Oregon wine: 2019 Montinore Estate White and Grey

2019 Montinore Estate White and Grey

Tualatin Hills,
Willamette Valley,
Oregon

13.1% alcohol

Cork closure

Certified organic wine made with biodynamic grapes, indigenous yeast

This wine is aptly named White & Grey, referring to the 40% Sauvignon blanc (French for white) and 60% Pinot gris (French for grey) grapes that make up this white blend. Grown using biodynamic farming practices at Montinore Estate, located in Tualatin Hills, one of the Willamette Valley’s younger AVAs, the two grape varietals are not commonly found in the same bottle. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever tasted these two grapes blended together. And what a lovely marriage they make!

Color:

Straw yellow

Bouquet:

I loved the aromatic ripe fruit notes of white peaches and mangos that practically gushed out of my glass as I swirled this wine. More complex aromas of honeysuckle flowers, lemongrass, and cotton candy tickled my nose with each new sniff.

Palate:

This wine is really three acts. First, tart granny smith apples hit my tongue. Next, I tasted sweeter, tropical flavors of starfruit and mangos… then back to tart asian pears. It was a veritable roller coaster of bright acidity, that offered a crisp mouthfeel and hinted at slight sweetness, all paired with a long, dry finish.