# Willamette Valley Pinot Noir (2024)

- **Producer:** Pike Road Wines
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir
- **Region:** Oregon, United States
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €20
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 13–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, raspberry, orange, rose, liquorice, cloves, chocolate

## About this wine

Pike Road Wines was created in 2015 by the Campbell family, founders of the pioneering Elk Cove Vineyards in Oregon. Named after a rural country road outside Yamhill that winds past family farms into the Coast Range Mountains, Pike Road was established to maintain long-standing partnerships with small family growers across the Willamette Valley as Elk Cove transitioned entirely to estate fruit.

## Interesting facts

- Named after an iconic country road outside Yamhill, Oregon that winds past local family farms.
- Crafted by Head Winemaker Heather Perkin, who became the winery's first non-family head winemaker.
- Blends fruit from 15 to 20 family-owned partner vineyards spanning six distinct Willamette Valley sub-AVAs.

## Food pairing

Pinot Noir's high acidity, bright red fruit notes, and supple, low tannins make it exceptionally food-friendly. It cuts through the rich oils of salmon and pairs seamlessly with roasted poultry, pork, and earthy wild mushroom dishes without dominating delicate flavors.

## Wine making process

Grapes are hand-sorted and fermented 100% in small, open-top stainless steel tanks. The wine ages for up to 8 months in a combination of French oak barrels and stainless steel tanks to preserve the vibrant primary fruit characteristics while building structural finesse.