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Oregon

The state in the northwest of the USA with its capital Salem is located on the Pacific coast between California and Washington, but its viticulture is very different from those two states. Oregon was settled relatively late by whites from 1834 onwards. Viticulture was established in the last third of the 19th century. Today Oregon is one of the largest and most important wine-growing states in the USA and is on a par with California. Oregon is also an important supplier of oak wood for American barrique barrels. European grape varieties were first introduced towards the end of the 19th century. After the decline of viticulture due to American Prohibition (1920-1933), mainly fruit and berry wines were produced thereafter for the time being. The pioneers of modern viticulture from the 1960s onwards are Richard Sommer with HillCrest Winery, Davit Lett with Eyrie Vineyards and Dick Erath with Erath Vineyards. Contrary to the prevailing opinion at the time and that of the University of California, they successfully ventured to rely fully on European varieties. Predestined are, for example, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, of which special clones, the so-called Dijon clones from Burgundy, are in use. This successful approach was followed by many other committed winegrowers.

Oregon - Weinberge

The vineyards in Oregon cover about 6,000 hectares. Most of it is located in the north of the Willamette Valley, where the Cascade Mountains (part of the Rocky Mountains), which are about 4,000 metres high, protect the vineyards from the continental, hot influences. To the west is the famous iron- and clay-rich, red-coloured soil of the "Red Hills of Dundee" near McMinville, Newberg and Yamhill. The other areas are in the warmer southern part of the valley, as well as in the Tualatin Valley, Umpqua Valley and along the Columbia River. The climate is characterised by mild winters and cool, wet and long summers. It is very similar to the two French regions of Burgundy and Bordeaux, which lie at a similar latitude, so that the conditions are very suitable for all grape varieties that do not tolerate too much heat.

Oregon - Weingarten

The most common variety is Pinot Noir with over 4,500 hectares. The "International Pinot Noir Convention" is held annually in McMinnville with enthusiasts and producers from all over the world. Other red wine varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. The most important white wine varieties are Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Oregon has one of the strictest wine laws in the USA. For varietals, the percentage of the grape variety indicated on the label must be at least 90%, for Cabernet Sauvignon only 75%. Applegate Valley, Chehalem Mountains, Columbia Gorge, Columbia Valley, Dundee Hills, Eola-Amity, McMinnville, Red Hill Douglas, Ribbon Ridge, Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon, Umpqua Valley, Walla Walla Valley, Willamette Valley and Yamhill-Carlton are classified as AVA.

Of the more than 300 wineries, more than 80 are located in the greater Portland area. Well-known wineries include Adelsheim Vineyards, Amity, Archery Summit, Argyle, Beaux Frères (in which Robert Parker jr. owns shares), Brick House, Bridgeview, Chehalem, Domaine Drouhin, Domaine Serene, Elk Cove, Erath, Evesham Wood, Eyrie V ineyards, Firesteed, Foris Vineyard, Gran Moraine (Jackson Family Wines), HillCrest Winery, Ken Wright Cellars, King Estate, Oak Knoll, Panther Creek, Patricia Green Cellars, Penner-Ash, Ponzi, Rex Hill, Sokol Blosser, Torii Mor Winery, Van Duzer Winery, Willamette Valley Vineyards and Yamhill Valley Vineyards.

Picture above: AEB
Picture below: by Tim Mossholder on Pixabay

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