Oregon Wine Grape Varieties

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  With 15 approved wine-growing regions and more than 300 wineries, Oregon has established an international reputation as a world-class wine state. Oregon has one of the most diverse geo-climates in the world, making its landscape ideal for the cultivation wine grapes. Many grape varieties are grown in Oregon with different regional distinctions.

Pinot Noir

• Oregon's premier pinot noir-producing region is the Willamette Valley. In 1979 David Lett entered his Oregon pinot noir in the Gault-Millau French Wine Olympiades and won top honors against France's best labels. Oregon pinot noir grapes have higher acidity than California grapes, and are often more intensely fruity than Burgundies. The wine produced is rich and full-bodied but not heavy, with spicy accents.

Pinot Gris

• The pinot gris grape is a genetic mutation of the pinot noir and Oregon's second-most important grape variety. This variety grows in cool-climate regions and produces white wine that can be light or rich and full-bodied with floral and citrus flavors. The King Estate Winery is Oregon's most prolific producer of pinot gris.

Chardonnay

• Chardonnay is the third most planted variety of grapes in Oregon. This cool-climate grape produces a delicate white wine with apple, peach and citrus aroma. Willamette Valley has earned top honors for Dijon-clone chardonnays.

Cabernet Sauvignon

• Cabernet Sauvignon grapes have thick skin and produce wine that is high in tannin. This grape variety grows in both cool and warm climates. Cool-climate varieties have herbaceous notes such as eucalyptus or capsicum. Warm-climate varieties have distinctive cassis or berry aromas.

Merlot

• The merlot grape is a warm-climate variety that grows in Oregon's dry southern region. Merlot wine has a similar flavor profile to cabernet sauvignon but tends to be less distinctive and more herbaceous in both aroma and body. Merlots are characterized by black cherry, berry and toasty oak aromas.

Riesling

• Early Oregon winemaking pioneer Richard Sommer planted the first riesling grapes in Oregon soil. Oregon's riesling vineyards are located mainly west of the Cascade Mountains where rainfall is abundant and the climate is cool. Riesling grapes produce a sweet, fruity wine with high acidity and floral aromas. The Oregon variety preserves great acidity, which is important for ageability.