“Meeting a good person always stays a good memory in our lives”
André Demedts, writer
Prowine Düsseldorf
I’m at the Prowine in Düsseldorf. Winemaker Mark Wisnowsky took the time to talk about Oregon and its wines. Of course, he also talked about his own company: Valley View, Oregon.
Valley View Winery
Valley View Winery is located south of Jacksonville, in the Applegate Valley AVA (= American Viticultural Area). This valley is located in the southern wine region of Oregon, United States. An area surrounded by a mountainous landscape with Medford as the largest city.
The climate and temperature in Oregon
I ask questions about the climate and temperature in Oregon, assuming it will be pretty chilly so far north. Mark, however, tells me to my surprise that the temperature here is fairly warm. 25 degrees Celcius on average during the day in summer. Fortunately, there is a big difference between day/night temperature. The ripening of the grapes is never such a problem mark states. There is little but enough rain during the growing season. In this region, they must ensure that the wines do not develop too far in the direction of “jammy”. That means harvesting on time.
Valley view produces wines that are primarily based on fruit and terroir. No oak is used in many of his wines. And if it is, it is usually in old and used oak barrels. Thus, only a hint of the wood influence is given and the wine speaks for itself, says Mark.
Wine grapes used in Oregon
We talk about the types of wine grapes that are used in Oregon. Mark says that as many as 60 different international grape varieties have been planted in Oregon. And indeed he lets me taste a range of different wines made by himself and by his colleagues. It goes from Viognier to Tempranillo and from Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc to Merlot. The costs of importing them and the competition from good European alternatives mean that they are less well known in Europe. He is aware of that but nevertheless will give it a go. That’s why he’s on the Prowein for the first time.
From my own experience, I can say that there is plenty to discover in the Oregon wine area. Maybe an idea to pay a visit in the month of May, when in the entire state of Oregon wine will be put in the spotlights with events and tastings.