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

Jun 10, 2023 at 5:01 AM Permalink

The Other 4%: Exploring Unique Oregon Wine Varietals at Kramer Vineyards

Did you know that 96% of the vineyard acreage in the Willamette Valley is dedicated to Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay? While these noble varieties have captured the spotlight, an exciting world of alternative Oregon wine varietals is waiting to be explored. At Kramer Vineyards, we invite you to venture beyond the familiar and discover "The Other 4%."

The Alternative Varietals at Kramer Vineyards

While Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay may be the stars of the Willamette Valley, we have been passionate about cultivating lesser-known varietals that thrive in our unique terroir. Let's dive into the intriguing characteristics of Grüner Veltliner, Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Meunier, Carmine, and Marquette.

 

 

Grüner Veltliner: A Crisp and Versatile White

Grown on our estate since 2010, Grüner Veltliner is a remarkable white grape variety known for its crispness and expressive flavors. This Austrian favorite captivates with notes of lemon, lime, cucumber, peach, white flowers, freshly cut grass, green apple, and pear. Its high acidity and versatility make it an excellent choice for food pairing, complementing a range of dishes.

At Kramer Vineyards, we've taken the allure of Grüner Veltliner a step further by crafting a spectacular sparkling wine. The lively effervescence and elegant flavors of our Grüner Veltliner sparkling wine delight the senses. With each sip, you'll experience the vibrancy of citrus, the complexity of orchard fruits, and the refreshing zing that only sparkling wines can deliver.

Whether you savor our still Grüner Veltliner or indulge in the sparkling variation, this exceptional varietal will captivate your palate and elevate your wine experience. Join us in celebrating the versatility and sparkling brilliance of Grüner Veltliner at Kramer Vineyards.

Pinot Meunier: A Sparkling Delight

Pinot Meunier is an exceptional grape variety in our vineyards, exclusively planted, grown, and harvested for our traditional sparkling wine program. This distinctive grape adds depth and character to our sparkling wines, contributing to their unique and effervescent charm. Indulge in the enchanting flavors of cherries, blackcurrants, blackberries, tobacco, leather, and subtle spice that define our Pinot Meunier sparkling wines. With every sip, experience the artistry and dedication that goes into crafting these sparkling delights at Kramer Vineyards.

 

Carmine: A Heritage from California

Carmine has a fascinating history that traces back to its creation in 1946 at UC Davis by Dr. Harold Olmo. This unique grape variety is a cross of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, and Merlot, developed specifically to thrive in California's cooler, coastal regions. Although Olmo's vision for Carmine did not gain widespread popularity as intended, the vines found their way north to Oregon in the 1970s, landing at Courting Hill Vineyard in Banks. It was there that Keith Kramer, inspired by the Oregon wine legend Jim Leyden, was introduced to this intriguing grape variety. In 1989, Leyden generously gifted Kramer Vineyards with our first Carmine vines.

At Kramer Vineyards, we have dedicated ourselves to unlocking the potential of Carmine. This late-ripening, thick-skinned grape has revealed its true character through our continuous exploration in the vineyard and the winery. Our Carmine wines, known for their dark red color, exude herbaceous aromas and peppery notes. With influences from its Cabernet Sauvignon grandparent, you can expect dark fruit flavors, dark chocolate, and an occasional hint of mint. Indulge in the distinctive flavor profile of our Carmine wines, featuring dried cranberries, maraschino cherries, cinnamon, anise, bell pepper, and cracked peppercorns.

 

 

 

 

Marquette: A Challenging Yet Essential Grape

Marquette, a captivating grape variety, was planted in our vineyard in 2010 across 0.5 acres. Developed by the University of Minnesota for extremely cold climates, Marquette is not well suited to our region or our property. Its intended growing conditions are much cooler than what we have in the Willamette Valley, resulting in unique challenges for its cultivation.

