The Eyrie Vineyards Chasselas Doré 2021

The Eyrie Vineyards Chasselas Doré is a low-alcohol dry white from ungrafted vines in the Dundee Hills, in Oregon's Willamette Valley.

Chasselas arrived at Sisters Vineyard by accident: one rogue vine came in among a batch of Muscat from UC Davis, and went unnoticed until a family friend who happened to be a Swiss vine researcher spotted the outlier walking the rows. Cuttings were taken and a small block planted. Years of frustration followed until 2013, when Jason Lett tried picking at 10 per cent potential alcohol instead of 12 and finally got a wine with flavour. Sisters is the estate's lowest site at 67 metres, on slightly alluvial silt, chosen for experimental plantings because low elevation here lets variety speak louder than place. Twelve rows, hand-picked, steel-fermented with full malolactic and 11 months on lees.

At 11.5 per cent it lacks nothing in flavour: white pear, lemon blossom, almond and a soft saline finish. Gentle, dry, quietly gripping. Serve at 10 to 11 degrees. Try it with raclette, a simple green salad or fried fish.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.