News on Oregon Sparkling & Last of the Summer Wine
The weather is still calling us to picnic, outdoor barbeque and sit in the garden with a bottle of wine and good friends. Light picnic food, seafood barbeques and summer salads all have something in common: they pair perfectly with a chilled bottle of chardonnay or sparkling wine.
While Pinot Noir continues to dominate Oregon Wine production (making up 32.8% of volume share in the 12 months ending January 2022), production of sparkling wine has seen a sharp rise, up 62.5%. Also rising in total volume growth is chardonnay, with a 42.8% increase. It means in 2022, there’s more Oregon sparkling and chardonnay on offer than ever before.
While we’re on the topic of sparkling wine, there’s more exciting news in Oregon’s ever growing sparkling category. Making headlines this week: Corollary Wines’ recent purchase of land in the Eola-Amity Hills. The Corollary Wine team are planning to cultivate the never-before used land to exclusively produce sparkling wine. It’s a huge experiment for the winemaker duo, who are interested in fusing traditional winemaking methods from the Champagne region with Oregon’s perchance for innovation.
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We’re hoping with this new era of production, the UK market will see a bottle of Corollary sparkling in their local wine cellars soon.
Discussing chardonnay and sparkling wine is making us think about all of the Oregon Wine still to discover and enjoy while the sun is still shining. The following four recommendations are perfect for warm weather feasting and will likely become firm favourites into the autumn months too.
Evolution Sparkling, Sokol Blosser
https://www.harveynichols.com/brand/sokol-blosser-/2491079-evolution-sparkling/p2908594/
Why you’ll love it
Made from a blend of grapes, this sprightly sparkling wine benefits from the addition of Gewurztraminer and Muscat. Lychee and citrus notes make this the perfect addition to your picnic basket.
Flood Line Chardonnay, 2018, Averaen
https://jeroboams.co.uk/product/2018-averaen-flood-line-chardonnay-eola-amity-hills-ava/
Why you’ll love it
A fuller-bodied chardonnay, described as having a fragrant, citrusy bouquet, balanced by ‘suggestions of buttered toast, tarragon and vanilla’.
Roserock Chardonnay 2018, Domaine Drouhin,
https://www.vinvm.co.uk/domaine-drouhin-oregon-roserock-chardonnay-2018
Why you’ll love it
A classic chardonnay balance between acidic notes and well-integrated oak.
Old Stones Chardonnay 2018, Bergström
https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/usa-bergstrm-old-stones-chardonnay-750ml_R03942142/
Why you’ll love it
A well balanced chardonnay - not too oaky with a sparky acidity. Pair with seafood.
