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In the world of wine, some names are inherently linked to "elegance" and "terroir." Maison Joseph Drouhin, from Burgundy, France, is undoubtedly one of the most representative families.
Across the Atlantic in Oregon, USA, this family has also taken solid steps forward. Domaine Drouhin Oregon, as the first renowned French Burgundy estate to establish itself in Oregon, has for thirty years consistently produced excellent Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines comparable to the finest Burgundy vintages.
From its inception, the winery has been a sought-after destination for global media and wine enthusiasts, with its Pinot Noir frequently hailed as "outstanding" by Wine Spectator and Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. It is a quintessential Burgundy-style Pinot Noir; but it is neither Cote de Beaune nor Cote de Nuits: it is a unique Oregon Pinot Noir.
"We are not trying to replicate Burgundy in Oregon, but rather to let Pinot Noir make a new sound through a new land." — Véronique Drouhin-Boss, Chief Winemaker
The story begins in 1961. When Robert Drouhin, the third-generation head of Maison Joseph Drouhin, first tasted Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley in Oregon, he was deeply captivated by the region's immense potential. He firmly believed that the cool climate, similar to Burgundy, was a paradise for Pinot Noir.
This dream wasn't realized until 1987. Robert Drouhin, along with his daughter Véronique Drouhin, who had just graduated from winemaking, purchased their first vineyard in Dundee Hills, officially founding Domaine Drouhin Oregon. The winery's motto perfectly encapsulates their philosophy: "French Soul, Oregon Soil."
In 1988, the winery released its first vintage; in 1989, a modern winery designed using gravity flow rose atop the hill. This was not merely an export of winemaking technology, but a testament to the Burgundians' unwavering pursuit of terroir.
Today, Véronique is an internationally recognized master winemaker and in 2019 received France's highest honor—the Legion of Honour—in recognition of her outstanding contributions to Burgundy and Oregon.
Drouhin Oregon's flagship estate, located in Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, spans 235 acres, with 36.4 hectares of vineyards.
The elevation here ranges from 400 to 800 feet, and the soil, primarily ancient volcanic rock (Jory), is rich in iron and exhibits a distinctive red color. This soil has excellent drainage, forcing the vines to develop deep roots and draw minerals from deeper layers, contributing to the wines' unique elegance and complexity.
In 2013, the Drouhin family went a step further, acquiring the Roserock vineyard in Eola-Amity Hills. This 112-hectare estate (54 hectares of which are vineyards) enjoys a cooler climate, producing wines with a more robust structure and greater vibrancy. The family cleverly compares the differences between these two terroirs to the contrast between the styles of Chambolle-Musigny and Gevrey-Chambertin in Burgundy.
Winemaking
Drouhin Oregon's winemaking philosophy is a tribute to Burgundy traditions and an ultimate respect for nature. The winery employs sustainable and organic farming methods and is certified as a "Live, Low-Input Viticulture Environment." In the winemaking workshop, they insist on the gentlest handling methods. 100% hand-picked, the grapes are placed in small 25-pound trays to ensure they arrive at the winery intact. The "four-layer gravity flow" method is Drouhin Oregon's proudest feature; the grapes flow slowly through different layers under gravity, avoiding the damage caused by rough pumping and preserving the pure flavor of the fruit to the greatest extent. Traditional "pigeage" and "remontage" techniques are used, resulting in a slow and delicate fermentation process. The oak barrels used at the winery are all custom-made in Burgundy, sourced from the finest forests in France. Pinot Noir is typically aged for 12-14 months in 20% new barrels.
