# Hiyu Tzum Oak Ridge (2023)

- **Producer:** Hiyu Wine Farm
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir
- **Region:** Washington, United States
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 12.0%
- **Average price:** €95
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** raspberry, strawberry, cherry, violet, herbaceous, rose, smoke, cedar, forest floor, mushroom

## About this wine

Hiyu Wine Farm was founded by Master Sommelier Nate Ready and artist China Tresemer in Oregon's Hood River Valley, operating on holistic permaculture principles. The Tzum project features single-vineyard expressions bottled to highlight distinct micro-terroirs of the Columbia River basin. The Oak Ridge site is situated at 1,400 feet elevation on a west-facing slope above the White Salmon River. As the northernmost vineyard in the Columbia Gorge AVA, it is deeply influenced by alpine airflows descending from Mt. Adams, producing grapes with vibrant mountain freshness.

## Interesting facts

- Situated at 1,400 feet elevation on deep volcanic basalt soils near Mt. Adams.
- Tzum translates to 'to mark or locate' in Chinook Jargon.
- The estate employs high-density permaculture, integrating grazing livestock instead of tilling.

## Food pairing

The high mountain acidity, light-to-medium translucent body, and delicate whole-cluster tannins make this natural red an ideal match for duck, pork, and earth-driven mushroom dishes without overwhelming delicate flavors.

## Wine making process

Dry-farmed biodynamically by growers Thomas and Marlene Woodward, the grapes are hand-harvested in small baskets. Fermentation takes place with 100% whole clusters using wild native yeasts, utilizing delicate foot-treading and light infusion rather than extractive cap management. The wine ages between 12 and 24 months in neutral oak casks and puncheons on full lees without racking. It is bottled gravity-fed, unfined, unfiltered, and crafted with minimal to zero added sulfur dioxide.