One of the major obstacles we face with Marquette is its early ripening nature. The vines tend to bloom weeks ahead of other varietals, often coinciding with rain, interfering with fruit set. This presents a constant battle to ensure proper fruit development during critical growth periods.

Another challenge arises at harvest time. Due to its early ripening, Marquette is susceptible to bird predation. The birds sometimes devour the fruit before we can pick it. Additionally, the chemistry of Marquette at ripeness is unusual, often exhibiting high sugar levels and acidity, requiring careful monitoring and timing for optimal harvest.

While we wouldn't recommend planting Marquette in the Willamette Valley, we have found a wonderful use for this challenging grape. By cofermenting it with grapes sourced from throughout our estate vineyard, we create the delightful summery red wine called 27 Blocks. This cofermentation allows Marquette to shine as a base, contributing its unique character to the blend.

With its flavor profile encompassing cherries, blackcurrants, blackberries, tobacco, and leather, 27 Blocks is a captivating expression of the harmonious interplay between our vineyard's nine grape varieties. Despite the challenges of growing Marquette in our region, its contribution to creating 27 Blocks makes it an essential part of our winemaking journey.

As you explore the wonders of Oregon wine, don't limit yourself to the familiar. At Kramer Vineyards, we invite you to journey into "The Other 4%" and discover the exceptional varietals that make our region unique. From the crispness of Grüner Veltliner to the hidden gem of Müller-Thurgau, the unique expressions of Pinot Meunier, and the innovative spirit of Carmine and Marquette, each varietal tells a story that deserves to be savored. Join us in exploring flavors and expanding your wine horizons with Kramer Vineyards.

Jun 9, 2023 at 5:12 PM Permalink

Discover the Charm of Local Wineries: Finding the Perfect Winery Near You

Are you a wine enthusiast eager to support local wineries? Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or new to the world of wine, embarking on an adventure to explore the best wineries in your neighborhood is a delightful journey. Local wineries are cropping up in unexpected places, offering unique wines that showcase the distinct flavors of your region. Not only does supporting these wineries boost the local economy, but it also allows you to savor and appreciate the diverse flavors that your community has to offer. Let's raise a glass and discover the best wineries near you!

The Benefits of Supporting Local Wineries

Supporting local wineries extends beyond enjoying a glass of wine. By visiting and purchasing from these wineries, you contribute to the growth of the local economy and help small businesses thrive. Many local wineries prioritize sustainability in their winemaking practices, making your support good for your taste buds and the environment.

Moreover, buying wine directly from the winery is the most sustainable choice as a consumer. You reduce the carbon footprint of distribution by eliminating the need to transport the wine to a shop or restaurant.

Additionally, supporting local wineries allows you to experience your region's unique flavors and characteristics. These wineries often use grapes specific to your area, producing truly distinctive wines. By tasting and learning about these wines, you can develop a deeper appreciation for the flavors and culture of your community.

When choosing a local winery to visit, consider factors such as the types of wines you enjoy. Research wineries that specialize in the wines you're interested in tasting. Additionally, consider the ambiance you prefer, whether casual or upscale, and explore wineries that align with your preferences. Location is also crucial, so research the wineries' proximity and surrounding amenities to plan your visit effectively.

Doing Your Homework: Tasting Room Details

Before visiting a winery's tasting room, it's helpful to research ahead of time. Here are key details to consider:

1. Business Hours: Check the tasting room's operating hours to align with your visit plans.
2. Reservations: Some wineries require reservations, especially during peak times. Check if a reservation is needed and make one if necessary to secure your spot.
3. Tasting Fees: Find out if the winery charges a tasting fee and if it's refundable with a purchase. This information helps you plan your budget accordingly.
4. Wine Varieties: Get a glimpse of the winery's wine offerings. Discover their signature wines and special releases worth exploring during your visit.
5. Wine Prices: While specific prices may not be listed, learn if the winery offers wines at different prices. From affordable options to higher-end selections, there's something for every palate and budget.
6. Larger Parties: If you plan to visit with a larger group, contact the winery to make arrangements and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
7. Food Options: Inquire if the tasting room serves food or allows visitors to bring their own. Some wineries offer food pairings or partner with local eateries, enhancing your tasting experience.
8. Accessibility: We believe everyone should have access to exceptional wines. Check if the winery provides accessibility features like wheelchair ramps and accessible restrooms, ensuring a comfortable visit.
9. Visitor Policy: Check if the tasting room is exclusively for guests of legal drinking age or if they allow kids and dogs. This information will help you plan accordingly and avoid surprises during your visit.
10. Local Accommodations: Extend your winery experience by staying nearby. Explore suggested accommodations, such as hotels, bed and breakfasts, or vacation rentals, to make the most of your visit.

