California is a Goliath of American wine production and is responsible for about 90 per cent of the output in the US. Another smaller but key player is the state of Oregon. According to David Adelsheim, co-founder of Adelsheim Vineyard, Oregon wines represent about 1 per cent of the country's production. Despite this, the state commands a large presence in the wine media and has been lauded for the quality of its wines.
Oregon has three main wine regions: Willamette Valley, South Oregon, and Columbia Gorge. The most important grape varieties planted are pinot noir, pinot gris, chardonnay, merlot and riesling. The region has a cool continental climate, with over 100mm of rainfall in winter. The climate is similar to Burgundy, so it is no surprise that the fickle pinot noir grape thrives there.
Adelsheim says that Oregon pinots have fresh fruit aromatics rather than the jammy fruit that is more common in California. The wines, he says, have "higher acidity, a lot of tannin which is not astringent but silky in texture". The state hosts the annual Pinot Noir Celebration, where wine lovers can taste pinot noir from around the world. Winemaker Véronique Drouhin-Boss, of the respected Burgundian producer Maison Joseph Drouhin, says Oregon's similarity to Burgundy made her select the region for establishing a winery.
Adelsheim Pinot Noir 2010
Adelsheim's entry level pinot noir proves it is possible to find good quality pinot at reasonable prices. Fragrant notes of strawberry and raspberry on the nose. Medium body with crisp acidity, firm underlying tannins and a fairly long finish. Shows purity of fruit and is drinking well now. HK$260
Adelsheim Chardonnay 2011
Because of the very cool temperatures during the ripening season, 2011 was described as a "miracle harvest". Luckily for grape growers, the sun came out just in time to ripen the fruit. The vintage has produced elegant wines that are crisp and fresh. Peach, citrus some tropical fruit notes on the nose. Medium body with a lean structure, high acidity. HK$188