USA - Oregan

Question 1

One slide on Oregan’s wine history

Answer 1

• Wine from other fruit in the 19thC
• 1961 1st modern V. vinifera vineyard near Roseberg
• 1966 David Lett planted 5 ha Pinot Noir in Dundee Hills
• then others from CA looking to make Burgundian style
• 1979 Gault-Millau Wine Olympics blind tasting Lett’s Eyrie Vineyards Reserve Pinot Noir 1975 10th
• In rematch came 2nd to Drouhins ‘59 Chambolle-Mus
• Drouhin later established Dom Drouhin Oregan in Willamette Valley.
• Other Bugundians have since followed

Question 2

Location of Oregan

Answer 2

• Pacific Northwest
• bordered by Washinton to north and California to south
• more marginal climate than either (may be benefit with climate change)

Question 3

Main (7) grapes grown in Oregan

Answer 3

• Pinot Noir (58%)
• Pinot Gris (though decreasing in favour of Chardonnay)
• Chardonnay
• Syrah
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Merlot
• Riesling

Question 4

Climate and latitude of Oregan

Answer 4

• Most vineyards western part, just in from Pacific
• Coast Range provides some protection
• Generally cool to moderate climate
  
  • 42-46^oN (eg France Med coast up to Macon)
  • cold ocean currents/breezes from Pacific
• Long daylight hours in summer and Autumn aid ripening

Question 5

Soils in Oregan

Answer 5

• free-draining marine sedimentary, volcanic and loess
• high rainfall, but mainly winter
  
  • eg Willamette Valley wettest 1000mm+ pa but only 200mm April to September

Question 6

Vineyard management in Oregan

Answer 6

• wind & dry summers reduce mildew & disease pressure
• big emphasis on sustainable, organic and biodynamic
• 47% vineyards certified sustainable
• 35% of all US Demeter Biodynamic vineyards in Oregan
• other voluntary programmes incl Oregan Tilth (organic certifier), Salmon-Safe, LIVE Certified Sustainable (Low Input Viticulture and Enology), Deep Roots Coalition

Question 7

Important clones in Oregan

Answer 7

• Pinot Noir
  
  • traditionally Wadenswil and Pommard
  • late 80s added Dijon clones increasing diversity
  • producers use one, some or all
• Chardonnay
  
  • Californian clones Wente and 108 wouldn’t ripen so used earlier ripening Dijon clones
• NB climate change Dijon ripening too early in recent warm vintages, so some reversion to traditional California heritage selections