Wine Guide: What’s The Difference Between Oregon and California Pinot Noir?
Pinot Noir is the primary grape grown in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, an American Viticultural Area (AVA) stretching 150 miles from Portland to Eugene. But what distinguishes Oregon’s Pinot Noir from that of our West Coast neighbor and fellow wine-loving state, California? We’ll explore the differences between Oregon and California Pinot Noir.
What Makes Pinot Noir Easy to Compare?
Even for those new to the world of wine, Pinot Noir has a delicate nature that makes it ideal for identifying regional differences, especially when compared with bolder grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Characteristics like its low tannin level and thin skin mean that it takes on the qualities of a region. Additionally, Pinot Noir is derived from differing clones of Pinot, rather than a single vine, meaning the resulting wines will vary in flavor, fragrance, mouthfeel, and more when tasting.
Oregon vs. California Pinot Noir
The most obvious difference between the two types of Pinot is their growing conditions. Oregon experiences four full seasons with cold, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. We also receive less sunshine than most other AVAs, which means the grapes ripen more slowly than in different areas.
California’s Pinot vineyards are primarily located in valleys near the coast, which benefit from dry warmth during the day and dry conditions during the summer months. Incoming coastal fog banks and chilly ocean winds provide much-needed relief during the evening hours. Flipping from hot weather during the day to cool temperatures at night results in maximum preservation of fixed acid levels, which help determine a wine’s flavor profile and mouthfeel.
“A standout distinction for me is California’s signature use of oak barrels for aging, which often results in a heavier, more oak-forward flavor profile. This is often referred to as “new-world” wine. Comparatively, Oregon’s “old-world” wine embodies an earthy taste of place, better known as the trademark Burgundian-style concept of terroir.”
Oregon Pinot Noir is mainly grown in the northern Willamette Valley, which features a similar northern latitude to the esteemed Pinot Noir growing areas of Burgundy, France. Oregon and Burgundy both experience wetter conditions during the springtime, warm summer weather, and colder temperatures during the winter. These conditions result in a greater mouthfeel, thanks to the longer maturation time caused by extra phenols in the seeds.
Looking for recommendations on Oregon Pinot Noir? Check out our series on the Willamette Valley’s AVAs.
Color, Structure, and Taste of Oregon and California Pinot Noir
Oregon’s overall mild climate produces Pinots that are lighter in color and more delicate in structure, whereas California’s constant sunshine helps California Pinots to ripen easily, resulting in dark and purple wines with darker fruit flavors.
Oregon’s cooler climate also results in a less alcoholic wine with a slightly more acidic taste with notes of cranberry and cherry. California’s warmer temperatures produce bolder flavors with fruit notes of black plum and blackberry.
“Oregon’s climate, much like Burgundy, France, is ideal for cool-climate-loving Pinot Noir, which accounts for about 60% of the state’s grape production. The Willamette Valley is the heart of Oregon Pinot Noir, responsible for 70% of its output. Nestled amongst protective hills, the valley’s vineyards are shielded from harsh coastal weather, creating a haven for these delicate grapes.”
Book Your Wine Tasting Trip to the Willamette Valley
Tributary is your ideal base for exploring Oregon Wine Country, situated in historic McMinnville, Oregon. Our boutique luxury inn offers elegant suites and world-class hospitality, and our dedicated concierge is available to provide winery recommendations throughout the Willamette Valley and assist you with booking tastings and transportation.