Oh, so soil matters after all…

A new study by German researchers (from the Service Center of Rural Areas) shows that soil type may have a greater influence than climate on the characteristics of wines. This contradicts conventional wisdom. Taking samples of Riesling grapes grown across Germany, researchers put lots of grapes from different vineyards through identical winemaking processes, then compared them based on soil types. What did they find? Riesling gown in Limestone based soils - even when grown hundreds of miles apart in completely different climates - had similar characteristics of tropical fruit and honey with intense color. Meanwhile, Riesling grown in sandstone soils all showed mineral and citrus qualities. Interesting stuff. These results were based on two years of study and are just the beginning. The next phase of the study will look specifically at climate differences. Stay tuned! And for more info, check out the January 2008 issue of Wines & Vines magazine.

Volcano Vineyards 2005 Syrah gets OUTSTANDING Review

The Spring 2008 issue of Wine Press Northwest is out and for the second year in a row, we’ve gotten a rating of “OUTSTANDING!” I have to say, this is the best review we’ve ever gotten. I LOVE Wine Press Norhtwest! Check this out:

“OUTSTANDING! Top-flight Syrahs from Scott Ratcliff in Bend, OR are becoming a tradition. This vineyard-designate near Jacksonville, OR is on the precocious side with youthful, lip-smacking sweet brambleberries and balanced oak. A dark midpalate leads to a rich and lingering finish of semi-sweet chocolate that brings you back. The Ratcliffs, who have a background in fine cuisine, suggest pairing this with pulled pork or salty and bitter foods such as greens, olives, lemons, eggplant and asparagus.”

Vintner's Dinner at McMenamins St. Francis

Join us on Saturday April 19 at 7 pm at McMenamins St. Francis for a four course wine dinner. Cost is $50 per person. Call 541-382-5174 for reservations. Here is the fabulous menu:

Hazelnut-crusted Rogue Creamery blue cheese with rosemary shortbread and champagne grapes
Volcano Vineyards 2005 Viognier

Mixed greens with Manchego cheese, spiced marcona almonds and Spanish olive vinaigrette Volcano Vineyards 2005 Syrah

Smoked buffalo tenderloin with truffle butter, roasted fingerling potatoes and sugar snap peas Volcano Vineyards 2005 Merlot

Chocolate lava cake with cherry-Syrah reduction
Volcano Vineyards Lava Red Blend