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The star of our visit to the Willamette Valley was resoundingly Pinot Noir. The valley provides a rich environment for this variety to bloom – in many ways. What is it that contributes to the quality and richness of expression of this wine in the glass?
First, what is important is the soil. The volcanic rock, marine sediment, and loess (loosely compacted windblown sediment), which formed the vineyards of the valley, became marginally fertile, well-drained soils. This translates to vines which need to struggle just enough during the growing season to produce a mature grape with character and complexity.
The other important aspect is the weather. The average temperatures, along with long daylight hours during the growing season and enough annual rainfall, provide an optimal environment for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.