Teutonic Wine Company Borgo Pass Vineyard Pinot Meunier 2022

The Borgo Pass vineyard is in Monroe in the southern Willamette Valley, north of Eugene and south of Salem. The Meunier vines were planted in 1985 by Mark Debose and Jan O’Banion in their 17-hectare vineyard, which also includes Pinot Noir, Gamay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Approximately 40% of the vines on the property are over 40 years old, and all are on their own roots. Like Alsea Vineyard, Borgo Pass is home to Bellpine soils—a variant of Willamette’s famous Jory soils—which are rich in iron and have excellent drainage. The dry-farmed site sits at 140 metres and is organically managed.

The fruit was handpicked, sorted and destemmed before fermenting in open-top vessels using a pied de cuve started in the vineyard. After four weeks with daily punch-downs, the wine was pressed and settled before going to old barrels for maturation. It’s just so expressive, full of silky bramble and blue flowers, with blood orange, sandalwood and spice notes, all framed by a touch of minerality and lovely soft tannins. It’s hard to tear yourself away. A lover of great food as well as wine, Barnaby Tuttle believes this to be an ultimate match for roast pheasant. 

- Bibendum