Domaine Drouhin – a top Pinot Noir producer in the Willamette Valley

Rosé wines have experienced a remarkable surge in popularity in recent years, winning over wine enthusiasts with their refreshing flavors and relatively very high QPR (Quality Price Ratio). Oregon has recently emerged as a notable producer of rosé wines on the higher quality end of the style’s spectrum. Across the state, winemakers are crafting rosés that are making the wine world take notice.

The Willamette Valley has several examples of excellent rosé wines that stand out for their notable quality and distinct character. The region benefits from a cooler marine climate influenced by the Pacific Ocean. The cooler temperatures allow for a longer growing season, giving grapes ample time to develop complex flavours while retaining bright acidity. This gradual and balanced ripening process ensures that grapes achieve optimal phenolic ripeness without accumulating excessive sugars, resulting in wines with moderate alcohol levels and a refined, elegant profile.

Pinot Noir grapes.

Pinot Noir is the signature grape of Oregon, particularly in the Willamette Valley, and its use in rosé wine production easily distinguishes it from its new world peers. While other regions might use a variety of red grapes for rosé, Oregon’s emphasis on Pinot Noir brings unique characteristics to the wine that include spice and earthy notes to complement the grape’s natural red fruit flavours.

Although the Willamette Valley accounts for close to 80% of Oregon’s total wine production, it’s worth noting that in Southern Oregon, the Rogue Valley is also garnering attention for its rosé offerings. The region’s relatively warmer climate lends itself to producing bolder and more robust rosé wines, often made from grapes like Syrah and Grenache. These wines exhibit flavors of ripe berries, stone fruits, and a hint of spice, making them a preferred choice for wine enthusiasts seeking a more substantial rosé experience.

2018 Résonance Rosé

Over the past decade, Oregon has significantly boosted its production of rosé wine in response to its increasing popularity which can be attributed to several factors.

The versatility of rosé wines makes them incredibly appealing to a wide range of consumers. Whether enjoyed as a refreshing aperitif or paired with a variety of dishes, rosés offer an enjoyable drinking experience that can enhance almost any occasion.

Rosé wines seldom use new oak, nor are they meant to be stored for long periods of time at the winery. As a result, production costs are a lot lower which is reflected in their price on the shelf.

What has recently helped drive the rosé ‘revolution’ of late, is a noticeable rise in quality. Rosé has consistently been one of the fastest growing retail wine categories in the world over the past few years, and in Oregon, the quality and status of their rosés have benefitted significantly by winemakers employing sustainable vineyard practices along with modern winemaking techniques.

Winemaker Guillaume Large at Résonance Wines with fermenting Pinot Noir grapes.

A large number of Oregon wineries follow sustainable farming practices, including biodynamics and regenerative farming, ensuring their vineyards remain healthy and productive for future generations. This dedication to sustainability is reflected in the Oregon rosé wines often exhibiting a purity of fruit and a reflection of terroir that is truly distinctive.

Oregon’s diverse terroir and microclimates also allow winemakers to craft rosé wines that express the unique characteristics of the region’s varied terroirs.

The distinct Jory soil at Découverte in the Dundee Hills AVA.

From the volcanic soils of the Dundee Hills to the alluvial plains of the Rogue Valley, each wine-growing area imparts its own signature flavors and aromas to the wines produced, creating a diverse and exciting range of Oregon rosé wines for consumers to enjoy.

The cooler marine climate contributes to the wine’s vibrant acidity and balanced flavors, while the use of Pinot Noir adds distinctive spice and earthy notes, resulting in a refined and elegant rosé that is distinctly Oregonian.

Together the combination of this refinement and elegance in their flavour profiles is quickly earning  rosés from Oregon a reputation as wines to watch. After numerous trips to the state ourselves, we definitely believe they’re getting that reputation for a reason and recommend getting your hands on some while they’re still flying somewhat under the radar.

Tasting Notes

2022 Résonance Rosé

2022 Rosé of Pinot Noir

Juicy cranberry and strawberry notes are delivered on a medium plus body with mouth-watering acidity. There is lots of presence to this wine, possessing both texture and structure. The mineral streak acts as a good counter-point to the red fruit profile and helps to complete the serious and food-friendly nature to this wine. Made from Pommard and Coury clones of Pinot Noir, this wine has more body and intensity than we would have expected. This is the style of rose that really shines at the dinner table. Excellent

2021 Prelude Rosé

2021 Prelude Rosé of Pinot Noir

Medium/dark red in colour, it was made in the maceration method with 40 hours of skin contact. Classic rosé notes give great varietal typicity: strawberry, red apple skin, hint of watermelon and a nice showing of mineral and spice. With medium body, medium acidity and lots of earthy complexity, this is a gastronomic rosé setting itself apart from the run of the mill. A perfect pairing for oysters or ceviche. Excellent

2018 Stoller Family Estate Rosé 

2018 Stoller Rosé

Whole clusters are pressed to make this mineral-driven, medium+ bodied rosé that is redolent of cherries and cranberries. Bracing acidity balances and provides precision. Dried flowers and earth notes add complexity. Great as an aperitif or with shellfish. Very Good+

2016 Benton Lane Rosé

Made using methode saignee (pronounced “son-yay”) where the juice is bled off after a few hours of skin contact. The result is a lovely pink colour with a spicy, strawberry scent. The palate shows a medium body redolent of cherry and cranberry punctuated with hints of baking spices. The finish is juicy and mineral infused. More than just a summer sipper, this will go great with food (think white meats from turkey to fish) 100% Pinot Noir. Very Good+ 

2022 Nicolas-Jay Pink Vinyl

2022 Nicolas-Jay Pink Vinyl Rosé

A beautiful rosé colored hue with aroma of white flower and strawberry backed by a layering of  watermelon and fresh picked cherries. Fruit-driven, it opens on the palate with Kiwi, white peach and cherries. These mouth-watering flavors are neatly tucked inside a frame of balanced acidity and wet stone minerality. Excellent