Why Oregon Is Home to the Coolest, Grooviest Sparkling Wines in America
By Katie Kelly Bell
“Oregon sparkling wine has already earned its share of critical acclaim and yet this scrappy tightly-knit wine region continues to experiment with intriguing riffs on the tradition-infused méthode champenoise style. Winemaker Kim Kramer of Kramer Vineyards declares with vigor that she’ll “sparkle anything,” and she’s not alone in her pioneering thirst for new and unique sparkling expressions.
Argyle Winery Winemaker, Nate Klostermann, notes that sparkling wine production is expanding throughout Oregon’s Willamette Valley. “Our well-drained, high elevation, volcanic soils allow for balanced, elegant structure and pure fruit flavors,” he says, “which develop vibrant, complex aromatics while retaining high natural acidity important for delicious sparkling wines”…
…Sparkling wine is certainly nothing new to the region. Argyle Winery, whose extended tirage bottlings enjoy the highest scores for any sparkling wines made outside of Champagne, started crafting bubbly in Oregon in 1987…”
Argyle Extended Tirage Brut Rosé, 2009
With ten years on the lees, this is one of the most extraordinary vintage sparklings made in America today. $150