About
Montinore Estate was established in 1982 and is one of the largest producers of certified estate wines made from Biodynamic grapes in the country. Their estate vineyard is planted on an east-facing slope along the Coastal Range foothills and encompasses 200 acres in the Willamette Valley, ¾ of which is planted to Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. Riesling, Muller-Thurgau and Gewurztraminer make up the majority of the remaining acreage. The Tidalstar Vineyard, which was planted in 1999 and acquired by Montinore in 2017 is a 30-acre vineyard in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA and is planted almost 100% to Pinot Noir. Whereas the Estate Vineyard is Demeter Certified, Tidalstar is LIVE certified and in the process of being converted to a fully biodynamic property.
Partner and Chief Viticulturist, Rudy Marchesi, is a New Jersey native but moved to Oregon in 1998. Rudy started as a consultant at Montinore and initiated its transition to Biodynamic farming in 2003, before ultimately becoming its proprietor in 2005. By 2008, Montinore Estate had achieved Demeter and Stellar Certification, ensuring their quality wines were simultaneously approachable and environmentally conscious. He is a recognized leader in Biodynamic viticulture and was appointed Chairman of Demeter USA and was named Oregon Wine Person of the Year in 2018.
Montinore Estate L’Orange is made with 80% Pinot Gris, and 20% Muscat Ottonel from Montinore Estate in Willamette Valley. 100% destemmed Pinot Gris was soaked on skin for 36 hours before pressing, and fermented in various ages of Acacia puncheon, concrete egg, and stainless steel. Muscat Ottonel was fermented on the skins in clay amphora for 8 months.
Wafts of peach, candied citrus, white flowers and a pinch of nutmeg. The palate is complex, highlighted by apricot, papaya and Rainer Cherry. A backbone of acidity offers a mouthwatering finish.