Embody Pinot Gris, 2017

A complex and layered small-batch Pinot Gris from Oregon. Herbaceous and rich with apricot, peaches and cream.

Meet the maker: Stedt Wines

Region: Willamette Valley, Oregon – USA

Grape(s): Pinot Gris (100%)

13.5% ABV / 750ml / Vegetarian

Viticulture:

Northwest of Forest Grove, in the foot-hills of the Coastal Range mountains. The vineyard was planted on its own roots in silty clay loams of the Tualatin River Valley. The Pinot Gris block (Block 4) sits at 350-feet elevation with a southwest open exposure.

The vineyard is dry-farmed and sustainably farmed by the Risdall Family.

In terms of the vintage, rainfall was ample that winter, ending a two-year dry pattern. Early spring came on cool and rainy, with bud break right on time. Summer arrived with a false start as record heat day in May, but cooled off in June. The remainder of the summer delivered multiple record high temperature days. Tempered by the cool spring and a cooling-off trend that dominated September, harvest was ultimately later in the season. The rollercoaster temperatures produced fruit with balanced acids and sugars, brimming with brilliant flavours.

Winemaking:

Whole cluster bunches were foot-trodden in the picking bins to allow for skin contact with the juice.

A low pressure pressing was made and the juice settled for 36 hours.

Fermentation was carried out in one 500 litre French oak puncheon and one 1,200 litre stainless steel tank. The puncheon was specifically sourced for its 3-year-old seasoned, tight-grain wood that was water-washed during the bending stage (enhancing the wine structure and depth without overt barrel flavour influence).

The vessels were blended to create a final harmony of the two styles. 

Production was limited to 150 cases.