Discover your new favorite Oregon wine...
Winemaker's Spotlight: Stangeland Vineyards
The Strong Land.
North Dakota natives Grace & Marion Miller came to Oregon in 1938. They purchased the property that was to become the estate vineyard in 1971. Recognizing the potential of the south facing slope coupled with soils of the Helvetia series, their son Larry set about planting various clones of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. Pronounced as “stang-land,” Stangeland Vineyard was named for Larry’s maternal grandparents who emigrated from Norway in 1905. When the vineyard was first planted in 1978, there were only about 25 acres of grapes in the area, which has now grown to well over 3,000 acres.
Literally translated, Stangeland means “strong land” which seemed appropriate for the rocky basalt base of the vineyard site. In 1991, Stangeland Winery was established, and the first vintages of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris were made; a whopping 140 cases total. During every year of its production, Stangeland has crafted very small lots of wine to include estate and single vineyard Pinot Noirs that showcase the terroir of the Eola-Amity Hills AVA.
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Today, estate wines focus on only 4 acres of the property to include Pinot Noir clones 115 and 777, Pommard and the Swiss clone Wädenswil, as well as the Draper selection Chardonnay and clone 53 Pinot Gris from Colmar, France. The combination of the rocky basalt soil and the Van Duzer Corridor's windy influence allow for a distinct expression of terroir. It is located on the eastern end of the Eola-Amity Hills of the Willamette Valley. The property is dry farmed organically without tillage.
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All month long we'll be carrying a collection of their Stangeland Vineyards wines, available in flights and 30% off glasses and bottles!
Stangeland Vineyards
4 Wine Flight (3oz pours) $15
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Estate Chardonnay 2017
Off-Dry Gewurztraminer 2017
Eola-Amity Hills Cuvee Pinot Noir 2021
White Sparkling 2021
Chardonnay and Viognier
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The Carménère grape is a wine grape variety originally planted in the Médoc region of Bordeaux, France, where it was used to produce deep red wines and occasionally used for blending purposes in the same manner as Petit Verdot.
A member of the Cabernet family of grapes, the name "Carménère" originates from the French word for crimson (carmin) which refers to the brilliant crimson color of the autumn foliage prior to leaf-fall.
Season Cellars
Carménère
More of a fruity and dry full-bodied variety, but the fact that this predominantly France-produced wine is growing so popular in Oregon now shows how unique and special its taste is.
Marshall
Davis
Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
J. Scott Cellars
Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Petite Sirah (“Peh-teet sear-ah”) (aka Durif or Petite Syrah) was first found growing in France in the mid-1800’s. It’s loved for its extraordinary deep color and full-bodied flavors of blueberry, chocolate, plums and black pepper. Despite its popularity, Petite Sirah is an exceptionally rare grape with less than 10,000 planted acres worldwide.
J. Scott Cellars
Petite Sirah 2018
Unlike the fruity wines that Oregon produces, Syrah is more of a spicy wine that might take acclimating to. It tends to take on a rich flavor and is almost black in color, giving a whole new name to deep red wine.
Eola Hills
Syrah, 2015
In true Oregon style, Merlot, which is a dark blue colored variety of wine, is another common option in the regions.
It’s no big surprise that it is a big deal among wine drinkers who stream through the Oregon wine country and in this case, it has a lower acidity than some other paler wines. That might be why some people prefer it, but it could also be because of Merlot’s herb-centric taste and aroma.
Eola Hills
Merlot Barrel Select, 2017
Tempranillo grapes are prominent in the western region of Oregon, but it’s no secret that the grapes found their home in Oregon because of its ideal climate for proper growth. The Tempranillo itself has a fruity and herb-like flavor that is robust, but not overpowering. It’s more of a black grape wine that is known better for its abundant growth and production in Spain, but if you prefer to find your wine in the Oregon wine country, you can grab a few bottles of this.
Eola Hills
Tempranillo, BSR 2018
Parra Wine Company
Tempranillo, Zenith 2020
In the late 1800s, a white, Folle Blanche, was crossed with an unknown American wine and the end result was Baco Noir. It’s a deep red wine that has so many layers of flavor it can sometimes be hard to pinpoint just one note.
But if you taste blueberry, plum, mocha, and spice somehow all at the same time or individually, that’s not uncommon. The wine is commonly grown in cooler climates and it was first brought to Oregon by a French winemaker, so you know it’s the real deal.
River's Edge Winery
Baco Noir 2020
Because deep red and even darker wines are so prominent in Oregon, it should come as no surprise that an Italian-originated wine like Dolcetto, which is almost black in color, is another popular variety in the region.
