ABOUT: Founded over 40 years ago, the Troon vineyard was originally cattle grazing land in southern Oregon’s Applegate ValleyAVA until Dick Troon recognized the benefits of grapes over cattle. Those original grapes went to the bulk market and over time he started making his own wine. In the early 2000’s he passed the property on to some folks interested in making this humble vineyard in Applegate AVA a microbial force to be reckoned with. Transforming a convention farm into a sustainable, biodynamic farm requires a lot of commitment and talented, motivated people, which they’re flush in. Introducing a biodynamic regimen to the property was the first move, as well as replanting some of the vineyards with a plan to replant everything based on very serious soil analysis. Their winemaking team is totally pro, folks who have cut their teeth at Beaux Freres, Littori, and Quivera. The grape varieties are unique to Oregon, you won’t find Pinot Noir or Chardonnay but Tannat, Vermentino, Zinfandel, Grenache and Malbec. More of a northern California headset than what has become traditional in Oregon. The few Troon wines we’ve tasted are great and we think Troon will continue to impress and draw proper attention to the Applegate Valley AVA.
TASTE: Tannat from Troon Vineyard in southern Oregon is an irresistible find. A headscratcher of a grape variety, Tannat can either be rugged and tannic and need time to develop (Madiran), or light and fruity with low tannins in its adopted homeland Uruguay. In Oregon, at Troon, the expression is perfectly medium, tannins and acid are in harmony and not shredding, aromas and flavors of blackberries, raspberries, and plums, dates, dark chocolate, and soy sauce. Fruity, savory, and fresh with tannins in hand, medium body and a long finish. This is a really cool expression of Tannat, we’re so happy someone took it on. PAIR: Zucchini fritters, grilled eggplant with Feta, cauliflower Bolognese, tomato garlic lentils, grilled and smoked Mozzarella salad, and Tiropita.
