2016 Troon Vineyard Red Label Vermentino

Applegate Valley,
Rogue Valley,
Southern Oregon,
Oregon

380 cases produced

What a unique summer sipper this wine is! If you’re not familiar with the Vermentino grape varietal, it’s a white wine grape that is most commonly found in the Italian regions of Piedmont, Sardinia, Corsica and Liguria. It’s interesting to note that it’s grown in coastal areas, influenced by the sea air (more about that in a moment).

All the wine made by Troon are estate-grown and produced in Southern Oregon’s Applegate Valley– as the crow flies, only about 50 miles from the Pacific Ocean. The vineyards are organically farmed and moving toward a biodynamic certification in the near future. Now under the helm of general manager Craig Camp, the winery is celebrating its uniqueness and this wine really represents that new way of thinking.

As we poured it into our glasses, we commented on its beautiful golden raisin yellow hue. We were then intrigued by some rather interesting aromas; ripe stone fruit notes of peaches and apricots, along with a faint whiff of pungent cheese. We also smelled honey and apples so imagine a cheese board with all the fixings, really!

As we sipped, we tasted honey crisp apples and asian pears, coupled with a tart mid-palate and beautiful texture. And… a healthy dose of salinity (told you we’d further discuss that sea air influence)! Since we haven’t tasting hundreds of Vermentino in our days, we’re unsure as to whether or not the salinity is a common varietal characteristic or due to the environment in which it’s grown. (But we’re heading to Northern Italy this fall so we’ll be sure to do more research while we’re there!)

Overall this wine is very unique and just imagine it paired with fresh oysters… or a cheese plate, or fish tacos, or a ham and cheese sandwich, or… the list can go on and on.

If you live in Oregon, Troon Vineyard has two tasting rooms, one in Grants Pass at their estate and the other in the Willamette Valley’s downtown Carlton. We suggest picking some up and celebrating the final months of summer or giving it a prominent place at your Thanksgiving table. Better yet, buy several bottles and toast to the end of summer, the beginning of cooler days in the fall and with your friends and family at your holiday meal. If you live out of state, please visit the Troon website to order your wine, you’ll be glad you did.

SRP $15.

Troon Vineyard

1475 Kubli Road
Grants Pass, Oregon 97527
541.846.9900

250 N. Kutch Street
Carlton, OR 97111
503.852.3084