Best buys in Oregon wines
It’s amazing to consider how much of the world market share of wine that Australia has grown to capture in the past decade. I thought about that lately when browsing the wine aisle of our neighborhood Winco and noticed how many value-priced wines from Australia were crowding the shelves.
According to data from the World Bank reported in a study by the University of Adelaide in Australia in 2010, the share of global export sales of still wine from Australia climbed from about 12 percent in 2000 to nearly 40 percent in 2009.
It would not surprise me if, during the economic climate of the past two years, cost-conscious wine consumers have driven this number even higher, considering how many value-priced Australian wines are available in the U.S., including the ubiquitous Yellow Tail and Lindeman’s, which you can find for less than $10 at nearly any grocery store in town.
But being an Oregonian and a wine lover, I don’t have to go Aussie to find Oregon wines that are drinkable and a good value. They may not be able to compete with the likes of Yellow Tail and Lindeman’s on price points, but you can find several good Oregon wines for $10 to $13 a bottle.
Think of it as a way to keep your precious wine dollars in Oregon during these tough times rather than shipping it over to the Aussies.
If you’re looking for value, here are some Oregon wines I’d recommend that are priced just above $10 a bottle:
2011 A to Z Oregon Rosé ($11)
: Pale salmon color with aromas of strawberry and watermelon, raspberry and cherry flavors, plus a crisp mouthfeel.
2011 Wine by Joe José’s Rosé ($12)
: Light pomegranate pink color with aromas of strawberries and cream, flavors of strawberry and citrus, and a zingy mouthfeel.
2011 Acrobat Oregon Pinot Gris ($12)
: This label by King Estate was named a Wine of the Week by Wine Spectator in October 2011. It has a pale straw color with aromas of pear and citrus, and flavors of Mandarin orange and spice. It has a nice balance between acidity and sugar.
2009 Airlie Müller Thurgau ($12)
: Named a Best Buy in 2011 by Wine Enthusiast magazine, this wine has a citrus aroma, honeysuckle and pear flavors, and good acidity.
2011 Eola Hills White Riesling ($12.95)
: A sweet white wine with notes of baked apples, apricots and honey.
2010 Underwood Cellars Pinot Noir ($12.95)
: Deep ruby red with aromas of cranberries and spice, flavors of sweet raspberry and cinnamon, and good acidity.
2009 Airlie 7 ($13)
: A blend of Müller-Thurgau, riesling, pinot gris, gewürztraminer, chardonnay, pinot blanc and Auxerrois, this is a crisp and refreshing wine with pear and apple flavors, a floral aroma, and just a touch of sweetness with good acidity.
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About the Author (Author Profile)
Victor Panichkul is a journalist and writer by training; a cook, wine lover and photographer by passion; and a lover of the outdoors since moving to Oregon more than 10 years ago. He is a native of Bangkok, Thailand.
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It is good to see there are value wines in Oregon. I can get Acrobat in the wilds of WV, but am unfamilar with the others. It is especially nice to find a pinot noir that can be enjoyed for more than “special occasions”. Keep posting