Oregon opts for quality--via its State University
The first wine grapevines were planted in Oregon only a few decades ago. Many of the pioneers who planted these vineyards are still growing and producing wine, on the very parcels they started with, some forty years ago.
Charles Coury left California to plant wine grapes in Oregon in 1965. He planted a variety of Alsatian grapes, some from rootstock he had carried back to the United States with him in his suitcase, after visiting Alsace a few months before.
David Lett believed pinot noir would flourish in Oregon much better than in California. In 1966, Lett planted pinot noir vines in the Dundee Hills, at the north end of the Willamette Valley. Lett spent a considerable amount of time studying Alsatian varieties. He believed that the western portion of Oregon was the best area for grape growing. He came to the conclusion that pinot noir, pinot gris, pinot meunier, pinot blanc, muscat ottonel, and chardonnay were the best varieties for Oregon's cool, damp weather. Later, he added riesling to this list.
David and Ginny Adelsheim settled in the Willamette in 1972. At this time many other well known producers joined them, such as Dick Erath, Dick and Nancy Ponzi, Susan and Bill Sokol-Blossor, Pat and Joe Campbell of Elk Cove Vineyards, Bill and Virginia Fuller of Tualatin Estate Vineyards and Jerry and Ann Preston and Myron Redford of Amity Vineyards.
David Adelsheim began to travel to France to collect the best grape vine clones for Oregon State University (OSU). The university studied these clones and determined the best grapes for cultivation in Oregon. Adelsheim's transcontinental business connections enabled him to obtain Burgundy clones from the famous French horticulturist, Raymond Bernard at the Office National Interprofessionnel des Vins (ONIVINS) in Dijon. By 1984 Oregon State University and ONIVINS had established a close working relationship. These clones became so acclaimed that growers in California began to obtain grapevines from OSU, rather than the University of California at Davis, the defacto provider of grape rootstock in the wine industry.
Oregon, while it is only the fourth largest growing region, behind California, Washington and New York, it is making a big name for itself when it comes to quality. This reputation could be because of its ideal beginnings, featuring well versed growers, and their due diligence in finding the best grape varieties for their fledgling regions. Many pioneers of the Oregon wine regions, such as Coury, Lett, and Adelsheim have spent time in Burgundy and Alsace. The lessons they learned abroad would later insure success in their domestic vineyards. Rather than chase the popular varieties, driven by consumer whims, producers in Oregon cultivate the best grapes for their terroir. Their relationship with OSU and ONIVINS allowed them pursue the best clones. The best choice for the regional weather, paired with the best clone for the aspect of the land, produces a wine with elegance and perfectly balanced character.
Case Discounts
Libations Wine & Spirits offers 10% discount on all cases of wine mix or match.
Join us most Wednesdays to sample wine, beer, and spirits in-store, at no charge.
Every Wednesday from 4:30pm to 7:00pm we pour samples for you.
Join us on selected Fridays too.
Upcoming Tasting Events
July 15, 2009
Oregon Wines
Mirth Chardonnay $11.49
O'Reilly's Chardonnay $14.79
A to Z Pinot Noir $17.99
Piedra Roja Pinot Noir (from Sineann ) $23.99
July 22nd, 2009
Some of our favorites!
Davinchi Pinot Grigio $13.79
Rancho Zabaco Sauvignon Blanc $12.99
88 points
Wine Enthusiasts
Rancho Zabaco Zinfandel $14.99
88 Points
Wine Advocate
Santo Ippolito Merlot/Syrah Blend $38.99
90 Points
Wine Spectator
July 29th, 2009
Dog Days Cocktails!
Bacardi Mojito's $18.99
2 flavors
Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka $19.99
Coyote Gold Margarita's $23.99
As always, you will receive a 15% discount on wines,
and a 10% discount on beers during all tasting events!
SPECIAL PRICING DURING TASTING HOURS
Wednesday tasting hours are 4:30 to 7:00 pm.
Each sample is a one ounce portion to adults 21 and older.
Limit four different samples per person.
Libations Wine and Spirits is a full service liquor store serving
Aurora, Parker, Centennial, Tallyn's Reach, Saddle Rock,
Pride's Crossings, Shenandoah, Park Villas, Inverness, Meadow Hills, Foxfield,
Cottonwood, Pleasant Run, Heritage Eagle Bend and Littleton, Colorado area.
Libations has a comprehensive wine inventory, award winning beer selections,
all of your favorite spirits and few unusual items as well.
Whether you are driving from the DTC, (Denver Tech Center), downtown Denver, Parker,
Aurora, Castle Rock, Franktown or Inverness, Libations is on your way home.
We are located in Southeast Aurora, near Cherry Creek Reservoir, at Arapahoe Crossings.
Our staff are knowledgeable about wine, beer, liqueurs, and spirits, and are
always eager to serve you.
You must be 21 years or older to shop at Libations Wine & Spirits.
Libations Wine & Spirits
Arapahoe & Parker Roads
Northeast corner at Arapahoe Crossings
6554 South Parker Road, Aurora, Colorado 80016
Monday - Saturday, 10am to 10pm
Sunday from 11am to 6pm
Phone: 303-766-0575
info@libationswines.com
libationswines.com
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