Applegate Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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Applegate Valley

Located entirely within the Southern Oregon and Rogue Valley viticultural areas, Applegate Valley is defined by its terroir.  Located in south eastern Oregon the appellation is located in the valley surrounding the Applegate River from its intersection with the Siskiyou National Forest boundary to it’s confluence with the Rogue River.  Within the Rogue Valley viticultural area, Applegate Valley is located in between the Illinois and Bear Creek Valleys. 

The mountains that act as it’s southern and western boundary were caused by crustal upthrusts of the seafloor instead of being volcanic like those to the east.  The soils are blends of granite which hold heat to extend the growing season and spread through the area into alluvial fans and terraces that are prominent growing areas or wine grapes. The climate is overwhelmingly mild with an annual average temperature of 48º F with averages in January of 31.5º F and August of 66.4º F.  Precipitation varies from 27-33 inches per year comes primarily during the cool season giving the moisture time to permeate into the soils.

Settlement in the region began in the 1850s and was named after the Applegate Brothers who first settled the area.  Viticulture began in 1852 when Peter Britt opened the Valley View Winery which operated until 1907.   After Prohibition the winery didn’t open until 1976 being the first winery producing from grapes in both the Rogue Valley and Applegate Valley.

The Region produces a wide variety of grapes including Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling, Syrah Tannat, Vermentino and Zinfandel.

2014 Troon Blue Label Longue Carabine, Applegate Valley - Wine of the Day

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2014 Troon Blue Label Longue Carabine, Applegate Valley

2014 Troon Blue Label Longue Carabine, Applegate Valley

$29

A creative co-ferment of grapes native to the South of France:Marsanne 43.81%, Viognier 27.35%, Vermentino 12.65%, Riesling 8.79%, Roussanne 5.0%, Sauvignon  Blanc 2.4%; farmed to savor the natural attributes of granitic soils, washed down the mountains covered in Madrone, Oak and Ponderosa pine.  Full bodied and exotic, this is a substantial wine, but it’s still balanced with the bracing acidity you would expect from Oregon. The aromas and flavors are laced with hints of honeysuckle and ripe peaches.  An ideal match for roast chicken, veal and cheeses.  For those that love the exotic, lush and complex white blend of the southern Rhône Valley will adore Longue Carabine.

2014 Troon Black Label Vermentino, Applegate Valley - Wine of the Day

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2014 Troon Black Label Vermentino, Applegate Valley

2014 Troon Black Label Vermentino, Applegate Valley

$29

What a difference, keeping part of the 2014 Vermentino in barrels for a year. Aromas of wild cherry and blood orange, lightly pan roasted hazelnuts, gingersnaps and lemon blossoms. With deeper flavors of  marzipan, lemon tart and almond croissant. Bright and beautiful freshness of acidity, and finishing with a classic ripe apricot fatness stretching out the finish for hours and hours. One of the finest white wines ever produced at Troon Vineyard and on par with the finest vermentinos made anywhere in the world.

Rich and full on the palate, while still maintaining bright, refreshing acidity. The aromas and flavors flirt with hazelnuts and crisp fresh of the tree pears. The finish is long and complex. A perfect match for seafood and light pasta dishes.

2014 Troon Blue Label Longue Carabine, Applegate Valley - Wine of the Day

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2014 Troon Blue Label Longue Carabine, Applegate Valley

$29

A creative co-ferment of grapes native to the South of France: Marsanne 43.81%, Viognier 27.35%, Vermentino 12.65%, Riesling 8.79%, Roussanne 5.0%, Sauvignon Blanc 2.4%; farmed to savor the natural attributes of granitic soils, washed down the mountains covered in Madrone, Oak and Ponderosa pine.  Full bodied and exotic, this is a substantial wine, but it’s still balanced with the bracing acidity you would expect from Oregon. The aromas and flavors are laced with hints of honeysuckle and ripe peaches.  An ideal match for roast chicken, veal and cheeses.  For those that love the exotic, lush and complex white blend of the southern Rhône Valley will adore Longue Carabine.

2014 Troon Black Label Vermentino, Applegate Valley - Wine of the Day

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2014 Troon Black Label Vermentino, Applegate Valley

$29

What a difference, keeping part of the 2014 Vermentino in barrels for a year. Aromas of wild cherry and blood orange, lightly pan roasted hazelnuts, gingersnaps and lemon blossoms. With deeper flavors of  marzipan, lemon tart and almond croissant. Bright and beautiful freshness of acidity, and finishing with a classic ripe apricot fatness stretching out the finish for hours and hours. One of the finest white wines ever produced at Troon Vineyard and on par with the finest vermentinos made anywhere in the world.

Rich and full on the palate, while still maintaining bright, refreshing acidity. The aromas and flavors flirt with hazelnuts and crisp fresh of the tree pears. The finish is long and complex. A perfect match for seafood and light pasta dishes.

September 11th - This Date in Wine History

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Windmill (Moulin-à-vent) in Beaujolais

Wine has a long established history of being our drink of choice for celebrating, entertaining, and savoring life; but it didn't start out that way. From the invention of the barrel to the designation of the separate viticultural areas, wine has a long and sorted history.  In our daily feature This Date In Wine History, we share an event of critical importance in wine history. 

  • The French AOCs of Barsac,  Chénas and Moulin-à-vent were created in 1936.
  • California's St. Helena AVA was designated in 1995
  • Italy's Vermentino di Gallura DOCG was established in 1996
  • Spain's Rías Baixas DO was created in 1997