For half a century, Oregon has devoted itself to perfecting Pinot Noir, a grape that has been cultivated for centuries in the Burgundy region of France. In turn, the wine has grown in popularity and helped solidify the Oregon Willamette Valley’s reputation for producing outstanding Pinot Noir. The notoriously finicky grape thrives in Oregon’s cool climate. The excellence of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir has helped wine lovers around the globe gain a new appreciation for the variety, elevating it to either the second or third most popular red wine in the United States, depending on the source.
Pinot reigns supreme in Oregon but Cab Sauv still dominates
The undisputed top wine of any color – not only in the U.S. but the world – is Cabernet Sauvignon. Very little is grown in Oregon – just 4% of the acreage in the state is devoted to growing Cabernet Sauvignon, compared to 59% to Pinot Noir. Originating from the Bordeaux region of France, Cabernet Sauvignon is from an accidental cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. With its small, thick-skinned berries, Cabernet Sauvignon is known for being full bodied with loads of dark fruit flavors and strong tannins that give the wine its notable texture and structure.
Cabs from Washington earn respect
Like Oregon has done with Pinot Noir, California has carved out a reputation for outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon, punctuated by the famous “Judgment in Paris” in 1976 when a Napa Cab won the competition for the first time in history, besting French wines that were long simply assumed to be superior. But since the 1990s, Washington state has developed an impressive reputation for producing outstanding “big reds.” At 28% of total production in the state, Cabernet Sauvignon is Washington’s top variety and Quintessence Vineyard is one of the top sites growing this sought-after grape.
Quintessence Vineyard is the largest contiguous vineyard in the Red Mountain AVA which lies within Washington’s larger Columbia Valley AVA. Quintessence’s south-facing slopes are at 600 to 1,100 feet in elevation with rich volcanic soils. Fruit from Quintessence is highly prized for producing big, bold, tannic red wines. First planted in 2010 with 68 acres, Quintessence has grown to 310 acres planted primarily with red wine grapes.
Discover Quintessence
Quintessence is one of Washington state’s most venerated vineyards, where hallmarks of two regions – Bordeaux and California – can be found in one place: higher acidity from Washington’s cooler nights, like Bordeaux; and concentrated fruit profile from smaller berries, California style. It truly is the best of both worlds.
