![]() The predominant soil types in the Rattlesnake Hills AVA are silt-loam and loam. Additionally, winter temperatures are warmer than the surrounding area, limiting the danger of hard freezes. The appellation’s heightened elevation lessens the risk of spring and fall frosts. Elevations range from 850 feet to 3,085 feet, although vineyard plantings are limited to the lower-lying areas. The Rattlesnake Hills’ distinguishing feature is its elevation relative to the surrounding area. The appellation itself lies on the south slope of the Rattlesnake Hills and includes the highest point in the Yakima Valley AVA. The east-west trending Rattlesnake Hills are an anticline of the Yakima fold belt, a series of geologic folds that define a number of viticultural regions in the area. For Cabernets, black cherry, cassis, and light, high-toned herbal notes are often the hallmarks. Merlots are notable for red fruit aromas and flavors, such as sweet cherries, red currants, and raspberries, along with chocolate and mint. In warmer sites this turns to stone fruit, particularly peach. In terms of Riesling, cooler sites tend to produce aromas and flavors of lime, lemon, and green apple. Riesling is the most planted grape followed by Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, but vineyards in the AVA grow 40 different varities of wine grapes. ![]() ![]() With its rich soils, long days and warm climate, the Rattlesnake Hills AVA produces world-class wine grapes that make some of Washington State’s finest wines.Īs a growing region, Rattlesnake Hills is almost evenly split between red and white wine grapes with reds having a slight edge. The Rattlesnake Hills AVA, which begins just outside of Union Gap, ends in the town of Outlook in the Yakima Valley.
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