A Thanksgiving Tradition: How Our Multi-Generational Wine Family Selects Wines for the Feast

Every year, as our family gathers around the Thanksgiving table, choosing the wines we'll share is more than a decision—it reflects our life's work and our dedication to crafting moments of joy and connection. Welcome to our family's Thanksgiving tradition, where every bottle tells a story, and every pour invites us to be part of our wine family. Here's how we, the Kramers, approach this time-honored task.

Nouveau Delights: A Kramer Tradition Since 2018

Since our inaugural release in 2018, Nouveau wines have held a special place in our Thanksgiving tradition. Their low tannin, fruity profiles make them the perfect pairings for our holiday feast. What makes these wines even more remarkable is that they represent the first taste of all our hard work during the most recent harvest season. Serving these wines often leads to heartwarming conversations about the most recent harvest, from crush pad mishaps to predictions of how the vintage will rank. This year, we're excited to introduce the 2023 Pinot Noir Nouveau and the 2023 Rose of Tempranillo Nouveau. These Nouveau wines bring a fresh vibrancy, offering bright fruit notes and a lively spirit that perfectly complements the festivities.

 

 

Bright Whites for Balance

When it's time to take our seats, every setting boasts a white wine glass alongside a red. We've found that lighter white wines like our Pinot Gris, Muller-Thurgau, and Chardonnay are perfect for offsetting the richness of a hearty Thanksgiving spread. Their crisp acidity and fruity notes provide a refreshing counterpoint to classic dishes. Whether it's the 2021 Pinot Gris Estate, the balanced 2018 Chardonnay Estate, or the crowd favorite 2021 Muller-Thurgau Estate, these selections cater to a diverse palate.

A Sweet Finale

As the feast winds down, if there's any Muller-Thurgau left, it finds a delightful companion in dessert. Pair it with a slice of pumpkin or apple pie for an exquisite finish. For more sweetness, turn to the Essence of Muller-Thurgau. This dessert version pairs beautifully with fruit pies and cheesecake. Lingering dry whites also find their place alongside a delightful cheese plate.

With these selections, we invite you to make our Thanksgiving tradition a part of your own. From our family to yours, may your celebration be filled with warmth, joy, and exceptional wines. Cheers to a memorable Thanksgiving feast!

 

 

Nov 6, 2023 at 8:11 PM Permalink

Incorporating Kramer Sparkling Wines into Everyday Life: Beyond New Year's Eve

At Kramer Vineyards, sparkling wines aren't just for weddings or New Year's Eve celebrations. We'll inspire you to infuse the joy and effervescence of our sparkling wines into your everyday life. From intimate gatherings to casual brunches and moments of personal celebration, we'll provide ideas and suggestions to make every day sparkle with Kramer Vineyard's unique charm.

Embracing Sparkling Wine in Everyday Moments

Let me share a delightful story from my time as a harvest intern in Burgundy, where I discovered a charming custom that forever changed my perspective on sparkling wine. In Burgundy, the land of prestigious vineyards and rich traditions, sparkling wine holds a special place in both grand celebrations and everyday moments of togetherness. Whether it's the joyous La Paulée, the extravagant celebration marking the end of the grape harvest, or simply being a guest in someone's home, it is customary to open a bottle of champagne and serve a salty snack, embracing the effervescence and creating unforgettable memories.

Inspired by our Burgundian friends, we have embraced the essence of this tradition at Kramer Vineyards and incorporated it into our tasting room. As soon as you step through our doors, you are greeted with the effervescent joy of sparkling wine. We believe that every day holds its own reasons to celebrate, and what better way to honor those moments than with a glass of sparkling wine in hand?

 

 

Sparkling Wine: Elevating Everyday Occasions

 

 

Everyday Gatherings: Whether it's a cozy dinner with loved ones or a relaxed get-together with friends, incorporating sparkling wine adds a touch of elegance and celebration to these intimate moments. Toast to cherished connections and create lasting memories with our exquisite sparkling wines.

Brunch Delights: Elevate your brunch experience by serving our sparkling wines alongside delectable dishes. The effervescence and vibrant flavors complement a variety of brunch favorites, from eggs Benedict to freshly baked pastries. Sip, savor, and let the sparkle enhance your leisurely mornings.

Personal Milestones: Life's achievements, big or small, deserve to be celebrated. Raise a glass of Kramer Sparkling Wine to honor personal milestones, whether it's a promotion, graduation, or simply a moment of personal triumph. Let our sparkling wines be the companions that add a touch of glamour and significance to your journey.

