By Drew Sartin, CSW

Oregon is a relatively young wine-producing area, but one that has already established itself as a region that focuses on quality rather than quantity. Those who bravely began wineries in the early 1960s were often told by their California neighbors that wine would never work here. One pioneer, David Lett of Eyrie Vineyards, proved the entire world wrong in 1979 when his 1975 Eyrie South Block Reserve Pinot Noir beat many of the best French Burgundies, ranking in the top 10 of the Millau International Wine Olympiad. A rematch the next year delivered a second shock when the same wine placed second overall. The buzz of Oregon Pinot Noir was out.

 
The key to high-quality wine in Oregon is the distinctive soils, weather, and elevation—collectively, what professionals refer to as terroir. Add to that the volcanic and sedimentary soils of the Willamette Valley and the extraordinary amount of sunshine in the summer, and you get wines with a degree of finesse and balance that is immediately recognizable in the bottle.

Pinot Noir is definitively the king grape of Oregon and can be readily found at your local retailers and restaurants. Pinot Noir is a notoriously difficult grape to grow, one that demands love and attention. When given, the wine justifies the hype it has received over the past decade. The best Oregon Pinots display a silky femininity that is both sexy and delicious. While styles differ, these Pinots define what the grape should taste like.

The future for Oregon wines is bright. While Pinot will always be synonymous with the state, many wine enthusiasts are also excited about the increasingly popular white wines produced here. From Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc to Riesling and Viognier, these crisper white wines are the darlings of Oregon vintners, who are planting more and more. None has enjoyed more immediate success, though, than Pinot Gris. While made from the same grape as Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris differs in style, body, and structure. Beautifully round with floral aromas and more complex fruit flavors, Pinot Gris pairs perfectly with a multitude of meals.

At its heart, Oregon’s greatest asset is that of community. The collaboration of these talented people to better the land, each other, and the region is admirable in the day of the almighty dollar. Oregon wines will serve you well for any function, dinner, or gift.

(Special thanks to Jason Lett and Emily Stoller Smith, of Eyrie Vineyards, for their help with this article.)