We finally cover Oregon State in the United States -- home of much Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and lots of other great emerging varietals. The state has some challenges, but it's a fascinating place and an essential part of the American wine landscape.

 

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Here are the show notes: 

Oregon Overview:

• 4th in production after, CA, WA, NY. (third if you only consider vitis vinifera!)
• Oregon produces more than 39 different varietals, grows 82
• The number of vineyards in Oregon has nearly doubled since 2005
• 70% of Oregon wineries produce fewer than 5,000 cases a year 

Location, Soils:

• Most winegrowing is at 45˚ north latitude – same as Beaujolais, “Burgundy”, Côte d'Or is at 47˚N
• Soil is important: 
  • Marine Sedimentary: Willakenzie
  • Volcanic (Basalt): Jory, Nekia
  • Windblown Loess (Silts): Laurelwood

Wine Types:

• Pinot Noir is 58% of all plantings, 59% of production
• Other major varieties: Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Regions

Willamette Valley AVA

• 71% of wine production
• Largest AVA, nearly 600 wineries
• Grapes: Pinot, Pinot Gris, Chard, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Cab, Gewurz, etc.
• Sub AVAs: Chehalem Mtns, Dundee Hills, Eola-Amity Hills, McMinnville, Yamhill-Carlton District, Ribbon Ridge (in Chehalem Mtns) 

 

Southern Oregon AVA = Rogue Valley + Umpqua Valley 

 Umpqua Valley AVA: drainage basin of Umpqua River, not mtns

• Warmer than Willamette, cooler than Rogue
• Tempranillo, Pinot, Pinot Gris, Cab, Chard, Riesling, Gruner

Rogue Valley AVA  

• Warmest, driest region
• Three valleys – different terroir 

 

Columbia Gorge AVA

• Straddles Columbia River of Oregon and Washington
• Wide variety of grapes: Syrah, Pinot, Chard, Gewurz, Zin, Cab, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Sangiovese

 

Columbia Valley AVA

• Portions of northeastern Oregon
• Columbia Valley and Walla Walla Valley AVAs are within Washington state. - The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater is in both states
• Syrah, Merlot, Cab, Sangiovese, some Rhône stuff

 

Snake River Valley AVA

• Principally located in Idaho, encompasses two large counties Eastern OR
• Different climate – cool, low rainfall, short growing season
• Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay

 

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