Beverage of the Week (BOW)
Troon Vineyard Druid's White Applegate Valley 2022
Product Story
Troon Vineyard has dropped the “fluid” (from their historic Druid’s Fluid) and replaced it with wine. The subtle name change marks a not so subtle change in philosophy for the wines. The older versions were made from purchased grapes while the new Druid’s red and white are a reflection of Troon Vineyard’s estate biodynamic vineyards. Druid’s White is made with classic grapes found in Southern France. It’s composed primarily of Vermentino and Marsanne with other complimentary varietals such as Viognier, Grenache Blanc, and Picpoul Blanc (among others) from the estate vineyard. The resulting wine has the best characteristics of both primary varietals along with unique flavors found in the collaboration. As with all wines from Troon, no additives, acid or sugar adjustments, enzymes, or sulfur additions are used at crush. The barrel fermentation occurs very slowly, in cool temperatures with the assistance of native yeasts. After malolactic fermentation and roughly seven months in barrel the wine is racked to tank for blending and bottling. This wine is so incredibly charming and complex — you must try it.
Brand Story
Troon Vineyard started quietly over four decades ago when Dick Troon planted vineyards in Southern Oregon. He sold grapes to local wineries but soon discovered that the best business decision was to create his own wines. He converted his barn to a winery and slowly built the brand until he sold the winery to his friend Larry Martin in 2003. Today, Troon Vineyard is owned by Dr. Bryan White and Denise White. The Whites along with Craig Camp, general manager, and winemaker Nate Wall lead the innovative wine making efforts at Troon. Nate has extensive winemaking experience in the Willamette Valley and brings a nuanced, almost Pinot Noir approach to winemaking. Craig is a wine industry veteran with a sharp palate, encyclopedic knowledge of the wines of the world, and relentless energy. Troon offers a wonderfully diverse selection of varietal wines and blends ranging from Malbec to Grenache and Vermentino to name just a few. Beginning with the 2018 vintage the fruit utilized by Troon was farmed 100% organically and biodynamically. All Troon wines were crushed by foot, fermented with only native yeasts with no additives of any kind. If you are seeking unique wines with style and gusto you need to get acquainted with Troon Vineyard.
Tasting Note
Mildly hazy, medium golden color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of green melon, jasmine, and citrus zest with supporting notes of lemon grass, kumquat, and slate. The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of white peach, quince, green apple, and red grapefruit. The finish is long with a pleasing spritz of acidity. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture.
How to Serve
Serve chilled but not too cold or you will suppress the subtle nuances abundant in this wine. Pair it with roasted fowl, crab cakes, cream sauces, or smoked salmon.
Price: $ 25
BevX Review: http://bevx.com/wine-detail/?id=4351
