How we started
Due to the high humidity of the vines and grapes rotting, unpredictable frosts could kill a decent portion of the crop, and the wine could turn out watery and lackluster. Overall, there was a lack of stability, which in winemaking is one of the key indicators of success.
Passion
As a result, Oregon winemakers turned to European specialists for help. They brought in frost- and moisture-resistant vines from Europe, analyzed the soil more thoroughly and gradually stabilized the quality of the wine.
Craftmanship
The first generation of Oregon winemakers imitated Burgundy in many ways. But as it turned out, it was impossible to reproduce Burgundy outside of Burgundy. So the next generation of winemakers began to look for their own style and came up with it after all. Since the ’70s, Oregon wine has become fuller, stronger, more fruity and slightly less acidic than Burgundy. This added a unique flavor, aroma and character to the wine.
France Wines statement
We try to make exquisite wines that enrich the heart&soul.
History
First they planted Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir, trying to figure out which variety would give the best results. Pinot noir came out the best, accounting for 70% of the vineyards.
Results
Winemakers tried to graft chardonnay, but the grapes turned out to be heat-loving. Some chardonnay was grown, with a 6% share. There are other varieties: pinot gris 15%, riesling 3% and cabernet sauvignon 2%.
Vision
Pinot noir wines have always been expensive, because the grape variety is capricious and requires a lot of attention and yield control. Without proper control, the wine can taste like tinted water.
As many winemakers say: “You can search a lifetime for your perfect pinot noir and never find.”
Villenoir
Our Timeline
Purchased Farm
Oregonians have managed to achieve the perfect balance, for which you'll have to pay well, even against the backdrop of California wines. The price per bottle starts at $50.
1999
Purchased Farm
Domaine Drouhin has been producing its wines in Burgundy since 1880. The estate owns vineyards in Chablis, the Côtes de Nuits, the Côtes de Beaune and the Côtes Chalons, prestigious appellations of Burgundy.
1999
Planted Vineyard
The family began making wine in Oregon in 1988, and located the winery in Oregon's most prestigious area, Willamette Valley.
2001
First Production
It was their 1975 South Block Pinot Noir that won second place at the French Wine Olympics.
2003
Awards won
The winery is known for its elegant style of pinot noir and chardonnay wines. Their wines are regularly ranked among the top 100 wines in Robert Parker's ranking, noted at international competitions Decanter, International Wine Challenge (IWC).