The Willamette Valley Wineries Association represents the wineries, vineyards, and AVAs of Oregon's premier wine-growing region.
Verified 10 days ago
The story
The Willamette Valley, home to more than two-thirds of Oregon’s wineries and vineyards, is the cradle of the state’s modern wine industry and one of the world’s leading regions for Pinot noir. The region is a vast and varied appellation encompassing eleven nested AVAs: Chehalem Mountains, Dundee Hills, Eola-Amity Hills, Laurelwood District, Lower Long Tom, McMinnville, Mount Pisgah, Ribbon Ridge, Tualatin Hills, Van Duzer Corridor, and Yamhill-Carlton.
Sparkling wine is defined in the United States as grape wine made effervescent with carbon dioxide resulting solely from the fermentation of the wine within a closed container, tank, or bottle. In the Willamette Valley, it is never referred to as 'Champagne' out of respect for Champagne's legally protected status in France.
What is the Traditional Method (Méthode Champenoise)?
Also known as Champagne-style or Méthode Traditionnelle, this means the sparkling wine was made in the style of Champagne (outside its geographic jurisdiction). The carbonation comes from a secondary fermentation occurring in the same bottle, typically offering notes of brioche and fresh cream from extended contact with lees.
What is Crémant?
Crémant is a category of traditional-method sparkling wine found throughout France that is not associated with a legally protected geographic region, usually bottled with slightly lower pressure than Champagne.
What is the Martinotti / Charmat / Tank Method?
A method where secondary fermentation occurs in a closed tank rather than in the bottle. It is often favored when using highly aromatic grapes because it helps preserve their bright, fruity flavors.
What is Pétillant Naturel ("Pét-Nat")?
A naturally sparkling style bottled during primary fermentation. It derives carbonation from natural sugars in the grapes rather than a secondary sugar addition, producing a simpler, old-school wine intended for early consumption.
What is Blanc de Noirs?
Meaning 'white from black,' this denotes sparkling wine made from red (black) grapes, typically Pinot noir, though Gamay, Pinot Meunier, and others can be used.
What is Blanc de Blancs?
Meaning 'white from white,' this indicates the sparkling wine was made with white grapes only. Chardonnay is most common, though Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, and other varieties are also used.
Why does wine place name protection matter?
Location is everything in wine, as each bottle expresses the soil, climate, and character of its origin. Protecting wine place names prevents consumer confusion and maintains regional integrity.
What are Oregon's wine labeling standards?
For Oregon AVAs, 100% of grapes must be grown in Oregon and 95% must come from the named appellation. Varietal-labeled wines like Pinot noir must contain 90% or more of that variety.
What is Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status?
The European Union granted the Willamette Valley PGI status, safeguarding the region's name from misuse and fraud across the EU. Only Napa Valley and Willamette Valley hold this distinction in the US.
