In The Glass: Argyle Brut Rosé 2010

It’s no secret that Oregon, in particular the Willamette Valley, is known for having the ultimate climate and soils for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay – two of the three main varietals used for making sparkling wine.  The third varietal used in the production of sparkling wine is Pinot Meunier – another wine grape that flourishes in Oregon’s Willamette Valley that is vital in adding fresh and fruity characteristics to sparkling wine.

Surprisingly, there aren’t very many producers in Oregon that have a fundamental focus on the production of sparkling wine.  But for those that do, the sparkling wines are terroir driven and absolutely spectacular – Argyle Winery is one of those wineries that consistently produces top-of-the-line bubbles.

In my glass last night was Argyle’s 2010 Brut Rosé ($50), a 70% percent Pinot Noir, 30% percent Pinot Meunier blend.  In the glass (and I always sip my bubbly from a Riedel Oregon Pinot Noir glass- never a flute), thousands of tiny bubbles travel north from the gorgeous coppery salmon hue.  Aromas and flavors of wild strawberries, red cherries, roses and a hint of ginger flow seamlessly along the palate in creamy, lush and vibrant waves.  Lovely acidity rounds out the fruit to bring on an elegantly balanced sparkling wine.  This is truly a palate pleasing, delicious Brut Rosé.

Located in Dundee, Oregon, Argyle has been producing world-class methode champenoise sparkling wine since 1987; as well as, still wines including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling. They’ve recently implemented some big changes at Argyle Winery: new labels have been unveiled, production is expanding with the purchase of a larger facility and a new head winemaker, Nate Klostermann, was brought in earlier this year under the supervision of founding winemaker Rollin Soles.

The new labels offer customers visual cues for choosing specific Argyle wines:

• Wines with a single diamond on the label are part of the Grower Series, paying tribute to Argyle’s history as growers first, farming more than 400 acres in the Willamette Valley.
• Wines with two diamonds distinguish the Artisan Series, which features select wines representing the best examples of the specific craft of Argyle’s viticulture and winemaking for sparkling and still wines.
• Wines with three diamonds signify the Master Series, simply Argyle’s best wines – only the rarest, most age-worthy wines made in small quantities often from single vineyards.

This infographic provided by Argyle Winery provides detailed information regarding their new labels and rebranding efforts.

Beginning in 2014, Argyle will house their winemaking and cellaring operations in the new and larger facility in Newberg, Oregon, which will allow them to maintain their sparking wine production while providing room for growth.  Their tasting room will remain in the historical Victorian farmhouse that was once Dundee’s town hall, located at 691 Highway 99W, Dundee, OR 97115.  Visit Argyle’s website at www.argylewinery.com