Oregon wine: 2017 Girardet Baco noir

Oregon wine: 2017 Girardet Baco noir

Today, I offer you two for the price of one… tasting notes on 2 wines that is! After popping open both vintages of this Umpqua Valley Baco noir in order to taste them side-by-side, I learned the 2016 was no longer available. But, for anyone who might have a cellared bottle from the 2016 vintage, these notes are for you!

Marc Girardet is a second generation winemaker and his dad, Philippe, is credited with bringing Baco noir to Oregon back in 1971, a few years before his son was born. The varietal is a unique French-American hybrid grape with low tannins, high acidity and abundant fruit notes. More commonly found on the East Coast, Baco noir is resistant to mildews, rot, and phylloxera.

From the beginning, the Girardets have planted unusual grapes on their property– creating a test vineyard of sorts. More recently, Marc has continued that experimentation into Italian varietals. Currently, a wide gamut of different grapes can be found growing in their estate vineyards. Along with Oregon staples Pinot noir and Pinot gris, Girardet also produces Seyval blanc, Riesling, Sangiovese, Barbera, Teroldego, Syrah, Tempranillo, Chardonnay, and Cabernet sauvignon.

The Umpqua Valley is now home to a few more Baco noir producers but Girardet will always be known as the first to roll the dice on the cool-climate grape. Interestingly, both bottles of Baco noir tasted a bit like a mashup between Merlot and Grenache. Tart, raspberry notes, similar to those often found in Grenache were quickly tamed by a wonderful smoothness, much like Merlot. This winning combo makes Baco noir is a very versatile, food-friendly wine!

Shale Rock Vineyards,
Umpqua Valley,
Southern Oregon,
Oregon

13.5% alcohol

Empty bottle weight: 22.9 ounces // 650 grams

Cork closure 

545 cases produced

Color:

Black cherry red

Bouquet:

Raspberries // sandalwood // gravel dust // eucalyptus

Palate:

Pomegranates // red plums // bay leaf // sweet cherries // bright acidity // black raspberries // cherry cola // tart beginning that quickly transitioned into smooth and mellow

Food pairing suggestions:

Thanksgiving dinner with all the traditional sides // wild boar ragu // smoked gouda mac and cheese

Scoop up this wine deal by ordering here:

SRP $34

www.girardetwine.com


Oregon wine: 2016 Girardet Baco noir

Shale Rock Vineyards,
Umpqua Valley,
Southern Oregon,
Oregon

13.4% alcohol

Empty bottle weight: 23.5 ounces // 668 grams

Cork closure 

490 cases produced (which likely means 2017 will sell out soon!)

Color:

Black cherry red

Bouquet:

Raspberries // baking spices // red fruit // sliced almonds

Palate:

Cherries // raspberries // tart beginning that quickly transitioned into smooth and mellow // brown sugar // red plums // good acidity

Food pairing suggestions:

Spicy pork tenderloin with fire-roasted peppers // cambozola cheese and caramelized onion pizza // tandoori chicken

If you have a bottle of either vintage, be sure to tell us how you like it in the comments!

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About the Author: Michele Francisco

Michele Francisco, a founder and regular contributor to Winerabble, a blog primarily about Pacific Northwest wines, is living the dream in Portland, Oregon. Her passion leads some to believe she's got wine running through her veins. Contact Michele at michele@winerabble.com & be sure to visit her online portfolio at www.michelefrancisco.com.

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