Oregon

Question 1

Oregon

Answer 1

“Most Oregon vineyards are found in the Northern Willamette Valley, which was first planted with Burgundy grapes (Pinot and Chardonnay) starting in the 1960s. The region grew slowly, mostly with small wineries and rigorous standards (Oregon requires varietal wines contain 90% of the listed grape!). Overall, wines can be characterized by their tart fruit and subtle, elegant flavors.”

Question 2

Pinot Noir
(Oregon)

Answer 2

Light Body Red

“The most important Oregon wine is very unlike its Californian neighbors. Wines tend to be lighter bodied with more piercing tart red fruit flavors, allspice, and earthy, forest-floor notes.The subregions around Dundee Hills are the epicenter of production.

CHERRY, POMEGRANATE, POTTING SOIL, VANILLA, ALLSPICE”

Question 3

Pinot Gris
(Oregon)

Answer 3

“Even though Pinot Gris is the second-most planted variety in Oregon it might be the most underrated. Oregon Pinot Gris are surprisingly rich and somewhat smoky, with white peach and meyer lemon flavors. The style can be likened to those coming from Germany or New Zealand.”

“WHITE PEACH, MEYER LEMON, HONEYSUCKLE, LIME PITH, CLOVE”

Question 4

Chardonnay
(Oregon)

Answer 4

“Chardonnay is a rarity to find outside of the state but still manages to get international attention because of its likeness to white Burgundy. The cooler climate gives the wines a much lighter body with leaner fruit, more mineral notes, and higher acidity.”

YELLOW APPLE, MEYER LEMON, PRESERVED LEMON, BUTTERED TOAST, SOUR CREAM”

Question 5

Riesling
(Oregon)

Answer 5

Aromatized Wine

“There isn’t much Riesling in the state, which is a shame because when made well, these wines are quite similar in taste and style to Riesling from the Pfalz in Germany. Several producers are experimenting with more dry styles to great success.

DRIED APRICOT, GREEN APPLE, LIME ZEST, HON”

Question 6

Cabernet Sauvignon
(Oregon)

Answer 6

Full Body Red

“Eastern Oregon and Southern Oregon are very unlike the Willamette Valley, with much warmer, dry, sunny weather. Thus, varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah are becoming increasingly popular.

BLACK CURRANT, BLACK CHERRY, GREEN PEPPERCORN, VANILLA, TOBACCO LEAF”

Question 7

Tempranillo
(Oregon)

Answer 7

Medium Body Red

Even though Tempranillo plantings are incredibly rare in Oregon, this grape shows potential grown in Southern Oregon. The climate seems to be surprisingly similar to Rioja Alta, producing wines with elegant flavors of cherry, leather, and dill.”

“BLACK CHERRY, BLACKBERRY, LEATHER, DILL, SWEET TOBACCO, GRAPHITE”