Beyond New Year's Eve, Kramer Vineyard's sparkling wines are here to elevate your everyday life. By incorporating the joy and effervescence of our wines into intimate gatherings, casual brunches, and personal celebrations, you can infuse every day with a touch of sparkle. Experience the unique charm of Kramer Vineyard and discover how our sparkling wines can enhance your special moments. Visit our website to explore our exquisite collection and start making every day sparkle with Kramer Vineyard's sparkling wines. Cheers to a life full of joy and celebration!

Jul 4, 2023 at 7:16 AM Permalink

The Art of Evaluating Pinot Noir in the Barrel

Enhanced Complexity

The interaction between Pinot Noir and carefully selected French oak barrels introduces subtle nuances and flavors that add depth and complexity to our wines at Kramer Vineyards. Each barrel, with its unique characteristics influenced by the forest, tightness of the grain, and the cooper's building and toasting techniques, contributes to the wine's distinct personality.

Softened Tannins

With time, the tannins in young Pinot Noir wines gradually integrate and mellow in the barrel, resulting in a refined and harmonious mouthfeel. This transformation enhances the overall drinking experience, allowing you to appreciate the wine's intricate nuances fully.

 

 

 

Improved Structure

Barrel aging allows the wine to develop a well-defined structure with a perfect interplay of acidity, tannins, and fruit. Our Pinot Noir wines, crafted in the terroir of Willamette Valley, reflect this balanced structure that enables graceful aging.

Flavor Development

Barrel aging allows Pinot Noir to undergo a controlled and beneficial oxidation process, intensifying and refining its flavor profile. This is separate from faulty oxidized wine, which results in undesirable flavors and loss of freshness; the slow oxidation in the barrel contributes to the wine's complexity and depth. It reveals a broader range of fruit flavors, subtle spice notes, and captivating oak influences. Each sip becomes a sensory journey through the evolving layers of flavor, showcasing the remarkable transformation that occurs during the barrel aging of Pinot Noir. 

Textural Elegance

The barrel aging process imparts Pinot Noir a luxurious and velvety texture, enhancing its overall elegance and mouthfeel. At Kramer Vineyards, we strive to create wines with a polished and sophisticated character that lingers on the palate.

Integration and Balance

Extended aging in the barrel allows the various components of the wine to integrate and harmonize, resulting in a beautifully balanced expression of flavors, aromas, and structure. This meticulous process ensures that each Kramer Vineyards' Pinot Noir bottle delivers an exceptional and harmonious wine experience.

Pinot Noir is a Wine that Rewards Patience

Patience is vital when evaluating a barrel of Pinot Noir. During the early months, the wine exhibits vibrant primary fruit flavors with acidity and tannins that may initially seem disjointed. However, a magical transformation occurs as the wine "winters over" and undergoes malolactic fermentation.

Malolactic: it's Fantastic

Malolactic fermentation, where beneficial bacteria convert sharp malic acid into smoother lactic acid, softens the wine's acidity and enhances its complexity, mouthfeel, and perception of tannins. This process gradually shapes the wine, unlocking a rounder and more integrated character and showcasing a stunning depth of flavors.
At Kramer Vineyards, we understand the significance of each barrel in shaping the aging Pinot Noir. The unique characteristics influenced by the terroir of Willamette Valley, the cooper's craftsmanship, and the evolution with each fill contribute to the wine's complexity and depth.

As barrels are reused, they lose their potency, imparting fewer flavors and tannins to the wine. This aging tradition adds depth and complexity to our wines, requiring us to carefully consider the number of fills for each barrel to maintain the desired balance.

When the wines have completed malolactic fermentation and settled back into the barrel for further aging, it marks a pivotal moment in their development. This is an opportune time for us as winemakers to assess their qualities and draw connections to past vintages, guiding our blending decisions to ensure the final expression of the wine aligns with our vision.

 

 

Through the meticulous evaluation of Pinot Noir during its barrel aging journey, we can determine how to serve the wine best as we head toward bottling. Each barrel holds the potential to reveal unique characteristics that showcase the terroir of Willamette Valley. Join us at Kramer Vineyards as we invite you to experience the art of evaluating wine in the barrel, appreciating its benefits and extraordinary expression of this captivating grape variety.

Barrel Tasting Pinot Noir at Kramer Vineyards

If you'd like to schedule a barrel tasting at Kramer Vineyards, please get in touch with us for more information or to book your tasting experience. Email us at kim@kramervineyards.com.

Jun 21, 2023 at 8:49 AM Permalink

The Art of Dosage: Transforming Sparkling Wines with a Delicate Touch

Have you ever wondered what dosage means in champagne and sparkling wine? Allow us to shed some light on this vital aspect of the winemaking process.

