5 Questions with Zena Crown Consulting Winemaker Tony Rynders
May 12, 2017
When Jackson Family Wines made their first foray into Oregon in 2013, they called Tony Rynders, a 20-year veteran in the winemaking industry with growing experience up and down the west coast. Tony, along with his winemaking partner Shane Moore, were tasked by JFW to bring the Zena Crown Vineyard to life, and they were given a rare perk.
“They gave us carte blanche in the vineyard and in the creative process,” Rynders said.
That unique relationship between JFW and Rynders has resulted in Zena Crown producing a portfolio full of distinctive flavors that captures the essence of the Willamette Valley.
We were excited to spend some time with Rynders and learn more about his story, including his cinematic perspective on why Pinot Noir has made a big-time resurgence.
How did you get started in wine?
I first started experiencing wine when I was in college and working at a restaurant where I was a bartender. Then after school, I moved to eastern Washington and experienced all of the great wine that was out there. I took a trip to Europe and really got bit by the wine bug, so when I came back I was able to find a job at a winery.
Tell us about the young history of Zena Crown.
Zena Crown launched in 2013, so to be able to be with this project since the beginning is a real privilege. Everything we have reflects the spectacular Eola-Amity Hills of the Willamette Valley. We have four distinct offerings, and they continue to evolve every year. Each of our wines are really different, and they each show the distinct range of our vineyard.
Why is the Willamette Valley such a trending region?
A variety of grapes work there. It’s not just Pinot Noir. The first growers there tried a variety of grapes, such as Pinot Gris – and it just worked. Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays are just different. They taste different than California Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. It’s a special region, and the reputation that the Willamette Valley has is absolutely an earned one.
Let’s dive deeper into Pinot Noir. Why is it such a popular grape?
If you look at the “Sideways” Effect – that was a real thing. If you would have told me 15 years ago that Pinot Noir would become the “cool kids” grape, I would have laughed in your face. Pinot Noir is a cerebral grape. It’s for people “in the know.” The “Sideways” Effect threw the spotlight on Pinot Noir. Also, people like it because Pinot Noir is reflective of the region where it grows and the time it grew.
Why is wine unique to you?
One time, I was driving around with a distributor in Phoenix. And as we are driving, he looks over to me.
“Tony,” the man said.
“Yes?” I replied.
“If wine didn’t have alcohol in it, nobody would care.” the man concluded.
The more I thought about it, it just makes sense. I mean, nobody waxes poetic about non-alcoholic beverages. Wine provides enjoyment. Wine provides an experience. You can go to Italy. You can experience Spain or the Willamette Valley. You can take a trip by popping a cork.
Photo courtesy of zenacrown.com