Wine of the Day: Franchere Gruner Veltliner, Willamette Valley 2014 9-2-16

Franchere Havlin Vineyard Gruner Veltliner, Willamette Valley 2014 750ML ($17.95) Buy Now: $16 special

Franchere Havlin Vineyard Gruner Veltliner, Willamette Valley 2014

Franchere Havlin Vineyard Gruner Veltliner, Willamette Valley 2014

For a few reasons, this Oregon-grown Gruner Veltliner is delicious. One, it matches grape variety with place: Austria’s forests, temperate latitude, cloudy skies, and laid-back attitude reflect Oregon’s. Two, winemaker/owner Mike Hinds lets the wine follow its own course in vinification — native yeasts, no lead-footed extraction, but he does age the wine in acacia barrels — and his story, as a direct descendant of the Franchère who helped found Fort Astoria, is cool. Plus, he studied winemaking at Chemeketa, outside of Salem. Three, most importantly, the wine is a pleaser: light and brisk, appley and spiced, balanced and refreshing, gulpable on its own or with food. (NB: This is a great wine for vegetarian fare.) At such a price, why not enjoy a new taste of Oregon? After all, we can grow much more than Pinot and Chardonnay. – Daniel

Franchere does more than GV:

Franchere Havlin Vineyard Syrah, Willamette Valley 2014 750ML ($24.95) Buy Now: $21.90 special

Franchere Pinot Noir Zena Springs, Willamette Valley 2014 750ML ($27.95) Buy Now: $24 special