When you hear “wine” and “Oregon” uttered in the same sentence, the subject matter is usually pinot noir. And for good reason. The state’s producers consistently make top-notch pinot that expresses a unique personality based on a combination of differences in soil, elevation and microclimate. It’s mostly what has put the state on the wine map.
Fewer producers focus on chardonnay, but those that do are making incredible wines, with their "clear Oregon nature" shining through in the glass, as James wrote in his annual report on Oregon wines, which we published last week. And chardonnay is giving pinot a run for its money in the literal sense: prices for Oregon chardonnay are out of whack in relation to its quality. But don’t worry – this is a good thing because Oregon chardonnay right now is such a great value proposition that it deserves closer attention.
Part of the reason chardonnay has only recently begun to get the recognition it deserves is because for many years Oregon produced pinot gris as its hallmark white varietal. Some pinot gris wines were well made and others not so much, but whatever acclaim the varietal once received has slowly faded, with chardonnay stepping in to take its place.
