Located 30 miles southwest of Portland, Alloro Vineyard features alluring Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and more from a gorgeous property in Laurelwood District AVA. This new AVA, at the north end of Oregon’s Willamette Valley, takes its name from distinct soil in the area. Laurelwood is an exceptionally fine windblown soil, with silt-sized sediment formed by erosion of volcanic rocks by glaciers. We received samples of Alloro Vineyard Estate 2017 Pinot Noir and 2018 Chardonnay, and can attest to their distinct, terroir-driven flavors.
Alloro VIneyard
Alloro is a 110-acre, sustainably farmed, limited-production, single-vineyard estate, located on a southwest-facing slope in Oregon’s Chehalem Mountains.
David Nemarnik founded the Alloro Estate in 1999. Alloro is Italian for Laurel, paying tribute to Nemarnik’s Italian-Croation heritage in addition to the Laurelwood soil. The estate also features a lovely Tuscan farmhouse, culinary gardens, fruit orchards, nut trees and grass-fed beef and lamb. According to Forbes, “The cypress-lined entry and terracotta roofs leave no doubt, Alloro Vineyard represents a slice of the Mediterranean.”
Above all, Winemaker and General Manager Tom Fitzpatrick calls Alloro “a special place that is the heart and soul of our wines.” Fitzpatrick is a Burgundy-trained, UC Davis-educated winemaker. His focus is elegantly composed, terroir-driven wines that express the unique personality of place at a moment in time.
Moreover, Alloro produces a limited amount of three estate Pinot Noirs, Chardonnay, Riesling, Rosé and Vino Nettare, a dessert wine.
Alloro Vineyard 2017 Pinot Noir ($40)
This beautiful wine blends fruit from the older Pinot Noir blocks to showcase the vineyard’s distinct soil. First, Laurelwood soil produces Pinot Noir that is lighter than the earthier wines from other Oregon AVAs. Second, this Pinot is elegant with a silky texture, and aromas and flavors of cherries, raspberries, baking spices and minerality. Named an Editor’s Choice by Wine Enthusiast, this Pinot is well-crafted and well-balanced with impressive depth. It’s expressive enough to drink on its own. Or pair it with salmon on a warm summer evening.
Alloro Vineyard 2018 Chardonnay ($34)
Alloro Chardonnay opens with aromas of pears, white melons and freshly baked pastry. Next comes concentrated flavors of Granny Smith apples, creme brûlée, creamy pears and a hint of minerality. The palate is full, round and rich, and makes us think of evenings on the deck. This Chardonnay pairs beautifully with lobster or any type of shellfish, sushi or poultry. Here’s an idea – barbecue Copper River salmon on a wood plank, and pair it with both Alloro Chardonnay and Pinot!
Allloro Vineyard Tasting Room and Garden
Earlier this month, the Alloro Tasting Room & Garden opened for seated tastings by reservation only. Most importantly, they are adopting all the best practices to create a clean and safe environment.
Firstly, you can purchase Alloro wines on their website, where you’ll also find a Father’s Day Dinner Kit. Secondlly, you can buy tasty Wine and Produce Packs. Pacific Coast Fruit, a very respected family-run produce company founded by Nemarnik’s parents in 1977, provides the produce.
In addition, Alloro reveals a sneak Facebook peak of their new Tasting House, coming this fall.
Summary
In conclusion, we plan to visit Alloro VIneyard when we start traveling again. According to Forbes, this is “a must stop for Burgundian style Pinot Noir lovers.” Besides, after tasting two of their wines, we look forward to discovering more.
Cheers!
Margot and Dave