Antiquum Farm Daisy Pinot Gris 2021

Perched at 800 feet above sea level, Antiquum Farm is nearly at the edge of what is considered a growable elevation for wine in the Willamette Valley. Despite this elevation, the slope collects heat during the day and is warmer the higher up the slope you go, then it all cools down at night. Stephen refuses to irrigate his vines, making them dig for their needs. The soils are cultivated in the tradition of pre-1940s agriculture. No outside fertilizers, synthetic or otherwise, are used. His methods are even more organic than what the certified organic rules require. The vineyard floor is intensively managed for abundant life. This means letting the wild in, while contributing species enhance vine health, insect habitat and diversity. Returning livestock to this mix is essential: a flock of Katahdin/Dorper crosses are the cornerstone of fertility management. The Hagens' use intensive rotational grazing to cycle nutrients from diverse cover crops to the vines. Several years of this practice have led to a vineyard that needs no other fertilizer, creating wines that are truly site specific. We are calling Antiquum organic here above in the icons, but this estate is beyond organic, and even beyond biodynamic the way that Hagen is farming and creating wine. Fermentation is of course done with indigenous yeasts and the wines are vegan.

Daisy Pinot Gris is focused, precise, and just so delicious! Zesty, yet fruit-driven, tangerine citrus, ripe pear, honey-drizzled apple, lemon curd and white floral components blend seamlessly with river stone and ginger nuances on the finish. 100% Pinot Gris from 20 year old vines. The wine is barrel fermented with indigenous yeasts, and the malolactic conversion happens spontaneously. It rests on the lees for 8 months in 50% stainless steel and 50% neutral French oak. The lees are gently stirred to build texture before finally allowing the wine to settle naturally prior to bottling.

This bone-dry wine has a bracing framework of acidity, minerality and citrus. Pear and apple broaden to tropical fruit and a layered texture. 13.2% alcohol. ONLY 870 cases produced.