Sommeliers Choice Awards 2024 Winners
Authentique Wine Cellars
Category: Winery
Country: United States
Date:18/02/2019
Authentique Wine Cellars ~ single vineyard designate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (organic, biodynamic and old vine fruit). The Corridor ~ A nod to Oregon's Van Duzer Corridor ~ Pinot Noir Leisure ~ Skin contact Pinot Gris, White Pinot Noir and aromatic white wines.
Our focus is single vineyard designate and small lot Oregon Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and skin contact Pinot Gris. We push the boundaries of our capabilities each and every vintage in order to do our best work at all times. The foundation of the wines begin with the highest quality grapes grown by family and friends who farm organic, biodynamic and old vine own rooted vineyards. Diligently managed spontaneous, whole cluster and carefully destemmed fermentations are common. Fermentation and aging vessels include oak puncheons, oak uprights, jacketed stainless tanks, Italian amphorae and concrete eggs. The results are wines with incresed textural and aromatic complexity. The wines are often over vintaged in a combination of new and neutral extra tight grain French oak from prestigious forests. We have unique access to this oak because of my work as North American sales director for Tonnellerie Allary. We strive to show the true character of each vineyard block and not over manipulate the wine with impactful additions. There is an energy and flow to our work.
I have more than 12 years experience as the North American sales director for Tonnellerie Allary. Tasting in hundreds of cellars throughout the world has allowed me to acquire expert knowledge of French oak barrels, oak fermentations, forests, seasoning and toasting techniques. My preferences though are for elegance and restraint in oak. With a deft touch I use French oak fermentors and unique forest origin barrels with my wines. The results are a seamless integration of extra tight grain oak with fine compact tannins, preserving the fresh aspect of my wines and respecting vineyard nuance (one of the great signatures of Authentique). I must also give much credit to my friend, Ben Casteel, who for many years has always been there for me when I have a question about winemaking. Within the label designs you will find images honoring my family, birthplace, our region and elements from some of my favorite artists. I feel the energy of greatness and will continue to work obsessively and take educated risks to create our very best wines for you. When you taste Authentique you'll feel the soul of the wines and know that they are made with great care in everything we do.