Wine Club: May 2026
We’re back in Oregon with a quick turnaround from March’s Oregon highlight. This version was inspired by a couple of extremely limited wines we were able to nab from the iconic Teutonic winery in Willamette Valley. These two wines, a rosé of Pinot Noir (we received 7 of Wisconsin’s 21 cases) and a Pinot Gris (we received all 7 of Wisconsin’s cases) are both from the Ankeny Vineyard in the Willamette Valley. This vineyard, planted in 1985, is dry-farmed without any pesticide/herbicide use. This site has a long history of fruit production going all the way back to 1847 when an Oregon Trail pioneer by the name of Thomas Cox purchased it and turned it into orchards, growing apples, pears and peaches. It continued as such for many decades and on top of Ankeny Hill there is still a 150 year old peach tree overlooking the vineyards. Teutonic works a few very small vineyard blocks in the greater Ankeny Vineyard that consistently produce exceptional quality Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. The winemaking is classic and hands-off, letting the quality of the fruit shine through in the finished product.
For our other two wines we have a straight-forward classic and a very fun Gewurztraminer (Gewurz’ first appearance in wine club!). The Christopher Michael Pinot is an everyday Pinot Noir blending fruit from across Willamette to create a balanced, fruit-forward red that’s as good on its own as it is with food. Hyland Estate, one of the older wineries in Willamette (founded 1971), is a bit unique in the region in their focus on Alsatian varietals and style. This Gewurztraminer is true to that calling - just barely off-dry, it’s far less sweet than the typical Gewurztraminer you may run into. It’s one of the prettiest and most approachable Gewurz we’ve had and is a perfect wine to usher us into summer.
Hyland Estate ‘Old Vine’ Gewurztraminer
Willamette Valley
The Grapes
100% Gewurztraminer - Biodynamic, Organic
Tasting Notes
Hugely aromatic, as expected for this grape. Roses and tulips, spicy ginger, peaches, honey. White pepper, ripe melon, more ginger on the palate. Perfectly balanced acid and a lovely aromatic finish.
Pairing Suggestions
This rich curry with ginger is a great option. Go with something intensely flavorful.
Can it Age?
Drink now.
Teutonic ‘Ankeny Vineyard’ Pinot Gris
Ankeny Vineyard, Willamette Valley
The Grapes
100% Pinot Gris - Organic, Biodynamic
Tasting Notes
Juicy pear and ripe apple with layers of honeycomb and white flowers on the nose. A tart pop before a long, smooth finish. More fruit and florality all the way through. Slatey minerality holds it all together.
Pairing Suggestions
A nice funky blue cheese salad with pears and walnuts.
Can it Age?
This could sit for a couple of years and develop well.
Teutonic ‘Ankeny Vineyard’ Rosé
Ankeny Vineyard, Willamette Valley
The Grapes
100% Pinot Noir - Organic, Biodynamic
Tasting Notes
On the nose, supple red fruit surrounded by delicate floral notes of rose and tulip. Tart watermelon and fresh squeezed blood orange on the palate with excellent acid and wet gravel pulling out the finish.
Pairing Suggestions
This is a great charcuterie wine. Cheeses, meats and a warm day outside.
Can it Age?
Drink now.
Christopher Michael Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley
The Grapes
100% Pinot Noir
Tasting Notes
Classic, approachable Pinot. Forest floor and plush red cherries and strawberries on the nose. More berries and wet leaves with some mushroom and wet stone on the palate. Medium acid and low tannin.
Pairing Suggestions
Simple, herby pork chops.
Can it Age?
Drink now.
