Four Graces

15 Apr Four Graces

winery: Four Graces
region: Willamette Valley (pronounced “will-AM-it”), Oregon
grape: Pinot Gris

Pinot Gris = Pinot Grigio = Grauburgunder = Ruländer
The grape Pinot Gris is native to Burgundy, France and it’s a mutation of the Pinot Noir grape. ‘Pinot’ is in reference a pine cone, due to the conical shape of the grape bunch, and the grape skin are grayish (and pinkish/blue), or ‘gris’ in color. The most famous versions of the grape are produced in Alsace (France), northeastern Italy and Oregon. Relatives of this grape include Pinot Blanc and Pinot Meunier – a grape used in Champagne production.

the winery
In 2003 Paula Marie Black and Steven Black founded The Four Graces in the Willamette Valley of Oregon and named it in honor of their four daughters. The Four Graces quickly became known for their production of high quality Pinot Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir wines.

In 2014 billionaire, wine aficionado and winery collector Bill Foley purchased the winery from the Blacks. The Foley Family Wine portfolio owns several California and New Zealand wineries, including Chalk Hill, Sebastiani, Firestone, Kuleto, Martiborough Vineyard Estates and Clifford Bay. The Four Graces is Foley’s first property in Oregon.

winery tasting notes
“Deliciously bright, fresh and crisp. On the nose lychee fruit, mandarin, and grapefruit zest mingle with subtle white flowers. Flavors of sweet Meyer lemon and orange blossom. Bright acidity and a long, soft finish.” This wine was fermented in stainless steel; no oak was used in the process.