Latah Creek Huckleberry d’Latah 2023

The inaugural release of Latah Creek’s Huckleberry wine took place in 1996. This wine has gained immense popularity, earning the title of “Spokane’s #1 wine” and now accounts for 50% of the winery’s production. The father-daughter winemaking duo, Mike and Natalie, attributes this success to the exceptional quality of the wine blend. Initially named Huckleberry Riesling, the wine primarily uses Riesling grapes. However, due to changes in federal regulations, a fruit name and grape name can no longer coexist on a label, leading to a rebranding as Huckleberry d’Latah, incorporating the winery’s name in an Italian style. Additionally, because of the fruit addition, the label cannot display an appellation or vintage date, but this information is available on their website. The wine always comes from the same vintage and is sourced from the Columbia Valley AVA, offering a true taste of the Northwest.

Each vintage of Huckleberry varies slightly in its varietal composition due to factors such as harvest yields and final production amounts; however, it consistently contains 75%-90% Riesling. While huckleberries are often perceived as sweet, they are actually quite tart. As a result, even with some residual sugar present, the wine’s higher acidity combined with the tartness of the huckleberry juice prevents it from becoming overly sweet, maintaining a fresh and crisp profile. The addition of natural fruit juice and concentrate enhances the wine’s fruit character and imparts a stunning color.

Natalie’s Tasting Notes

I remember my first harvest in 2004 and the first time I tasted the huckleberry juice we add into our finished Riesling to make this wine.  I honestly was expecting something like huckleberry jam or pie, something really sweet, but it was not that way at all!  I described them as a tart blueberry.  So, when those are mixed with a wine that has slight residual sugar with an already higher acid level, the result is a wine that has wonderful berry flavors with a sweet, but crisp finish.  Bold berry and sweet honeysuckle nuances greet your nose. The subtle blueberry flavors of the wild huckleberry upon first sip compliment the spun sugar, and ripe pear from the Riesling, and florals and grape flavors from the Chenin Blanc. A crisp acid, with a hint of ginger, minerality, and grape linger.

Food Pairing

Enjoy this wine by itself, with citrus salads, pork, chicken, or lighter summer meals, such as Ellena’s Pork and Berries recipe available online or her in latest cookbook.