2020 is hardly the year Oregon wineries will likely forget. Pandemic hit them hard right mid-March, right at the start of the wine traveling season. Wineries had to close their tasting rooms for almost three months. Even as they opened, they had limited seating capacity, and most worked by appointment only. We salute to those who persevered and open in during these trying times.
We finally came out of the “quarantine closet” in July and started going to the wineries. One of our first trips was to Applegate and Rogue Valleys of Southern Oregon. We thought it would be more accessible and more relaxed than at wineries in Willamette Valley near Portland.
First, we headed to the Del Rio Vineyard Estate tasting room in Rogue Valley of Southern Oregon. To be exact, near the tasting room, they couldn’t serve customers inside due to pandemic restrictions, and visitors tasted wine outside. We wonder what they are going to do as the rain and cold weather come to Oregon.
Del Rio History
The Estate has over a century-long history, although it wasn’t always a vineyard. The building, the tasting room located in used to be a hotel built in the 19th century. It used to be a regular stop for a Stage Company (think mini-vans driven by horses) transporting people and goods between towns.
Railroad development in the latter part of the 19th century put an end to that. Back then, railroad companies had enormous political and economic power, and they got the right of way to lay tracks through the Estate’s property. L.J. White, the original owner, sold the property, and it turned into a small orchard.
The Estate changed hands again at the beginning of the 20th century. It had its ups and downs through the Great Depression and World War II. By the mid-1990s, it turned into an 800-acre orchard growing pears, cherries, apricots, and more.
Del Rio Modern Times
In 1997 Lee and Margaret Traynham of California purchased the Orchard and hotel run by the Deuel family for almost a century. The Traynhams realized the historical significance of the old buildings and began restoration, including the Rock Point Hotel, one of Southern Oregon’s oldest structures.
They also began to transform the Orchard into one of Southern Oregon’s premium wine grape vineyards.
Vine and Wine
Del Rio Vineyard is a kind of big deal in Oregon, although you may not have heard about it much. Today Del Rio Vineyard has over 500 acres of planted grapevines.
The variety of microclimates and soils allowed them to plant a wide range of grape varietals. The grow varietals Oregon is well-known for, such as Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Riesling, as well as Bordeaux faves – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Some other grapes that are not likely to be associated with Oregon include whites such as Muscat, Viognier, Syrah, Malbec, Grenache, and Sangiovese.
Del Rio sells 80% of its grapes and supplies close to two dozen Oregon and California wineries. So if you ever had wine from a large producer with a label that says Oregon wine, there’s a good chance that Del Rio supplied them with grapes. Some disclose the source of the grapes, and some don’t. So you can only guess.
Winemaker
Del Rio winery uses only 20% of the grapes for its wine production under three labels and Jean-Michel Juissiaume, the head winemaker, is in charge of all stages of production.
Jean-Michel joined Del Rio in 2008 after making wine around the world.
He grew up winemaking family at the family’s vineyards in the Loire Valley, France. In the words of Jean-Michel, “I have been drawn to winemaking my entire life.”
After completing studies of Enology and Viticulture at the school of Briacé Loire Valley, Jean-Michel traveled the world to expand his winemaking knowledge and skills. He worked in France, Hungary, Australia, and South Africa. After seeing the world, why did Jean settled in Oregon?
“The pioneer spirit of Oregon always intrigued me, and I wanted to experience that spirit and the unique terroir first hand. It is the perfect location to express my winemaking style, one that arouses curiosity through originality, as well as respect for the fruit and terroir. I hope the taster of Del Rio wines finds a layer of complexity, balance, and texture with each smell and sip that tells the story of our vineyard site,” – Jean-Michel.
Del Rio Wine
Del Rio produces wine under the three labels. Why? The best analogy would be the Banana Republic, Gap, and Old Navy clothing brands. All are part of the same company targeting different segment shoppers offering anything from premium fashionista dresses to everyday Tees.
“Del Rio” label gets the best quality fruit and is a premium wine. “Jolee” focused on Rosé and Rouge. Finally, “Rock Point” is a simple wine you take to the picnic or backyard party. Why do they do it? Because they want to satisfy wine lovers with different tastes and budgets.
Our Recommendations
We tasted around a dozen wines. Here are the top three favorites of the flight: Malbec 2017, Claret Reserve Red Blend 2017, and Syrah 2017.
How do they compare to other wines of the same varietals? In the words of Jean-Michel, each bottle “tells the story of our vineyard site.”
We would love to hear from you if you had any of Del Rio’s wines and your favorites.
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