Dundee Hills is indeed an AVA (American Viticultural Area). It is located in Oregon's Willamette Valley, which is known for its exceptional wine production. As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to explore and taste wines from various AVAs, and the Dundee Hills AVA has consistently impressed me with its unique characteristics and high-quality wines.
The Dundee Hills AVA is particularly renowned for its red volcanic Jory soil. This soil type was formed by the Columbia River Basalts over 14 million years ago and is a defining feature of the region. The Jory soil is rich and deep, reaching a depth of 4-6 feet, and offers excellent drainage for the wine grapes. This allows the vines to establish deep root systems and access the necessary nutrients, resulting in superior quality grapes.
The volcanic nature of the Jory soil also imparts distinct characteristics to the wines produced in the Dundee Hills AVA. Pinot noir, in particular, thrives in this terroir and has become the flagship grape of the region. The volcanic soil brings out the unique flavors and aromas of the Pinot noir grapes, resulting in wines that are often described as elegant, complex, and expressive.
Having had the opportunity to taste wines from the Dundee Hills AVA, I can attest to the exceptional quality and distinctiveness of their Pinot noir. The wines often exhibit notes of red fruit, such as cherry and raspberry, along with earthy undertones and a hint of spice. The balance and finesse in these wines are truly remarkable, showcasing the influence of the Jory soil and the skilled winemakers in the region.
In addition to the soil, the Dundee Hills AVA benefits from a unique microclimate. The region is situated on the eastern edge of the Willamette Valley, which allows it to receive more sunlight and experience warmer temperatures compared to other parts of the valley. This extended period of sunlight and warmth helps to ripen the grapes fully, resulting in wines with excellent concentration and depth of flavor.
Furthermore, the Dundee Hills AVA is also characterized by its rolling hills and elevations. The varying elevations provide opportunities for different microclimates within the AVA, allowing winemakers to experiment and produce wines with diverse characteristics. This adds to the overall complexity and richness of the wines from the region.
To summarize, the Dundee Hills AVA is an exceptional wine region within Oregon's Willamette Valley. Its red volcanic Jory soil, unique microclimate, and varied elevations contribute to the production of high-quality wines, particularly Pinot noir. As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have been impressed by the distinctive flavors and complexity found in wines from the Dundee Hills AVA, making it a noteworthy AVA in the world of wine.