Dosage refers to the addition of a finishing syrup after the second fermentation in the bottle. This step involves carefully introducing small amounts of sugar to the wine. The purpose of dosage is multi-fold: it helps to balance the naturally high acidity of the wine, accentuates its fruit flavors, contributes to a smoother texture, and so much more.

We highly recommend reading this interview with noted Champagne expert Peter Liem by wine writer Jaime Goode for a comprehensive and insightful read on dosage, grower-producers, and viticulture. It provides a holistic understanding of the role of dosage in creating exceptional sparkling wines.

In our cellar, we eagerly anticipate the moment we get to taste our sparkling wines shortly after bottling. The wine is dry, effervescent, and alive with suspended yeast cells at this stage. It never fails to be a thrilling experience.

Once the second fermentation is complete, we carefully evaluate the need for dosage. We prepare a range of wines with varying sugar levels, up to 10 grams per liter. Throughout our winemaking history, we have bottled sparkling wines with dosages ranging from 3 to 8 grams per liter. However, we must admit that we also have a soft spot for crisp, tart, and bone-dry wines that don't require any additional dosage.

As a sparkling winemaker, my perspective on dosage has evolved significantly. When younger and less experienced, I preferred the romance of a perfect, raw sparkling wine without dosage. I have since learned that when the dosage is employed judiciously, it can elevate a wine and bring out its true essence in a way that remains authentic to the terroir and vintage (while leaving room for zero-dosage wines when that's the best expression of these qualities).

While the movement towards lower or zero dosage has gained traction over the last two decades, particularly among grower-producers emphasizing terroir expression, I have come to appreciate the transformative potential of dosage when used thoughtfully and in harmony with the wine's character.

Today, I invite you to join me in a deeper exploration of dosage's intricate role in champagne and sparkling wine. Let us take a moment to cherish how dosage contributes to the delightful flavors, textures, and nuances that unfold in every glass. If you are intrigued to experience the range of our sparkling wines, please visit our website or contact us for more information.

Together, let's toast the exquisite art of dosage and celebrate the wondrous journey of Kramer sparkling wines. Cheers to the magic that unfolds in each bottle!

Jun 19, 2023 at 1:03 PM Permalink

A Journey through 27 Blocks: Unveiling the Essence of a Singular Vintage

Jun 10, 2023 at 5:01 AM Permalink

The Pinot Family: Discovering the Unique Flavors of Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir Blanc

The Difference Between Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir Blanc

Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir Blanc, and Pinot Gris stem from the remarkable Pinot Noir grape through clonal variations. While Pinot Blanc is crafted from white grapes and Pinot Noir Blanc from red grapes, it is essential to recognize that all three varieties are genetic clones of Pinot Noir. Despite their shared lineage, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris have developed distinct characteristics, dispelling the misconception that they are merely different-colored versions of the same grape. Delve into their flavor profiles and features to fully appreciate the nuances within the Pinot family.

Pinot Blanc

Pinot Blanc, a distinguished clone of Pinot Noir, emerges from a genetic mutation that resulted in a captivating divergence. This mutation changes the color of the grape skins and alters the chemistry, flavor profile, and ripening characteristics. Renowned for its elegance, Pinot Blanc showcases a remarkable character both in the vineyard and the glass.

Despite being a cool climate grape, Pinot Blanc exhibits a late-ripening nature, making it one of the last grapes harvested in the Willamette Valley. Thriving in cool climates, these grapes embody the essence of freshness and purity, resulting in wines of exceptional quality.

Delight your senses with Pinot Blanc's enchanting flavor profile. Immerse yourself in the bright and refreshing notes of zesty lemon, succulent pear, crisp apple, and delicate apricot. As you savor this exquisite wine, you'll discover a subtle undertone of almonds, complemented by a compelling stony minerality that adds depth and complexity to each sip.

Explore the captivating nuances of Pinot Blanc and discover why it stands out as a distinguished white wine. From its unique genetic mutation to its late-ripening nature, this wine embodies the artistry and craftsmanship behind this exceptional grape variety. Indulge in its flavors and allow its graceful character to leave a lasting impression.

May 14, 2023 at 3:38 PM Permalink

Game of Clones: Pinot Noir

I never really gave a clonal choice too much thought until recently. As a second-generation winemaker with an established vineyard, our clonal selections were made many years before I decided to pursue a career in wine. Why focus on this aspect when so many variables are at play—soil type, elevation, vine density, vine age, slope, trellis system, own-rooted or grafted? Aside from the differences in ripening time, are the clones of Pinot Noir all that distinguishable, or is it trivia?

