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Strength in the Rogue Valley comes in the form of variety.
The scenic southern Oregon wine-growing region had an impressive showing at the 2023 Oregon Wine Competition at The Oregon Wine Experience held in August. Rogue Valley wineries cleaned up on their home turf of Medford, Oregon, as they took home two of three Best-of-Show awards.
“It’s a fun event every year, and it’s getting bigger and better every year,” said Gina Bianco, executive director of Rogue Valley Vintners. “The Oregon Wine Experience is a charitable event for a hospital that covers Rogue Valley and most of southern Oregon. The money raised goes toward children’s health issues. It has helped build a cancer center and has addressed women’s health issues, too. It’s a really huge, four-day event that draws huge attention from all over.”
The Best of Show White went to Blakeslee Vineyard Estate Infinity Assemblage Chardonnay 2021 ($52), while the Best of Show Red went to Resistance Wine Company Syrah 2018 ($65). The Best of Show Specialty was awarded to Maison Jussiaume Blanc de Blanc 2019 ($65).
Even though there are over 70 varieties grown in the Rogue Valley, Bianco said that merlot grown in lower-elevation vineyards is “really shining right now.”
A moment later, she noted that barbera and sangiovese also are showing well.
There are wine varietals made famous on the Iberian Peninsula: verdelho/verdejo, tempranillo, which has deep roots in Spain, and even Touriga Nacional, more commonly found in Portugal.
The lack of a true, feature grape is considered a strength by Bianco. It’s what has made the Rogue Valley an alternative location for Oregon wine lovers who have grown familiar with the very well-known Willamette Valley.
“That’s the hardest part of my job,” said Bianco, when asked about the region’s calling-card variety. “When I got my master’s degree in wine management, it was hammered into our heads, every successful wine region has one or two varieties it is known for. They pound that into your head. It’s a totally different ballgame here – so everything I learned, I can’t use.”
It also offers an introduction to its wines at an affordable price.
“We really have something for everyone,” Bianco said. “If you are a novice to wine, or if there’s one grape or blend you love, you can find it here and find it being exceptional. I’ve embraced that from a marketing perspective. Wine lovers come for the beauty of the environment. We have an amazing environment with our mountains and the most passionate winemakers that help each other. They inspire each other and do amazing things.”
• James Nokes has been tasting, touring and collecting in the wine world for several years. Email him at jamesnokes25@yahoo.com.
TASTING NOTES
Blackbird Vineyards Napa Valley “Arise” 2016 ($49): A clash of Old and New World styles; wet, loamy earth, at times, bumps up against juicy red fruits and cigar wrapper; 55% merlot, 25% cabernet franc, 17% cabernet sauvignon and splash of petite verdot.
Chateau Teynac Saint-Julien Bordeaux 2019 ($39): The nose has currant, plum and concentrated darker fruit aromas. There’s flavors of plum, anise, tobacco and velvety tannins.
Ramirez de la Piscina Rioja 2018 ($15): Young and pure; full-bodied black cherry, cigar wrapper, thyme and earthy soil, a subtle spice rack note on the finish.
Roar Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2020 ($55): Just a few years in the bottle has this wine in a tantalizing place. Everything has come together as the tannins have peeled away to reveal pretty raspberry, cinnamon stick and clove flavors with an elegant finish.