A SENSE OF PLACE
The definition of terroir is often confused and misrepresented. Terroir means “sense of place.” It is the set of factors, environmental or otherwise, that give each particular wine its unique characteristics. It is the combination of highly skilled farming and winemaking that bring these singular qualities to their fullest potential in the bottle. Each vineyard from which Domaine Glennon sources its grapes has its own uniqueness that imparts its signature on the wines. We have the utmost respect for each of our vineyards’ terroir and the farmers who protect it. Terroir comes to life in the bottle, and below are brief descriptions of the uniqueness that each vineyard brings:
J Wrigley Vineyard
The Terroir
Located in the Coast Range Foothills of Yamhill County within the McMinville AVA, J Wrigley’s unique terroir is largely driven by the cooling Van Duzer Corridor winds that come through each day. The vineyard is comprised of mostly volcanic basalt and sedimentary soil types at elevations above 600ft.
The People
I met John Wrigley many years ago while touring Willamette Valley when I stayed at his tasting room, which provides one of the best views in the valley. John brings a unique perspective to vineyard management, because he also makes his own wines from the vineyard he planted and farms.
The Grapes
We received approximately two tons of Pinot Noir clones 777, 115, and Pommard, in equal parts.
Bednarik Vineyard
The Terroir
Located outside the small town of Gaston, in the eastern foothills of the Coast Range, Bednarik is a six acre vineyard with a southern orientation. The Home block sits at roughly 300 feet in elevation and is comprised of mostly Melbourne silty clay loam.
The People
Vineyard manager Ony and his brother Chewy started as grape pickers in 1994 and now manage several vineyards in Willamette Valley. Upon meeting Ony in 2016, it was easy to determine that he and Chewy are two of the hardest working people you’ll ever meet.
The Grapes
An exciting characteristic of this vineyard is that it is “own rooted,” meaning that the vines have thrived on their original rootstock, rather than having to be grafted onto disease-resistant rootstock like the majority of vines today. The vines at Bednarik have some age, having been planted in 1986. We receive approximately two tons of Pommard clone Pinot Noir from the Home block.
Durant Vineyard
The Terroir
The Dundee Hills AVA is the birthplace of Oregon Pinot Noir. The Durant Vineyard is located atop the Dundee Hills, and is our favorite vineyard in this AVA, with its characteristic rich red soil. The hillside vineyard has a southern exposure and consistently produces beautiful, red fruited Pinot Noirs and expressive mineral driven Chardonnays.
The People
The Durant family has farmed this land for over 40 years. Marcus has worked with Paul Durant and the Durant family for many years and has this vineyard imprinted in his DNA. The combination shows in the bottle.
The Grapes
We receive approximately two tons of Chardonnay from the southeast-oriented Raven block and approximately two tons of Pinot Noir from the Southside block, planted in 1998.
Shea Vineyard
The Terroir
Located in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, Shea is arguably the most famous vineyard in Oregon. The vineyard includes 135 acres of Pinot Noir grapes, which are sourced by some of the finest winemakers in Oregon. With its marine sediment rich soil, the vineyard is situated on a set of ridges which holds in heat, and makes it reliable at producing early-ripening fruit.
The People
Conservation and maintaining the highest levels of stewardship of the land are paramount to the overseers of Shea Vineyard. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with Dick and the team at Shea.
The Grapes
We receive Block 20, a beautiful 1 acre southeast facing block, planted to Pinot Noir in 2002.
