Pinot Noir is a distinctive variety.  The grape itself offers unique challenges and is fondly called the “Heartbreak Grape.”  The grape presents growing challenges due to its thin skin which makes it susceptible to weather and disease.  It’s also genetically susceptible to mutations.  These mutations have led to a multitude of clones.  Today, there are at least 1000 clones of Pinot Noir, each representing different characteristics.

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.

Oregon’s wine industry consistently ranks as the fourth largest producer of wine in the United States.  It is believed that the Willamette Valley’s location approximates the latitude of Burgundy’s Cote d’Or AOC, the motherland of Pinot Noir.  It is unfortunately not true, yet it is a fun belief.  What does contribute to the success of Pinot Noir in the valley (which it does share with Burgundy) is the cool, rainy climate with warm summers and mild winters.  Both regions have ancient mineral soils, and they both have very fertile valley floors.  As you might expect, the star grape from the Willamette Valley is Pinot Noir, as it represents 62% of the harvest volume.  Whites from Willamette Valley include Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Riesling.