![]() ![]() Temperatures are moderated by proximity to the ocean, which also leads to relatively high rainfall moderate, long summers and wet autumns are the norm. Vintages can vary quite considerably, but growers have adapted their viticultural techniques and grape selection to suit the climatic variations. Oregon has the most marginal climate of the West Coast's three wine-growing states. Syrah tends to appear more often in the warmer areas of southern Oregon and the Walla Walla Valley. It was first planted several decades ago as the early option for a more robust alternative to Pinot Noir. The state's bright and spicy Syrah is overshadowed to some degree. This now commands the same price per ton as – and sometimes more than – Pinot Noir. It is predicted that the "next big thing" in Oregon wine will be Cabernet Sauvignon with acreage steadily increasingly over the past few years. It is led by Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Tempranillo plus there are also a few higher-profile estates using the more Burgundian Gamay. The supporting cast of red grapes is small in scale at present. Pinot Gris is followed by two other internationally popular cool-climate, white wine varieties – Chardonnay and Riesling. Oregon Pinot Gris, with its rich scent of spiced pears, is held in relatively high regard. They tend to be less exclusively focused on Pinot Noir with the next most widely planted variety here being Pinot Gris. Subregional AVAs of note in Southern Oregon include Rogue Valley, Umpqua Valley and Elkton Oregon. According to the state's industry census of 2020, 60 percent of vineyard area in Oregon is devoted to Pinot Noir. Dundee Hills, Ribbon Ridge, Chehalem Mountains and Eola-Amity Hills are four such appellations in the Willamette Valley. Thus producers can create quite lengthy portfolios of subregional Pinot Noirs. In a similar way to Burgundy, much smaller AVAs have developed within the broader zones. Here, a broad, shallow valley is formed between the low-lying mountains of the Coast Range and the much larger Cascades to the east. However, the majority of Oregon vineyards are located in state's western one-fifth, within 80 miles of the Pacific coastline. Sub regions and grape varietiesĬolumbia Gorge and Walla Walla Valley are notable winegrowing zones in the north of the state. The classic Oregon Pinot has a deep red cherry color, red fruit aromas and a fruit-forward palate with an earthy edge. Those from the Willamette Valley have attracted particular acclaim with the best examples comparable in quality to their equivalents from Burgundy – a comparison which is no doubt crucial to their continued success. Unheard-of 50 years ago, Oregon Pinot Noirs now rank among the very finest American wines. Vineyards of Willakenzie Estate in Yamhill, Oregon ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |