I grew up with two geologist parents, so to say that my appreciation for soil and rock science runs deep is an understatement- it is a part of my childhood. Family road trips consisted of lectures about glacial striations and rock formations (please, ask me about exfoliating domes). Naturally, the role that soil type plays in grape cultivation quickly became a personal area of fascination as I dove into the wine profession.
While my personal wine consumption is on hold until I give birth to a tiny human, one of the products that we recently brought into the store is a fun play on soil types of the region and a bargain in terms of Willamette wines. Willajory Pinot Noir is a testament to Willakenzie and Jory soils (two of many different dirts in the Valley). Willakenzie is a marine sedimentary soil that offers exceptional drainage forcing vines to dig deep into the earth in search of a water supply. Jory is a volcanic clay soil with a bright hue and nutrient dense water retention capabilities.
The wine is everything you would expect from an Oregon Pinot- ruby red with loads of red cherry fruit, gentle tannin, and present (but not aggressive) acidity. Grab a bottle to bid farewell to summer!
