Hailed as the home of exceptional Pinot Noir, Oregon has earned a reputation that clings like a well-worn nickname. However, hidden beneath this acclaim is a world of diverse and intriguing varietals, one of which is White Pinot Noir — a somewhat rare, yet utterly drinkable white wine, born from the same whimsical Pinot Noir grape. There are but a handful of producers in Willamette Valley making this elusive wine with differences in production techniques and nomenclature. The common thread? An undeniably high demand for these wines.
Jim Prosser of J.K. Carriere was the first to make a White Pinot Noir in the United States. “Henri Gouges blazed the trail with White Pinot Noir in the 1930s, and I was an early adopter in Oregon,” he says. “Drawing from historical techniques and inspired by the allure of White Zinfandel, I introduced ‘Glass.’ This White Pinot Noir, refined over two decades, is a superb wine. A versatile partner for various cuisines, from Thai and Tandoori to the cherished Thanksgiving table.”
In terms of production, White Pinot Noir is crafted like a white wine, with cooler and slower fermentation than red wines, often from fully ripe grapes. The result brings the zesty, exotic appeal of a bold white wine, all while embracing the silkiness and savoriness that we cherish in our beloved Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs.
“White Pinot Noir has sparked a collective curiosity among winemakers in the Willamette Valley,” says Et Filles Wines co-founder Jessica Mozeico. “For us, the idea gained momentum while crafting sparkling wine, where the bright acidity of Pinot Noir caught our attention. Our first venture in this style aimed to create a wine that’s lively, with a bit more body than your typical rosé. We harvested early, presse, and fermented in stainless steel, later aging in neutral barrels. Minimal malolactic fermentation preserved its freshness.”
Mozeico’s latest White Pinot Noir will be released in the spring — be on the lookout, it typically sells out quickly.
From hues ranging from light gold to a delicate pink tinge to a rich amber, this enchanting wine showcases a spectrum of colors and brings flavors of baked apple, strawberries, honey, lemon curd and tropical fruit. When it comes to pairings, the beauty of White Pinot Noir lies in its ingenuity. It’s a study in contrasts; delicate yet luxurious, fresh yet earthy, fantastical yet familiar.
This age-worthy white wine is a culinary shape-shifter and pairs well with almost everything. Some seamless and diverse pairings include grilled sea bass, roast turkey, stuffed chicken, mushrooms, charcuterie boards — even spicy Thai curries. It’s especially fitting as we head into the New Year, when you want a wine with heft, but need a break from one-too-many bold reds.
Intrigued? Here are some interesting expressions of White Pinot Noir for your table.
Andante Vineyard 2022 White Pinot Noir | Van Duzer Corridor | $35
Ripe, juicy and savory — this gorgeous wine is neither light nor heavy. In fact, this copper-hued wine hits all the right notes. Expect Pinot Noir’s distinctive truffle and cherry flavors, with surprise orange blossoms and honey notes. Pair with mild, creamy cheeses.
Black Dog Vineyard 2022 White Pinot Noir | Yamhill-Carlton | $48
Black Dog Vineyard’s organic estate vines yield a White Pinot Noir featuring nectarine, lemon and a mineral core. It is a truly delicious simplicity, pairing well with a roasted winter squash salad with kale and candied pecans.
Ghost Hill Cellars 2022 Pinot Noir Blanc | Yamhill-Carlton | $34
A limited production from the Bayliss-Bower Vineyard on the historic Ghost Hill estate in Yamhill-Carlton. The Bayliss-Bower Vineyard has been part of the family’s legacy since 1906. With precise citrus flavors and sea salt notes, it goes brilliantly with lemon-garlic salmon.
Pike Road 2021 Harvest Cru White Pinot Noir | Yamhill-Carlton | $28
A creation by Pike Road, Elk Cove’s sister winery. The wine is named as a nod to their resourceful and inventive harvest crew. Barrel-aged with delightful notes of baked apple, creme brulee and toasty vanilla bean.
Anne Amie 2019 Prismé White Pinot Noir | Willamette Valley | $49
Anne Amie’s elegant White Pinot Noir, aged in neutral French puncheons, offers an elevated experience with a touch of malolactic fermentation. A robust white for winter gatherings by the fireside.
Tendril 2021 Pretender White Pinot Noir | Willamette Valley | $75
Tendril wines are made to age exceptionally well. With that in mind, the best time to drink the 2021 white pinot is right about now. It’s unexpected — with a great balance between tropical fruit and smoky, oak flavors. Pair it with chicken mole for a delicious meal. With its earthy cocoa, cumin and smoky chipotle flavors, the mole matches the wine’s flavors beautifully.
Amity 2022 White Pinot Noir | Willamette Valley | $22
The 2022 Amity White Pinot Noir, sourced from Hylo Vineyard, stands out with its fresh and delicate fruit flavors. Pair this refreshing wine with a plate of oysters on the half-shell, shrimp cocktail or zesty ceviche for a seafood soiree.
J.K. Carriere 2022 Glass White Pinot Noir | Willamette Valley | $25
This beautiful wine brings muskmelon aromas, zesty acidity and a long, refreshing finish. Made from 100% organic Pinot Noir grapes and barrel-aged with Champagne methods, this vibrant wine is perfect for the big holiday meal. It pairs delightfully with everything from honey-glazed ham to scalloped potatoes to baked mac and cheese.