In Oregon, it is most common in the Southern Oregon wine country valley and it is typically a dry but fruity and mild wine. Unlike some other wines, however, this one should be consumed a few years after it is released rather than age for much longer than that.
Chris James Cellars
Dolcetto 2018
Lagrein (pronounced lah-GRAH’EEN, lah-GRINE or lah-GRI’NE)[1] is a red wine grape variety native to the valleys of South Tyrol, northern Italy. Along with Marzemino, it is a descendant of Teroldego, and related to Syrah, Pinot noir and Dureza. Additional plantings include small acreage in the Willamette Valley.
Chris James Cellars
Lagrein 2019
Malbec is another wine that might not have had a permanent home in Oregon up until a few years ago. It comes from a grape that was commonly grown in Argentina and even New Zealand thanks to the warm climates those areas offer, but it has also found a home in Northwest Oregon.
The flavor is full-bodied with notes of blackberry, plum, and even smoke to give it a rich feel.
Season Cellars
Malbec 2020 ***DRAFT***
Although Grenache is most commonly produced in Mediterranean countries, it also holds a special place in the hearts of Oregon wine lovers. It comes from a deep red grape and is slightly sweet with a fruity and spicy flavor.
Luckily, Southern Oregon’s hot dry summers and long sunny days during the fall make for the optimum growing conditions for the grapes for this wine. It might not be totally comparable to the Mediterranean, but it is an area that has a low risk of cold blasts in the colder months out of the year.
Season Cellars
Grenache 2016
Although Zinfandel grapes are primarily grown in California, Oregon has adopted its own way to grow the vines to produce its own kind of Zinfandel that offers another wine variety to wine-loving visitors and residents.
Oregon wineries may have either a light-colored Zinfandel or, if the grape skins are left on the grapes during production, you’re left with a more full-bodied red Zinfandel which offers its own flavorful benefits.
J.Scott Cellars
Zinfandel 2019
The beauty of a red blend is that you can highlight the best characteristics of each grape you use in your wine. Take the black fruits, plum, and raisin notes from a Zinfandel, the blueberry and fresh fruit characteristics from Syrah, and the ripe red fruits from a Merlot, blend them well and you have some pretty spectacular wine.
Season Cellars
Phoenix 2014
66% Sangiovese – 24% Carmenere – 7% Malbec – 3% Cabernet Franc
Chris James Cellars
Miscella 2020
33% Lagrein -- 33% Dolcetto -- 34% Barbera
DAnu
RTW 6th Edition 2020
70% Puinot Noir -- 30% Tempranillo
While Chardonnay might not be on the main wines produced by Oregon wineries in the past, it is slowly becoming another favorite. This white wine in Oregon has a pleasantly acidic taste that might give off flowery undertones to offset some of the acidic flavors. The ending result is a white wine that feels like it should have been produced in Oregon wine country all along.
Björnson Vineyard
Reserve Chardonnay 2021
Denison Cellars
Cassin Chardonnay 2020
Parra Wine Company
Chardonnay 2019
Schaad Cellars
Chardonnay 2021 **DRAFT**
Another popular Oregon wine is Pinot Gris. Oregon’s climate offers perfect conditions to grow the Pinot Gris grape and the resulting wine is light-bodied and crisp. If you’re looking for an “easy” wine that doesn’t feel too heavy on the taste buds, this might be your flavor.
Eola Hills Vineyard
Pinot Gris ***DRAFT ***
Willamette Valley Vineyards
Pinot Gris 2021
Acrobat
Pinot Gris 2021
Keeler
Estate
"Heart" Pinot Gris 2019
Parra Wine Co.
Pinot Gris 2021
As another white wine found in Oregon, Sauvignon Blanc is dry with a fruity but also grassy flavor and light colors. But, unlike some other Oregon wines, this is almost a delicacy in the area. In fact, there are only around 100 acres in Oregon dedicated to the growth of grapes for this particular wine. To some, that makes it even more in demand. And for those who prefer white wine over all others, this can be a fast favorite.
Croft Vineyards
Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Fences Winery
Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Although Pinot Noir is considered one of the premier wines of Oregon, it’s easy to see why Pinot Blanc also holds a special place in the hearts of those who frequent the Oregon wine country.
It’s a medium-bodied wine with an aroma of honey that is so distinct you can’t really ignore its uniqueness. In Oregon specifically, the method used to make Pinot Blanc is fermentation in stainless steel or older oak, which eventually leads to rich and smoky wines that make them unique to Oregon.
