Exploring the Best Wines of Oregon
A Journey Through the State's Unique Terroir and Grape Varieties
When you think about wine and wine regions, it is likely that places like France, Italy, and California come to mind. However, there is another US state that is making quite a name for itself when it comes to high-quality, expertly produced wine; And that state is Oregon.
Oregon is a hidden gem for wine enthusiasts. The state’s climate, soil, and landscape create unique growing conditions that are successfully - and surprisingly - producing some of the best wine in the world. Oregon’s wine industry is relatively new compared to other regions, but it has quickly gained a reputation for producing world-class Pinot Noir and other varietals like Chardonnay and Syrah.
Let’s start first with Oregon’s most well-known region, Willamette Valley, and work our way to the lesser-known, more unique regions of the state.
What Makes the Willamette Valley Oregon's Premier Wine Region?
Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, the Willamette Valley is a stunningly beautiful wine region that has captured the hearts of wine enthusiasts worldwide. With its fertile soils, mild climate, and breathtaking scenery, it's clear why Willamette Valley has recently become one of the top wine regions in the United States.
By exploring each wine further, we can understand what to expect when trying wines from Willamette Valley.
Pinot Noir: Pinot Noirs from the valley have gained critical acclaim for their rich, complex flavors and exceptional quality. The region's unique combination of volcanic soils, cool climate, and ample rainfall provides ideal growing conditions for Pinot Noir grapes, resulting in wines that are rich, full-bodied, and bursting with flavor.
Chardonnay: Chardonnay grapes produce wines with crisp acidity and bright fruit flavors.
Pinot Gris: Also known as Pinot Grigio, is another popular white wine grape in the region, producing wines with notes of tropical fruit and citrus.
Riesling: The Willamette Valley's Riesling wines are a bit of a hidden gem, with many wine enthusiasts overlooking them in favor of the region's famous Pinot Noir. However, these wines are well worth exploring, with their delicate floral aromas, crisp acidity, and hints of stone fruit and citrus.
It is understood that the diverse microclimates of the Willamette Valley, which result from the area's varied topography and weather patterns, allow winemakers to produce a wide range of wines that showcase the region's terroir and unique character - thus the overwhelming success of the wines from this region.
Let’s head south to another region of Oregon that produces a whole different set of grape varietals that are equally as flavorful and impressive as those from Willamette Valley.
What Makes Southern Oregon’s Wine Regions So Diverse?
A little less popularized but equally as exciting as Willamette Valley is the southern region of Oregon. Southern Oregon is a diverse region that spans from the California border to the middle of the state. The region’s warm, dry climate and diverse soils create ideal growing conditions for a wide range of varietals. This area is particularly well-known for producing some exceptional Pinot Noir wines, but it also produces a range of other varietals that are worth exploring.
Let’s take a closer look at the characteristics of the wines from this region.
Pinot Noir: Pinot Noir is the most famous varietal produced in the southern region of Oregon. The cool climate, combined with the volcanic soil, creates the perfect growing conditions for this grape. Pinot Noir from this region typically has a light to medium body, with notes of cherry, raspberry, and earthy undertones.
Syrah: Syrah is a bold and spicy varietal that is also produced in the southern region of Oregon. These wines typically have notes of blackberry, blueberry, and pepper, with a medium to full body.
Tempranillo: Tempranillo is a Spanish varietal that is becoming increasingly popular in the southern region of Oregon. These wines typically have notes of black cherry, leather, and tobacco, with a medium body.
Viognier: Viognier is a white varietal that is becoming increasingly popular in the southern region of Oregon. These wines typically have notes of peach, apricot, and honeysuckle, with a medium body.
In addition to these varietals, the southern region of Oregon also produces a range of blends, including red blends and white blends. These wines are perfect for those who want to try something a little different, as they offer a unique flavor profile that is not found in single-varietal wines.
Why is Columbia Gorge Such a Hidden Gem?
Located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, Columbia Gorge is a region that is home to some of the finest wineries in the country. Known for its breathtaking beauty, Columbia Gorge is a place where the convergence of the Columbia River and the Cascade Mountains creates a unique microclimate resulting in smooth Pinot Noirs, full-bodied Cabernet Francs, and bold Cabernet Sauvignons.
The climate and geography of Columbia Gorge are some of the most important factors that make the region an ideal place for winemaking. The region experiences a range of temperature variations, with cool, damp winters and dry, warm summers. Much like the climates elsewhere in the state, these varying temperatures create exceptional environments for grape growing, and the resulting wines are rich in flavor, complexity, and character.
Allow us to dive deeper into those varieties now.
Pinot Noir: Pinot Noir is one of the most popular grapes grown in Columbia Gorge, and it is known for producing wines with rich, complex flavors. These wines are often described as having a smooth, silky texture with notes of black cherry, raspberry, and earthy undertones. Syrah is another grape variety that thrives in the region and produces wines that are full-bodied with bold flavors of blackberry, plum, and pepper.
Cabernet Franc: Cabernet Franc is another popular grape grown in Columbia Gorge, and it is known for producing wines that are rich and full-bodied with flavors of blackberry, cherry, and chocolate.
Cabernet Sauvignon: Cabernet Sauvignon is also grown in the region, and the resulting wines are often described as having a bold, intense flavor with notes of black currant, cedar, and tobacco.
In addition to its diverse selection of grape varieties, Columbia Gorge is also known for its commitment to sustainable winemaking practices. Many of the wineries in the region have adopted eco-friendly practices, including the use of solar power and the implementation of organic and biodynamic farming techniques.
What Oregon Wines Are Available At PARC Aspen?
We have a special place in our hearts for Oregon wines here at PARC Aspen. Not only do we enjoy the versatile and compelling flavors of these new-world wines, but our very own Director of Wine & Beverage, Greg Van Wagner owns and operates Ajax Cellars based out of the Willamette Valley alongside famed Oregon producer, Evan Martin of Martin Woods Winery. Ajax Cellars, along with our other Oregon varietals wonderfully represent the versatility and power of Oregon wines and pair fabulously with many of our main dishes.
If you weren't able to catch these during flight night, book a table this week to try a bottle or two for your own exploration!