There are more available clones of Pinot Noir than any other grape variety. When we established our vineyard in 1984, three clones were available: Pommard, Wädenswil, and Gamay Beaujolais. The Dijon clones, such as 114, 115, 667, etc., began entering Oregon in the late 80s and early 90s. These clones may differ in several ways—cluster size and shape, berry size, color, early or late ripening, etc. Now there are over 50 clones of Pinot Noir available in the United States, and we’re up to 9 at our estate.

As interest in these new clones has increased, we began to study them more closely in our vineyard. The higher crop levels in 2014 led us to introduce a series of single clone wines of Pinot Noir: Dijon 115, Dijon 777, and Pommard. We followed similar winemaking protocols for these to allow for the most explicit clonal expression possible. The fruit was harvested by hand, and 25% whole clusters were layered on the bottom of 1-ton vats and topped with destemmed fruit. After a 5-day cold soak, fermentation began. The must was pumped over, punched down twice daily, and pressed at dryness. The wine was aged in neutral French oak barrels for 14 months and bottled.

It is too early to ascribe personalities to each of these clones based on one vintage. However, these three wines are quite different from one another, leading me to rethink my perspective on clonal significance. The Dijon 777 clone is remarkably spicy, with dark berry fruit and black tea. The Dijon 115 is far subtler, with a delicate earthiness and minerality. The Pommard is the closest to what I would describe as a classic Oregon Pinot Noir, but perhaps that’s due to my familiarity with our Pommard-dominant vineyard. With this series and those to come in future vintages, we hope to further our understanding of each clone in the vineyard and the cellar.

This limited collection is available in our online store.

Jan 16, 2018 at 9:35 AM Permalink

2017 Harvest Report

Bud Break Through Veraison

Vintage 2017 opened with a severe winter followed by a long, rainy spring. With five months of overcast skies and very few sunbreaks, the vines were slow to start. We observed over 50% budbreak by April 28, a bit late for our vineyard. The canopy started filling in when the sun finally came out in late May. Summer weather fully arrived the third week of June, and with temperatures in the high 80s, bloom rapidly occurred during the fourth week. Conditions were ideal for this growth milestone, contributing to excellent fruit set—the best we have seen since the 2009 and 2014 vintages. Veraison started on August 7, hitting the 50% mark two weeks later.

With our fullest crop in years, and a warm and dry forecast, we were on track for a big harvest. 2017 had some catching up to do for heat units, and by early September our GDDs were even with 2016. This, combined with low disease pressure, and an anticipated late September/early October harvest contributed to our decision to do minimal cluster thinning. In these conditions, carrying a heavier crop load forces the vine to work harder, slowing down ripeness, resulting in more balance.

Six Weeks of Harvesting

We started to notice a shift in flavor development after Labor Day Weekend, and began sampling the Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay blocks for the sparkling harvest soon after. The sparkling harvest began on September 15, with the Pinot Meunier. The Pinot Noir and Chardonnay came in over the next several days. This was by far our largest sparkling yield, bringing in 10.3 tons from the estate, with an additional 9 tons from other sites. The increased crop load was due a combination of excellent conditions during bloom and fruit set, to our decision to thin minimally, and also due to heavier cluster weights. In a typical harvest, clusters from mature Pinot varieties will weigh `150 to 200 grams. In 2017, average cluster weights were closer to 300 grams, and some, as in the case of the Grüner Veltiner, tipped the scales at nearly two pounds! This trend would continue throughout much of the harvest.

Much of the rest of late September and early October was dedicated to harvesting and pressing grapes for white wine production—Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Gruner Veltliner, and Muller-Thurgau. Pinot Noir from warmer sites started coming in on October 9, with our estate fruit being harvested in mid-October. Before long, every fermentation vessel in the winery was full, and we had to purchase a few more tanks and vats to accommodate the extra fruit. Harvest concluded October 28, with the Carmine pick. By then, we were at full capacity—every tank, vat, barrel, and carboy was full. Overall, we brought in nearly 94 tons of grapes—20 more tons than our biggest year to date in 2014.

On the Crush Pad and in the Cellar

Once the fruit is picked, it is delivered to the crush pad for processing. For white and sparkling base wines, the grapes are sorted then pressed; for red and roses, the fruit is sorted and destemmed. This year, the fruit was in excellent condition, so most of the sorting required was to remove leaves and other non-grape material. The sound quality and overall ripeness of the Pinots led us to continue with whole cluster experimentation in higher percentages than ever before. We also expanded the number of clones of Pinot Noir we are working with to nine total.

