DANDELION WINE HAS A BIG FAT CRUSH ON DIVISION WINE MAKING COMPANY So much so that we collaborated this summer on our very first rosé together; Rolling Summer was such a hit, that there will of course be Rolling Summer Vol 2 released in the spring of 2018. And later this year, we'll be getting their "Nouveau Nouveau"; a young juicy Gamay to guzzle down pre and post our holiday feasts. In the meantime, it's time to drink Division's flagship reds, and tonight we'll be cracking 2 of our favorites...
Division Winemaking Company is Kate Norris and Thomas Monroe. Both named to Wine Enthusiast’s 40 Under 40 tastemakers list in 2016 along with dozens of other accolades over the years... but mostly, Kate and Tom are awesomely fun people who make great wine.
"Norris and Monroe arrived in Oregon in early 2010 with youthful energy and armed with the wealth of experience and knowledge that they learned in France. Not being taught the more traditional New World winemaking methodologies most commonly seen on the West Coast, provided the opportunity to start their own winery uninfluenced by the New World norms. The wine company has become an ambassador for the new generation of Oregon and Portland produced wines, and serves as a guide to the hottest upcoming varietals and wines such as Gamay Noir, Chenin Blanc, and old world style rosés. Determined to make approachable and balanced wines though minimal manipulation, they have a passion to work with sustainably farmed terroir expressive vineyards, many of which are organic and/or Biodynamic®, celebrating the varietals they as winemakers love to drink. Now in their sixth vintage release, Norris and Monroe represent a new generation of winemakers that are looking beyond the status quo to create unique styles of wine, with a purpose, a story and without traditional barriers." --WineBusiness.com
We're not the only ones who love Division the way we do... our MFW Wine Company rep, Sophie Barret (pictured above squashing grapes for Tom and Kate last month) is leaving NYC to work full-time for Division Winemaking Co... "I'll be cleaning tanks, holding hoses, reading brix, and being brand ambassador nationally so that Tom and Kate can expand production, and continue to populate our shelves with righteous Oregon juice", says Sophie. But before she goes, she's coming to Dandelion to pour wine for us from 6-8Pm tonight... how lucky are we??? Come taste!!!
2015 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir "Un" - This wine is made with whole cluster fermentation and expresses itself as fresh, with great texture, and balanced, with minerality and dense fruit (red berries). There's also some savory-ness of mushrooms and herbs. I hate to say it, but maybe it's the perfect Thanksgiving Wine.
2016 Mae's Vineyard Applegate Valley Cabernet Franc "Granit" - Always a favorite, and not always available. We just got ours delivered today! I haven't had the pleasure of tasting this release yet, but I'm looking forward to doing just that with all of you... in the past, we've noticed a heavy Loire influence on this wine; dark fruit and earthy minerals. Once, at a dinner, we were blinded on this wine and everyone thought Chinon, except one of Division's biggest fans, Kirk Sutherland (now wine director at Marlow & Sons) who nailed it by calling it for what it was; Division's Cabernet Franc "Granit". Can't wait to taste the 2016tonight!
AND...
We're sneaking in a beautiful Chardonnay from the Burgundy Appellation of Viré-Clessé from Domaine des Gandines. The Viré-Clessé 2015 Terroir de Clessé is certified organic and is very concentrated and balanced, with mineral freshness and some not-so-subtle notes of hazelnut, apricot and citrus. Pair this powerful white with full-flavored dishes, it will certainly hold up.
