both of our tasting room locations this past weekend. One of the best parts of being a Seahawk fan is that we are everywhere, and you are part of a community. Like many, we will be cheering on our team this upcoming weekend and are hoping for the best, another trip to the Super Bowl.

Similar to Charlie’s motto, “It’s just wine” remember, “It’s just a game.” Whether you are a 12 or not, just appreciate what makes sports great and enjoy watching some good old fashioned football.

Team Fidelitas will be enjoying the game this Sunday with a glass of one of our favorites. GO HAWKS!!!

Spooktacular Fidelitas Pumpkins

The holidays are fast approaching and Fidelitas has gotten in the mood by decorating some themed pumpkins for Halloween. Instead of the average pumpkin carving that takes place around this time of year, we decided to sit back, pour a glass of 2011 Champoux Merlot and create a glitzed out design. Might we add that this was easier than gutting a pumpkin and is much more attractive.

Supplies Needed:

-Glass of your favorite Fidelitas Wine

-Pumpkins

-Spray Paint (Black or White)

-Glitter (Assortment of colors)

-Paint brushes

-Tacky glue

We just started by spray painting our pumpkins and then let them dry. Then, we traced our Fidelitas logo, outlined it with glue using our paint brushes and then poured glitter all over to fill in the design. Let me just say, that this was the easiest Halloween pumpkin decorating we have ever done.