2018 Belle Pente 'Belle Oiseau' White Wine

50% Riesling, 30% Pinot Gris, 15% Muscat and 5% Gewurztraminer. The Riesling comes from McMinville and the rest of the grapes from Yamhill-Carlton. Crushed, pressed, and cold settled for 48 hours with no SO2. The Pinot Gris was fermented in 1200 liter German oak casks and the remainder in stainless steel. Long, cool fermentation (partial malolactic) with 10 months of lees aging.  Only 1.5g/L residual sugar- dry! 13.4% alcohol. 100 cases made. 

I firsted tasted this delicious, aromatic Edelzwicker blend on the porch of owner/grower/winemaker Brian O’Donnell’s porch, overlooking his estate vineyards in Yamhill-Carlton and an exquisite summer sunset. That’s what this wine is in a glass! It’s like summer in a glass. Aromatic floral notes, exotic fruits- pineapple, lychee, grapefruit and green apple. It’s both crisp and round at the same time, with hints at sweetness while still being dry. The Muscat and Gewerz provide aromatic lift, the Riesling contributes freshness, and the Pinot Gris and Gewurz add some richness to the palate. Have with sushi, charcuterie, oysters, or nothing at all! ~Ryan

Jill O’Donnell hails from Minnesota; Brian, a first-generation Irish-American, from New York City, and they met working in California. In 1992 they purchased what would become Belle Pente, planted their vines in 1994, and built their 3-level, gravity-operated winery in 1996 in time for their first harvest. From the first they were interested in organics and now farm their 18 acres of vines with both organic and biodynamic methods. In addition, they are firm believers in dry farming. Two-thirds of what they make is Pinot Noir and two-thirds is from their own vines. Production averages 4,500 cases. Their wines are all about elegance, with a breadth of textures and flavors that can astonish. They remain among the most respected of Oregon’s producers.