Within the last 60 years Oregon, and especially the Willamette Valley, has emerged as a world class wine region. Although Oregon is best known for Pinot Noir, it also produces outstanding white wines, particularly Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Chardonnay.
Pinot Gris, literally “grey pinot,” reflecting its blueish grey or bronze skin color is a mutation of pinot noir. The most common style in Oregon most often reflects the dryer, richer style associated with Alsace. In Oregon, it tends to produce fresher fruit aromas and livelier flavors, with slightly higher alcohol.
- 2023 Alexana Hillsides ($35) old vines, succulent, melon, lychee
- 2023 Archery Summit “Vireton” ($24) juicy lime, grapefruit
- 2024 Illahe ($23) green fruits, mineral notes
- 2023 Youngberg Hill “Aspen” ($35) tropical fruit, chalky note
- 2023 Willamette Valley Vineyards Estate ($34) green fruits, somewhat sweet
- 2022 Sweet Cheeks ($32) slightly sweet, melon, spicy
- 2023 Kings Ridge ($17) soft, tangy, citrus, melon
Riesling can make some of the best white wines in the world. Historically in Germany and Alsace but also more recently in Australia, Washington and Oregon. Look for fragrant, flowery aromas, fresh apple, pear and stone fruit, occasional mineral flavors, bracing acidity and moderate alcohol making a refreshing drink and food-pairing paradise.
- 2018 Appassionata “GG” ($50) GG refers to a German designation indicating a dry-style wine from a special vineyard fermented in a large neutral oak cask, resting on the lees for two years and in bottle for three to five years; earthy, nutty aromas, tangy apricot, citrus, luscious texture
- 2022 Norris Ribbon Ridge Dry ($35) barrel fermented, citrus, apple, tart
- 2022 Sweet Cheeks Dry ($30) peach, apple, intriguing metallic note
- 2022 Norris Ribbon Ridge ($35) steely, pear, light spice
- 2022 Sweet Cheeks ($29) fairly sweet, inviting apple, grapefruit
- 2023 Willamette Valley Vineyards ($21) fairly sweet, apple, citrus
Note that most of these Pinot Gris and Riesling wines see little or no wood. Brisk acidity, which provides a firm backbone, balances any sweetness, resulting in fresh, invigorating wines ideal for warmer temperatures.