A combination of cool October nights and whole cluster fermentation extended maceration in the red ferments to an average of 30 days. We typically press at dryness, and that usually happens on a 10-14-day schedule when the fruit is all destemmed. With whole cluster ferments, sugars are trapped in the berries, limiting the sugars available to the yeast, prolonging fermentation. This meant that our fermentation management routine was extended by several weeks, and pushed our pressing dates further into November. Our last press was on the day before Thanksgiving, November 22. This is extraordinarily late compared to the last few years, when we were picked, pressed, and barreled down by mid-October.

For the white wines, fermentations were steady and healthy. Tank space is always a concern in years where yields are high, and in some cases, we elected to ferment in stainless or neutral barrels. In addition to barrel fermented Chardonnay, we also have Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir Blanc wintering over in barrels. These vessels will be stirred bimonthly through the spring, and either blended in with their tank counterpart to enhance mouthfeel and complexity, or be bottled on their own in the fall of 2018.

As we put another harvest behind us, the 2017s are wintering over in tanks and barrels. After the New Year, we’ll begin to taste the wines individually, and start to make blending decisions and form bottling plans. The first wines of the vintage will be available in a few months, some won’t be bottled until the spring of 2019. We are looking forward to what this record-setting harvest has in store.

Dec 27, 2017 at 4:21 PM Permalink

Vintage vs Nonvintage in Sparkling Wines

Explore the distinction between vintage and nonvintage sparkling wines. Vintage wines reflect a specific grape harvest year, while nonvintage blends combine grapes from multiple years. In the US, wines labeled with a vintage year consist of 95% grapes from that year. Nonvintage wines, including those from Champagne, showcase the expertise of blending specialists who artfully combine base wines from different years to create a consistent house style.

At Kramer Vineyards, we have a unique approach to our sparkling wines. Our two nonvintage wines are estate-grown, showcasing the expression of our vineyard site. The composition of these wines varies, with each vintage offering its own character and style.

Notably, our Brut Reserve base wines undergo fermentation and aging in neutral French oak barrels, resulting in added richness, palate weight, and structure compared to stainless steel aging. Meanwhile, our 2015 vintage Brut stands as a wine of both place and time, benefiting from that year's warm and balanced fruit. With an increased proportion of Pinot Meunier in the blend, this vintage exhibits enhanced midpalate presence and fruity aromas. The fruit for this wine is sourced from dedicated blocks within our vineyard, and the blend is carefully determined based on the yields at harvest.

The nonvintage wines in the glass present a fine, delicate mousse with pronounced yeastiness and a focus on tree fruit flavors. On the other hand, the vintage wines captivate with their fresh, light nature, featuring a delicate and abundant bead and showcasing minerality and citrus notes. As these young wines evolve in the bottle, their tone and texture will transform, making it a thrilling journey to witness their progress.

Discover the nuances between vintage and nonvintage sparkling wines, the art of blending and the expression of our vineyard site, through the exceptional offerings from Kramer Vineyards.

Shop Kramer Sparkling Wines

Dec 19, 2017 at 2:46 PM Permalink

2014 Whole Cluster Fermentation in Pinot Noir

What is Whole Cluster Fermentation?

What is Whole Cluster Fermentation? This refers to fermenting entire bunches of grapes, stems and all. Our grapes typically go through a de-stemmer, a machine that knocks the berries off the stems. In the process, many of the berries split and release juice immediately. When we bypass that step, the fruit stays intact longer, removing the sugar available to the yeast more slowly. This results in fermentations that take longer to complete at much lower temperatures. The shift in fermentation kinetics, along with the presence of the stem, impacts the aroma, flavor, and structure of the wine. Are these features beneficial to the overall quality? How much of the whole cluster is the ideal amount, if any? Will our ideas about this change as the wine ages? With the vintage? These are all questions we hope to answer through our whole cluster series.

The Experiment

In 2014, we harvested five tons of Pinot Noir from the same part of the vineyard and separated the fruit into five fermenters. We added a whole cluster layer in four of these vats, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. The fifth bin was all destemmed. We proceeded with our typical fermentation management protocols, with pump-overs and punch-downs twice daily and pressed at dryness. The wines were aged in older French oak barrels and bottled in the winter of 2016.

Owner Keith Kramer, filling vats with destemmed Pinot Noir

 

 

The Results

We observed differences in the fermentation kinetics almost immediately. The vats with higher percentages of the whole cluster fermented at lower temperatures:

This also correlates with the fermentation rate, as indicated by the speed of sugar depletion.

Utilizing whole cluster fermentation as a technique seems to result in slower fermentation with lower temperatures. Cool, right?

 

 

Sep 26, 2017 at 1:16 PM Permalink