United States: Oregon

Question 1

Describe the main soil types in the Willamette Valley, and why they are important for viticulture there

Answer 1

Free-draining marine sedimentary, volcanic, and loess soils

High levels of rainfall mean free draining soils are important

Question 2

___% of all Demeter Certified vineyards are found in Oregon

Answer 2

35

Question 3

What is the predominating wine style for Pinot noir from Oregon?

Answer 3

Whole bunch fermentation

Oak maturation, with less new oak

Question 4

Describe the differences in vine training systems on the valley floor vs higher altitudes in the Willamette Valley.

Answer 4

Valley floor: large vine training systems like Scott Henry to manage high vigor on fertile loam soils
Higher altitudes: lower fertility soils, so cordon trained or replacement cane pruned vines with VSP trellising more common

Question 5

What is the soil type and geography of the Dundee Hills?

Answer 5

Red iron rich clay; volcanic hills running north to south (higher altitudes than rest of valley)

Question 6

Describe the climate and geography of Ribbon Ridge AVA.

Answer 6

Low in elevation; vyds protected from wind; poor soils to help with vigor
Concentrated, ripe grapes from this region

Question 7

Describe the unique climate of the Van Duzer Corridor and what it does for the grapes.

Answer 7

A break in the Coast Range funnels in cool ocean breezes that slow the process of ripening, reduce disease pressure, but also can cause disruption or damage to vines

Question 8

What are the two AVAs in southern Oregon?

Answer 8

Umpqua Valley

Rogue Valley

Question 9

What are Oregon’s four multistate AVAs?

Answer 9

Walla Walla Valley
Columbia Gorge
Columbia Valley

Snake River Valley (ID)

Question 10

Discuss Oregon labeling laws.

Answer 10

100% of grapes must be grown in Oregon
95% must come from stated appellation
90% must be stated variety