# Kūdos Willamette Valley Pinot Noir (2023)

- **Producer:** Kūdos Wine
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir
- **Region:** Oregon, United States
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.8%
- **Average price:** €17
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** raspberry, strawberry, cherry, orange, herbaceous, toast, vanilla, chocolate

## About this wine

Kūdos is produced in Oregon's Willamette Valley under owner and vigneron Laurent Montalieu, who has been crafting wine in the region since 1988. Following a philosophy of minimal intervention, Kūdos brings together fruit from more than seven distinct vineyard sites across sub-appellations such as Dundee Hills, McMinnville, and Chehalem Mountains. This multi-terroir approach combines volcanic basalt, marine sedimentary, and alluvial soils to capture a full expression of the Willamette Valley AVA.

## Interesting facts

- Owner Laurent Montalieu was inspired to dedicate his career to Oregon Pinot Noir after his first harvest in 1988.
- Fruit is sourced across seven-plus sites, combining volcanic basalt, marine sedimentary, and alluvial soils.
- The estate vineyards are 100% dry-farmed and completely herbicide-free across 500+ acres.

## Food pairing

The vibrant natural acidity and subtle earthy nuances of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir harmonize naturally with duck, pork, salmon, and wild mushrooms, enhancing savory notes without overwhelming delicate ingredients.

## Wine making process

The wine is crafted from 100% dry-farmed, herbicide-free Pinot Noir vines consisting of diverse Dijon and heritage clones. Harvested fruit undergoes micro-fermentations by vineyard site and block with gentle extraction combining whole-cluster inclusion and destemmed berries. Aging takes place for approximately nine months in a mixture of stainless steel tanks, new French oak barrels, and neutral French oak barrels.