Everything to Know for Oregon Wine Month
May 17, 2017
Looks like California has some competition from its northern neighbor Oregon. From its Willamette Valley winning Wine Enthusiast’s 2016 Wine Region of the Year, to the state’s growing share of 90+ point wines on Wine Spectator’s domestic wines lists, Oregon wine is truly making a name for itself.
With some of the most notable growing regions for Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, it’s no surprise that big names are investing more and more in Oregon wine. One family leading the push into Oregon is the Jackson Family. Julia Jackson, the family’s youngest daughter, said her family is excited to be a part of Oregon’s progression.
“It’s almost like my family and I are kids in a candy shop – coming upon this region that produces amazing Pinots,” Jackson said.
The amazing Pinots Jackson refers to are known for their freshness and vibrancy, differing from their Burgundian relatives that are less fruit-forward and are known more for their structure. Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris aren’t the only varietals coming out of Oregon, though. Winemakers in the region are starting to focus on Chardonnay, which they say is the next big wave in Oregon wine.
Regardless of the varietal, there’s a lot to celebrate in Oregon wine. While it may have a moderate maritime climate, it seems that this region is quite on fire, and consumers agree.
According to the Oregon Wine Industry’s 2017 National Consumer Research Study, 42% of Oregon wine consumers drink wine daily and 58% consume wine a few times per week.
Stay up to date with consumers’ preferences and help them navigate the world of Oregon wine with these quick facts and expert insights from some of Oregon’s top winemakers.
Breakthru sat down with Julia Jackson and prominent Oregon winemakers from six of Jackson Family’s wineries. Here are highlights from each interview on Oregon wine.
“Even though each winemaker is different stylistically, there’s this thread that weaves them all together with this freshness, and acidity, and vibrancy, and fruit-forward characteristics that are balanced out.” – Julia Jackson. Read more from Breakthru’s Q&A with Julia Jackson.
“So many people start their wine journey with sweeter wines, or at the Cabernet level, but all roads lead to Pinot Noir. When you get a great Pinot, it just takes you to a whole different sensation of wine.” – Eugenia Keegan, Gran Moraine Winemaker. Read more from Breakthru’s Q&A with Eugenia Keegan.
“If I’m describing Pinot Noir to someone who hasn’t had Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley before, ‘Oregundian’ is a word that I like to use. It conveys a message that we get that structure, that focus, that tension, that minerality, but we also have that healthy dose of opulent fruit.” – Erik Kramer, WillaKenzie Estate Winemaker. Read more from Breakthru’s Q&A with Erik Kramer.
“Oregon is a distinctly unique growing region...and I encourage everyone to come and be a part of it. Our tag line is, ‘A sense of place,' because you really can’t experience it until you’ve been there.” – Lynn Penner-Ash, Penner-Ash Wine Cellars Founder and Winemaker. Read more from Breakthru’s Q&A with Lynn Penner-Ash.
“The quality level of Willamette wine has come a long, long way in such a short period of time. The wines definitely have a more 'Old World' feel than a California feel, meaning they have bright acidity, really good structure, great aging ability and really incredible complexity.” – Ryan Zepaltas, Siduri Assistant Winemaker. Read more from Breakthru’s Q&A with Ryan Zepaltas.
“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.’” – Tony Rynders, Zena Crown Consulting Winemaker. Read more from Breakthru’s Q&A with Tony Rynders.
“There is a mindset that runs from Portland down into the Willamette Valley and it’s reflected in the wines. Willamette wines are different -- it’s key, and consumers have taken notice.” – Craig McCallister, La Crema Head Winemaker. Read more from Breakthru’s Q&A with Craig McCallister.
Climate
Oregon has a cool, maritime climate. The June-August temperature range is 78/52ºF and the average rainfall is 1.02”. These conditions make it ideal for cooler-climate grapes, i.e. Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris.
Soil
In California, winemaking is all about the climate. In Oregon, it’s all about the soil. The three categories of soil in Oregon are volcanic, marine sedimentary and windblown (loess).
Appellations
Oregon has seven major growing regions and 18 approved American Viticulture Areas (AVAs). The most popular region is the Willamette Valley, which produces 91% of Oregon’s Pinot Noir.
Varietals
There are 72 varieties grown in Oregon. Pinot Noir accounts for 62.3%, Pinot Gris 12.9%, Chardonnay 5.6%, Riesling 2.6%, Syrah 2.2%, and other varietals account for 14.4%.
Oregon Wineries and Vineyards
From 2000-2015, the amount of Oregon wineries increased from 139 to 732. During that same time period the amount of vineyards increased from 480 to 1,052.
Average Bottle Price
The average price for a bottle of Oregon wine is $16.07 versus $9.76 in Washington and $6.68 in California.
Retail Volume Growth
Retail volume for Oregon wines grew 13.5% from 2015-2016, versus 3.1% growth in Washington and 2% in California.
Sources: Jackson Family Winery, Oregon Wine Board
May is dedicated to celebrating Oregon wine, but that doesn’t mean that consumers aren’t enjoying these delicious wines year-round. Make sure to take advantage of this emerging region and talk to your Breakthru Sales Consultant today about our Oregon wine portfolio.