The Eyrie Vineyards Spark NV

Eyrie Vineyards founder David Lett was convinced that the climate of the Willamette Valley was potentially perfect for growing Pinot noir. At the tender age of 24, with a degree in viticulture, another in philosophy, and eight months of intensive research in European wine regions behind him, David Lett headed for Oregon. He left California with little more than 3000 grape cuttings and a firm conviction that Oregon’s Willamette Valley would be the best home for Pinot noir and Chardonnay outside of Burgundy.

On February 22 1965, David established the modern era of winegrowing in the Willamette Valley when he planted his first vines. David was soon joined by his new wife Diana, and together they planted and expanded their estate on a former orchard in the Dundee Hills. Their plantings focused on the first Pinot noir and Chardonnay in the Willamette Valley, but also the first Pinot gris commercially planted outside of Europe, and other cool climate varieties. 

To create this wine, Jason blended vintages of Pinot noir (55%), Chasselas
doré (37%), and Pinot blanc (8%). Grape sources are 86% organically-certified
and 14% organic-non-certified, and come from vines on Jory volcanic soils.
Fermentation and aging occured in a mixture of wood barrels and stainless
steel. Full malo and an average of 12 months on lees lend a subtle richness
with zero residual sugar. The final step: Jason had the wine carbonated to 4.1
atmospheres of pressure and bottled under crown cap.

This casual sparkler comes from an innovative blend of grapes. Pear and citrus rind develop on the palate over a structure of crisp acids and creamy fruit notes. An initial rush of exuberant bubbles is quickly followed by a soft effervesence. Slight astringency balances the richness from extended lees contact, and deftly carries the finishing tones of blood orange and wild strawberries.

Producer: The Eyrie Vineyards 

Country: USA

Region: Oregon

Varietal: Pinot Noir, Chasselas, Pinot Blanc

Appellation: Willamette Valley

Vintage: NV

Size: 750ml