04/24/07 Idaho

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran. On yesterday's program, we learned that there is something to the concept of terroir and getting the right varietal in the spot is very important to making a good wine. So I started thinking about all of the interesting places wine grapes are grown  today let's talk about Idaho. Yes, I understand, Idaho for many reasons seems an unlikely place for a burgeoning wine industry yet it is a part of the Pacific Northwest wine region. Although its contribution is the smallest, it is none the less, a growing industry. The growers are located mostly around Boise in places like Twin Falls and Canyon counties. The wineries are contrast are mostly near the Washington and Oregon borders. My guess is because the majority of the wine is sold out of state. Most of the popular grape varietals are grown in Idaho where they producing wines with a high natural acidity. Bone dry Riesling with a nice crisp finish is a specialty and the Chardonnay a bit on the leaner less heavily oaked is a bargain for those of us who appreciate those styles. The Bordeaux varietals are coming into their own, but many of the wines are augmented with fruit from Washington state. Syrah is up and coming, as it seems to be everywhere, In Idaho they are leaner and less extracted and mostly made with less influence from oak. I say try a few wines from Idaho and see for yourself. Remember to send your wine questions to Linda at vine to wine dot net and thank you for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.