Antiquum Aurosa Pinot Gris 2023

Description

Antiquum Aurosa Pinot Gris 2023

This distinctively textured wine is a single-varietal expression composed of 100% Pinot Gris, sourced exclusively from Antiquum Farm in the southern Willamette Valley. The estate is situated on a west-facing knoll at 800 feet elevation, where the thin, Bellpine soils and high exposure force the vines to struggle, resulting in berries with exceptionally thick skins. The 2023 growing season in the Willamette Valley was marked by a warm, dry summer that accelerated ripening, allowing for the development of deep phenolic maturity while maintaining the region's signature cool-climate acidity. These conditions were ideal for the estate's skin-contact style, producing a wine that balances solar richness with structural tension.

In the glass, the Aurosa presents a stunning, translucent deep copper-salmon hue, immediately signaling its extended maceration. The nose offers an exotic and complex bouquet of dried apricot, white peach, rose hip tea, and a savory hint of crushed almond and dried herbs. On the palate, this is a medium-bodied and dry wine that defies the typical lightness of the varietal, offering a substantial mouthfeel with a tea-like phenolic grip. Flavors of blood orange, wild strawberry, and wet stone unfold with precision, supported by vibrant acidity that leads into a long, refreshing finish with a pleasant, savory bitterness reminiscent of grapefruit pith.

The unique character of this wine is a direct result of Stephen Hagen’s "Grazing Based Viticulture," a regenerative farming method where sheep, geese, and chickens graze the vineyard year-round, eliminating synthetic inputs and building intense soil vitality. In the cellar, the winemaking is equally intentional; the fruit undergoes a bold 21-day fermentation on the skins to extract its signature color and tannin structure. This is followed by six months of aging on the lees in neutral oak barrels, a process that softens the edges and adds layers of creamy textural complexity without imparting overt wood flavors.

Due to its structural grip and savory depth, this Pinot Gris pairs exceptionally well with rich, American-leaning cuisine. It would be an outstanding match for hickory-smoked pulled pork with a tangy vinegar slaw, as the wine's acidity and tannins cut through the fat and smoke. Alternatively, try it with cedar-planked salmon topped with a maple-mustard glaze, where the wine's fruit notes complement the glaze while its texture stands up to the oily fish. While specific ratings for the 2023 vintage are forthcoming, previous releases of Aurosa have consistently garnered scores in the 91-94 point range from critics like The Wine Advocate and Vinous, solidifying its status as a high-value, reference-point wine for the skin-contact style in Oregon.