PrintCooper Mountain Vineyards: Oregons' first organic biodynamic winery
Cooper Mountain Vineyards is located in Oregon's Willamette Valley, which lies along the earth's 45th parallel.Sharing this parallel is France's pinot noir wine region, the historic appellation of Burgundy. Both the Willamette Valley and the French region have a similar climate, which allows for warmer days, cooler nights, and a longer grape-ripening time.
Honoring this climate, Cooper Mountain Vineyards is Oregon's first certified organic biodynamic vineyard and winery. Owner Dr. Robert Gross, vineyard manager Gerry Sanchez, and winemaker Gilles de Domingo are on the forefront of the biodynamic farming effort.
"These techniques do not use pesticides and are good for the soil," de Domingo says. "Over the past five or six years, the result has been less disease and more immunity within the vines." Cover crops are planted to encourage beneficial insects. These biodynamic practices work to support terroir, and soil samples reveal active soil-benefiting micro-organisms, which improve the vines and resulting wine.
Made with organically grown grapes, Cooper Mountain Vineyards Cooper Hill Pinot Noir ($18; reserve, $26) is a concentrated, wild-cherry-flavored wine with soft, distinctive layers throughout the sip. This complex red is suitable for plank-seared salmon or delicate beef. Visit the Cooper Mountain Vineyards tasting room, which is open seven days a week from noon until 5 p.m., in Beaverton, Oregon.
• Info: 503-649-0027, www.coopermountainwine.com
Issue: April 2009