Sustainability in Winemaking

As people become more environmentally conscious, sustainability in winemaking has gained significance. Many local wineries are actively reducing their environmental footprint and implementing sustainable practices.

Some wineries have embraced sustainable, organic, or biodynamic farming methods, while others utilize renewable energy sources like solar panels to power their production facilities. By supporting these wineries, you enjoy delicious wines and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Conclusion and Call to Action to Support Local Wineries

Exploring the best wineries in your neighborhood is a fun and exciting way to support local businesses while discovering new flavors and experiences. By visiting local wineries, you enjoy delicious wine, support the local economy, preserve tradition, promote sustainability, and reduce carbon emissions.

May 29, 2023 at 2:44 PM Permalink

Five Fizzy Facts About our Celebrate Bubbly

Are you a fan of sparkling wines? If so, you're in luck because Kramer Vineyards produces some of the best Oregon sparkling wines! Here are five fizzy facts that make our wines stand out:

May 4, 2023 at 2:00 PM Permalink

Meet Piquette: Wine Just Got Cooler

"I saw a creative challenge in capturing so many trends with Piquette. It is the intersection of rosé, sparkling, low sugar, lower alcohol, single-serving packaging—and it's adjacent to the cider, craft beer, and hard seltzer categories." said second-generation winemaker Kim Kramer.

Tasting Notes: A Symphony of Flavors

Our Piquette delights the palate with a harmonious blend of flavors. Experience the compelling notes of pomegranate, cran-raspberry, rhubarb, and tart apple, complemented by subtle hints of earth and spice. Each sip of Piquette is a refreshing and vibrant journey, offering a unique taste experience unlike traditional wines.

Enjoying Piquette: Versatile and Refreshing

Piquette is a versatile beverage that can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve it chilled for a refreshing pick-me-up, or mix it into your favorite spritzer or sangria recipes for a flavor twist. It pairs wonderfully with light, summery foods like seafood, salads, grilled vegetables, or light appetizers. With its lower alcohol content, Piquette is perfect for daytime events or as a lighter alternative to wine.

Join the Piquette Revival: Embrace Sustainability and Refreshment

Be part of the Piquette revival and experience the joy of this unique and sustainable beverage. Whether planning a picnic, a leisurely day outdoors, or a social gathering, Piquette is the perfect companion. Celebrate the essence of vineyard life with this refreshing and easy-to-drink option that captures the spirit of innovation and sustainability.

Experience Piquette at Kramer Vineyards

Kramer Vineyards invites you to explore the delights of Piquette. Join us in embracing this ancient winemaking practice, reimagined for modern tastes. Visit our vineyard and savor the vibrant flavors of Piquette. This refreshing beverage embodies our commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship.

Explore our sparkling collection, including Piquette --->>>

Note: To learn more about the emerging trend of lower-alcohol Piquette in Oregon, we recommend reading "Is lower-alcohol Piquette Oregon's next big wine craze?".

Kramer Vineyards: Crafting Unique and Refreshing Beverages Since 1990

Kramer Vineyards is a family-owned and operated winery in its second generation. For nearly 40 years, they have been growing grapes at their sustainably farmed vineyard in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. Kramer specializes in producing cool climate white, red, and sparkling wines at their property in Gaston, 30 miles west of Portland.

