Pinot Noir Three Ways– California, Oregon, Burgundy
When we talk about domestic Pinot Noir, the debate is always between if you prefer Oregon vs. California. Very different in style, this has everything to do with the climate of the two places. When comparing the two, you instantly see the resemblance that Oregon has with Burgundy where the grape originally came from.
Pinot Noir is one of the most finicky grapes to work with. Thin skinned, easily damaged by the elements, tight clustered, and usually late ripening. Many factors for something to go wrong. Pinot Noir is a grape that likes cool climates and usually thrives in places with cloud coverage. (Cough Cough – Burgundy and Oregon). But the grape does pretty well in sun-drenched California as well. Usually coastal regions such as Russian River Valley in Sonoma because it benefits from the ocean fog to keep the temperature in a manageable spectrum. But with California generally, Pinot Noir has a style of being high alcohol, riper, lower in acidity, and a little more fruit forward representation then its cousin up north.
In Oregon, Pinot Noir’s history is quite short but they have shot to world recognition very quickly. The first vines were planted back in 1965 by David Lett of Eyrie Vineyards and by the mid 1980’s; people started noticing the quality the Willamette Valley was able to produce. It reminded people of the legendary wines produced in Burgundy such as Volnay, Pommard, Vougeot and Marsannay and they shared similar characteristics to these wines.
What are the similarities you ask? Well first Burgundy and specifically the Willamette Valley share comparable fertile lands with micro segmentations throughout the valleys. They also have very similar weather patterns, cloud coverage, and a cool climate with polarizing swings throughout the day. These factors help create the acidity and texture of the wines from Burgundy and Oregon. The terrior and minerality also help these wines have a subtle earthier balance that our California version seems to lack. While California can be a bigger bolder version of Pinot Noir, we look to Oregon and Burgundy to bring us complexity and elegance. This style of wine is also more favorable for food pairings.
If Oregon Pinot Noir is your domestic preference, then we would love for you to explore the similarities of our Red Burgundies. Starting with our most approachable light body, fruit focused version, look no further than Domain Deliance Cote Chalonnaise. Love a high acid version that is boasting full of tart red berries? Grab yourself a bottle of Arnaud Boue’s Hautes Cotes de Nuits. As you start to explore different regions and begin craving more complexity without the huge dollar sign, then your next step is simple. Domain Deliance’s, Clos de la Servoisne, Givry Premier Cru delivers on all levels at a fantastic price point. Finally, looking for some of the best Pinot Noir from the Cote De Nuits? Buy a case of our biodynamic Gevrey Chambertin from Arnaud Boue. This wine will age gracefully for many years to come.