Tonite we are having an intimate tasting while the thunderstorms and tornado warnings blast their way through Atlanta. As widely professed pinotphiles, we are pulling some bottles from some well-known producers in these two regions. The 6 producers (3 from each location) are listed below, but only my wife will know the vintage and single-vineyard designation, if applicable, as we will taste these otherwise blind. Throwing an informal poll out on Facebook, most are backing RRV while there are a few votes for Willamette as favorites. Of course, this data could be skewed based on the follower demographic as I tend to chat more with folks in NorCal than Oregon. I must really fix that.
All we know are the producers and of course the regions (so, I know this isn’t really all that blind), but it will still be fun to see if we can identify them all the same:
- Papapietro Perry
- Halleck
- C. Donatiello
- Penner-Ash
- Willakenzie Estate
- Bergstrom
To warm our bellies on this rainy and chilly night will be a pancetta and wild mushroom risotto with asiago cheese that I will make myself. Each of these components make great complements to Pinot Noir and I hope my arm can withstand the constant stirring that will be required and still be able to raise a glass. So, if you are into Pinot Noir, which is your favorite?
Cheers!
We’ve only had the PA & Halleck, both very nice. The pancetta and wild mushroom risotto sounds awesome, looking forward to it and the throwdown!
I think the Oregon wines should show better paired with the food, as you’ve got some nice echoes in the pancetta and mushroom flavors.
If I were laying odds (not knowing vintage / vineyards), I’d lay my money on the Penner Ash.
Its smellin’ good in here! Jas, y’all better get here quick.
How’d the risotto turn out? Who won the throwdown? I’m violent with anticipation!
I also like Kevin’s thought on the pairing w/ the Oregon juice…
Growing up in Oregon I’m partial to the Penner Ash, but having tasted C. Donatiello at Family Winemakers recently, if she happens to get her hands on a 2008 everyone else is toast. Can’t wait to hear the results.
Just posted the results… read it and weep: http://www.winetonite.com/2010/04/26/russian-river-vs-willamette-valley-pinot-winners/
Also, Joe, I’ll be putting a video together on the making of the Risotto… it rocked!