A BLONDE VINTAGE

Calling all wine lovers! May is Oregon wine month and it’s the perfect time to explore the unique and delicious wines that this beautiful state has to offer. From crisp Chardonnays to bold Pinot Noirs from the Willamette Valley in Oregon there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Oregon wine is sure to delight even the most discerning palate. In this post, I’ll explore five must-try Oregon wines that will make your taste buds sing. So, grab your glasses and get ready to taste the bounty because Oregon wine month is a time to celebrate the unparalleled deliciousness of the wines produced in this stunning state. Here are five must-try Oregon wines to celebrate!

5 Must-Try Oregon Wines to Celebrate Oregon Wine Month

PINOT NOIR

One of the most well-known Oregon varietals is Pinot Noir. This wine grape thrives in the state’s cool and wet climate, making Oregon Pinot Noir a unique and delicious offering. Pinot Noir is a light to medium-bodied red wine that boasts flavors of cherry, raspberry, and sometimes a hint of tea. It is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of foods, making it a favorite among wine lovers. Many Oregon Willamette Valley wineries produce exceptional Pinot Noir, so it’s worth taking the time to explore different wineries and find the one that suits your taste best.

A few personal favorite is…

Alloro 2019 Pinot Noir – One of my favorite “everyday” wines for a Pinot. I personally love all of Alloro’s wines, but this one is a stand out! Great price point as well. I personally enjoy drinking this in a Pinot Noir glass.

CHARDONNAY

Chardonnay is another wine varietal that Oregon winemakers are mastering. Although not as widely recognized as Oregon’s Pinot Noir, Chardonnay is beginning to make a name for itself in the region. This white wine is known for its buttery flavor and smooth finish, with hints of apple or citrus notes. Depending on how it’s made, Chardonnay can range from light-bodied and crisp to full-bodied and rich.

One of the factors that sets Oregon Chardonnay apart from other regions is the state’s cool climate, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and retain their natural acidity. This, in turn, adds complexity to the wine’s flavor profile. Oregon winemakers use both traditional and modern techniques to craft their Chardonnay, giving each a unique and distinct taste.

Chardonnay is a versatile wine that pairs well with a range of dishes, from grilled fish to roasted poultry. It’s also a great wine to enjoy on its own, especially during hot summer months, as it’s refreshing and has a lower alcohol content than some of its red counterparts.

A few personal favorite is…

Rain Dance Vineyards Grand Oak Vineyard Chardonnay– By far my favorite Chardonnay to date, this sweet little hidden gem winery is a Oregon Willamette Valley favorite of mine! Serve this in a Chardonnay glass for the best expression!

PINOT GRIS

Pinot Gris is another exceptional and extremely popular wine to consider during Oregon Wine Month. This white wine is known for its light to medium body, crisp acidity, and delicate flavors of pear, apple, and citrus. The wine is made from the Pinot Gris grape, which is related to the Pinot Noir grape.

Pinot Gris is versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes, including seafood, salads, and light pasta dishes. It’s also a great wine to enjoy on its own, thanks to its refreshing and easy-drinking nature. I personally love a good Pinot Gris paired with fresh caught crab.

So, if you’re looking for a white wine that’s not as full-bodied as Chardonnay, but still has complexity, fresh flavorful notes and depth, Pinot Gris is definitely worth trying. And, many Oregon Willamette Valley wineries produce exceptional Pinot Gris.

A few personal favorite is…

Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Gris  to say I love this Pinot Gris is an understatement. It’s a staple in my wine fridge….I even served it at my wedding. It’s that one wine I can go back to time and time again and always be happy I opened the bottle.

SYRAH

Syrah is a red wine that’s perfect for those who love bold and spicy flavors. Grown in several regions throughout Oregon, this wine has a deep red color and a rich aroma, which is often described as having hints of black fruit, pepper, and violet. Syrah is a versatile wine that pairs well with many different types of foods, including grilled meats, stews, and hearty pastas.

If you’re looking for a wine that’s full-bodied and has a complex flavor profile, Syrah is definitely worth trying. While it’s a bold wine, many Oregon wineries produce Syrah that’s balanced with just the right amount of acidity and tannins.

A few personal favorite is…

Rotie Northern Blend is from the Rock district of Oregon’s Milton Freewater. Made from 94% Syrah co-fermented with Viognier, this wine balances between lively blackberry fruit and earthiness.. I suggest serving this in a Syrah glass.

RIESLING

Up next on my list of must-try Oregon wines is Riesling. While Riesling may not be the wine you think about when you think “Oregon wine”, it more than makes up for it with its bright acidity and complex flavor profile.

Oregon Rieslings are known for their notes of stone fruit, along with hints of citrus and honey. They typically have a lower alcohol content, making them an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy a glass or two without feeling too overwhelmed. They make an ideal aperitif wine.

One of the great things about Oregon Rieslings is their versatility. They can be paired with a wide range of foods, from spicy Thai dishes to grilled seafood. And despite their lower alcohol content, they can hold their own against heartier fare like grilled pork or chicken.

A few personal favorite is…

Brooks specializes in Rieslings, so they have this type of wine down to an art… Their Wascher Riesling is a vibrant, dry Riesling with aromas of beeswax and honeysuckle and complex layers of citrus, tropical fruits, and golden delicious apple on the palate. One glass will leave you craving more. I recommend serving this in a Riesling glass for the best flavor expression.

 

I hope you have a grand time tasting your way through Oregon and enjoying everything this celebratory month has to offer! It’s a fantastic occasion to explore the diverse and delicious wines of the state and Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Syrah, and Riesling are five must-try wines that will satisfy every palate. As you raise a glass to Oregon’s unique and wonderful wine culture, remember that there is always something new to discover. So go ahead, try a new varietal, visit a local winery, and celebrate the magic of Oregon wine today! Cheers to finding your new favorite bottle.

All opinions are honest and my own and I truly appreciate your support that makes this blog possible! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases as well as other affiliate links found in this post. Please see my Disclosure for more information. 5 Must-Try Oregon Wines

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