 

Mar 9, 2020 at 5:22 PM Permalink

Interview With Trudy Kramer

KV: How did you get in to wine?  

Mar 1, 2018 at 12:01 AM Permalink

Why We’re Mad for Müller-Thurgau

History

Müller-Thurgau is a white grape variety created by Dr. Hermann Müller from the Swiss Canton of Thurgau in the 1880s. The goal was to cross Riesling, capturing its rich, complex flavors with the earlier ripening Sylvaner. However, neither of these goals was achieved, nor was Sylvaner crossed with Riesling. DNA fingerprinting has revealed that Müller-Thurgau is a cross of Riesling and a grape called Madeleine Royale. As it turns out, the latter is a cross of Pinot and Trolliger. Most widely planted in Germany, Müller-Thurgau is also found in Austria, Northern Italy, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Japan, and of course, the United States.

How we discovered MT

In 1980, vineyard owner Keith Kramer took a viticulture class at Erath every other Saturday for three months. The instructor Al Holstein, had some Müller-Thurgau planted in his vineyard. This was very exciting to another student in the class, who peppered Holstein with questions about the grape. Keith was not very interested in Müller-Thurgau initially. Still, the guy “made such a stink about it” that when the Kramers had an opportunity to buy fruit from Courting Hill Vineyard a few years later, they decided to try it. That first wine was a very fruity, off-dry white with enough potential that they went ahead and procured some starts from Sokol Blosser in the mid-1980s.

Müller-Thurgau emerges as our flagship white.

Müller-Thurgau was among the first wines in our tasting room for our grand opening in 1990, and it quickly gained a following. We increased the acreage in our estate vineyard to three, which does not sound like much, but this variety routinely produces 4-6 tons to the acre, double or triple the yield compared to Pinot Noir. As our production grew, we experimented with assorted styles, including sparkling wine, a dessert wine, a dry barrel-fermented wine, and a late-harvest wine. The stainless, fruity Estate bottling is our most popular wine, followed by the Celebrate sparkling wine.

It is easy to see why Muller-Thurgau is a tasting room favorite. In a region full of Pinot Gris and, to a lesser extent, Chardonnay and Riesling, Müller-Thurgau stands out. Its unique flavor profile with starfruit, lychee, melon, hints of orange blossom and gardenia, and gentle acidity with a sweet and sour effect on the palate makes it easy to sip. Plus, Müller ripens at lower sugar levels, so the alcohols in the finished wines are lower than many table wines, usually around 11%.

Feb 19, 2018 at 2:55 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

A Big One for Sparkling Wines

Kramer Vineyards harvest larger than ever before

Kramer Vineyards celebrates its largest harvest in 30 years with a record-breaking offering of sparkling wine. Winemaker Kim Kramer's passion for sparkling wines, known for their precision, brings delight to wine lovers. To further celebrate, the family-owned winery will offer 14 sparkling wine releases.

“We’ve always loved sparkling wines. They are extremely challenging to make because they’re wines of such precision,” said Winemaker Kim Kramer, who’s been producing sparkling wines since the early 2000s. “It’s rewarding to see the delight these wines bring to people’s faces and to see them return for more.”

Dedicated to sharing the delight of its fizzy wines while quenching the thirst of a growing sparkling wine demographic, Kramer started its own sparkling wine club.

Kramer Vineyards is releasing a new collection of traditional method sparkling wines from its estate vineyard in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA to celebrate the bounty of the harvest. These wines are all bottle fermented and composed of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and/or Pinot Meunier. This traditional sparkling collection includes vintage and nonvintage Brut, NV Brut Reserve, NV Brut Blanc de Blancs, NV Brut Blanc de Noirs, and NV Brut Rose. Kramer has been experimenting with extended tirage sparkling wines, so expect to see those releases.

If you want more information about this topic, please get in touch with Kim Kramer at (503) 662-4545 or email at kim@kramervineyards.com.

Dec 28, 2017 at 7:00 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