Blanc Check

By Aakanksha Agarwal “White wines play a key role in Oregon, both in its past and future,” notes Jen Cossey, general manager at Brooks Wine. Oregon has long been defined by Pinot Noir, the cool-climate grape whose success shaped not only planting decisions but the region’s global identity. It is a reputation marked by restraint, acidity and a measured approach to ripeness, favoring structure over power. But, as Cossey points out, those conditions were never exclusive to Pinot Noir. “Broadly speaking, our whites are also characterized by high acidity and balanced, developed aromatics.” That consistency extends across the category. Pinot Gris remains one of Oregon’s most widely planted varieties. Chardonnay continues gaining ground. Riesling, long central to Brooks, has developed depth across sites and styles, with the winery producing 14 distinct bottlings annually from estate fruit and historic vineyards. Cossey attributes that consistency to climate

by Hilary Berg · source ↗