“Come quickly; I’m tasting the stars!” — Dom Pérignon was quoted as exclaiming when he discovered Champagne. When the bubbles are right, it’s hard to dispute that. The way the wine dances over the tongue, it’s a celebration in the mouth and the perfect accompaniment to holiday celebrations.
Newberg has become an epicenter for American sparkling wine. Production began in 1986 when Rollin Soles arrived in the area. He believed that the Willamette Valley had the soil and climate necessary to produce world-class sparkling wine. He proved that at Argyle, where he made the Wine Spectator Top 100 list with his sparkling wine. In 2013, Rollin Soles left Argyle and opened ROCO Winery in Newberg.
Newberg boasts ten wineries that locally produce sparkling wines which are currently in stock, available for pick up. If you can’t make it to Newberg this week, or the winery is closed, many of these wines are available in your local wine shop or grocery store. Be sure to ask the wine steward or sommelier for assistance.
ROCO starts our list with their RMS Brut in the 2015 and 2016 vintages as well as their 2017 Brut Rosé, all made in the “traditions Methode Champenoise” style of Champagne. This labor-intensive process yields a sparkling wine with complex flavors and a long, fresh finish.
Adelsheim currently has four sparkling wines available: a 2014 Sparkling Blanc de Blancs, and from 2015, a Sparkling Brut Cuvée, Sparkling Brut Rosé, and a dessert-style Sparkling Demi-Sec Cuvée.
Arbor Brook also makes a sparkling wine in the Champagne style, with their Célébrer la Vie. Made of 66% Pinot Noir and 34% Chardonnay, it’s a crisp wine with light flavors. It might be the perfect toast to accompany your holiday turkey or ham.
Archer Vineyard offers their 2019 Sparkling Rosé of Pinot Gris. This wine is made from the 30-year old vines on their Chehalem Mountain estate. At $25 a bottle, your holiday toast doesn’t have to break the bank!
Domaine Divio offers a sparkling wine in their 2017 Willamette Valley Crémant. The tart fruit and a long finish are the perfect pairings with high-in-fat holiday foods.
Et Fille, in downtown Newberg, has released their first sparkling wine. It’s their Pére Honneur Sparkling Wine, made from 2015 grapes. It’s notable because it has been fermenting in the bottle for four years. This crisp bubbly is classified as “Extra Brut” — meaning it’s very dry. Expect bright acidity, intense bubbles, and a rich depth.
JK Carriere’s 2011 Blanc de Noir, Extended Tirage is 100% Pinot Noir sparkling wine, with grapes from Temperance Hill Vineyard, northwest of Salem. Wine reviewer, Josh Reynolds, said of this wine, “… here’s a great example of what’s happening in the Beaver State.”
Lachini Vineyards offers a Willamette Valley Brut Rosé sparkling wine, also made in the Champagne style, with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. Enjoy its silky body and citrus flavor notes.
REX Hill currently features two sparkling wines. First, their La Vie en Rosé Sparkling 2016. This fruity pink wine has a lingering finish that will impress your guests. Also available is their Grande Cuvée Sparkling 2015. This classic Brut-style sparkling wine will have you forgetting 2020 and welcoming 2021 with style.
Trisaetum wraps up our list with two sparklers. They are the 2017 Pashey Blanc de Blancs Coast Range Estate and the 2017 Pashey Estates Cuvée. Made in the style of Champagne, neither is completely dry. One more thing…if sparkling wine is a passion of yours, keep an eye on Trisaetum. They frequently produce other sparkling wines, which can sell out quickly.
As you can see, although Newberg may be a distance west of France, our Newberg, Oregon wineries are perfect partners in helping you celebrate your holidays and ring in the New Year.
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