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Producer | Van Duzer Pinot Gris Willamette Valley |
Country | United States |
Region | Oregon |
Subregion | Willamette Valley |
Varietal | 100% Pinot Gris |
Vintage | 2022 |
Sku | 30963 |
Size | 750ml |
Van Duzer Pinot Gris Willamette Valley 2022
Vineyards: 100% Van Duzer Estate Vineyard
Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Gris
Alcohol: 12.7%
Our cool microclimate and practice of sustainable farming produce a refreshingly bright, crisp wine distinguished by floral, melon and fig notes. A mineral edge complements the dry, clean, unoaked style that we chose for this wine.
Tasting Notes
Our 2022 Pinot Gris opens with a mix of floral notes and fruit. Upon first sip you are greeted by lemon zest and orange blossom that give way to notes of melon, apple, Asian pear, and a playful hint of nectarine leading to a bright and lingering finish.
Winemaking
When harvesting Pinot Gris it is usually the first fruit into the winery where we whole cluster press the lots in order to capture as much of the fresh aromatics as possible while still keeping the wine light. This year we had four distinct Pinot Gris picks, with the earlier fruit providing a crisp acidic backbone to the wine and the later picks adding complexity through aromatics. All wines are fermented in stainless and do not go through malolactic fermentation with the intention of keeping the wine as fresh as possible.
The Vineyard
Our Pinot Gris is planted in the southeast portion of our property, offering steady, controlled winds coming from the Pacific Ocean. In 2022, heavy rains in the spring and into summer helped the vines flourish. The summer heat led to smaller berries resulting in an intense concentration of flavor. It also lead to a later harvest, occurring in mid October.
The Label
Our label is inspired by Zephyra, the Greek goddess of the gentle west wind who blows Pacific breezes through the Van Duzer Corridor AVA over our family estate vineyards.
Van Duzer Vineyards
Dallas, Oregon
Proprietors Carl and Marilynn Thoma were among the first to choose the foothills at the mouth of the Van Duzer Corridor to create their family estate in 1998, intrigued by the potential of the microclimate and its ability to produce evocative Pinot Noir. Perched atop a knoll surrounded by vines on three sides, the site is situated in the gateway of the Corridor, a deep gap in the Oregon Coastal Range that draws brisk air from the Pacific Ocean into the Willamette Valley. The flagship estate’s 83.7 planted acres are in the direct path of marine winds, and benefit from the cooling gusts that moderate the temperatures over the vineyard, guaranteeing a long, beneficial growing season year after year.
The winery selected a zephyr, the gentle west wind of Greek mythology, as a symbol of the unique climate. According to Greek legend, zephyr and other wind gods were commanded by Aeolus, king of the winds, for which the Eola Hills wine region east of Van Duzer Vineyards is named. Van Duzer Vineyard’s goddess of the west wind, Zephyra, was brought to life by famed illustrator John Martinez. Best known for his fine arts posters depicting classical figures from works of Shakespeare and the opera, Martinez has also created dust covers for a wide range of book publishers. His work can be seen in the collections of the Library of Congress and Museum of Modern Art.
The Winery
In 2006, Van Duzer Vineyards built a 20,000 case capacity winery to house many small fermenters and to better control the winemaking process. Designed by Architect Larry Ferar with contracting by O’Brien Constructors, the winery was one of the first LIVE certified wineries in the state. Partially buried in the hillside, the cellar maintains consistent temperatures and relies on design features that minimize its use of energy. Its features include a cooling roof, cooling fans and superior insulation which allows highly controlled temperatures in the barrel rooms.
Thoughtful Winemaking
Winemaker Eric Misiewicz was raised in New Hampshire and spent his summers working on a vegetable production farm as a teenager. These summers spurred and interest in agriculture and lead him to study at Cornell University where he got a degree in Viticulture and Enology. After making wine in the New York, Spain, and Australia he worked for several years in the Napa Valley. Ultimately after a decade in the wine industry Eric moved to Oregon because of his passion for the lively and bright wines made in the Willamette Valley. He understands how to maximize flavors in the Van Duzer Corridor and those sourced at other Thoma-owned properties around the Willamette Valley. In a state-of-the-art winemaking facility, berries or clusters are handled with extreme care. Lots are vinified separately, and Eric handles each one as if destined for a reserve designation.
Ecological biodiversity and tailored application of water, soil amendments and fertilizer in the vineyard promote consistency and quality across the diversity of the vineyard. Van Duzer Vineyards’ achievements have not gone unnoticed; they have earned certification from LIVE (Low Input Viticulture and Enology), Salmon Safe and the International Organization for Biological and Integrated Control (IOBC). These milestones signal Van Duzer’s commitment to the future with a belief that sustainability shapes Van Duzer’s ability to craft refined, consistent wines.
Sustainability & Farming
We cultivate six grape varietals – 14 different clones – across a variety of terrain and microclimates on the site of our flagship estate and throughout the Willamette Valley. The highest level of fruit quality is achieved through soil health, biodiversity in the vineyard and responsible canopy management. Diverse cover crops help stabilize the soil and replenish nutrients, benefitting the overall health of the vines. Micro-management of the vineyard means that the grapes are fully expressive of their terroir and clonal character. Emphasis on sustainability helps minimalize environmental impact and returns high quality, healthy fruit. Irrigation is administered thoughtfully and sparingly, and sometimes not at all. On years when there is a need for added moisture, an advanced stress monitoring system is used to determine where to add water, and a precise amount is applied to the specific area. Since the vines get only what they need when they need it, the overall health of the vineyard has improved, making it more naturally resistant to pests and disease.
Van Duzer Vineyards is certified by LIVE (Low Input Viticulture and Enology), an Oregon organization that evaluates vineyards and wineries against a rigorous set of international standards, as well as Salmon Safe and IOBC. We work diligently with the National Fish and Wildlife Association to help preserve the natural Oak Savanna on the east side of the property, pruning it naturally with a herd of sheep.
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