2013 Bergstrom Winery Gregory Ranch Pinot Noir

Bergstrom Wines is located in Oregon’s famous Willamette Valley, the heart of Oregon’s Pinot Noir country. Though the winery is young, having produced its first vintage only in 1999, it is already winning accolades from critics and connoisseurs. Owned by John and Karen Bergstrom, the estate includes a total of 37 acres planted to Pinot Noir and 5 acres planted to Chardonnay. Prior to creating the winery’s first vintage, son Josh Bergstrom spent time in Burgundy learning winemaking and vineyard practices. The winery is organic and prides itself on artisanal winemaking.

Yamhill-Carlton AVA is located in Yamhill and Washington Counties, and it is entirely contained within the Willamette Valley AVA, Oregon’s most prestigious wine producing region. It has 1,200 vineyard acres and was awarded AVA status in 2004. The region grows Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Dolcetto, Muscat, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. Ken Wright Cellars, Elk Cove Vineyards and WillaKenzie Estate are among the district’s best-known producers. All focus on Pinot Noir.

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.