Oregon Wine – Not Just Pinot Noir Any More
There’s a common saying in Oregon: “In Oregon, you can’t pump your own gas, but you can pump your own wine.” If that doesn’t sum up the spirit of this place, nothing will. As a state that’s as committed to its wine production as it is to quirky state laws, Oregon is paving the way for some of the most exciting emerging wine varieties across the globe.
Oregon has long been synonymous with world-class Pinot Noir. And don’t misunderstand, we folks are fiercely proud of our signature grape. That said, we’re seeing some captivating new players on our fertile vino landscape. Grapes like Tempranillo, Albariño and Grenache are increasingly gaining ground, proving that the future of Oregon wine is soaked in anything but monotony.
The New Cultivars on the Block
Tempranillo is probably the most notable of the new bunch. The bold Spanish grape is quickly finding a comfortable home here in the Beaver State. Abacela Vineyards, an Umpqua trailblazer since the mid-90s, has been championing this particular grape for the estate’s varietals. Audacious and earthy, Oregon Tempranillo is bursting with dark fruit flavors and rich tannins, the perfect accompaniment to a cold winter’s night or the classic local penchant for grilling—even in the rain.
Albariño, another Spanish varietal, is earning its stripes along the coastal vineyards. The lush, maritime climate around Elkton parallels Spain’s Galicia region, making the Oregon Albariño bright, zesty and bracingly refreshing. Definitely the perfect porch drink for those hot Augusts when you’re fishing at the Willamette River, or lawn bowling at Westmoreland Park.
Then there’s Grenache, typically associated with the warm climes of Spain and Southern France. Despite the odds, wineries in Southern Oregon’s Rogue Valley and Applegate Valley are taming this heat-loving grape. The result? A splendidly textured wine with notes of black cherry and white pepper that simply beg for a shared platter of Tillamook cheddar and Olympic Provisions charcuterie.
Emerging Regions Garnering Attention
As diverse as the emerging grape varietals are, so are the regions gaining recognition. Areas like the brutally windy Van Duzer Corridor AVA or maligned Columbia Gorge are suddenly the talk of the town.
Van Duzer Corridor, the newest American Viticultural Area in the state, is challenging perceptions. Its unique climatic conditions, geographical location, and the relentless gusts blowing in from the Pacific Ocean create a microclimate tempering the daily summer heat and enhancing the maturation of the grapes. The result is a surprising flavor depth and complexity—like a Powell’s City of Books sommelier who also moonlights as a Trail Blazers fan.
In contrast, the Columbia Gorge, straddling the Oregon-Washington border, is like the weather around Crater Lake-once you think you’ve figured it out, it changes. This region’s dramatic shifts in rainfall, elevation, and temperature have led to an inspiring patchwork of microclimates and soils, carrying the promise of remarkable wine diversity.
Uncorking the Future
As the old saying goes, “Variety is the spice of life,” and these new varietals have certainly spiced up Oregon wines. As we sip away the embers of an Oregon sunset, we look forward to a future ripe with options. The emergence of these new wine varieties and regions is reshaping users’ expectations when they see ‘Oregon’ on the label.
It’s an exciting time to appreciate Oregon wine, gentle reader. So whether you’re cozied up at the Tin Bucket on North Williams or catching an evening breeze and view from Portland’s Rose City Park, let’s raise a glass to the promising future of Oregon’s wine landscape. As we locals say: “From the Willamette Valley to the walls of Hell, Oregon wine is never a hard sell.”