August is here, summer is almost over and we need to enjoy outdoors. When someone says Wines from Oregon, Pinot Noir comes to my mind. However, a year ago, I started to taste different grapes growing gracefully in the Pacific Northwest State. Pinot Gris, hands down, has been one of them. Hence, with a Pinot Noir or Pinot Gris, let’s enjoy outdoors with Acrobat wines. Oregon Wines are perfect for enjoying during summer and pair with outdoor adventures.
Wines from Oregon on the rise
“Small production. High quality.” Big impact. According to their own Wine Board, that’s the story of Oregon’s wine industry, which has seen an explosion in growth over the past decade. Even though they have a small production, their sales continue to grow. In a recent Forbes article is confirmed that sales of Oregon wine were up almost 13% in 2019 over 2018. Total cases sold leaped one million cases over two years.
I am happy to see more Oregon wine offerings in wine and liquor stores on the East Coast from a consumer standpoint. Almost in every store in Manhattan, you will find an Oregon wine option. Wines from Oregon are very food-friendly, and they are also easy to pair with outdoor adventures. For instance, take it from a local Oregonian, Four Graces Winemaker, Tim Jones, who enjoys backpacking and spending time outdoors. He follows his outdoor trail adventures in the Pacific Northwest with a crisp 2018 Acrobat Pinot Gris. Furthermore, when relaxing at night around the campfire, he typically selects an earthy Acrobat 2018 Pinot Noir.
Let’s dig into these two options from Acrobat Wine.
Enjoy the classic Oregon Wine Grape by excellence: Pinot Noir
There are approximately 908 wineries in Oregon, and the number continues to grow. Acrobat Wine, the producer of Acrobat 2018 Pinot Noir (SRP: $19). According to their website, Acrobat wines are sourced from a spectrum of Oregon vineyards, spanning the three classic Western AVA’s – Willamette Valley, Umpqua Valley, and Rogue Valley. Pinot Noir is by far the grape by excellence from Oregon. Has been growing in the New World and setting it up apart from the Old World Pinot Noir for the strict balance season after season.
Acrobat 2018 Pinot Noir (SRP: $19) is no exception to the rule. A medium-bodied Pinot Noir with light tannins and refreshing acidity. The wine aromas consist of a bouquet of ripe strawberries and dark chocolate followed by earthy and spicy forest floor and clove notes. Pair this with a delicious charcuterie board. Tim Jones, a local Oregonian winemaker, suggests savoring this staple Pinot Noir from Oregon on a night off camping. The earthy and spicy notes of forest floor and clove will enhance your bonfire experience.
Oregon next best grape: Pinot Gris
Pinot Gris is famous for its refreshing citrus flavor and zesty acidity. One of the best expressions that I have come across lately is the Pinot Gris from Oregon. For instance, Acrobat 2018 Pinot Gris (SRP:$15) offers crisp and refreshing flavors to help you embrace this summer season. Tim Jones, Four Graces winemaker brings this Pinot Gris on adventurous trips with a hiking partner to indulge in crisp and refreshing flavors of Asian pear and cantaloupe against the picturesque backdrop of nature. With its layers of citrus and tropical fruit flavors and pleasant but racy acid balance in the mid-palate, it is an ideal choice for wine lovers to suit outdoor exploration activities. I paired this with a chicken-based dish and white mushroom sauce. The medium body and multitexture, along with the white tannins of the Pinot Gris, pairs elegantly with white meat-based plates and grilled vegetables.
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