Brigadoon Wine Co.
Pinot Blanc 2021
Oregon’s Willamette Valley rosé wines run the gamut of styles. Most of the offerings will be rosé of Pinot Noir, although the occasional rosé of Pinot Gris will show up. Their color will range from a light salmon color to a distinctive red – what used to be called claret style.
J.Scott Cellars
Rosé of Grenache
Stangeland Vineyards
Rosé of Tampranillo '21
Red Hawk Vineyard
Rosé of Dolcetto '21
Season Cellars
Rosé of Malbec **DRAFT**
Voiolet Vines
Rosé of Pinot Noir
Parra Wine Company
Rosado 2019
Fences Winery
Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon '21
Trinity Vineyards
Rosé of Pinot Noir '21
Although you might expect most feelings to have generally the same taste, somehow the unique Rieslings of Oregon have different notes depending on the winery you go with. Some might, for example, gives off hints of lime, while other options might have a pear flavor undertone. Like other whites, Riesling might not be what Oregon is immediately known for, it is becoming a fast favorite among wine connoisseurs and those who are less experienced in the art of wine tasting.
Willamette Valley Vineyards
Riesling 2021
Chris James Vineyard
Riesling, WV (Estate) 2021
Brooks Vineyard
Riesling, WV (Estate) 2021
Muscat Ottonel Wine. Muscat Ottonel is a younger and less-distinguished member of the broader Muscat family. It was created in 1852 in France by a private breeder who crossed Chasselas and Muscat Ingram. The variety makes a range of wine styles, from light, dry table wines to richer styles with more residual sugar.
Eola Hills Vineyard
Muscat Ottonel 2020
In a region so famous for particular varietals, other wines from the same place can appear like second-class citizens. Such is the case for Burgundy’s “other white,” Aligoté. When we consider Burgundian wines, we naturally think of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay; but other remarkable wines, like Gamay and Aligoté (al-i-goh-tey), are produced there, too. Aligoté, often in the shadow of its Burgundian sister, Chardonnay, is gaining its own enthusiastic following. With its driving acidity, bright fruit flavors and solid fruit set, more people appreciate the wine’s approachability and intrigue.
River’s Edge
Vintage Farm Vineyard 2021
Viognier is most well known for its origins in France. Because it comes from a grape that is difficult to grow in just any region and because it is equally as complicated to craft the perfect wine from the grape.
In the Pacific Northwest, however, including Oregon, some vineyards have developed the right temperament and grow atmosphere to create a variation of the wine. While it is made in a dry style, the wine still has hints of apricots and orange blossoms, which adds to its overall unique style and flavor.
Season Cellars
Viognier 2018
Darque Wines
Viognier 2020
Chenin Blanc
It wasn’t until recent years that Chenin Blanc was even a thing in the Oregon wine country. It comes from a grape known most well for being planted in the Loire Valley of France and then becoming more popular in California, but not Oregon until a few years ago.
Now, it remains one of the premier white wines and has a fruity dry flavor while remaining one of the milder wines that are easy to drink and smooth for even the less experienced wine drinkers.
Satyr Fire
Waxwing Chenin Blanc 2021
White Blends
White blends are most common in Old World regions but are make waves throughout Oregon as winemakers craft amazing wines while carefully selecting their varietals and percentages.
Season Cellars
Transparency 2021
Satyr Fire
Nectar Flow 2021
Bubbles
Sunday glasses: 50% OFF
Many sparkling wines that you find now from Oregon, and the Pacific Northwest, are made in the Méthode Champenoise, which is the traditional method used in Champagne.
Capitello Wines
Sparkling Brut NV
Darque Wines
Sparkling PN Rosé 2021
Trinity Vineyards
This-N-That Sparkling PN Rosé 2021
Dessert Wines
Dessert wines, sometimes called pudding wines in the United Kingdom, are sweet wines typically served with dessert. There is no simple definition of a dessert wine. In the UK, a dessert wine is considered to be any sweet wine drunk with a meal, as opposed to the white fortified wines drunk before the meal and the red fortified wines drunk after it. Thus, most fortified wines are regarded as distinct from dessert wines, but some of the less-strong fortified white wines
Wetzel Estate
Vin de Glace
Bjornson Vineyard
"Thor" Dessert Wine '19
"Ratafia" Dessert Wine '19
Parra Wine Co.
Dulce Remedio 2015
DAnu Wines
'Boru' Dessert Style Tempranillo 2016